You are both sensitive to any criticism. You think you do your best, and perhaps you do with your perverted ideas and organization. But I should be sorry to come to that conclusion, for I think there should be decided changes in you both. If there are not, this institution will never accomplish the purpose for which it was established. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 12)

S---- knows just what ought to be done, but he does not take the burden of seeing that these things are done. I know that his crippled condition places him where he is unable of himself to do this. But if he will only tell others what to do, if he will only plan and see that his plans are executed, he could do much to build up and improve the Retreat. A thorough going, man would have placed things two years ahead of their present condition, and that without a great outlay of means. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 13)

I speak that I know. I have heard complaints made of Bro. A----, that he has not done this and that, and that the accident which nearly ruined S---- was caused by him. But I inquired into the matter and found that no one was to blame but S---- himself. He knew the condition of the wagon; he had been made aware of its danger; he knew that it had upset before. But he did not attend to the matter. This trait of character, of letting things go without immediate attention, was the whole cause of the injury. Why does he talk of Bro. A----’s neglect, when the wagon was in his own hands, when it was his duty to make it perfectly safe? It was carelessness on his part, a neglect of his own duty, that resulted in the accident. He has not manifested a right spirit in thus seeing what others might have done, but did not, when he himself had all the opportunities of doing. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 14)

My brother and sister, I want you to feel that there are changes needed in you. If anyone has spoken to show that there should be more interested execution on the part of S----, J---- feels that the poor man is misjudged. But I know his peculiar ways and serious defects in his management as well as, and even better than, he does himself. It is not so much, Bro. ------, what you may do yourself, as what you instruct others to do. Your physical labor is not what is wanted. You can plan and tell what others before you might and should have done. Why not now show what S---- himself can do to build up and improve the work. Do not understand me to mean merely what your own hands may do. You can show others what to do and how to do it. You can superintend the work. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 15)

You claim that the institution has been greatly weighed down by Dr. C----. I admit that it has. But no Dr. C---- is there now, and you have an opportunity to show what you can do. I tell you candidly, my brother and sister, that I you have no word of complaint to offer. Taking all things into consideration, you have done well as regards the receipt of wages. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 16)

There is danger of your feeling dissatisfied when there is no need of it all. We want Bro. ------ to feel free and happy, but not in any wrong way. We do not want him to feel that his course is above criticism, to become childish and appeal to his own sympathies. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 17)

I do not think it is right to arouse J----’s sympathy. She is always much inclined in this direction. But view these matters in a Christian light, from a Bible standpoint. When anything is done by others to improve the condition of things, do not settle back and feel that it is a personal injury to yourselves. Seek God, not as though you were perfect, but as erring beings who are liable to make mistakes. God help you to feel as you should in this matter. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 18)

There must be something more done to build up the Retreat. You need not expect that others will do this work You must do it yourselves. You are there for this purpose. Let no selfish feeling come in. Let not the enemy obtain any advantage. Those who stand in responsible positions must be willing to venture something and run some risks, determined to persevere in the cause they have undertaken. (4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 19)

(4LtMs, Lt 4, 1884, 20)

Lt 5, 1884

Sister
NP
February 1884
This letter is published in entirety in CG 213 with 8MR 388-392.
My dear sister:

You should not follow your own inclinations. You should be very careful to set a right example in all things. Do not be inactive. Arouse your dormant energies. Make yourself a necessity to your husband by being attentive and helpful. Be a blessing to him in everything. Take up the duties essential to be done. Study how to perform with alacrity the plain, uninteresting, homely, but most needful duties which relate to domestic life. Your inactivity has been indulged and cultivated when it should be guarded against strictly and with a determined effort. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 1)

My sister, your mind will bear taxing. If you take up the burdens that you should, you can be a blessing to the Health Retreat. But the indulgence of your sluggish temperament is a detriment to you, physically, mentally, and spiritually. You need the quickening, converting power of God. You need to stand firmly and truly for God and the right. You need to be vitalized by the grace of Christ. Will you wake up and put to the task your almost paralyzed energies, seeking to do all the good in your power? You must exercise the living machinery, or else you will not be able to throw off the waste matter, and you will fall short of gaining health. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 2)

Try to make a success of your domestic life. It means more to fill the position of wife and mother than you have thought. Should you, as you desired, engage in sewing, it would not give you the employment necessary for your health; it would not remedy the deficiencies you now possess. You need the culture and experience of domestic life. You need the variety, the stir, the earnest effort, the cultivation of the will power, that this life brings. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 3)

Right where you are now, if you took hold of the management of your child, you could make it a success, but this requires more time, more thought, more steadiness of purpose, a more unyielding demand for obedience than you have thought of putting forth. Your child has none too much spirit, but he needs the hand of wisdom to guide him aright. He has been allowed to cry for what he wanted until he has formed the habit of doing this. He has been allowed to cry for his father. Again and again, in his hearing, others have been told how he cries for his father, until he makes it a point of doing this. Had I your child, in three weeks he would be transformed. I would let him understand that my word was law, and kindly, but firmly, I would carry out my purposes. I would not submit my will to the child’s will. You have a work to do here, and you have lost much by not taking hold of it before. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 4)

Time is precious. Time is golden. It should not be devoted to little, unimportant things, which serve only to gratify the taste. You can be more useful, my sister, when you cease to allow unimportant things to take your golden moments, when useful and necessary things engage your attention and your time. There are many things to be done in this world of ours, and I hope you will not neglect the thoughtful, caretaking part of your work. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 5)

You might have saved the institution with which you are connected hundreds of dollars had you put your soul into the work. Had you spoken a word here and done some planning there, you could have been a real blessing. Had you awakened your dormant energies by exercise in the open air and done what it was in your power to do with cheerfulness and alacrity, you could have accomplished much more than you have, and been a real blessing. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 6)

I hope that you will devote your mind and your wisdom to the work. See that everything is run on an economical plan. This must be done or debts will accumulate. Women of sharp, quick intellect are needed to discern where there is waste in little things, and to rectify it. You have stood at the head of the Health Retreat as Matron, and it was your duty to do this. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 7)

Much could be saved that is now wasted for the want of a head to see and plan and tell what should be done, [one] who will take right hold, and by precept and example do this work. Girls will not be conscientious, diligent, and economical unless a right example is given them by the one standing at the head. If the girls are not willing to be taught, if they will not do as you wish them, let them be discharged. I know that much can be saved at our boarding house and much at the Sanitarium, if thoughtfulness and painstaking effort are brought into the work. Not one crumb of bread should be wasted unless it has been spoiled by being handled. Take the bits of bread that are left and use them for puddings. Lessen your meat bills by buying as little meat as possible. More than is necessary is expended for meat. Light must shine forth on this subject. The potatoes that are left can be used for stuffing, put into a pan, and baked with the meat. Then the meat will not be served in the most concentrated form. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 8)

There are hundreds and hundreds of ways in which a little is lost, and these make a large loss in the end. If the little wastes are all thoroughly looked after, there will be some margin in the institution to work on. But many of the girls of California know not what economy means. They are not educated to save the little things. Girls go out to work, and they cook well if they can have the privilege of going to a large supply and using freely and extravagantly the things provided. In the place of saving, of gathering up the fragments that remain that nothing be lost, much is lost that must be purchased again. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 9)

We need to have thoroughly competent cooks connected with our schools, that the youth may be taught how to make much out of little. I have been pained as I have seen good, sweet biscuits and ears of corn left from the noon meal thrown into the waste barrel. The corn could have been cut from the cobs and, with a little milk, prepared into a palatable dish. I need not enumerate all the jots and tittles that might be saved. By exerting a proper influence in these lines, you may educate girls for domestic service. This will be a great blessing to them. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 10)

All our talents should be used; they should not be allowed to rust through inaction. All our influence should be used to the very best account. After Christ fed the multitude, He said, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.] This lesson may apply to spiritual things Those who do not appreciate and make the best use of their spiritual blessings, gathering up every precious ray of light, will soon become indifferent and inappreciative! Blessings are not given to those who do not value them. All our physical energies as one of God’s talents, should be used to the glory of God. Our influence is to be recognized and employed as belonging to God. God calls upon all to do their best. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 11)

I would be glad to spend much time at the [Rural] Health Retreat, but with your present expense to furnish the tables, every additional one increases the outlay of means, and I prudently stay away. I hope that if you set so liberal a table, you will charge accordingly, that there may be a surplus of means. If nothing is gained to help forward the improvements that must be made, what is the use of going to all this trouble and perplexity? If the boarders are lessened by a plain, wholesome diet, let them be lessened. Watch all waste. Do not allow it. I know that there is great loss here. I must tell you, Bro. and Sr. ----, that you are too much afraid of the boarders; you try too hard to meet their every desire. I should not do this. I would set a good liberal table, not getting the most expensive food, but making the fare palatable by skill and care. I feel anxious that the Health Retreat shall be all that prudence, sharp foresight, and economy can make it. (4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 12)

(4LtMs, Lt 5, 1884, 13)

Lt 6, 1884

Butler, G. I.; Haskell, S. N.
St. Helena, California
January 20, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 21MR 325-328.
Dear Brother Butler and Brother Haskell:

I expect that this is the last letter that will reach you before you go on your journey to Europe. I have written but few letters because I have been laboring very hard in Healdsburg. The members who composed the Healdsburg church before so many moved in were weak. One and another wanted the supremacy. There was quarreling in the church; one would advance one thing, another would get up and oppose it. There have been old grudges, old difficulties, which no one dared to meddle with. But I felt urged by the Spirit of God to put forth earnest efforts to dig out these old roots of bitterness. We worked early and late. I attended every early morning meeting and then the following meeting at nine o’clock for these members of the Healdsburg church, and the Lord helped. Matters were settled, the difficulties removed, and confessions made. We had most precious meetings; many were much blessed. I knew I must have rest and came to this place, but my mind is constantly exercised. I feel deeply in regard to our present position. I try to throw off the burden but I cannot lay it down. It will come back. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 1)

Friday night several heard my voice exclaiming, “Look, Look!” Whether I was dreaming or in vision I cannot tell. I slept alone. The time of trouble was upon us. I saw our people in great distress, weeping and praying, pleading the sure promises of God, while the wicked were all around us, mocking us and threatening to destroy. They ridiculed our feebleness, they mocked at the smallness of our numbers, and taunted us with words calculated to cut deep. They charged us with taking an independent position from all the rest of the world. They had cut off our resources so that we could not buy or sell, and referred to our abject poverty and stricken condition. They could not see how we could live without the world. We were dependent upon the world, and we must concede to the customs, practices, and laws of the world, or go out of it. If we were the only people in the world whom the Lord favored, the appearances were awfully against us. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 2)

They declared that they had the truth, that miracles were among them, that angels from heaven talked with them and walked with them, that great power and signs and wonders were performed among them, and that this was the temporal millennium they had been expecting so long. The whole world was converted and in harmony with the Sunday law, and this little feeble people stood out in defiance of the laws of the land and the law of God, and claimed to be the only ones right on the earth. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 3)

[They declared,] “The angels of heaven have spoken to us”—referring to those whom Satan personated that had died, and they claimed had gone to heaven. “You will bear the testimony of the heavenly messengers!” They sneered, they mocked, they derided and abused the sorrowing ones. There was much more, but I have not time to write it. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 4)

But while anguish was upon the loyal and true, who would not worship the beast or his image and accept and revere an idol sabbath, One said, “Look up! Look up!” Every eye was lifted, and the heavens seemed to part as a scroll when it is rolled together, and, as Stephen looked into the heaven, we looked. The mockers were taunting and reviling us and boasting of what they intended to do to us if we continued obstinate in holding fast our faith. But now we were as those who heard them not; we were gazing upon a scene that shut out everything else. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 5)

There stood revealed the throne of God. Around it were ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands upon thousands, and close about the throne were the martyrs. Among this number I saw the very ones who were so recently in such abject misery, whom the world knew not, whom the world hated and despised. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 6)

A voice said, “Jesus, who is seated upon the throne, has so loved man [that] He gave His life a sacrifice to redeem him from the power of Satan, and to exalt him to His throne. He who is above all powers, He who has the greatest influence in heaven and in earth, He to whom every soul is indebted for every favor he has received, was meek and lowly in disposition, holy, harmless, and undefiled in life. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 7)

“He was obedient to all His Father’s commandments. Wickedness has filled the earth. It is defiled under the inhabitants thereof. The high places of the powers of earth have been polluted with corruption and base idolaters, but the time has come when righteousness shall receive the palm of victory and triumph. Those who were accounted by the world [as] weak [and] unworthy, those who were defenseless against the cruelty of men, shall be conquerors and more than conquerors.” (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 8)

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, saying, Amen, blessing and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever, and ever, Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, Who are these which are arrayed in white robes, and whence came they? And I answered and said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to us, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple, and He that sitteth in the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither shall they thirst any more, neither shall the sun light upon them nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them upon living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:9-17. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 9)

They are before the throne enjoying the sunless splendors of eternal day, not as a scattered, feeble company to suffer by the Satanic passions of a rebellious world, expressing the sentiments, the doctrines, and [the] councils of demons. Strong and terrible have become the masters of iniquity in the world under the control of Satan, but strong is the Lord God who judgeth Babylon. The just have no longer any thing to fear from force or fraud as long as they are loyal and true. A mightier than the strong man armed is set for their defense. All power and greatness and excellence of character will be given to those who have believed and stood in defense of the truth, standing up and firmly defending the laws of God. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 10)

Another heavenly being exclaimed with firm and musical voice, “They have come out of great tribulation. They have walked in the fiery furnace in the world, heated intensely by the passions and caprices of men who would enforce upon them the worship of the beast and his image, who would compel them to be disloyal to the God of heaven. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 11)

“They have come from the mountains, from the rocks, from the dens and caves of the earth, from dungeons, from prisons, from secret councils, from the torture chamber, [from] hovels, from garrets. They have passed through sore affliction, deep self-denial, and deep disappointment. They are no longer to be the sport and ridicule of wicked men. They are no longer mean and sorrowful in the eyes of those who despise them. Remove the filthy garments from them, with which men have delighted to clothe them. Give them a change of raiment, even the white robes of righteousness, and set a fair mitre upon their heads.” (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 12)

They were clothed in richer robes than earthy beings had ever worn. They were crowned with diadems of glory such as human beings had never seen. The days of suffering, of reproach, of want, of hunger, are no more; weeping is past. Then they break forth in songs loud, clear, and musical. They wave the palm branches of victory and exclaim, “Salvation to our God, that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” [Verse 10.] (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 13)

But I have not time nor eyesight now to write all this wonderful manifestation of God. I cannot get it from my mind day or night. I am just now afflicted with pain in my heart and in my eyes, but I am strong in faith, of good courage, quite weak in body, but I am praying [that] I shall be strong, for God has promised me strength. I am writing now by the light of my lamp, unable to sleep. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 14)

Oh, may God endue us with His Spirit and make us strong in His strength! In that great day of supreme and final triumph it will be seen that the righteous were strong and that wickedness in all its forms and with all its pride was a weak and miserable failure and defeat. We will cling close to Jesus, we will trust Him, we will seek His grace and His great salvation. We must hide in Jesus, for He is a covert from the storm, a present help in time of trouble. (4LtMs, Lt 6, 1884, 15)

Lt 7, 1884

Smith, Brother and Sister [Uriah]
Portland, Oregon
June 17, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 3Bio 252; 7MR 54; LS 273.
Dear Brother and Sister Smith:

I have received an urgent letter from Brother [S. N.] Haskell to come to the important meetings [in the] East. I would be glad to go, but as I look over the work that must be done, I cannot see any consistency in my going east this summer. I have been very much exhausted, but this would not deter me from going if I could see it to be duty. I have not been able to recover from my work [in the] East up to this time. (4LtMs, Lt 7, 1884, 1)

Marian [Davis] and Eliza [Burnham] are the best help I could have and [are] appreciated highly by me. There are many works I wish to complete. If I went east, I would have to return in the winter to do the very work that I should leave undone. In the spring Willie [White] and I will go east in May to remain one year, and perhaps two years. (4LtMs, Lt 7, 1884, 2)

The meeting closed up well in Walla Walla. It was a success, and a great change has taken place in the feelings of the Upper Columbia Conference. Sunday I spoke upon the subject of temperance. If ever the Lord helped me, He did at this time. I was free indeed. The Lord let the power of His Spirit rest upon me. (4LtMs, Lt 7, 1884, 3)

Lt 8, 1884

Van Horn, Isaac D.
Healdsburg, California
February 26, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Van Horn:

I have today sent you a copy of the testimony given for you some time ago, read to you and Adelia in Oregon. I would not now have taken the pains to look through stored-away copy to find this and copy it if I did not feel that it would be for your good to have it. I tried many times to find it but could not. I found it last Friday, after a long and diligent search. Please read it carefully. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 1)

I have heard you, my much respected brother and sister, express regret that you left Oregon, and I have heard you say that you were forced, as it were, away, that the course Brother Waggoner took was not altogether as it should be. Now, my brother, I was relieved of a great burden when you left Oregon. You should have left one year before you did; that one year there was nothing special accomplished. Adelia was an invalid. Had you both left one year earlier, we should have been one year ahead; had you left two years earlier, we should have been two years ahead. Not that you did not do anything, but there should have been done a much larger work. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 2)

I remember the words of my husband when you were sent into this new field. They were these: Isaac and Adelia, God would have you enter this new field together unitedly in the work. I would not trust you, Isaac, alone where you might lack in the financial working of the cause. Adelia will help you out with her business tact, where you would be more inclined to be easy and not thorough in the work. Adelia will be your good ______ to spur you up to energy. Both of you will make a perfect whole. God would have Adelia in the field. He would have you work side by side together, for this, the Lord has shown, was His will. We can afford to pay you better wages with Adelia to help you, than for your labors alone. The Lord will bless you together. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 3)

Now, my dear brother and sister, you know how these plans were not carried out. I well know that there was dissatisfaction everywhere, especially in Washington Territory. They said that they helped you financially and then you left them and never came near them; you know why. But I had not to receive this from their lips, for it had been shown me from a higher Source. Your business was to raise a family of children. God’s work was neglected. I need not repeat that which the testimony has already presented before you. The field was not worked up as it should have been. All were disappointed. Elder Van Horn has a good preaching gift; if he had not left other parts of the work undone, it would be far advanced. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 4)

God did not ordain that you should take Adelia out of the field. God did not ordain that you should accumulate family cares to take yourself out of the field. An enemy hath done this. Satan worked, and he has done just what he meant to do—to burden you with cares, that you could not do justice to God’s work. As you look upon your little flock, dear, precious little ones, to your finite human comprehension you may say, “It pays.” (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 5)

As God has presented it to me as it will appear on the books of heaven, it is not as you regard it. Selfishness is at the root of this whole matter. God called for missionaries—self-denying, self-sacrificing missionaries—to do a special work in His vineyard. You both worked in that manner to close the missionary field God had opened. You opened a private missionary field, and the burdens, difficulties, hindrances, unbelief and sadness of spirit have come of having your own way in the place of accepting God’s way. I felt so thankful that your removal was made in such a way that it made it as easy as possible for you. You were not sent into a new field, but you were welcomed, loved, and all your efforts were appreciated here in California. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 6)

Brother Boyd was sent in your place. They commenced as no missionary should in this age, expecting the events we are in the near future, with increasing their family; but the case was different. The one, God had qualified and fitted for a special work; the other He had not so qualified. The one could not devote time to maternity and the cares of a family without devoting all or nearly all there was of her to the work, and require that her husband be kept largely from the field for this new private missionary field. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 7)

The mold that was given to the cause of God was not as God would have it. Isaac, with his qualifications, should have educated workers and not have done all the work himself, but from his hand should have come forth laborers to do a good work in the missionary field. He should have been a teacher of men and less preacher. All thought there was no such preacher as Brother Van Horn, while they could but see there was a lack to get up the work in order and thoroughness. It was left to ravel out, for much labor is needed beside preaching, which the people did not have. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 8)

Now, my dear children, you have never seen this matter as it is. I have seen it to my great grief. My great fears are you will repeat in some degree the experience of the past and will take things easy, love to preach, but fail where, with a different kind of labor, you may make a success. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 9)

You told me, Elder Van Horn, that you were sure Elder Boyd was a failure in Oregon, [that] leading brethren did not like him at all. A pain went through my heart when you said this. Elder Boyd’s talent is far inferior to yours as far as preaching is concerned; but preaching, if it were as eloquent as Apollos or the apostle Paul, will not build up and widen without another kind of labor, pastoral effort with this preaching talent. Personal effort must be made; an aggressive warfare is essential, for the battle [is] to be carried into the very gates and houses. This was not done; but here is a poorer speaker entered after you where your manner of labor had left the field about as bad as it could be, as far as widening, advancing, venturing something is concerned; but with this man there is a financial tact, a determination to do something. All your ideas were painfully circumscribed; now it will be hard for Brother Boyd in this field, if he works differently from what you have done. A people accustom themselves to have little done and if anyone does differently from the former laborer, they feel that everything is going to pieces. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 10)

Brother Raymond may be a good man, but has not tact. You might have given him a different stamp in the beginning, but I fear he will never receive it now. The golden moment has passed; he is very narrow. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 11)

Brother Starbuck is very narrow in his ideas and in his comprehension. If means are required to do something, they think it rashness because of your manner of labor. God forbid that you should not see this and change decidedly, change your manner of labor. I have had no words with Brother Boyd. He writes that censure has been laid upon him but gives no particulars. He is not the best of speakers, which is against him, but he has enterprise and a heart to work, and God will help him. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 12)

Now, my dear brother, you are to be guarded when you leave a field. Those who were your ardent friends [will] sorely feel their loss when a minister comes who has less ministerial ability, although he may far exceed you as a worker. Those who loved you will not see the good he is trying to do to advance the work, but will keep before them, “Oh those good discourses we heard from Elder Van Horn! If we could only have Elder Van Horn back!” Letters have come to you, because you told me so, with bitter complaints. How did you treat these letters? Did you open the door for the temptations of the enemy to come in? Did you sympathize with your faultfinding brethren, those who really hate Brother Boyd because he does not possess the same easy turn of mind as that of Brother Van Horn? If you communicate with these brethren, do you appeal to your own sympathies and allow them to feel that you have not been treated right? I was shown some time ago that very little could be done by Brother Raymond or Starbuck with their ideas and state of feeling. Now, please closely investigate the true cause. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 13)

Had you done your duty as a faithful minister of Christ, the necessity for your removal and another gift coming in would have been avoided; but your neglect left this field in a bad condition. No man could enter that field without having a hard, unenviable lot. Do you, my brother, see the matter as it is? I beg of you to cease your communicating with your brethren in Oregon unless you can help them. I beg of you to put away envy out of your heart and every feeling that will rather be gratified to see a brother in some respects less capable than yourself. He deserves your sincere pity and heartfelt prayers in following in your tract to try to bind off your raveling-out work. I wish it clearly understood that nothing has been related to me by Brother Boyd, but I know how the field was. I know [that] the men who have not been educated and drilled up to the several branches of the work at the right time to do something, to expect something, and to move ahead by faith, will not be prepared for advancement. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 14)

A vote of censure has been passed upon Brother Boyd. What it is for, time will tell; I cannot, nor anyone else on this side of Oregon. What right have they to do this? The General Conference sent Brother Boyd to Oregon, and the General Conference are the ones to be consulted and asked to remove him if they could not tolerate him. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 15)

Now, Brother Van Horn, please do not do anything to alienate hearts from Elder Boyd by your sympathies exercised for yourself or your brethren in Oregon. You should feel that the censure of the Lord is decidedly upon your course in Oregon. Now, if there can be aroused a dissatisfaction fanned by you ever so gently, how much evil you may do in this respect, the Lord only knows. Be careful, be guarded, and do not feel disposed to censure others, but get right yourself in regard to Oregon. I want you to see and feel where your mistakes have been, else you will preach your good discourses but fail decidedly to work in other directions to keep up the financial interest of the cause. We are too near the judgment now to venture to let feelings come in, too near the great white throne to neglect one word from the Lord, be it palatable or unpalatable. Let us search our hearts, our motives, our spirit, our feelings, and be in harmony with heaven. Jesus, precious Saviour, will help you; but do not feel that your past work needs no mending. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 16)

I love you both as dear children. I love you too well to pass over a course that is wrong in you, that I know is wrong, when you have made a providence for yourself as a better way than the providence of God. We have no time to lose. You have a work to do to educate men. You can do it if you will set yourself to the work to educate young men to fit them for workers in the cause. You shirk from doing those things that will tax your mind and your physical strength; but you can do it and should do it, for the Master wants you to do it. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 17)

Do not, I entreat of you, sympathize with the complainers in Oregon. God will leave them, I fear, to themselves if they have a spirit of murmuring. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 18)

Brother Jones is being shut away from the work, nearly all his powers bent upon acquiring property. Frankie is a selfish, worldly-minded woman, and she stands directly in the way of the work. The world, the world, property, is the ambition. Oh that God may pity us poor, weak, failing mortals, before it shall be said in heaven, “It is done.” Let us work for time and for eternity. Let us do all we can on our part, do it unselfishly, do it with an eye single to God’s glory, work in that manner that when the Master comes He may say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23.] Let us humble our hearts before God; let us be earnest, zealous, and work from an unselfish standpoint, work as Jesus works. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 19)

I go to St. Helena today. I have been doing work from three o’clock in the morning and have had an ill turn, but am better now. It was a slight shock of paralysis, for I have not had one days’ rest since I left here the twelfth of August for the East. Shall get no rest until Volume 4 is published. Have some more to do yet. I have written you this since four thirty this morning, before breakfast. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 20)

Love to Adelia and all the dear ones. (4LtMs, Lt 8, 1884, 21)

Lt 9, 1884

Haskell, S. N.
On the Steamboat “Columbia,” Pacific Ocean en route for San Fransico, California
1884
Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 9-10.
Dear Brother Haskell:

In the providence of God, we are having a very pleasant passage. There has none of our party been sick. Yesterday we had a council in regard to matters of the cause. There were Elds. Waggoner, Corliss, Jones, W. C. White, and myself. We were talking in regard to European plans presented for our attention in letters and plans of building from Brother Butler. Letters were read and several hours of close application given to these matters. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 1)

I wrote you a letter before I left the camp in answer to yours; but not expecting to be able to sit up, I did not expect to do anything with the letters and put them in the trunk. The trunk may be delayed one day after we arrive at San Francisco. The transfer is often tardy in delivering our baggage to Oakland. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 2)

In my letter I wrote that it was not best to make calls for so large sums in one year as you are making. No one should be permitted to pledge unless his circumstances are closely investigated. If a man has only a little home from which he can make a living and do something for the cause of God, even if it is no great sum, he should not be allowed to make large donations to the cause and be obliged to sell his home. It is not best, for it does not have a healthful influence upon the cause and work at large to uproot men who have families to support with the idea which they entertain that they can labor in the cause, giving their time to the work. This will surely result in harm to the man and worse harm to the cause, unless he is qualified for the work and will do justice to that branch in which he engages. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 3)

Many men are better off to take care of their little families [and] do what they can by home influence than to extend their efforts and influences in a broader capacity. They are far better adapted to move in a narrow sphere. To uproot them and send them adrift because they flatter themselves they can do something is a wonderful mistake. We must have sharp discriminating powers, and there must be much prayer offered before decisions are made. Things are accepted as in God’s order that are not in His order. There must be much prayer in every move made, in every man chosen for a particular work. There are mistakes made. Finite judgment, without the counsel of God, makes sad blunders. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 4)

We should bring God into all our counsels and not make moves unless we have the enlightenment of God. Plead with God. Importune Him for light, for wisdom, and for counsel, that every move may be made in God. If this is so, less haphazard work will be done. There will be less to tear down, less to go to pieces, more steady, firm, thorough work done, and more power in what is done. We do not pray in humble dependence one half as much as we should. We cannot afford to make a mistake in this matter where eternal interests are involved. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 5)

I feel to question the matter of your making so large a draw for means. I greatly question the plans of your many reading rooms established and maintained with so great an outlay of means. Has there been all the prayer and consideration over the matter that there should be? That some such places should be, I have no doubt, but that this should be general, I have no idea. The very same men calculated or qualified to take charge of a reading room and manage it, might be city missionaries and make personal efforts for a much more promising class that will never enter a reading room. If there can be access obtained to families and Bible readings given, if home work can be done, it would be at far less outlay of means, with far more successful results. There may be carrying the matter of reading rooms to extravagant outlay of means, and when figures are investigated, it will be shown to amount to very little. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 6)

Will you consider all these matters? There are few enough workers in the field, and none should be taken out of the field and anchored in a reading room with so few promising results. Will you then consider, you and Elder Butler, and not be so enthusiastic over untried plans and enterprises in which large means shall be invested with but little afterwards to show for it? We have a great work to do, and we have failed decidedly to educate workers to do that which needs to be done. Then the large means called for in the several conferences—if some have moved hastily and pledged without due consideration, temptations come when everything looks in a different light, and great reaction comes. These efforts, just a little overdone, are too expensive in their after-influence to be repeated. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 7)

I do not attach blame or censure any one, but we must move with due caution and consideration, firmly, decidedly, cautiously guarding every move that it may bear criticism. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 8)

But [there is] one thing I am sure upon, and that is: my testimony should not be made the principal thing to pry over because our brethren have confidence in my testimonies. Then, if unguarded moves are made and there is a reaction, doubts are entertained in regard to my testimonies, because they argue, the results are not good. Now, it is essential that the brethren should not lose confidence in these testimonies, and our brethren, moving unwisely, have cast doubt and questionings that would not otherwise exist. Brethren, while we move promptly in matters over which we have no questionings, but that are as God would have them, be cautious in regard to untried plans. When larger moves are made, be cautious not to move extravagantly, but cautiously, and with constant prayer, and with holy, humble, earnest trust in God. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 9)

Every case must be investigated of those who have pledged their means, for if some cases have to be afterward considered and their pledges reduced to smaller sums, the sacredness of vows and pledges is not preserved. There is a going back on the pledge, and a demoralized state of things exists. When the matter of pledges is made, every case should be reviewed, and if some in their ardor do too much to embarrass their families, then, at the very time, let the protest be made and the figures increased or reduced as the circumstances shall admit. We must move understandingly, intelligently, with due consideration, and then the confidence of the people will be established in the leaders. They will be not only ambassadors of Christ, but fathers in Israel. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 10)

We must not repeat the failures and mistakes of the past in any department of the work. We can not do anything as we should do it unless Jesus is suggesting and planning for us and working with His mighty power in our behalf. “Without Me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 11)

I do not want to retard the work at all, but to have it move surely amid every discouragement. There is no more means raised than that is needed in the work. I do not wish to discourage you, but I want you should feel that more depends upon the Spirit of God working with our efforts than any amount of means without the special blessing of God. We need men of brains, men of determination and will power for the work. Let us unite our prayers to God for this blessing, workers in the cause. Do not let anything I have written discourage or dishearten you, for it is not for that purpose I write, but that with all our planning and more extended operations, we shall move intelligently, have connection with heaven, and plead with God to raise up workmen. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 12)

Secure all the ability and talent profitable. See it, and with discriminating powers, with wisdom, learn to use it. The work is certainly languishing for want of workers. We must do more than we have done to prepare men for working, bearing responsibilities in this work. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 13)

Dear brother in Christ, I long to be at your meetings, but can not see how this can be. But we will pray for you. Last year the meetings might have been in Portland, but that can not be cured now. I shall not be able to attend. I feel the tenderest regard for you and Elder Butler and believe the Lord will guide you, bless you abundantly in doing your work. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 14)

In love. (4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, 15)

Lt 10, 1884

Matteson, J. G.
San Jose, California
May 3, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in TDG 132; ChL 48-49; 7MR 314-315.
Dear Brother Matteson,

I intended to write to you while I was attending the meetings held in Battle Creek, but because of the constant labor of speaking and writing, I did not have time. Now that the Conference in Europe is soon to be held, I must write to you. I fear that my letter may be sent too late to reach you before the Conference. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 1)

My brother, I have been shown that Elders [J. N.] Andrews, [J. N.] Loughborough, and yourself have displayed a great lack of wise generalship. You yourself have not developed talent and trained helpers to take hold with you and assist in the work, as you might have done. You have the idea that no one can labor so well as you can. While you have too much to do, others have too little. You do not give others an opportunity to improve in efficiency by practical experience. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 2)

You are willing to be helped and assisted if your helpers will leave the main responsibility resting on you. Especially among your own countrymen you desire to be placed above everyone else. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 3)

You do not seem to have the ability to educate young men and give them a chance to do that which they have talents for doing if they were given an opportunity to learn. This is the work which should have been done, but which you have left undone. If you were unselfish, if you had Christlike meekness and lowliness, you would learn how to train the youth for useful service. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 4)

Instead of helping the youth, you discourage them. Instead of taking them into your confidence and giving them fatherly instruction, you tyrannize over them as would a lord. You watch for their mistakes and are critical. If you chose to do so, you could instruct them in all patience, encouraging them to go forward and do an important work. But you keep them engaged in doing things of minor importance, giving them no opportunity to obtain an experience by which they might develop into trustworthy workmen. How much is lost to the cause of God, you may never know. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 5)

You do not patiently seek to make others familiar with all parts of the work. This is because you desire to be first and do not want others to become acquainted with the details of the work or to become as efficient as you are. You have too much self-confidence, too high an estimate of your own ability. Today you should have standing by your side a large number of intelligent workers whom you have trained, but you have shaped matters according to your narrow conceptions and still stand almost alone. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 6)

When you are like Jesus, meek and lowly, pure and undefiled in thought and action, you will work in a different manner and on another plan. You will then educate a company to advance the work. There are some men of ability who, if trained, would become excellent workers, equal with yourself. But it is most difficult for you to recognize talent in others and to teach them to make a right use of their powers. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 7)

You criticize without mercy those who make mistakes, as if you were infallible, although you are an erring man, having grave faults that none can know so well as yourself and your God. Knowing your own weakness, how compassionate, how kind, how considerate, how courteous, how tender, you should be to others! To the purchase of the blood of Christ you should show tender respect, manifesting toward them not merely a brotherly love, but a fatherly love. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 8)

The Lord desires to make of you just the man that you should be, but you have not yet permitted Him to do this. Then how improper it is for you to discourage those who might be workers for God because in every particular and in every minutae they do not meet your mind and come up to your standard! Even if they make mistakes, should you not try in a brotherly, fatherly manner to show them how to avoid making the same mistakes again, in the place of bearing down upon them as you have done, exaggerating their mistakes and taking from them all the courage that they might and should have to strive to improve? (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 9)

You may be an altogether more noble man than you are. You should be considerate, true, and tender to your wife and to your children. Nearly all the time your wife’s heart is heavy and discouraged. In her religious experience she is not in harmony with my work, but the Lord loves her. He desires to do great things for her. He desires that she shall find comfort and peace and joy in Himself and that she shall rest in His love. He is acquainted with the secret sorrows and discouragements that by your course of action you are bringing upon her, which are uprooting her faith in everything. If you try, you can help her. Make her lot as pleasant as possible. She has powers and qualities that, if directed in the right channel, are of value. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 10)

My dear brother, the idea that you are the only one who can do everything in the best manner, is not right. You have had advantages that others have not had. If others were given the same opportunity of gaining an experience that you have had, they might be strong in moral power and in Christian courtesy, points in which you are weak. If they could have the right kind of a teacher, they would receive a mould of character that you, because of your weak points, are unable to give them. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 11)

It is your duty to change your course of action. Learn to see and to recognize ability and talent in others besides yourself. For Christ’s sake, do not lord it over His heritage, but be an ensample to the flock. Give to others the benefit of all the knowledge that the Lord has given to you. He has given you this knowledge that you may impart it. Teach to others everything that you know, not in an arbitrary manner, making light of their mistakes and ridiculing their ignorance; but in a kindly spirit, you yourself sitting at the feet of Jesus as a learner. Take young men into your mission home and be their instructor, teaching them as you would teach students in a school. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 12)

With the same liberality and freedom that the Master teaches you, teach others, binding them to your heart by love and tenderness. Is there anything that you know which you have not received from the Source of your strength? You have had educational advantages. If you had improved your privileges and walked in the light that the Lord has given you, if you had been a diligent worker in the school of Christ, as well as a learner, you would today be a much more efficient laborer than you now are. How glad you should be for the privilege of training men, some of whom would reveal that they have much better balanced minds, much firmer self-control, far greater moral power, than you ever possessed. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 13)

Let no one exalt himself, talking of himself, extolling his abilities, displaying his knowledge, and cultivating self-conceit. Let no one seek to tear down the work of others who do not labor according to his standard. The heavenly Teacher gives us the invitation, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Christ was never self-confident, bigoted, or self-conceited. He declared, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” [John 5:19.] (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 14)

Brother Matteson, will you now become a learner, as well as an instructor, in the school of Christ? Will you daily learn the lessons of meekness and lowliness of heart, the lessons that you must learn if you ever enter the kingdom of heaven? Will you wear Christ’s yoke? Will you bear His burdens? I am deeply anxious that you shall be an able workman, a wise general, able to discover and develop talent in others, as a wise teacher should ever do. Will you now regard this as your work? (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 15)

Your Lord is willing to do great things for you if you will allow Him to work in and through you. But unless you cooperate with Him, He cannot use you to do His work. All your powers, physical, mental, and spiritual, are His. If you weaken or debase any of the faculties or organs that He has given you, you please Satan and sever your connection with God, the Source of your strength. Said Jesus, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] With all your powers strive most earnestly to co-operate with Him. If He is formed within, the hope of glory, you will through His strength become a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, giving by voice and pen to every man his portion of meat in due season. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 16)

Constantly Christ is sending messages to those who listen to His voice, but too often His voice is drowned by our voices. O how my heart yearns to see those in the ministry become men after God’s own heart! The gospel minister is God’s messenger, bearing a message to men. If God has given to one man superior talents and greater advantages, He has a right to expect that that man will use his gifts, not boastingly, but wisely. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 17)

No man has a right to call himself his own. And no man possesses any good thing that he can call his own. Every man, every thing, is the property of the Lord. All that man receives from the bounty of heaven is still the Lord’s. Whatever we have that is of value, we should use for the benefit of our fellow-men, in order that they shall become valuable workers. Every energy, every endowment, is a talent that should contribute to God’s glory by being used in His service. Our God-given capabilities should not be made to serve selfish ends. We should always be willing to impart, letting others know all that we know; and we should rejoice if they in their work develop an energy and an intelligence superior to that which we possess. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 18)

God’s gifts are not to be used for the exaltation of self, but are to be put out to the exchangers, so that He shall receive His own with usury. Let not one attempt to secure greatness, happiness, or self-gratification by diverting from their proper use the powers with which he is endowed; for by so doing he dishonors the Giver and fails of fulfilling the purpose for which he was created. All our powers come from God and should be used to His glory. Energy, quick discernment, a good understanding, a fitness for God’s work—all these are talents given not only to fit a man for service, but also to enable him to teach others in those lines in which they may be deficient. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 19)

Men need not flatter themselves that they possess brilliant talents and strength of intellect independently of God and that therefore devotion to Him does not necessarily oblige them to employ in His service every iota of their knowledge, every faculty of their being. Men can do this only when they can distinctly show that there are two gods, two creators, and when with fine discrimination they can distinguish between the two givers and the claims of each one. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 20)

In all the departments of the Lord’s work, every laborer is to help his fellow laborers. The workers are to take no credit to themselves because they have many advantages, nor are they to think that they deserve praise for using in the service of Jesus Christ the talents that He has entrusted to them. They should realize that the nonemployment of their capabilities would lay them under a burden of guilt, making them deserving of the just displeasure and severest judgment of God. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 21)

Every true minister of Jesus Christ, every true worker in His cause, will banish from the mind, as impious, every thought of inherent merit. Even the heavenly angels take to themselves no praise. Through the heavenly courts, in one grand chorus, resounds their praise of the Creator, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] Those who live on this earth should join the heavenly host in ascribing praise and glory to the Creator. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 22)

No one has the least cause of boasting. No one has any reason to glorify or exalt self, even when one does his very best. Men often fail of doing their duty. They leave undone a vast amount that a close connection with God would have enabled them to do. Constantly God is laboring to make up man’s deficiencies. Even repentance is brought about through the application of grace. The natural heart can feel no need of repentance. The tears that fall from the eyes of man because of sorrow for his sinfulness and because of his sympathy with other sinners, start unbidden. They are as dew from eyes that belong to God. Man’s sighs are but indications of the deep feelings in a heart that is God’s. The good resolutions made are but the outworking of faculties that are God’s. The reformed life is but the better employment of a life that is God’s. We should take no credit to ourselves for anything that we may do under the sun. “All things come from Thee,” we shall eventually be led to acknowledge to our Creator, “and of Thine own have we given Thee.” [Verse 14.] (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 23)

Faith, too, is the gift of God. Faith is the assent of man’s understanding to God’s words that binds the heart to God’s service. Whose is the understanding, if it be not God’s? Whose is the heart, if it be not God’s? To have faith is to render to God the intellect, the energy, that we have received from Him; therefore, those who exercise faith do not themselves deserve any credit. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 24)

Those who believe so firmly in God that they can trust Him with unlimited confidence, those who by faith can reach beyond the grave and grasp eternity, must pour forth to God the confession, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” [Verse 14.] (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 25)

A great work is to be done in England. As yet this field has hardly been touched. It should not be in the condition in which the Lord has represented it before my mind. The most important work before those who have been sent abroad as missionaries is to combine the forces and strength of all whom then can possibly enlist as helpers. Thus they can make mighty strokes for God. He will do a great work in every part of Europe, if the workers put self out of sight and labor only for His glory. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 26)

Some workers are not capable of filling positions that others can fill. Many who might have been able to fill positions of trust have not disciplined themselves, nor have they done what they could from day to day to meet the increasing demands of the present time. Others are able to bear responsibilities and would do so, if they were encouraged and if there were some one who, with patience, kindness, and forbearance, would teach them how to work. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 27)

Ministers should show a real earnestness in helping such persons to succeed and should put forth persevering effort to develop talent. The inexperienced are in need of a wise general who by prayer and personal effort will encourage and help them to become perfect in Christ Jesus, wanting in nothing. This is the work which every gospel minister should endeavor to do, but which so many have signally failed of doing. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 28)

Many ministers seem to think that talent and ability have been given only to them and that they must do all the work in order to make sure that it is done right. They find fault with everything that they do not originate. They seem to think that knowledge will die with them. A great amount of talent is lost to the cause of God because many ministers, desiring to be first, are willing to lead, but never to follow. They never seem to question but that which goes forth from their hands is perfect; yet they think that they must closely scrutinize and criticize all that any one else does. Men who have varied talents and superior ability will join us in the work of giving the message. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 29)

My dear brother, the Lord desires you to obtain decided victories. How does He who has borne so long, so patiently, and so mercifully with your perversities, regard your sharp, criticizing spirit, your lack of patience with those who do not meet your ideas? All of these things God sees. He is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart. Because the light of truth has shone so clearly upon you, you should have understood more fully than you have the relation that you sustain to your God and to your fellowmen. You should have learned to feel more deeply your helpless, dependent condition and your deep obligation to God, who has done and is still doing everything for you. You should now strive to train and discipline yourself to regard His work as sacred, a work given you as a faithful steward to do in righteousness. Your mind is to be purified, refined, and jealously guarded. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 30)

The chief of the apostles has written, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” [1 Corinthians 9:27.] The lines of self-control must be held with a firm hand, lest the natural, carnal mind obtain the ascendency. If the body is not kept under control, it makes claims that are unreasonable. Yet many who profess to obey the truth are yielding themselves as servants to its imperative, unreasonable requisitions. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 31)

All that you know which helps you in any way to be an intelligent workman, you should teach to your fellow workers. If God has entrusted you with unusual gifts, He has done so to enable you to pour back into His storehouse that which He has given you, by imparting your knowledge to others. If you strive to use for the benefit of others that which He has given you, glory and honor will redound to His name. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 32)

Now, Brother Matteson, this is a fair representation of your case. You are not right in these matters. You should try to help those who make mistakes, but never should you do this in the self-sufficient, boastful spirit in which you have done it heretofore. You need to learn many more lessons at the foot of the cross of Calvary. The Lord is ever ready and willing to give His children ability to understand and power to obey His requirements. His truth is able to make us wise unto salvation. By believing it and obeying it, we receive grace sufficient to meet the duties and the trials that come to us from day to day. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 33)

May the Lord help you, my brother, strengthening and blessing you. May you learn to do His work with unswerving fidelity. (4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, 34)

Lt 11, 1884

Smith, Uriah
Healdsburg, California
February 19, 1884
Formerly Undated Ms 140. Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 96-98.
Dear Brother Smith:

I have today mailed you a letter, but information has been received from Battle Creek that the work upon Testimonies is not accepted. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 1)

I wish to state some matters, which you can do what you please with. These statements you have heard me make before—that I was shown years ago that we should not delay publishing the important light given me because I could not prepare the matter perfectly. My husband was at times very sick, unable to give me the help that I should have had and that he could have given me had he been in health. On this account, I delayed putting before the people that which has been given me in vision. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 2)

But I was shown that I should present before the people in the best manner possible the light received; then as I received greater light, and as I used the talent God had given me, I should have increased ability to use in writing and in speaking. I was to improve everything, as far as possible bringing it to perfection, that it might be accepted by intelligent minds. As far as possible, every defect should be removed from all our publications. As the truth should unfold and become widespread, every care should be exercised to perfect the works published. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 3)

I saw in regard to Brother [J. N.] Andrews’ History of the Sabbath, that he delayed the work too long. Other erroneous works were taking the field and blocking the way so that minds would be prejudiced by the opposing elements. I saw that thus much would be lost. After the first edition was exhausted, then he could make improvements; but he was seeking too hard to arrive at perfection. This delay was not as God would have it. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 4)

Now, Brother Smith, I have been making a careful, critical examination of the work that has been done on the Testimonies, and I see a few things that I think should be corrected in the matter brought before you and others at the General Conference. But as I examine the matter more carefully, I see less and less that is objectionable. Where the language used is not the best, I want it made correct and grammatical, as I believe it should be in every case where it can be without destroying the sense. This work is delayed, which does not please me. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 5)

Some things have been brought before me in a dream or vision, I know not which, that lead me to write as I do now, that there was a spirit and influence that controlled the decisions and judgment of the board meetings that was not wholly pure and in harmony with the Spirit of Christ. There were decisions made that would not work out the best results. Unless there was more of Christ and less of the lawyer, less of criticism, grave blunders would be made. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 6)

We cannot do our work and make our decisions after the common manner of doing business. All who are connected with the Board should be men of deep religious experience. United with business talent must be the spirit of Jesus Christ, and the tender, pitying, compassionate love of Jesus. All hardness of heart, all firm, set rules and measurements cannot be practiced in these meetings. There is more of self connected with these meetings than there is of the love and compassion and tenderness of Christ. This, God will not, cannot, approve. Unless your ideas are more broad, unless there is a greater foresight, you will work to the disadvantage of the cause in the place of working for its advantage. You will incur loss in the place of gain. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 7)

There needs to be an element in these meetings that you have not had. Your decisions were not always as the mind of Christ. Better, far better, err on the side of mercy than on the side of hardness of heart. You need Jesus, more of Jesus in your councils, and less of your own peculiar traits of character. Unless there is a change, you will make some grievous blunders. Feelings too often come in to balance decisions, and there must be a change in this respect. Caution is good, but this may be carried to extremes, and greatly retard the work you would advance. Mercy and the love of God should preside at these meetings in a far greater degree than now. All is not as God would have it. There is too much of self and too little of Jesus. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 8)

This matter was presented to me in this way: We were in council in Battle Creek, and we were discussing the matter of the Testimonies and their revision. Prior to this, several cases had come up for decision. There had been sharp criticism, and very abrupt decisions had been made which I could not agree with and told them so. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 9)

A stately person I had not noticed at all rose in the room and said, as near as I can remember, the words I have written. He first said as he arose, “Will you please examine critically your motives and your feelings? Will you measure them in the light of God’s Word, and see if the base metal of selfishness is not mingled with your decisions and your desire to advance the interest of the cause of God? Feelings have been brought into this room and have balanced your decisions more than sound judgment has. Your judgment is faulty. You must have a closer connection with Christ. Then your councils will be ennobled and bear more clearly the stamp of heaven. Look well to your own spirit.” (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 10)

My mind has been exercised upon the question of the Testimonies that have been revised. We have looked them over more critically. I cannot see the matter as my brethren see it. I think the changes made will improve the book. If our enemies handle it, let them do so. In some little points changes can be made, but I do not coincide with the criticism and sentiments expressed in regard to the work done on the book. I think that your position in some things in reference to the matter may be overwrought. I think that anything that shall go forth will be criticized, twisted, turned, and boggled, but we are to go forward with a clear conscience, doing what we can and leaving the result with God. We must not be long in delaying the work. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 11)

Now, my brethren, what do you propose to do? I do not want this work dragging along any longer. I want something done, and done now. (4LtMs, Lt 11, 1884, 12)

Lt 11a, 1884

Smith, Brother and Sister [Uriah]
Healdsburg, California
February 19, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 19MR 77-80.
Dear Brother and Sister Smith:

I thought I would commence this letter at all events, then I shall obtain a better opportunity to finish it. I have been wanting to write you for some time. And I have so much wished [during] this cold winter weather that you were all in California. We have had most lovely weather in January. Dr. Chamberlain and I would take our canes and climb the mountains in St. Helena. As she was sitting upon a rock on the twenty-third of January, with the warm sun shining upon her, with no outward wrappings on, bareheaded, I remarked I would be glad if her friends in Battle Creek could see her in the warm sunshine on the hillside. It was like a June day in the East. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 1)

I received much benefit in my three weeks’ visit in St. Helena. I would write until weary and then go out and walk and climb the mountains. The scenery is most lovely, exceeding any picture of loveliness I have ever seen. Brother Smith’s artist’s eye would take in the scenery and enjoy its beauty, if possible, more than myself. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 2)

I feel like expressing my feelings right here. I do wish someone would come in to take charge of the Review and Herald and let you go free. I believe you could do great good in the field—now, at this very time—in giving your clear and powerful discourses on [the] United States in Prophecy. I wish your entire family were located here in California. Can you not work to that point, that not another severe winter like the present shall be spent in the East? (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 3)

I am happy to report I am in excellent health. I have proscribed all meat, all butter. None appears on my table. My head is clearer, my strength firmer and my conscience more free, for I know I am following the light which God has given us. I write from fifteen to twenty pages each day. It is now eleven o’clock and I have written fourteen pages of manuscript for Volume Four and seven pages of letters to different ones besides this. I feel continually grateful to God for His merciful kindness. I will not allow one feeling of ingratitude to be harbored. When I think how weak and feeble I was when I started on my eastern journey, and how the Lord sustained me and blessed me, and returned me back in safety, my heart is filled to overflowing with His great love. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 4)

We have, Sister Harriet, everything to be thankful for, that Jesus is our Advocate and that He pleads in our behalf. As I write upon my book I feel intensely moved. I want to get it out as soon as possible, for our people need it so much. I shall complete it next month if the Lord gives me health as He has done. I have been unable to sleep nights, thinking of the important things to take place. Three hours’ sleep, and sometimes five is the most I get. My mind is stirred so deeply I cannot rest. Write, write, write, I feel that I must, and not delay (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 5)

Great things are before us, and we want to call the people from their indifference, to get ready for that day. Things that are eternal crowd upon my vision day and night. The things that are temporal fade from my sight. We are not now to cast away our confidence, but to have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us, and He will help us to the end. We will look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord hath done for us, to comfort and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 6)

We want to have fresh in our memory every tear the Lord has wiped from our eyes, every pain He has soothed, every anxiety removed, every fear dispelled, every want supplied, every mercy bestowed, and strengthen ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage. We can but look onward to new perplexities in the coming conflict, but we may well look on what is past as well as what is to come, and say, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” [1 Samuel 7:12.] “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” [Deuteronomy 33:25.] The trial will not exceed the strength which shall be given us to bear it. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 7)

Then let us take up our work just where we find it, without one word of repining, imagining nothing can come, but that strength will come proportionate to the trial. Our children are in the hands of God. Our faith must awaken to grasp the promises and we not repine, we not be mournful, for then we dishonor God. We must encourage a cheerful, hopeful frame of mind. Our present peace must not be disturbed by anticipated trials, for God will never leave nor forsake one soul who trusts in Him. God is better unto us than our fears. If we would encourage a diligent remembrance and recital of our mercies, counting up instances in which God has wrought for us, has been better to us than our fears, in which He has interposed His power and His grace when sorely perplexed, sustained us when falling, comforted us when sorrowing, we would see that it is unbelief to distrust God or be filled with anxiety. Let mercies be remembered and enjoyed daily. We must live by faith daily. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 8)

I do not know what called out these remarks, only the thought that many will look away from present duties, present comfort and blessings, and be borrowing trouble in regard to the future crisis. This will be making a time of trouble beforehand, and we will receive no grace for any such anticipated troubles. Rejoice in God always. Today praise God for His grace, and continue to praise Him every day. When the scene of sore conflict comes, we have learned the lesson of holy confidence, of blessed trust, and we place our hands in the hands of Christ, our feet on the Rock of Ages, and we are secure from storm, from tempest. We are to wait on our Lord; Jesus will be an ever-present help in every time of need. We may be glad in the Lord. We may show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. My meditation of Him shall be sweet—of Him to whom I have committed the keeping of my soul. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 9)

I was much pleased to read just at this time the piece in [the] Review upon diet. It came in just the right time for me, for I am laboring on this point and needed just what is there published. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 10)

Well, this must go to the mail. When you can find time, write me, both of you. I will be very glad to hear from you. Love to Anna. May the Lord give her a precious experience in His service, and may the younger children learn in the school of Christ to be children of Jesus Christ, is my sincere desire and prayer. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 11)

In much love. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 12)

Were Sister Ings’ red stockings sent with the things she sent for? If not, will you send them by mail? She wants them. (4LtMs, Lt 11a, 1884, 13)

Lt 12, 1884

Brownsberger, Brother and Sister [Sidney]
Healdsburg, California
1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 293-294; 7MR 3-6.
Dear Brother and Sister Brownsberger:

You invite me to visit you at Brother Fred Harmon’s. I do not say I will not come, but I should do injustice to myself and to you should I come and converse with you both as [I] have done several times. A plain statement it is my duty to make to you. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 1)

You ask me serious questions which must not be answered by me in any careless way, for much is involved in these questions and, in order to answer you with due thought and intelligence, I must not be constantly interrupted by your playing with your children. Have you not thought, my sister, you are not doing justice to yourself and [not] showing due respect and courtesy to me, your guest? (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 2)

Your daughter Daisy is a very promising child. She attracts notice and praise and flattery from others, and all praise her for her smartness; but be very careful that you do not administer to her vanity. When you have guests, you can say to your children, “Now I wish to visit with my friends and you must amuse yourselves.” Daisy is [4 (?)] years old, a very nice little girl, and her perceptions are large. She will form habits rapidly. You can, when you have special visiting to do with your friends, say that she must not disturb you by putting in her little sharp voice to distract your mind, and you lose all the benefit it is your privilege to have. It will be just as you shall manage the matter. You held the lines and a little whip and [were] carrying on an imaginary driving [of] a horse. Your voice [was] heard in directing and et cetera, then her voice was constantly interspersed in the conversation and a laugh. It was a mixing of the common and sacred in such a way that it was a most painful interview to me, for you could not possibly have been able to get clear ideas of what I was trying to say to you and could not be a reliable one to communicate that which was said. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 3)

You will not educate your children to respect those who are older and those who are laborers together with God. [You] yourselves have been exacting teachers. You have needed caution in regard to being so severe if all respect and due attention were not given to your words of instruction. You have a little school in your own family, and you need to move as parents wisely. If you consider that every expressed wish of your little ones must be gratified, you will make them selfish, and their wishes will multiply and be predominating. In visiting our people in other places, the education you give your children will make them an annoyance. I advise you now to leave them at home, for it is evident they are placed on exhibition as prodigies of smartness, and the good you might accomplish as laborers together with God in families you visit is not done. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 4)

It is not pleasant to you [to] be separated from your children and let others have a care for them. But I learned in our labors [that] the formation of the right character [in] my children required this. The continual changing brought the children to notice and to the hearing of remarks calculating to indulgence, and praising and petting brought into their education a love of self and the idea that they were to be administered to as the all-important part of the program. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 5)

I would advise you, as missionaries doing a work for God, have your little ones under as good care and discipline as possible. It is not in any way perfect. It would be far more so than the advantages you can give them under all circumstances. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 6)

We would not sever youth and old age, and I love to have children in the room where I am, if they do not fill the whole room and are the all-pervading element in the room. It is proper to teach the little ones that there are times when they must not command your whole time and resources to amuse them. You need not make a long recitation of the matter to the children, but act as opportunities present themselves. Tell them you must not be interrupted, for you wish to hear and to talk now. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 7)

The character of the child must be formed so as not to consider your children in this world to carry through without restrain their own desires. They are to be educated as [to] what is proper and right. Hannah gave to the Lord her son and separated him from her as soon as he was weaned, and [she] brought a little coat to the lad every year. How many tears and prayers mingled in the stitches put in that little coat. Was it not a sacrifice for her to be deprived of the care of her loved one? With what pride she would have cherished the child given her of God, but she gave this child to the Lord to serve Him, and how grateful and joyous her heart that the Lord accepted the offering and evidenced that He regarded the mother’s gift as a fragrant savor offered to God. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 8)

Brother and Sister Brownsberger, will you please consider these things? I am willing to give you any counsel that is in my power through the grace given me of God, but I am not willing to accede to your oft-repeated requests for a good long talk when your time is largely occupied in playing with and amusing your child. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 9)

Our work now is a very solemn, earnest work. We cannot evade it. There is the greatest necessity of education in more lines than one. The one great need with you both is to feel that you must be under [the] supervision [of] God. You are His property. Your children are His property to be trained as younger members of the Lord’s family, not to consider themselves to be especially indulged in any whim and denied nothing. Were you an observer of the same plan of discipline you see others pursuing in managing their children, you would criticize them severely. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 10)

And again, [do] not indulge yourselves in sitting at the table spread with a large variety of food and because you enjoy these things, eat them before your children, and say, “No, you cannot have this. You cannot have that, it will hurt you,” while you eat largely of the very things you forbid them to touch. Your discipline in this line needs the reformation and the principle of practice. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 11)

It is cruelty to sit down yourself to the third meal, and take satisfaction in talking and enjoying yourselves while you have your children sit by and eat nothing, representing the excellent discipline your children are under—to let them watch your eating and not rebel against your authority. They do rebel. They are young now, but you continue this kind of discipline and you will spoil your authority. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 12)

Then again, you seem to fear when your children are at the table, that they will not eat enough, and urge them to eat and to drink. You need not have the slightest concern and show the anxiety you have manifested lest they should not eat sufficiently. Their little stomachs are small and cannot hold a large amount. Better far let them have three meals than two for this reason. You let them have a large amount of food at one meal. The foundation is being laid for distention of the stomach, which results in dyspepsia. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 13)

To eat and to drink that which is not agreeable to them is not wisdom. Again, be sure and set before them the very food you desire they shall eat. That which is of a healthful quality of food for them is healthful for you, but the quantity of even healthful food should be carefully studied, [so as] not to introduce into the stomach too large a quantity at one meal. We must ourselves be temperate in all things if we would give the proper lessons to our children. When they are older, any inconsideration on your part is marked. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 14)

But I am sure, from the light given me of God, the less excitement there is brought into childhood’s life and experience, the better for the children. The custom of having little children attend morning religious services is not wisdom. The breath of the company assembled is [not] free of disease. The kissing of children should be strictly forbidden, for disease is communicated in this way. I have had these cautions given to me again and again. Their attending meetings very young, the confinement, breathing impure air exhaled from the lungs and bodies, is a tax to them and produces a hatred of the meetings in time. I decided to leave my children at home, under a wise instructor, for their present and future good. [I did] not compel them to travel to see many people and be brought to the notice of people, for all feel that they must give attention to little children, and they learn to love to be noticed, praised, and petted. (4LtMs, Lt 12, 1884, 15)

Lt 13, 1884

Butler, George I.
Healdsburg, California
January 2, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Butler:

I received a letter yesterday from Sister Addie Bowen stating that Sister Whitney’s health was failing, and they desired her or Sister Philips to come with you to Switzerland. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 1)

Now, as my advise has been asked, I do not feel free to remain silent. I do not feel that the move would be in God’s order. Sister Bowen and Sister Philips have important branches of the work. It has taken quite a lengthy experience to fit them to do the work they are now engaged in. Brother Buel Whitney’s absence is keenly felt, and to remove Sister Bowen does not to me seem to be in the order of God. The same in regard to Sister Philips. I think both these Sisters should not be removed from their station or position of trust. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 2)

I know from what the Lord has shown me that there is quite a number of excellent girls, working girls in Europe, who cannot keep the Sabbath and work with unbelievers. Why not bring in and set to work some one or more of these girls? Why take away one or two who are doing acceptable work in the cause? If some girl must go let it be someone not filling important positions of trust. I cannot, with my present light, advise either of these to go. It is not as if there were no one from America there. There are Sister Martha Andrews, Mother Andrews, Edith Andrews; these, with the help that can be secured in England or Switzerland will supply them. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 3)

Even if Sister Whitney is sick, with needed help, this is how the matter looks to me. I do not feel that the cause of God should suffer for the gratification of peculiar preferences or notions. I would not tear away one from the work of God to supply any lack of mine or through any selfish feelings of my own. The enemy is watching every opportunity to hinder the work in any department, and we must be prepared to not let the work suffer for any reason. I can see no need of Sister Whitney’s calling for help from America. I know those who are sick should be tenderly cared for, but we must not carry our sympathies too far and lead us to extremes in these things. Will you carefully and prayerfully consider this matter and work to the point with an eye single to the glory of God? I see no special duty for these, either of them, to go, unless Brother [B. L.] Whitney needs some one to help him in the work. If this is the case, would not one in Europe who could translate, help him more than one from [America]? (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 4)

All these things require prayerful consideration. We must not be too slow in our deliberations; while at the same time, we must not move impulsively, and in so doing, throw the work out of gear and perhaps introduce new, raw hands to do a work that they have not experience in. Let us consider all of these things with a single eye to the glory of God. We want to move just as God would have us. And we want His counsel and His presence in all our movements. I feel deeply our great need of workers, whichever way I may turn. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 5)

I know that a constant, wiley foe is on our track, and he will improve every advantage we may give him to do his work of hindering, blocking the wheels, and tearing down. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 6)

If you see good reasons that Addie Bowen should go, I will not say anything to hinder it. You may see reasons that I do not. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 7)

I will write no more on this point now. I am very much engaged in completing an article in regard to South Lancaster and Nehemiah. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 8)

I took cold on my journey and have been suffering with congestion of the lungs. It comes on about midnight. My lungs are very sore. They hurt me at every breath, but I am not discouraged. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 9)

Brother and Sister Butler, I wish you a happy New Year. I wish Willie and Hiland a happy New Year. May you, my dear boys, at the commencement of this year, feel indeed that you are sons of God, adopted into the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Jesus loves you and will bless you if you will be obedient. It is well for you at the commencement of the year to examine closely the history of the year past. What advancement have you made? What portion of your character is defective? Wherein are you weakest? To what extent are you able to bear burdens, to deny self, to take up your God-given responsibilities and go forward with manly courage and help these upon whom you lean and who may lean upon you? Take time to review the life calmly, critically. Self-cultivation by direct effort will be of the highest value to you. You may master difficulties. You may become strong in purpose and in principle like Joseph and like Daniel. May your character be like theirs, you cultivating a lofty, noble purpose. Let not the ruling power of your heart be vanity, pride, and love of approbation, but let it be to be good and do good. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 10)

The love of Jesus in the soul will be seen in the life in properly discharging your duty in this life, which will give you a fitness for the future life. Your power for usefulness, you can scarcely grasp. If you are seeking earnestly to establish a character which Jesus shall approve, you will be doing good to others. All your plans will probably fail unless you are sustained by motives higher than any which can be drawn from earth. To do and to suffer for Christ’s sake softens every trial, sanctifies every pursuit, and gives peace and rest in Jesus Christ. Cultivate simplicity in Jesus and that piety which springs from faith in Jesus. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 11)

And again I wish you a happy New Year. (4LtMs, Lt 13, 1884, 12)

Lt 14, 1884

Newton, Brother and Sister
Crystal Springs, St. Helena, California
January 18, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in UL 32.
Dear Brother and Sister Newton:

I wish to present before you the case of your sister, Sister Golden. She is poor and has an invalid daughter dependent upon her. She has worked altogether too hard for her own and her sick one’s support. She can no longer work to earn means. She is supported partly by the church and partly by the town. I now ask you to be at least as kind to your own sister as are those to whom she can claim no relationship. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 1)

Brother Newton, it is a duty resting upon you as a man, and doubly so as a Christian, to support your sister in her poverty. Let not the books of heaven show a neglect on your part to do your duty. I know that departure from God has a tendency to make the heart very unimpressible. I am sorry, very sorry, that Sister Newton, whom I have loved, has let the love of the world, love of self, selfishness, make her heart as hard as a stone; but, my brother, this does not make it necessary for you to be the same—to neglect your own flesh and blood and transgress the law of God. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all the mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. Here is one nearer than your neighbor, one who has claims upon you. Are you doing your duty to your sister? Remember that the books of heaven will show your neglect. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 2)

I am now taking care of my husband’s sister. She lives in a house which I bought for her in Battle Creek at a cost of one thousand dollars. She occupies a part of the house; the other part is rented for one dollar per week, which she receives toward her support. I pay the taxes. I have my own sister who is sick and helpless. I send her about ten dollars every month to help her in her affliction. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 3)

My brother, you and your wife have everything comfortable; do not forget the poor and needy. Do not awaken the wrath of God against you to deprive you of health and of property because you shut up your bowels of compassion against your own relatives. You can do, and ought to do, something every month for your sister. If you will, you can send her means and never miss it. If Sister Newton feels no burden in this direction, she ought not hinder you from doing your duty. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 4)

Sister Golden owes me one hundred and fifty dollars on her place besides the interest for several years. I now need this money. If you will settle the bill, I will give her the interest. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 5)

I have supported one or two families besides my own for several years and think it my duty. We are commanded to be compassionate unto all, but especially to them that are of the household of faith. I have written an article for our papers concerning this subject. Read it carefully and thoroughly, and then see if, in the light of the law of God you can plead guiltless. See Deuteronomy 15:7-11. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 6)

Will you take your Bible, Sister Newton, and search out carefully the texts bearing upon this subject? The Lord has shown me that you were far separated from Him. Love of the world has eaten out the love of Christ and the love of the truth. You might now have been a woman of great usefulness, a co-laborer with Christ, a blessing to His cause, but the plague spot of ambition, self-indulgence, and pride has brought hardness of heart and blindness of mind. I greatly fear that your eyes will never be enlightened. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 7)

Oh, I am sorry. I am sorry that Satan has used you as his agent to take a course which has proven the ruin of your children and which will prove the ruin of your husband, unless he shall break loose from the world and make a determined effort to be true to the claims of God. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 8)

Brother Newton, love God above wife or children or property, and serve Him with your undivided affection. The question is, Will you obey God? Will you be earnest and sincere in your profession of faith, or will you be like the fruitless branch, dry and sapless, to be cut off as worthless? (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 9)

Oh, how much the young need help from those older in experience, older in years! But they are led astray by the thousand arts of Satan which he has employed to make the way to destruction easy and inviting. It has been, and still, is the study of thousands from generation to generation to increase the attractions of the broad road and to allure multitudes to walk therein. Satan laid the road and ever since it was cast up, he has been employing his own powers, and all who would lend him their services, to win others from the path of holiness and truth. He employs every talent that he can control to make the way to hell more attractive. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 10)

Luther’s abilities, used for God, would have brought many souls from darkness to light. He would today have been one of God’s workman to minister to others; but the enemy of righteousness cast his snares about the mother, divorced her from God, and linked her to his side to work for him. In this work Satan has exulted. Oh, how much one strong, firm, unconsecrated woman can do on the wrong side! Pride, unsanctified reason, riches, power, genius, and pleasing address are enlisted in the work of making the broad road seem the way to life. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 11)

God help you, Brother Newton, not to make shipwreck of faith. If you continue to pursue the course you have taken, you will go farther and farther into darkness, as your wife has done, and will set darkness for light and light for darkness. You will have the same carnal security, the same iron determination to follow your own judgment at the risk of losing eternal riches. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 12)

God meant that your family should be blended into one symmetrical crown of beauty, to be His chosen, His beloved. But the temptation came in the form of worldly ambition. A choice made in the wrong direction has set them in different paths. From slight beginnings they have gone to great extremes, until the gulf which separates them from God and the truth seems almost impassable. The first step taken in the wrong direction might have been prevented by the mother. But the world was her idol, the god she has worshiped with a determined zeal that shows the fascinating power of Satan. How many hundreds of souls might now have been wholly on the Lord’s side had not mothers blocked the way with their unconsecrated lives, their worldly ambition! (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 13)

It seemed to Eve a small matter to pluck of the forbidden tree; the fruit was pleasant to the eye and to the taste and seemed desirable to make one wise. But what terrible results! It was not a small matter to thus forfeit her allegiance to God. It opened the flood gates of woe to our world. Oh, the amount of evil which will come from one false step! Not to the earth must our eyes be fixed, but upward to heaven. We must pass through dangers and difficulties, making advances at every step, gaining victories in every conflict, rising still higher and higher; the air becomes purer as the soul is brought nearer to heaven. The earth holds no attractions now. The heavenly landscape opens with clearness and beauty. The Christian sees the crown, the white robe, the harp, the palm branch of victory; immortality is within his reach. Now the earth sinks out of sight. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 14)

Let no one trifle with conscience as Sister Newton has done. God’s Spirit still strives with her; but I fear that conscience is too much blunted to feel the influence of the Spirit. If we lose everything else, we should keep conscience pure and sensitive. When asked to go where there is the least danger of offending God, doing that which you cannot do with a pure conscience, do not fear or hesitate. Look the tempter firmly in the face and say, No; I will not imperil my soul for any worldly attraction. I love and fear God. I will not venture to dishonor or disobey Him for the riches of the world or the love and favor of a host of worldly relatives. I love Jesus who died for me. He has bought me. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 15)

I am the purchase of His blood. I will be true to His claims, and my example shall never be an excuse for any to turn from the straight path of duty. I will not be the servant of Satan and of sin. My life shall be such as to leave a bright track heavenward. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 16)

A single word for God, a firm, silent resistance even, would save not only your souls, but hundreds of others. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 17)

Brother Newton, you are asleep when you should be watching. The bewitching power of Satan has held you and led you into temptation. How many are misled by the demons of darkness when they are not watching unto prayer. The spirit of worldliness and love of gain have perverted your senses. You have none too much time to make earnest efforts for eternal life. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 18)

I would plead with your wife, but this is useless. No words from my lips or from my pen will break through the crust of worldliness and unsanctified worldly policy. God’s power may reach her and tear off from her the garments of self-righteousness and bring her to the feet of Jesus. But God alone can do this. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 19)

The time has come when every soul must stand or fall according to his own merits. A few righteous acts, a few good impulses, may be presented to the mind as evidences of righteousness, but God requires the whole heart. He will accept no divided affections. The whole being must be given to Him, or He will not receive the offering. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 20)

We must now be learning the lessons of faith if we would stand in that time of trouble which is coming upon all the world to try them who dwell upon the face of the earth. We must have the courage of heroes and the faith of martyrs. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 21)

Do not turn away from the instructions and admonitions of God’s servants who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Do not look for guidance to men or women whose wisdom is of the world, whose skill and adaptability is for worldly advantage, for these will soon feel the horrors of despair which will find no relief, no comfort, no hope. They forsook the plain path of duty, of trust in God, of prayer, faith, and humble obedience. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 22)

Brother Newton, come out wholly on the Lord’s side and do your work for time and for eternity. Move now, before it is too late. Sell off part of your farm. Sell that ye have and give alms. Provide yourselves bags that wax not old, a treasure in the heavens. I will make this appeal to you for Christ’s sake. (4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, 23)

Lt 15, 1884

Rue, Brother and Sister
Healdsburg, California
January 20, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Rue:

I am much troubled in regard to you both because there is serious danger of misconceived opinions that will lead to great unhappiness. You are both at fault. You need to cultivate love for each other. Brother Rue, you are too closely bound up in yourself. Those little attentions that a woman prizes, it is not natural for you to give. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 1)

Your mother sees nought but perfection in you and will be much inclined to be sharp and critical of your wife, and be strict to mark any want of devotion and attention from her to you. But she will not, in her selfish love, be as ready to see those things that need to be corrected in your own course of action. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 2)

Your wife’s taste and inclinations, her education and training, are different from Brother Rue’s. She has inclinations and preferences of her own. Although she should be ready to yield them to the husband, he should, in turn, yield his preferences to her. There should be a constant effort to be of one mind and of one soul. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 3)

Brother Rue, give your wife words of tenderness and love. Do not be exacting. You speak and act at times in an unreasonable manner calculated to wean the affections of your wife from you. You cannot, either of you, put down the will of the other by firmness or unkindness. All this had better be avoided. The wife appreciates sympathy and love expressed, love demonstrated. Self-will will not bring to you the firm affections of your wife. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 4)

You each have a tendency to love yourselves. Hulda has a wealth of affection but it is difficult for this affection to live in an uncongenial atmosphere. It is in your power, Brother Rue, to change the atmosphere. Hereditary traits of selfishness may overbear other excellent qualities and therefore should be watched and corrected. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 5)

This is not the work of a moment but that of a whole lifetime. The selfishness of one or both will show itself. It may be in small matters which are a grief to the other—but this close relationship with each other should make them mutually forbearing toward each other. Love will die a natural death unless it is cultivated. It is not a small matter for two minds to be brought into such close relationship with each other by the most sacred vows. You both claim to be Christians. You are then to be governed by religious principles in all your conduct toward each other. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 6)

Brother Rue, you are too cold and reserved in your affections. If you want to keep the love of your wife alive for you, you must keep your love, both by expression and deeds, alive for her, else you will drift apart in your sympathies and in your tastes and habits. You need to think less of yourself and appreciate your wife, who has superior qualities but is not free from vanity and self-love. You are bound to each other, and your two dear children strengthen and treble the bands that unite you together. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 7)

How few realize these responsibilities of so weighty a character. Put religion into your life. Live it daily. Breathe in the atmosphere of unselfish love for the sake of your little ones. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 8)

Be earnestly mild, kindly courteous to each other; diligently perform your everyday duties as in the sight of God. You will then love each other and you will be forgetful of self in seeking to make each other happy. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 9)

Let not your mother exalt your virtues. Let not yourself think that there is nothing for you in the way of reform. You have habits to correct you have changes to make to bring pleasantness, praise of your wife, into your daily life and exalt her virtues, and not in any way cultivate a cold, harsh, unloveable spirit. Shun the evil of self-love. There is no way of retaining the love of God and the love of your wife except by ceasing to make yourself a center. Deny yourself. Cultivate pleasantness. Act from high and holy motives. You two will certainly drift apart unless you change your course of action towards each other and have deference and respect for one another. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 10)

Seek to be heavenly minded, to be pure, circumspect. Brother Rue, you need more warmth of love. May the Lord bind your hearts together in the sacred bonds of His holy love. If you love God supremely, you will love each other. You will in thoughts, words, and actions show respect and love for each other and express it. And let no one have the least influence over you to dim or to chill this love of heavenly origin. You must be at agreement. “If two of you agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done of my heavenly Father.” [Matthew 18:19.] Precious promise! (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 11)

Your children, you are to guide in the path of righteousness. You are to correct them if they are wrong and help them with unselfish interest to overcome, yourselves appreciating the words of Jesus, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8.] Sin hath no dominion over the pure in heart. They have laid aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset them. They love God with all the heart. I will not write further to you now, but I entreat of you to make yourselves a necessity to each other. If you would be happy, bind your hearts together by the silken cords of love, and the Lord will bless you. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 12)

Brother Rue, you need encouragement to love your wife, to cherish her. Unless you shall be less selfish and more tender and affectionate, your wife, who is naturally affectionate, will be constantly in danger of seeking that love and appreciation that you do not give her. If you want to quench out of her heart the last spark of love, then be cold and silent. Give her no words of praise. Just let your heart be open to tenderness, to love; this will be no sign of weakness. If your mother should be less critical, if you should be less critical and praise more, it will be for the happiness of you all. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 13)

You have been made aware of your wife’s danger. Help her to overcome all that has bewildered her senses and perverted her ideas. I know that you need more tender love in order to save your wife from imperiling her soul. The wife should cultivate devotion to her husband, and the husband should cultivate devotion to his wife, both acting your part nobly. Will you be faithful to the holy trust you have taken upon yourselves, and will you bring in all that fine grain of gentleness and protecting love that a woman’s heart requires? (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 14)

Will you cherish her happiness as a sacred jewel? “Believeth all things, hopeth all things, beareth all things.” [1 Corinthians 13:7.] Help her study how you can help her to build up herself in her God-given womanhood. Encourage her confiding love. Be all and all to each other. Give endearing attentions to each other. Speak no sharp, cold, unsympathizing words that sting like an arrow. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 15)

God wants you both to make improvements. You are both under the most solemn obligations to take a sacred interest in each other and make personal sacrifices for each other. You must love as Christ loved His church when He gave Himself for it. This love implies the utmost gentleness in all your associations. One may be faithful and true to the marriage vows, and yet each love—and he may have love—and fail to express affection in words and deeds. Such cannot satisfy the heart of a loving woman. Let there be no display of fretfulness or impatience under any circumstances. Let the sweetness of Christ into the life and practice love. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 16)

I leave these words with you, for I love and respect you both. Make your life fragrant with good works. Let there be calm deliberation in the control and government of your children. Decide that no one shall in the least manner interfere in this solemn, sacred responsibility. Never repulse your wife’s affections. Never allow yourself to seem cold and unimpressible when she would be affectionate. And may the dear Jesus make your path very plain is my most earnest desire. (4LtMs, Lt 15, 1884, 17)

Lt 16, 1884

St. John, Brother
Healdsburg, California
March 26, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother St. John:

I received your letter in reference to the doctor and his wife. I will take with you the responsibility of encouraging their coming to this coast. Their wages are very moderate, and this is an object with the institution now. Your plans to have them go to the sanitarium awhile are good. But again, I think the sooner they come, the better it will be for our institution here. I have no time to write more now. (4LtMs, Lt 16, 1884, 1)

Lt 17, 1884

Hemstreet, Brother and Sister
Oakland, California
April 29, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Hemstreet:

I wanted to see you both together before I left Healdsburg, but I was too weak to have the conversation with you [that] I knew it was my duty to have when I was able. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 1)

I have not felt that you have dealt as you should with me. The condition of my place when you left it was very bad, and my heart was sick at the sight of things. You were your own servant. You had no one to say to you to do this or do that. You did just as you pleased. Those who, from time to time, were at my place stated to me that you were not the man for the place, for you left everything in a very slack, loose way. You frequently lay in bed until seven and frequently eight in the morning and your time was not well put in. But I determined to have no words or feelings over the matter. You cut down some trees and you used the wood yourself, but that time was charged to me. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 2)

Now when I look to see how much you accomplished for the rent ($15.00 per month) after I ceased to pay your wages, I see but very little you have done. I should not have said you must move from the place, for I felt sympathy and pity for you. [But] when you proposed to move yourself, I was relieved of a great load. I had no hope of selling the place while you were on it. I shall never feel that you have done faithful work and put in your time as faithfully as you would if hired to do a day’s work now for strangers. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 3)

I should not mention this but for your own good. You recommended yourself highly as one who would know how to take care and keep up a place, but you did not do it. I feel that I have paid you more money for your work than your labor was worth. Why I write to you now is that I feel sad over these things, because I know that unless you shall be more thorough, more faithful to others than you have been to me you will injure your own soul. There is nothing in the religion of Jesus Christ that will warrant or excuse the least unfaithfulness in a workman and that will excuse slackness and carelessness and untidiness. You have not done by me that which you promised to do. I have had just about as much care and worriment over that place—yes, more than if you had not been on it. When I think of the money I laid out on that place for labor put on it, for the same amount of money that I paid you, much more should have been accomplished. I cannot see anything that I have failed in my duty to you, unless it was to talk to you faithfully in regard to slack habits. It is not right. It is not as God would have it. You will have to correct these slack, untidy, uncleanly habits, or you will not have the favor of God. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 4)

Time is money. If you do not make a good use of your time, if you are not in the habit of getting up early and being at your business in the morning you lose hours that might be spent in a profitable manner. You may reckon up how much time is lost in bed or in some easy, careless way through the day—perhaps nothing less than two to four hours a day. If you were working for yourself these hours reckoned up by the weeks and months and years [would be] a great loss. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 5)

You can ill afford it. If working for me, or any one, it is no less so. If you have done no better for others than you have for me you have made them suffer loss. Such things I cannot feel are right. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 6)

I am convinced that had you been diligent, not slothful in business, you would not today be without a home. You have managed badly for yourself. You may have managed as well for me as you have done for yourself but the loss you have sustained in your easy, careless neglect in the little things, as well as the larger matters, has left you at your age without a home, with a large family of children. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 7)

Now, I feel deep pity for you, and I do not feel clear before God unless I tell you frankly you are not right. Your management is not right. You need to correct your habits and use wisely your time if you expect the approval of God and [to] hear at last the “well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23.] Will you please look carefully and prayerfully over this matter? Your habits have so long been slack and careless and negligent, you do not see and sense it yourselves, but God is not pleased with you in these things. I cannot longer hold my peace. If you are as unfaithful in the service of God as you have been in temporal things, I fear you will be weighed in the balance and found wanting. You are kind-hearted and have had some burdens to bear that you should not have taken on because you were unable but this will not excuse the defects that must be corrected. One hundred dollars I have had to expand on my house, inside and out to put it in a presentable condition, as good as when you went into the house. We left the house clean. Things inside and out were in a far better condition when you went on the place than when you left it. This is not as it should be. I do not feel satisfied. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 8)

You made a plain statement in regard to your horse that it was worth $90.00. This was considered, by those who saw it, a larger price by ten or twenty dollars than you could sell the horse for when the horse was, for no fault of mine, injured on my hands. I told you you should not lose anything by the horse. I asked you the value of the horse. If you had said eighty dollars I should have felt that it was right. When you said $100.00, I felt that that was not right, that there was in you a spirit to take advantage of the circumstances because you could do this. This I did not think was fair dealing, but I have become used to just such things among my brethren. They seem to think that Sister White has means and it is right to make all out of her they can. I have borne it, but I think you have not any reason to feel that you have had a hard chance. If you have you have, only yourselves to blame. I was not to blame for your sickness in your family, which made it hard for you. God has not bound upon you these heavy burdens. You have taken this burden upon yourselves. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 9)

When at Healdsburg camp meeting, I remembered some things but could not gather them [as] clearly as I wished to before the engagement was entered into in regard to my place. I was told that you had managed such places, knew just what should be done, but I felt not clear. Willie thought that it must be [that] you would be just the man for the place for you were highly recommended. Still I did not want to leave my house, [which] I had just cleaned and at considerable cost placed in a wholesome condition again, misused as it had been. But while the meetings in the winter were held at Healdsburg, then the matter was all clear before me—your past, your present state. I could not see that anything could be done to better things and I let them go—but feeling that when a favorable opportunity presented I would lay these things before you. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 10)

You have a work to do for yourselves or you will be made to suffer more keenly than you have done the consequences of your own course of action. When these things came vividly to my mind last winter, I felt glad that it was not an unbeliever whose place you had rented for I could bear it better than others. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 11)

I was shown that you have not felt that it was a part of your religion to be economical of time, to plan your work wisely and to make your time tell to the best account. When you had things, you did not manifest zeal and diligence to take care of these things you did have. Self-indulgence and an easy, careless neglect have lost for you property which today might be yours if you had worked and used the intelligence God has given you. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 12)

There is a careless abandonment of temporal things that is against you. Temporal concerns are a cross to some who are religiously inclined, but Christianity was never designed to encourage idleness or any neglect. While we are still in the world, although not of it, we are to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] The great question for you to settle is how you may [serve the Lord]. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 13)

I told you when you went on the place you must not let your cattle into where my trees were planted but this you did, with the assurance to me that it would do no harm, [that] the cattle would not hurt anything. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 14)

You stated the children would watch them. I knew that this was doing me a wrong. You ought not to have done thus to your own property. It is a careless, easy, thoughtless neglect of my property. There are many trees injured in my orchard. Every tree is money to me. But it is just such things that have taken money out of your pocket. It is just such things that were done by my tenant before that worked me out of an orchard that might have been bearing now and in good order. I consider, and I think every one who is acquainted with the matter will consider the same, that you have not done justice by me in the care of my place. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 15)

I would have just as freely offered you $30.00 a month or more as [J. A.] Burgess if I had any courage you would keep things up, but your time that I had paid you for, you had not well put in, and I do not feel that you have done me justice. These things God sees, and they are registered in the books of heaven. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 16)

Another matter: your calf was offered for $20.00. Your neighbors said $15.00 was all that it was worth. I saw the calf about the premises. The neighbors said you ought to take it away. I offered you just $5.00 more than I considered that calf was worth because it was wonted to the place and you were a poor man. But I hear that you now have come up $5. All right! If you can get the $25.00, I shall be glad to have you, but this manner of dealing does not carry a right appearance. It has seemed to me that you thought I could command money readily and in our deal you would get all that you could possibly get. I do not enjoy this appearance very much but I will not have unkind feelings and I open these matters before you that you may see and understand the matter. I do not want the calf. I do not want the cow. I do not want the horse, only must take it and shall pay you all you ask if it is $100.00. And then the responsibility will rest upon you. I thought, from some remarks made by Bro. Waggoner that you thought I did not pay you enough for your cow. I paid you all I thought the cow was worth and, I think, just $10.00 more than it was worth. And I have had only one mind about the matter from the first. If you have thought I have taken advantage of you in any particular, I will restore to you four-fold. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 17)

When you made the remarks you did in regard to removing the dressing from the farm, with the remarks that it was all you had taken off from the farm, I was convinced you regarded the whole thing in the light as though you were doing me a favor, when I have felt for a whole year burdened and distressed that you were doing me a positive injury every week you remained on the place. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 18)

Everything about the place looked as if things were going to loose ends and had a run-down condition. I do not want to take one penny’s worth of advantage of you, [and] I want you to deal only fairly and squarely with me. As it is, I have thought it wisdom that we should have no deal with one another. I decided not to do this. This will close a door of temptation to you. (4LtMs, Lt 17, 1884, 19)

Lt 18, 1884

Hemstreet, Brother and Sister
Oakland, California
April 30, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Hemstreet:

When I saw you at the Healdsburg camp meeting I remembered your countenances and that your case had been presented before me with the cases of many others who were unfortunate because of their lack of management. At the very time when you should be diligently attending to your business, you neglected it. And losses occurred that need not to have been if there had been thoughtful care to save, to plan, and to manage to place your family where they would not suffer for the comforts or necessaries of life. It was unwise stewardship that has left your family without a home. God did not want it thus, but He did not work a miracle to counteract your own mismanagement. God has not been pleased with you increasing your family as you have done, with no better prospect to support them, to educate them, and to give them the advantages they ought to have. (4LtMs, Lt 18, 1884, 1)

The wife and mother has not had the advantages she should have had. She has had a hard time, and she has weaknesses and infirmities brought upon her by this that might have had been avoided with due consideration. (4LtMs, Lt 18, 1884, 2)

You should regulate your business so as to not let it come in between your soul and your duty to God, that you may maintain the purity of your faith and Christian character, while all temporal interests are held in subjection to the higher claims of the gospel. This matter should be examined in the light of the teachings of God’s word. (4LtMs, Lt 18, 1884, 3)

Religion requires diligence in business. No precious moments are to be idled away. You are not a lazy man, but you are no manager. You do not gather up the fragments of time. You need to time your labor with thoughtful care to make it productive. Your hands must be guided by thoughtful brains. Thoughtful care, correct application of diligence and care at the right time would have saved you losses on every hand. Many of your losses have been wholly through your own neglect. (4LtMs, Lt 18, 1884, 4)

You have not been thorough and diligent to preserve what you already had. Diligence at the proper time will secure the best of results. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29. Let not your mind drop into the mistake many make that in order to be a Christian you must neglect the duties that devolve on you to be done. Your religion requires that you should make the most of your opportunities for the comfort of your family as well as for the glory of God. Your slack habits God is not pleased with. If you carefully husband the moments, you will accomplish far more than you will by indulging yourself in a careless, indolent, spendthrift way at sometimes, and then hurried at other times—never getting ahead. It is right that we should have interest in religious things but this will not unfit us for diligent labor. Will you consider these things? You need to overcome slack and untidy habits. God is not pleased with these things. You are giving a stamp of character to your children in these things not pleasing to God. The Lord would have you orderly, neat and cleanly and teach these lessons to your children as a part of their education. A neglect of the commonest duties of life has made you many losses. (4LtMs, Lt 18, 1884, 5)

May the Lord help you to see these things and correct them in order for you to be fit for those mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him. These defects in our character must be overcome. (4LtMs, Lt 18, 1884, 6)

Lt 19, 1884

Smith, Brother and Sister [Uriah]
Walla Walla, Washington Territory
June 15, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 21MR 202-205.
Dear Brother and Sister Smith:

Our meeting is nearly closed in this place. We are encamped in a cottonwood grove in a very pleasant, retired spot, although it is only a few minutes’ walk to the business part of the city. There is a swift running stream of clear water that half encircles the camp. We are on the bank of the stream very pleasantly located. We have a large tent fifteen by twenty-two. Professor [Sidney] Brownsberger and Willie [White] occupy one end of the tent; Sister Ings and I, the other end. We have the best arrangement for meals and for order we have had on any encampment. And we needed good food. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 1)

We have had an amount of the hardest kind of labor. Brother Van Horn did not bring the people up to do their duty, and as he was president of both conferences, the work devolving upon him left undone, left both conferences in a bad condition. For anyone to work after him (because he is one of the ablest preachers we have)—when a man with less preaching talent but with financial ability should come in there—bringing up the work to a healthful condition was not so easy. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 2)

Bro. and Sr. Colcord came as workers and for the first year they did quite well, but after that the Milton Church ran things and did not magnify his office. They would criticize his preaching and dictate to him until he was manipulated like a ball of putty. He was president only in name, and he lost his courage and his manhood and had no moral backbone, and under this management everything in the conference ran down. And when [J. O.] Corliss was sent here to help them, they put him through the picking machine until his courage was about gone. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 3)

Bro. [W. L.] Raymond has never been in harmony with his brethren. He has been independent, self-conceited, but carries such an appearance of humility that nearly all believed him to be the humblest of men. He was talking against the General Conference and finding fault with the men in responsible positions. He had some new light on Revelation. Was saying your views on two or three points were incorrect. He was discouraging some from canvassing for Daniel and Revelation. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 4)

How [we] dreaded to touch this case, for the moment we should take hold of this matter, there would be trouble in the camp. We prayed over the matter. We had all the ministers and the leading men in the conference come into our tent each morning and had special seasons of prayer. The Lord blest us abundantly, but these men from Milton who had run things, the president and all, thought they would run us, and they set at the work most decidedly, telling us we ought to do this and that and preach this and that. But we heard them respectfully and preached the Word of the Lord without any reference to their suggestions. I entered upon my labors Friday in the early morning meeting. I spoke as the Lord bid me, which [made] them somewhat uneasy. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 5)

I took some of our brethren aside in our tent and read the matter I had written three years ago in regard to their course. They had pledged to the General Conference and taken it all back again. I read to them straight, clear, and pointed testimonies but here was the trouble: they had felt no obligation to believe the Testimonies. Bro. Nichols had been one of the Marion party when he lived in LaPorte, Iowa, and what to do with these folks was a mystery. There was no minister or his message [that] they respected above their own judgment. How to bring anything to bear upon them was the question. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 6)

We could only pray and I work for them as though they did believe every word of testimony, and yet so cautious as though they were unbelievers. It was in my mind day and night—a portion of the Lord’s prayer—“Thine is the power and the glory.” [Matthew 6:13.] God’s power could come to us and we could work only in faith, believing that the Lord would help us. Just as soon as we preached the plain principles of truth, there was a buzzing in the camp like a swarm of bees. They said Elder Waggoner and I were clubbing them. They did not want that kind of preaching. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 7)

Sabbath morning early I went into meeting, and the Lord gave me a testimony directly to them, all unexpected to me. I poured it out upon them, showing them that the Lord sent His ministers with a message, and the message they brought was the very means God had ordained to reach them, but they felt at liberty to pick it in pieces and make of none effect the Word of God. They had run over Bro. Colcord and Van Horn, but they must hear the words from God we brought them. We did not propose to ask them what we should present before them. We came to bring the message of God to them, and we should not abate one word of the testimony given to please any of them. This had already been done until they felt at liberty to sit in judgment upon every sermon preached. We did not come to have them preach to us, but we came with a message to them, and we should give them the word of the Lord. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 8)

I can tell you there was great astonishment and marveling that I dared to speak to them thus. Bro. Nichols would order the ministers as though he knew all about the work. Sabbath forenoon the Lord helped Bro. Waggoner to preach with power. In the afternoon, He helped me to speak. We dealt on general principles. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 9)

Bro. [W. L.] Raymond was going to go right away from the camp. He said we were clubbing him. I sent for him. I read to him. I talked with him. I told him that when my brethren, as did Bro. Owen, came up with new light, he almost made me have an ague chill, for I knew it was a device of Satan which no one could understand although a man declare it unto them. It is a sure case that Satan throws a bewitching power into their new views they take with minds, although the arguments are as clear as mud, disjointed [and] out of harmony with the message. Well, this talk helped the man. He is one of these studying men like Bro. Edson but with a firm, determined purpose with such a precious talent with it as a helper, ready to do anything with ready tact and apparent martyr-like humility. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 10)

But the snare was broken. Bro. [W. L.] Raymond was balanced in the right direction once more where he could be helped. It will take time to work him out all clear. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 11)

Well now, the work must be carried on for others, and we have been diligent, preaching and praying and talking upon general principles. They would confess a little and scold a good deal and find fault and pick flaws, but we worked for them all the stronger. We told them we had come here to help them, and we were determined to work till we did help them. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 12)

We have had excellent meetings all through. All seemed to enjoy the meetings but these criticizers, and we were so close upon them for the work they had done they did not like it at all. One Brother says, “I felt good when I came to the meeting but I do not feel so good now. I begin to see, brethren, we have been wrong and done wrong.” (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 13)

We kept at work. One part [of] the morning meeting we would declare the true condition of these leading men; then we would change the exercises and have a meeting, calling the wrong forward, laboring for them, praying with them; and there were their own children we labored for, and we would have a most remarkable meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was manifested. Then these men would half confess and bear good testimonies, but the grumbling and criticism were in them and they could not keep it from breaking out. The next meeting would be discourses on general principles, bringing the truth to bear upon these men. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 14)

Sabbath, June 14. We had meetings long to be remembered. Sabbath forenoon Bro. [J. N.] Loughborough talked. I talked in the afternoon. The Lord helped me. I then called them forward. Thirty-five responded. They were mostly young men and women, and old men and women. We had a most precious meeting. Some who had left the truth came back with repentance and confession. Many were starting for the first time. The Lord was here Himself. This seemed to break down the prejudice, and melting testimonies were borne. We had a recess and then began again, and the good work went on. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 15)

I forgot to say, Friday afternoon I read important matter written three years ago. This was acknowledged to be of God. The testimonies were accepted heartily and confessions made of great value to the wrong doer. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 16)

We can say the Lord is giving us precious victory but it has been a hard battle from the very first. God has been giving me strength every day. I was very feeble when I left Oakland, so weak I could scarcely stand alone, but I have been receiving strength from the first day I bore my testimony. I believe it was right I came here. (4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, 17)

Lt 19a, 1884

Haskell, S. N.
[Walla Walla, Washington Territory]
June 10, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 21MR 198-201.
[To Elder Haskell:]

[First page missing] ... But as we desire to let our light shine forth to the world, we concluded to put it on a candlestick that it may give light to all that are in the house. We decided to try to get a place in West Portland, if we failed in this, to try East Portland. We learned that we could not get the place in West Portland, so have secured a good, prominent ground in East Portland. We sent Elder [J. N.] Loughborough up to Salem to visit all the church [members] and get the people out to Portland convocation meeting. Bro. Ings was to remain with Bro. Boyd to fit up the grounds and canvass, preparatory to the meetings. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 1)

Elder Loughborough came in this morning at half past five o’clock. The cars were delayed five hours. A long rail road bridge took fire in the center and burned out two sections, but forty hands made quick work in preparing a passage for the cars. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 2)

The enemy is at work through different ones to block the wheels of progress. Elder [W. L.] Raymond has been doing a bad work in complaining of all the leaders and finding fault with the General Conference, the building of churches and schoolhouses. He is a man that can do much harm because he has good traits of character and is of ready tact as a helper. But the Lord understands it all, and He will work for His people that they shall not be confused or confounded. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 3)

Elder Loughborough says these whom Barnes has had an influence over are getting their eyes open. He wrote to the Marion paper that if a man could be sent here, they would sweep in the whole of Milton church. That man will be with Barnes at the camp meeting, it is stated. We shall go straight ahead doing our work and make no reference to these rebels. We hope to see the Lord at work at these meetings and great good done. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 4)

We have the camp located just in the suburbs of Walla Walla. It is a good location, half encircled with a swift-running stream of pure, soft water in a grove of cottonwood trees. There is, Willie [White] states, a much larger turnout than they had last year. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 5)

We may expect Satan will work with might and power to hold the people in darkness, to confuse them with the ideas of men like [W. L.] Raymond, but we hope he will be thoroughly converted before this meeting shall close. Our trust is not in the number of ministers but in the presence of Jesus. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 6)

How my heart has yearned to meet our brethren in their yearly gatherings East. Sometimes I think I must meet with them, then again I am sure it cannot be my duty. The visit East was a financial loss to me. This is nothing, but the book has been hindered, for I have been greatly reduced in strength and could not write as I would. I attended ten days’ meetings in Healdsburg, ten days’ meetings in Oakland, ten days’ meeting in camp in Los Angeles. All these, with my writing, were a great tax. I shall have to remain this side of the Rocky Mountains, and after my book is done, if possible, have a little change in traveling. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 7)

My heart has been bad. A sense of suffocation, of general debility, keeps me where I am obliged to hold on to the promises with all my strength, and hang my helpless soul on Jesus Christ. Were it not for this, I should not venture out to labor at all. At Los Angeles I spoke six times at length, and in the morning meetings. I had the burden of testimony, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me and sustained me every time I opened my lips. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 8)

Brother Haskell, we must pray more in simple, humble contrition of soul. We must exercise faith, teach the people how to have faith. I long to speak to the people in the yearly meetings East. I long to tell them, “Behold Him, behold Him, the Man of Calvary, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” I long to tell the people that all the exalted privileges granted them, all the love and tender mercy of our God, all the warnings of God’s messengers, all the labor and enlightenment of His grace through holy men, will not save one of them. They must save their own souls by their own righteousness. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 9)

All the light of present truth will not prevent them from falling away from their exalted privilege and losing all they have once held sacred and valuable. It is necessary for them to be instant in prayer and to live a life of humiliation and constant, living faith. I want to say to them, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hid His face from you.” [Isaiah 59:2.] Your Maker has not forsaken you; Jesus has linked you by His own body to the Infinite One, and His faithfulness will never fail. His promises are more sure than the everlasting hills. But you have departed from God, you have forsaken the Fountain of living waters, [and] you have distrusted His love. You have had every spiritual advantage. The precious, clear light of truth has shone upon your pathway, but you have not rendered corresponding obedience and kept yourselves in the love of God. This very love which should have been a blessing has become a curse. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 10)

We are to see fearfully trying times, but need not despond. Trust in the living God. They that fear the Lord and work righteousness, He will be to them as a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. I would tell them the most precious blessings and the most exalted privileges are prepared for and promised to them that love the truth and obey it in the love of it. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 11)

But how many are transgressing His holy law which they profess to keep! How many do not according to the light given them! The blessings are changed into curses, and they do not know why they do not have spiritual sinew and muscle. They are always without spiritual moisture, dry and sapless. Their testimonies are backslidden reports, mournful recitals. Oh, God would have it otherwise. He has made every provision for them that they should have help and blessings and courage and faith, but they remain away from His presence. They will not come unto Him that He may give them life. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 12)

Oh, how Jesus is grieved with the unbelief, the distrust, the want of gratitude, and the sinfulness of those who profess to be the advocates of the law of God! Will not this people understand [that through] their own course of worldliness, of selfishness, [they] have forfeited the mercies promised to the obedient? In view of the great benefits of the salvation brought to us through Jesus Christ, the whole heavenly host in the plains of Bethlehem broke forth into songs of praise saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. Why is there not more praise and less complaining? Should not our hearts be filled with gratitude to God? If angels saw cause for anthems of praise, why should not the objects Christ came to save be filled with thankfulness? There “are given to us exceeding great and precious promises that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.] (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 13)

These precious promises are given us that we might receive and enjoy them. They are not given to us that we may reject them and refuse to accept their fulfilment. The grace of truth revealed to us is that we may be renewed in knowledge and true holiness and glorify God in our bodies and our spirits, which are His. The praise of God is to flow forth from His children and continually extend and increase in the earth. We are, every one [of us,] to know for ourselves that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me, even me, from all unrighteousness. I, even I, may be holy in heart and in life and in all manner of conversation. These privileges were purchased for me by the blood of Christ and presented to me that Christ may not have died for me in vain. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 14)

We cannot, [even] one of us, glorify God, only through the acceptance of the grace given us. We cannot keep His commandments, only as we improve the grace and truth given us for this purpose. Brother Haskell, we must come up upon higher, holier ground. We must lead the people step by step. We must teach the people to improve the talents God has given them. We do not sufficiently impress upon the ministers the importance of ministering as well as preaching. They do not half of them know what duties, what sacred responsibilities rest upon ministers to become acquainted with souls, to labor earnestly by personal effort for their salvation from house to house, coming close to hearts. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 15)

Love for souls that Christ had will lead the minister to pray most earnestly for divine grace, will lead to importunate prayer. There is altogether too much sermonizing and too little ministering. We must work in wisdom, work with hearts imbued with the love of Jesus. Men without one particle of grace may preach a discourse, but men without grace will not be inclined to weep and to pray and seek to lead souls to the Lamb of God. It is this kind of labor the people need. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 16)

We need now men who are acquainted with Jesus, men of faith, men of experience, men who will work for souls as they that must give an account. We have speakers but very few laborers. Teach the members of the church to be workers. Oh, that God would let His convicting, converting power come upon Sabbathkeepers, for many of them by experience know not if there be any Holy Ghost. Self has filled so large a place in their experience they know but little else than its gratification. May the Lord help us to do work—close, faithful, efficient work—for the Master, for all our work will bear the inspection of the Chief Shepherd. He will understand just how we have done our work. He will say, “Well done,” only to those who have done well. [Matthew 25:21.] (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 17)

May the Lord bless you in all your labors, is my prayer. (4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, 18)

Lt 20, 1884

Smith, Uriah
East Portland, Oregon
June 27, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 20MR 356-360.
Dear Brother:

There is a matter that must have attention. There is a man by the name of J. N. Bunch laboring in the Missouri Conference. He is preaching. This man has no right to be engaged in this work at all. I fear he will leave a terrible stain upon the cause of God. I have been shown some things in regard to him which are of that character that makes him unworthy of confidence as a Christian. I do not know whom to write to, but I thought you might know who are the proper ones to be entrusted with this matter. But something ought to be done. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 1)

I wrote to him while he was attending school at Healdsburg, stating to him that he had no duty in the line of teaching others the truth. His character was not of that stamp that he would honor the cause of God. He left soon for Oregon, then I saw his name in the report of labor as a worker in the cause. I will write this much to you, hoping that you will see that something is done in the matter. His course is very questionable. I shall write to him, but cannot for a little time. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 2)

Our labor in both these conferences have been very, very hard. The mould that Elder Van Horn left upon these two conferences was of that character to make it exceedingly hard for any minister who should follow after him. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 3)

It has been three years since I visited these conferences. The upper conference was a success. We found the spirit of faultfinding against the General Conference decisions and against them as a conference. We were able through God [to] break this up. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 4)

Brother [W. L.] Raymond has done a work that was tearing down—new views after the order of the views Brother Owen presented to the council for examination. The same was done with Brother Raymond’s views. A council heard his arguments and then wrote out their answer. He has consented to abide by the decision of his brethren. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 5)

From that which the Lord has been pleased to show me, there will arise just such ones all along and many more of them claiming to have new light which is a side issue, an entering wedge. The widening will increase until there is a breach made between those who accept these views and those who believe the third’s angel’s message. Just as soon as these new ideas are accepted, then there will be [a] drawing away from those whom God has used in this work, for the mind begins to doubt and withdraw from the leaders because God has laid them aside and chosen more humble men to do His work. This is the only interpretation they can give to this matter, as the leaders do not see this important light. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 6)

God is raising up a class to give the loud cry of the third angel’s message. “Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” [Acts 20:30.] It is Satan’s object now to get up new theories to divert the mind from the true work and genuine message for this time. He stirs up minds to give false interpretations of Scripture, a spurious loud cry, that the real message will not have its effect when it does come. This is one of the greatest evidences that the loud cry will soon be heard and the earth will be lightened with the glory of God. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 7)

The Lord gave me great power before the people on the Sabbath. About fifty came forward for prayers. Many of that number were seeking the Lord for the first time. Backsliders came back with confessions, well wet down with tears. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 8)

Sunday I had great freedom in speaking upon temperance. The power of the subject was never seen and felt by me as upon this occasion. The people from the city listened attentively. Several unbelievers who have used tobacco since their youth have left it off and say they will not touch it [any] more. We left the ground, ten o’clock p.m., stepped on board the train, and were on our way for East Portland. Tuesday morning the cars stopped at Multnomah Falls for twenty minutes, that all the passengers who chose might ascend to have a clear view. I undertook to go and I would not go back. It was very steep. There would be steps made, then quite a distance zigzig, then more steps. This was repeated many times until we stood upon a [rustic] bridge made to bridge a chasm above the first fall. This is the Bridal Veil. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 9)

The water pours from the top of a mountain about 900 feet high, and as the water descends, it breaks upon the jutting rocks, scattering off in beautiful spray. Here was the most beautiful sight to look upon. I would have enjoyed it could I have spent an entire day viewing this scene, but we were grateful for the few moments (although it cost laborious climbing) standing on the bridge made for this purpose to view this enchanting scene of nature—above us eight hundred feet the water rolling from the mountain tops, dashing upon the cliffs and rocks, throwing the water like a veil on every side, and below us this water accumulating from the flow above dashing in a larger fall over the rocks. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 10)

This was the work of the great Master Artist, and we could but exclaim, “How wonderful are all Thy works, Lord God Almighty.” We feel subdued and awed in the presence of such manifestations of the great God. I thought of the psalmist who calls upon everything, animate and inanimate to join in one chorus of thanksgiving to God. He, thus calling upon the senseless and irrational, is the most powerful rebuke to those blessed with intelligence if their souls do not glow and their lips proclaim the majesty and glory of God. “Praise ye him, sun and moon; praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy winds fulfilling His word.” [Psalm 48:3-8.] (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 11)

All these agencies of God in nature are summoned to bring their tribute of praise, and who among God’s creatures will be silent! Every star as it walks its course, and every breeze as it sweeps the earth, and every cloud as it darkens the firmament, every shower of rain and every ray of sunshine, all are uttering the praises of God and publishing the glories of the Lord God who reigneth in the heavens. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 12)

We arrived on the campground Tuesday noon. Wednesday I was stricken with sickness. A burning fever came upon me, and for three days and almost four I was not dressed. The prospect of my laboring looked very dark. But Sabbath at five o’clock I was helped to the stand and talked about thirty minutes. Sunday I spoke about one hour and [a] half to a tent full, with great clearness and freedom, and have been gathering up my strength day by day ever since. But the work in this conference was of the same character as the work above, only more so. We have had one of the hardest battles we ever had to engage in. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 13)

The leading men in this conference seem to have no respect for the General Conference. The people have no respect for ministers or president. Brother Boyd was despised by them. Elder Van Horn was a pleasing speaker, and they despised the man because he could not speak as fluently as Elder Van Horn. They contrasted the gifts to his face in the assembly. Brother Boyd has felt [hurt] to the very depths of his soul, yet his love for the cause has made him cling to the work of God under discouragements that but few would have borne as nobly as he has done. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 14)

We cannot give you all particulars. We had men hard to deal with, difficult to be impressed. The labors of our ministers were accounted of no more value than their own wisdom and judgment. The only thing they did not dare to reject was the Testimonies. To these they did bow after long delay. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 15)

Last night I ventured in my feebleness to speak, and the Lord gave me great freedom. The tent was full of outsiders and our people. All listened as for their lives. I presented Peter’s ladder of progress before them and the final abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom. The Lord gave me His Spirit and His power as I described the overcomer’s reward. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 16)

Friday morning there had been a little rift in the cloud now and then during the meeting, but to be covered again in blackness and darkness. I arose unrefreshed with a broken night’s sleep. Four nights I had but little sleep. While I was speaking to the people, one minister was left to open the meeting; the rest resorted to a grove to plead with God in prayer. They were blest and had faith that we should see of the salvation of God. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 17)

Friday morning at five o’clock we commenced our meeting, and I arose and talked a short time telling them we had waited for these leading men to take a position which God could approve and let His Spirit into the meeting. We had no more appeals to make to them and no more time to lose in waiting for them. They had stood directly in the way of our work from the first, and now our work was for these who had come to this meeting to be benefited. I had two front seats cleared and asked those who were backslidden from God and those who had never started to serve the Lord, to come forward. They began to come. Other seats were cleared, and finally there was the whole body [of] seats of the tent filled; about one dozen were in the side seats. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 18)

Then the Spirit of God like a tidal wave swept over the congregation. Such solemnity! Deep, earnest, heartfelt confessions were made. These men who had stood like icebergs melted under the beams of the Son of righteousness. They came right to the point. They made thorough work. Confessions were made with weeping and deep feeling. We had a most solemn, blessed season of intercession, and then closed the meeting and took our breakfast and assembled again at eight o’clock to finish the work. Parents confessed to children and children to parents, husbands to wives and wives to husbands, brothers to sisters, and sisters to brothers. It seemed like the movement of 1844. I have not been in a meeting of this kind for many years. After the hard fought battle the victory was most precious. We all wept like children. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 19)

Brother Boyd spoke of his gratitude while the tears rained from his face. Oh, I praise the Lord. I praise Him for He is to be praised. In the Lord’s mercy, He laid me by from hard labor, for rest and repairs, and I will trust Him with my whole heart. I will trust Him. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 20)

There seems to be an entirely new atmosphere in the camp. Elder Boyd yesterday was elected as president of this conference, but the very ones who had treated him shamefully did not come out fully and freely, and he declined. He told them he could not serve them; he longed for peace and rest. Yet he would proclaim the third angel’s message while he had breath. But now, today, he has accepted and will serve them as president. The work now goes off like clockwork in the conference business. Oh, what a work the Lord can do in a short time! (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 21)

I have given you but little particulars. It is so childish and inconsistent and miserable a mess that I do not think [it] possible for me to write. These murmurings, faultfindings, these exalting little motes to mention this. Making a man an offender for a word is a grievous sin in the sight of God. But this battle has turned; victory through Jesus Christ is ours. And we know the battle must be fought some time, and it must be done without yielding one inch to gratify and please this faultfinding, disorderly element. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 22)

We never saw so much dust and storm raised against a man that when investigated there was not the least thing for it all, as in this case. O, what work Satan can make with human hearts that are not daily partakers of the divine nature. I did not expect to write this when I commenced, but I felt so thankful I wanted to tell you. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 23)

Much love to Sister Harriet and your dear children. Annie in particular. May the Lord bless this child and may she win a crown of glory. (4LtMs, Lt 20, 1884, 24)

Lt 21, 1884

Haskell, S. N.; Butler, G. I.
Healdsburg, California
July 10, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 248; 9MR 136.
Dear Brethren Haskell and Butler:

There are many urgent calls coming from all the conferences for me to come East and attend the camp meetings. They gravely state they have arranged them so that I could go from one to the other without loss of time. One meeting laps over onto the other, and I do not admire your judgment in this arrangement. Better have a set of camp meetings one year full and thorough, in selected places, and then next year take up the places left and have those well manned, full and thorough. I have marked [that at] meetings such as this, started with expectation of help to come, the work is not carried on sharply and thoroughly, but lags until the expected someone comes. Then, if the meeting is left before its close by that someone, the interest of the meeting is very much injured. Have less meetings and [have] those you do have thoroughly attended and the work thoroughly done. (4LtMs, Lt 21, 1884, 1)

But should I attend your meetings, I remember I am fifty-six years old, instead of twenty-five or thirty-five and no provision is made for me to rest, but to rush from one to the other as fast as the cars will take me. I do not think your plans very flattering for me. I am not immortal yet, and have cause to remember this every day of my life. If you wish to finish me up this year, I think you have planned excellently for it. I think my best course is to remain in California and not trust myself to your mercies. I have a strong desire to attend your meetings, and at the same time I cannot approve your arrangement of the meetings and dare not in my exhausted condition of health consent to undertake such work as you, my good brethren, have laid out for me. I am deeply moved when these urgent appeals come to me from the East, for I know I have a testimony for God’s people. It burns in my soul day and night, seems as if it would consume me. But I have large work here. Three camp meetings are planned in California—one at Humboldt, one at Reno, one at Oakland. I have several books that I ought to complete this winter, much writing I ought to do. My copyists are here on the ground. It is at great loss to me every way that I leave this coast. Duty does not call in two directions at the same time. Now which is the most urgent? I am trying to determine whether I shall leave duties right at home and go over the Rocky Mountains to take up duties far off. These things puzzle me. As yet I get no clear light, only a positive drawing East; because you are praying for me, I expect to come. (4LtMs, Lt 21, 1884, 2)

I leave Healdsburg this morning for Oakland to complete Volume 4. I have only been four days in my home in Healdsburg for three months. Have attended Oakland, April meeting, two weeks, and three camp meetings. If I go East I shall not be able to return for four or five months, my writing hanging on unfinished, everything put back as far as my work in California is concerned. At the camp meeting, they think in California I ought to be here. I went East last year and worked hard. The Conference has done nobly for me as far as liberality in pay is concerned, but the money I then pledged has cramped me in all my work, for I could not sell anything and am, as far as means to handle is concerned, constantly pressed until something shall sell. (4LtMs, Lt 21, 1884, 3)

Now, my good brethren, I state things as they are. It is too late for you to change any appointments, and if I want to live another year, I had better stay where I am, for I can serve the cause here with the help of Jesus. Excuse this letter, but I have not slept since two o’clock, thinking of these things, and I have written you. (4LtMs, Lt 21, 1884, 4)

Elder Haskell or Butler will not be at our California camp meeting, and do you think it is just to try to draw me away from here East when they have so few workers here? I write in haste. (4LtMs, Lt 21, 1884, 5)

Lt 22, 1884

Ings, Jennie
Oakland, California
July 30, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Ings:

I was glad to receive a few lines from you last Friday, but I have wanted and hoped to hear something of those things that had interested me most in regard to the institute, how matters were moving there. Perhaps you do not mean to write me anything more because I wanted you should go there. But this is one of the very reasons I wished you to go, that I might know more definitely how things are moving there since the efforts we last made there. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 1)

I have been working too hard, writing and planning in regard to my Healdsburg place, to leave it all right. Then I have spoken Sabbath in our church to a houseful. We had an excellent meeting. Sunday afternoon I spoke to a crowded tent full of attentive listeners upon the entry of Christ into Jerusalem. But both of these days were a great tax to me on account of bowel difficulty which made me weak, and I felt so dissatisfied with my efforts; but others say they never heard me speak with greater freedom. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 2)

But I know I must have more power from on high to deal with these sacred, all-important themes. I abhor myself because I cannot do better than I do. I have been overtaxed and am still. I have grave difficulties, but I am pleading with God, the precious Physician, to heal me. My heart and my head, the base of the brain, are quite troublesome; but then, I will not talk about myself. I am of good courage. I am clinging to the Rock that is higher than I. If I fall [while] in the harness, praise God in my behalf and rejoice that rest has come to the weary. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 3)

Yesterday was the first day I have ventured to throw off the strain of labor. Sister Kelsey and I rode over to Sister Haman’s and called on Lilly Corruth. All are unusually well. Lilly has had an afflicted time but is now about. She was very glad to see us. We took dinner at Ella Sanders Haman’s. Sister Sanders was there and we had a pleasant visit. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 4)

I am up early writing by lamplight. My book is progressing finely. I have heard all read but the two last chapters. I shall feel greatly relieved when it is done. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 5)

The interest in the meetings keeps good. They have large congregations. One intelligent looking woman took her position on the Sabbath question last Sabbath. We think this effort will not be in vain. We hope and pray the seed sown will be watered by the Lord of the vineyard and that precious fruit will be the result. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 6)

Now Sister Ings, if it is distasteful for you to stay at St. Helena, just don’t stay, but go to your open doors at Healdsburg. I have missed you very much and would in no case have consented for you to leave me now when about to go on a long journey if it were not for the pity and interest I have for the Health Retreat. But I want you to be happy. I feel lost when you are away from me, but I will soon be speeding on my way east. I wanted to go next Sunday afternoon, but it is decided I speak on temperance next Sunday afternoon and also speak Friday evening and perhaps Sabbath; so I shall not leave here before Monday or Tuesday next. Sister McOmber will probably be down the last of this week, so she writes. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 7)

I wish you would inquire if anything has been done in regard to the notices in regard to price of rooms. If they want anything published, send it along. Brother St. John was to attend to this matter. How is his health? How is Addie [Walling] getting along? How many patients have they? How many guests? Now do not withhold from me the things I wish to know. Let me have the particulars of matters. Are the Chinese there yet? Sister Sanders says Sister Western, whom Sister Chamberlain saw in Woodland, would like to come to work for her board for the privilege of being in the institution. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 8)

Much love and respect to Sister Chamberlain and all good friends. Write at once if you want me to get it. Write what you design to do before I leave, for I’m anxious to know. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 9)

Mother.

The worse thing with me is that I have no appetite, and what I will find to sustain and nourish me on the road is a mystery. I find no traces of that pin. What kind of a pin was it? Please describe it. I have looked thoroughly. No one knows anything about it. I have asked them all. I hope those who camp on my place will not use my wood, for I want it this winter. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 10)

Where is my rubber bag? I cannot see it anywhere. (4LtMs, Lt 22, 1884, 11)

Lt 22a, 1884

Ings, Jennie
Oakland, California
July 30, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 244.
Dear Sister Ings:

I am very glad to hear from you. This morning Willie [White] brought me your letter. I greedily devoured its contents. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 1)

Oh, how much one head can do to set things in order! I felt so sorry for Dr. Chamberlain, who had no one to speak to or counsel with. Now you can counsel together and be a good, strong team. But, Sister Ings, do not stand over the stove. Be careful in this not to get your blood heated. If ought should happen to you I should feel that I was responsible. Be careful, I beseech of you; be careful! While you can be of a great help in arranging and planning, you are not to do the heavy work yourself. Head is of more value than hands in such an institution. Preserve your strength to do head service. The right arrangement of work is one-half the battle. I am glad you are there. I am greatly relieved. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 2)

I am preparing my writing to go East. Sister McOmber has not yet come. She will come perhaps today or tomorrow. I am beginning to need her now. I wish I could run up and see you, but this is out of the question. We go East next Monday. I hope the Lord will strengthen and bless you. I believe He will. Only have good courage. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 3)

In regard to the house, you did not say one word about how you liked it. Tell me in your next letter. Is it not a little gem of a house? I will write no more now as I am full of writing. You have our tenderest regard and best wishes and prayers. Be prudent. Do not let the help go so that you will have the burden of cooking upon you. This I positively forbid. If you can direct and others be over the stove and not you, all right; but do not heat your blood. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 4)

In regard to your board, we will talk about that and something else when the board meets. You will have your wages for your work. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 5)

Well, I must say goodbye. The Lord bless you. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 6)

Addie [Walling], I hope you will in every way show solidity of character. Show that you are a follower of Jesus. It is expected as you have lived in my family that you will be a girl of improved manners. You can be a recommendation to me or you can demerit me by a wrong course of action. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 7)

Be kind, courteous, affable, polite to all. Keep from all frivolity, all vanity, pride, immodesty, and forwardness. Do not seek to ape others around you in dress, in manners, or in anything unless they are seeking to follow Christ. Be meek, be lowly of heart. Oh, my dear child, live for the future immortal life. Copy the Pattern, Jesus your Saviour. You have battles to fight with self. You have a work to do for yourself daily if you build up a character which God can approve. Try to overcome daily. Look to Jesus. Pray often, and Jesus will help you, for He loves you. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 8)

Much love to Dr. Chamberlain and all dear friends. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 9)

Write me once more before I go. Addie, I want you to write me, if only a few lines. Tell me just how you get along, whether you like the place, how you like our little house. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 10)

Will you cook for me, Sister Ings, some rolls and a chicken nicely boiled and then fried, and send by St. John when he comes, if he comes before Monday at three o’clock? There is so much going on here, I fear I shall go poorly prepared. (4LtMs, Lt 22a, 1884, 11)

Lt 23, 1884

Ings, Jennie
Oakland, California
August 4, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Ings:

Brother Rogers came to our house last night bringing a basket of provisions, which will save making the preparations here we would otherwise have had to make. We have been very busy but will get off without breaking down. I spoke yesterday to a large audience and it wearied me considerably. (4LtMs, Lt 23, 1884, 1)

I am so thankful you are at the Health Retreat. I am sure it is in the order of God. You will be placed as matron officially; then no one will question your authority. Suggest, devise, and plan as you see fit. I have felt the Lord would certainly bless you if you would come into the position that I was confident you could fill with acceptance. I am glad if Addie [Walling] can work in and take her place orderly and regularly. It is a discipline she needs very, very much. You must see that what she does is not slighted but done thoroughly. I go feeling a great weight off my mind in regard to the Health Retreat. I know they needed a head so much. It distressed me beyond measure to see the great want of a head, someone to see and tell what must be done. (4LtMs, Lt 23, 1884, 2)

At the next camp meeting we will make a decided effort in behalf of the institution. I think it will prove every way so much better for you than to travel in the heat and in the dust across the plains. I feel you are just where you should be, and the Lord will bless you in doing this work, which I know you can do. I start East with better health than when I commenced my journey last year. (4LtMs, Lt 23, 1884, 3)

I am glad the prices on the guests and patients are raised. You will not have as many, but those you do have will be more profitable and better keep up the institution. To let the prices down to the lowest figure and then have a great raft come in who demand first-class hotel fare at these prices will never bring one cent of profit to the institution. Better have less in number and those who will pay and require less provision, make less expense, and be better in every respect. I hope the things there will move off much better. They now have a head and that is what they wanted. I shall be only too glad when my journey is ended and I return back to occupy my little home in St. Helena, for this I intend to do. (4LtMs, Lt 23, 1884, 4)

I shall hope to hear from you and Dr. Chamberlain in regard to the prosperity of the institution. You will know by the camp meeting appointments where to direct your letters to the different points where I may travel. I shall want to learn from Addie all the particulars in regard to herself, just as a daughter would write to a mother. I again thank you for everything in the basket but the cake, which you know I am never able to keep out of the dinner basket, with all my efforts. (4LtMs, Lt 23, 1884, 5)

Mother.

Lt 24, 1884

Jones, Brother and Sister
Kansas City, Missouri
August 10, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Jones:

When you leave the place, do not leave the hose attached to the pump (thus I found it, when you went to Petaluma), for this can be removed and stolen very easily. Remove it, if you please, from the pump and put it under lock and key when you leave the premises alone or at night. I wish you would water the flowers in the other yard, if you can do so without too great trouble. (4LtMs, Lt 24, 1884, 1)

Yours with respect. (4LtMs, Lt 24, 1884, 2)

Lt 25, 1884

Whitney, Brother
Kansas City, Missouri
August 11, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Whitney:

I intended to pass on directly from here to Syracuse, but there [have] been urgent calls for me to spend a short time Sabbath and Sunday at Iowa camp meeting. I hope that this will not detract from the interest of the meeting in Syracuse. (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 1)

Dear brethren and sisters who attend this meeting, do not, I beseech of you, neglect the work that ought to be done for you at the very commencement of the meeting. Remember that the ministers cannot make for you a profitable meeting. With what spirit have you come to this meeting—to be lifted out of your low estate by a wave of excitement? Have you come with hearts drawn out in love for the salvation of others? Have you come to selfishly be made happy yourselves, or have you come to let your light shine forth to others? (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 2)

The watchman upon the walls of Zion have a sacred and important work: to watch for souls as they that must give an account. You must be arising constantly to greater heights in Christian experience, in heavenly attainments, [and] in holy purposes. Your vigilance must increase constantly as we near the close of time. If souls are in danger and you are stupified and see not their peril and give no warning, their souls will be lost and you will be chargeable with their blood. It is not enough to do pulpit labor. Your work and your efforts must be to see and discover the dangers and give warning. (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 3)

While this work rests upon the ministers, there are heavy responsibilities that rest upon every soul who professes the name of Christ, not one is excused in occupying a position of indifference and indolence. Our case is not to be consulted. [Our] pleasure is not to be thought of. There is earnest work to be done for Jesus in the salvation of souls. This is the all-important theme. Everything of a temporal character can bear no comparison with this. Every man, woman, and youth, God has claims upon you. He will hold you accountable for the good you might have done and did not do. (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 4)

It is not enough that you are merely interested, and would interest others, to save your soul. You must remember you have personal work to do for other souls, to reach them where they are. Live out your profession of faith; humble your souls before God. But at this holy convocation work unselfishly. “Without Me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Examine your own selves, see whether you be in the faith. Except Jesus Christ be in you, then ye are reprobates. (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 5)

Have you this knowledge? If not, do not let day after day of the meeting pass and you be unfitted to be benefited. You want Jesus at the very commencement of the meeting; you want help which Christ alone can give you. Lay hold by faith the mighty Arm of your strength. Let your very first work be deep, heart-searching confession of sins. If a brother has aught against his brother, take it out of the way for Christ’s sake. In the very commencement of the meeting bring not the displeasure of God upon the whole encampment by your hidden sins. God requires of you to make wrongs right. If you have, any of you, been hard, censorious, unpitiful, let the confession be made and the heart broken before God. Clear the way that your personal sins shall not shut away from the encampment the sunbeams of Christ’s righteousness. Let the hard, sinful heart break and you have a heart of flesh. [Neglecting] this work of humiliation, of confession before God, has done such harm [at] every camp meeting. I now appeal to you who profess the truth to make crooked ways straight through the grace of Jesus Christ. (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 6)

I call upon you who have long professed the truth to get out of the way that souls shall not stumble over you to ruin. Let those who profess the faith put away sin and be reconciled to God, and you will then see the salvation of God. (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 7)

P. S. I will leave Iowa Sunday night if I can. Emma White will accompany me. I must sleep alone. Two beds will be necessary. (4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, 8)

Lt 26, 1884

Bell, G. H.
Portland, Maine
September 11, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Bell:

I have felt many weeks that I must see or write to you. I expected to meet you at the Worcester meeting, but was disappointed. We met some things there that troubled me not a little—it was the youth paying their addresses to young ladies. This spirit, we felt, must be rooted out entirely. Last February, I think it was, while at Crystal Springs, in the night season, a very solemn view was given me of the closing scenes of this earth’s history and the dangers and duties of our people. The colleges, the teachers, the professors, were shown me and the grave responsibilities resting upon them. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 1)

I was shown the past and present of your life and was made very sad, as some things were shown me, in that you have not followed the light which God has given you. Your own imprudence, your own impetuous, passionate temperament, lies at the foundation of the great troubles that existed in Battle Creek. You had not done right. You were not correct in your ways, and this weakness and sin on your part was the beginning of letting out of strong waters. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 2)

Your friends vindicate your course because you were about to be crushed. This caused them great trials and great perplexities. We had fond hope that you had learned a lesson so that you would distrust yourself, be willing to be counseled and advised, and that you would be circumspect in all your course of action, and by your close connection with God show to those who are prejudiced against you (because you have given them occasion to pass judgment upon your course of action) that you were pressing on to the right, obtaining victories daily. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 3)

But I was shown that you have not overcome your weakness and that your own unsanctified feelings were gaining the mastery. You are pursuing a course that will give triumph to your enemies and burden and distress those who have loved you, respected you, and spoken in your behalf. I was shown you inviting the company of young ladies, paying them attention and receiving attention from them, binding them to you, fascinating them by words and acts which you know well how to exercise. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 4)

I saw the frown of God upon your course. It was not purity [or] elevated, sanctified, holy impulses that prompted you to desire young ladies or young women or married women to be attached to yourself and to desire of them attentions which have at least the appearance of evil. You have done much of this kind of work. It has had that influence upon the minds of girls that you could exercise your spirit and power over them, if you were disposed, to their ruin. You have had this matter reproved in your past course of action. You have seen your name bandied about through the papers, and reproach brought on the precious cause of God. And yet another trial was given you, but you did not show that you were reformed. You have kept on this same course of action and taught the youth to deceive by secretly being in your society. You have taken liberties with them in your attentions that have left a mold or impress upon their minds and upon their deportment that will never be fully effaced. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 5)

I was at [a] meeting when young girls made confessions. I knew what these confessions meant, while many did not. I do not feel that you are a safe man to take charge of youth. God has set before you your dangers, but you did not see them or sense them. We dare not encourage you to have charge of youth, not because you have not ability, but because you have so little power of self-control. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 6)

I think if you could take your family out of Battle Creek into some less prominent place and remain with them where there are not so many to watch and see your defects and the strange defects of your family, you could serve the cause of God better than in any other way. You will certainly prove a great burden to the cause of God unless you are a transformed man, or you leave the work and connect as little as possible with the institutions of responsibility. I cannot now say one word in your vindication. You have allowed your mind to take a low level, and it is this that has left you shorn of your strength, that is wrecking you physically and mentally. Why do you not connect yourself with young men, love their society, choose them as companions? This would be proper, but your association with young ladies and your preferment for their society is a blot upon your character, and is ruin to the youth you thus prefer and pet and favor. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 7)

I have more [to say] but cannot write more—am not well. (4LtMs, Lt 26, 1884, 8)

Lt 27, 1884

Ings, Jennie
South Lancaster, Massachusetts
September 17, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 261.
Dear Sister Ings:

I have been hard pressed with labor and have had but little opportunity to write; but I have written several articles for the paper, which would become stale unless I could get them out at once. (4LtMs, Lt 27, 1884, 1)

I felt bad that Edson [White] and Willie [White], or one of them, could not be with me on this journey. It is too bad. I expected Edson would certainly be with me, and Emma [White] too. They were with me at the Iowa meeting. There Emma was taken sick with great distress in her stomach. It was very stubborn. Edson worked with her nearly all night. Next day she did not sit up but a little. Sister McOmber was willing to go with me to New York. Then I hoped Emma would improve, but she had another attack. Sister McOmber mastered it after a while. Edson could not go to this meeting on account of his business; then Sister [Lucinda] Hall and her mother urged Emma to go home with them, thinking the working with hops might improve her health. She went. Sister McOmber has been with me since. We meet Emma at Syracuse today. She goes with us to Ohio and to [the] Michigan meeting. Then Sister McOmber leaves me in Emma’s and Edson’s hands, for she is anxious to get to her mother—if she can leave me in good hands, but [otherwise] would not leave me, even if I said to her, Go. (4LtMs, Lt 27, 1884, 2)

I left Portland, Maine, Monday. Am staying here at Brother [S. N.] Haskell’s for a breathing spell. We had good meetings in Vermont and in Portland. The outside attendance at Portland was good. Through the day there was good attendance. One and another came up claiming my acquaintance; [they] knew me when we were school children together. Cousins and acquaintances came to the meeting. Mellessa Tapely, my niece was present. Her husband attended one meeting; her children came Sunday and attended Sunday. Emma Morrison and her husband came to the meeting but left Sunday. It was ... [Remainder missing.] (4LtMs, Lt 27, 1884, 3)

Lt 28, 1884

Brisbin, W. L.
Battle Creek, Michigan
November 18, 1884
Previously unpublished.
W. L. Brisbin:

Your letter I read last eve and am glad that there is some evidence that you are becoming a sane man. You have been all that you express in your letter—cruel in the treatment of your wife. She kept her own counsel. She was discreet and not like many women who would find relief in telling their troubles to others. She bore silently your abuse and your suspicions She carried her load upon her heart until it broke. Should I say you were not the cause of her death, I should tell that which is not true. Your course toward her was satanic. Satan was working in you to will and to do of his own good pleasure. You have carried out your own unhappy, uncontrollable, wicked temperament until its results was seen in the dead clay before you. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 1)

Jesus loved her. Jesus pitied her. Every pang of anguish endured from the blasting hail of your tongue was as if you had done this to Jesus Christ. Poor heart-sore, discouraged woman! None knew of her burdens and her griefs but her Redeemer, and in mercy He has given her rest. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 2)

But now the past with its burden of record is passed into eternity. You cannot undo the past. You cannot make restitution to the dead. It remains to be seen whether your course will be changed toward the living, whether you will so humble your proud, jealous, over-bearing spirit that God can give you a new heart, even a heart of flesh, that the hard, unpitying, loveless nature may be so transformed that your life will be fragrant with good works. Self must die. Self must be crucified. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 3)

The Lord loved your wife. She was precious in His sight. But your course has been an offense to Him, and your separation will be final unless you repent and become converted. The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin, even the scarlet sin. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 4)

As you did not respect and love your wife, there was not thoughtfulness and caretaking and dutiful behavior on the part of your daughter to her mother, who lifted too heavy burdens for her physical strength, who carried too heavy cares of heart troubles. If this child misses the care and attention and burden-carrying mother, I am not sorry. If she feels her own neglect of the dutiful help she should have been to her mother, this is as it should be. If it makes her a more thoughtful dutiful child, this is as God would have it. If your wife’s death works a transformation in the lives of those she left behind she will not have died in vain. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 5)

Now I know that Jesus will pardon to the full the blackest crimes if repented of and forever forsaken. I entreat of you to make thorough work. Do not let the impressions you now have wear away. The Spirit of God is appealing to you. Will you hear the voice of invitation and of mercy? Will you make a decided, determined effort for your soul’s salvation? Let nothing divert your mind. Let nothing hinder you from seizing the present moment to seek God by penitence and confession. Your work is before you—to reform, if you would inherit eternal life. With your present traits of character, you will never enter the pearly gates. Then make earnest work to cleanse yourself of all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 6)

I leave these lines with you, hoping and praying that they may do you good. In much love. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 7)

P. S. Please return this to me, as I have no time to copy it. (4LtMs, Lt 28, 1884, 8)

Lt 29, 1884

Salisbury, Brother
Battle Creek, Michigan
November 20, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 2SM 329; OHC 317.
Dear Brother Salisbury:

My mind has been troubled on your account, and I do not feel clear unless I write to you some things that have been shown me in regard to your spiritual condition. Last spring many things were shown me in regard to different families that were not what God would want them at home. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 1)

I saw you were greatly deficient in this respect. You allow your imagination to control your reason and your attitude in your family. Sickness has afflicted your wife, bringing upon you additional burdens and cares and expense. You have fretted over this. Every one must accept this providence of God and meekly bow to His dispensations. Every soul has anxieties and worries in their daily life. There are continual irritations and annoyances coming to every family. You are tired and nervous, but had you a right hold from above as a Christian should have, you would be not only a hearer of the Word but a doer as well. The practical Christian will live for God, doing His duty in the face of all hindrances. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 2)

There are tangled briers through which every follower of Christ must travel. The feet, the hands, may be torn by them, but still the way is onward. The feelings you have had toward your family are not that of a reasonable man. You have felt that they were to you a burden too heavy to carry, and this has not been in thoughts only but expressed in words, in your actions and deportment. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 3)

When your wife was very sick you tried to do your duty to her but when she began to improve, then Satan came with his temptations, and you listened to his suggestions. You have thought, How can I live peacefully amid vexing and irritating things and the multitude of little worries and fretting which come in my home life which I cannot evade? This is a diseased imagination. You must, you should gird up the loins of your mind, not let it dwell upon these matters where Satan is trying to lead your mind. Call it back to duty to your married vows and [do] not get the impression that your lot is so hard and unbearable. Let not your mind be occupied with other women outside your family. Give your affections, your love, to her [whom] you have vowed to love and cherish. You cannot prosper until you are a changed man. Your ideas must change. You must have more clear and rational ideas of your duty to God and [to] your family. It is not enough to get along day by day in a sort of maze, not knowing where you will drift next—fluctuating, speaking and acting unworthy [of] a Christian, then feeling remorse and then acting upon the same plan again. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 4)

Life to you should be no burden. You should live victoriously, even mastering your experience, weaving into it brightness, joy, and hopefulness. As a follower of Christ live a truly Christian life whatever the circumstances surrounding you may be. Do not, for Christ’s sake, pursue a course to wean the affections of your wife from you. For you to make straight paths for your feet is to live as Jesus would live and behave as Jesus would have you. You will please remember you are making a record in the books of heaven such as you would not be pleased to meet in the judgment. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 5)

You should live a life that will please God and [give] evidence to all connected with you of the genuineness of your Christianity. Your life must be lived in the very circumstances God in His providence placed you. Your fretful, harsh words to your wife are to her like the cruel hail beating upon the precious plants. You cannot divest yourself of the responsibilities of your family, and would not if you could; therefore, you must make the best of your circumstances and surroundings as you are placed. Whatever you are to make of your life must be made amid your every day experience. It is just where you are [that] you must fight the battles of life over and over again. Here you must either win your victories or be defeated and driven from the field of battle. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 6)

You often think your lot hard and wish it otherwise, that you had a life free from perplexities, a life of greater freedom from care with no briers or thorns, worries or provocations. Is this the life you desire? Then do your utmost to make it so. Your efforts, through Christ, will do much toward removing the briers, the thorns. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 7)

Be always gentle. Never let your words wound your wife and bruise her soul that she shall carry a sad, grieved heart day after day, for this is a slow death like slow poison. Show your wife you appreciate her. Be gentle, kind, patient, forbearing with your children. Never, never speak words to your wife or children that will irritate. Forbear the expressions you have allowed yourself to make again and again. Long after they have passed from your memory, they live to wound, to bruise the soul of your wife and children. You will be the means of the ruin of the souls of your wife and children unless you are a thoroughly changed man in spirit, unless you view these matters in altogether a different light. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 8)

Remove from your wife every vexing thing, not alone for her sake but for your sake also. Your aspirations are not what they should be, whatever your life is to be made, whether it is beautiful or marred. Others may have more desirable positions than ours but here is your lot and my lot, and we must make the very best we can out of it. Many men with eight or ten in the family praise God that they have ten dollars per week and you have double this. Here is something to be thankful for. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 9)

Every week you should lay by in some secure place five or ten dollars not to be used up unless in case of sickness. With economy, you may place something at interest. With wise management you can save something after paying your debts. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 10)

Accept the battles of life on your field and stop not to long for the chances some others have, for, while you are doing this, you are overlooking the present privileges [and] opportunities which God places in your path, which will pass never more to return. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 11)

You must overcome this restless discontent. The place where we find ourselves we must do our best in, for it may be the Master’s design we shall live our life right here, fight our battles on this ground, [and] become strong men and women in God through surmounting difficulties that appear on our ground of conflict. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 12)

God [knows] what is for our best good. The peculiar discipline to which we are subjected is discipline to bring out, not the worst and most unlovely traits of character, but the meekness and loveliness of Christ, developing the precious graces of Christ. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 13)

You need to learn in Christ’s school to become Christlike. God adapts His grace to the peculiarities of each one’s necessities. My grace is sufficient for you. As your burden grows heavier, look up and by faith cling more firmly to the hand of Jesus, your mighty helper. As difficulties thicken about His people amid the perils of the last days, He sends His angels to walk all the way by our side, drawing us closer and still closer to the bleeding side of Jesus. And as the greater trials come, lesser trials are forgotten; the heart feels the need of more firm trust and becomes calm. You must remain pure and true and firm, remembering your character is being imprinted upon books of heaven—just as the features are imprinted upon the polished plate of the artist. There is no circumstance or place or difficulty or hardship where we cannot live beautiful lives of Christian fidelity and approved conduct. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 14)

You should not be satisfied with the life you are now living. It is a faulty life. You should discipline yourself to live a faultless, gentle, unspotted life in every place and under every circumstance. The true victory is not found in shunning trials—getting rid of them—but in meeting them heroically, enduring them patiently. Then you will avoid the many harassing trials that you think are almost unendurable. Give your wife sunshine in the place of frowns, pleasant words in the place of irritating, stinging words. What confidence can she have in your missionary work when its influence upon you is what it is—unkind at home, hasty, denunciatory, fault-finding—anything but a Christian at home. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 15)

I was astonished at your course as it has been presented before me. You must love your wife. You must cease your complaining and treat her tenderly, lovingly. What has she done that you should thus treat her? What have you done? Please review the past and then break this spell that is upon you, which will certainly prove your ruin and the sure ruin of your family. Your wife needs love and affection. Never leave the impression upon her that she is a burden. There is no reason at all why your life should not be happy; but you are, in the course of action, making yourself think you have a hard time, when it is a delusion of the enemy. Be cheerful, kind and affectionate at home. Be a real home missionary. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 16)

There are duties for you in the family from which you cannot excuse yourself. No other mortal must take the time, the care, the love, the devotion belonging to your wife. Jesus is your pattern. Copy the pattern. You have made many crooked lines and many blotted pages which you regret, but not half deeply enough. Yet you must not become discouraged. You must keep a brave heart, an unfaltering purpose, a calm and joyful confidence in God. When you see your weakness, then you will feel your need of leaning more fully upon Jesus. You must grow into Christ’s likeness at home. Do missionary work for the dear ones at home. Their souls are as precious in the sight of God as the souls of others, and these demand kindly care, loving words, tender affection. Flee to Jesus now. Change your course and encourage your wife. You imagine many things that are all wrong. God help you to be firm and true to principle. (4LtMs, Lt 29, 1884, 17)

Lt 30, 1884

Savage, Adeline
Battle Creek, Michigan
November 21, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in DG 198-200.
Dear Niece, Adeline Savage:

I think you should know how your mother [Mary Chase] is at the present time. She is quite feeble. She has needed care constantly. I cannot possibly have any care of her whatever. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 1)

We leave Battle Creek for Otsego today. Next week we shall be, I expect, at Chicago. The eighth we start on our long journey for California. I feel very sad to leave your mother in her present state of feebleness. I provide for her the very best I can. I purchased a house which has cost me a thousand dollars and furnished it simply, with necessary articles for her use. We have let a family into the house—a mother, son, and daughter. They have the use of the house for your mother’s board. I pay the taxes. Last year your mother paid the taxes, but she met with an accident in building a fire in the stove. The floor took fire and there was seventy-five dollars expense to me for repairs. The son of the widow lady who has my house has been sick for five weeks. During this time your mother has been sick, attended by a physician and sometimes a nurse, for she could not receive attention from anyone in the house. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 2)

It was in the bargain that your mother’s fire should be made in the morning so that she could have a warm room to get up in, but further than this, they could not do. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 3)

If she needed a nurse she must provide it. She has only three hundred dollars, which will melt away very soon. She must have clothing. She must have wood. I have done all I can do, and more than I should do. I look to you, her children and her grandchildren, to act your part. I feel badly indeed at the present appearance of things, that stranger’s hands have to do for your mother the duties which justly belong to you to perform. When the neighbors and friends inquire, “Has she no children to have a care for her?” how embarrassing to say, “She has two sons and a daughter and grandchildren and brothers.” The question is asked, “Why do not her children take care of their aged mother in her feebleness?” I am not able to answer that question, but perhaps you can answer it. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 4)

I have my work, which is speaking and writing. I am in constant labor and ought not to have one thought or one care upon my soul for your mother. I have invested twenty-five dollars for clothing because your mother needed it. I have ordered wood for the winter because last winter I learned she lay abed hours in the daytime to save burning wood. The little money she has on hand, she is reluctant to use, thinking she might be sick for sometime like her mother, and she dreads becoming a pauper. I cannot blame her for this, for judging from the past, she may feel she cannot depend at all on her children. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 5)

Your mother has been very economical. I shall not leave her to suffer if you do nothing; but if you feel conscience clear in this matter, if you wish your record to stand in the judgment in the future as it has in the past in regard to your poor old mother, I cannot help it. But God marks this unfeeling neglect. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 6)

God holds her children accountable for this neglected duty. I am sorry, so sorry, that the matter stands thus. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 7)

Christ will judge every man according to his works. He identifies His interest with His suffering, neglected children. He says to one class, “I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: Naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.... Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” The terrible word, “Depart,” is spoken. [Matthew 25:41-45.] (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 8)

To those on His right hand He says, “I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” The question is asked, “Lord, when saw we thee an hungered and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?” He said “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Verses 35-40.] Thus that which is done to His needy brethren Christ accounts as done unto Himself. (4LtMs, Lt 30, 1884, 9)

Lt 31, 1884

Smith, Uriah
Refiled as Lt 20, 1884.

Lt 32, 1884

White, W. C.
Refiled as Lt 48, 1884.

Lt 33, 1884

Haskell, S. N.; Butler, G. I.
Refiled as Lt 21, 1884.

Lt 33a, 1884

Ings, Sr.
Refiled as Lt 22, 1884.

Lt 33b, 1884

Ings, Sr.
Refiled as Lt 23, 1884.

Lt 34, 1884

Jones, Br-Sr.
Refiled as Lt 24, 1884.

Lt 35, 1884

Children
Refiled as Lt 49, 1884.

Lt 36, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
St. Helena, California
January 15, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

We had a very pleasant journey up here from Healdsburg. Dr. Chamberlain was delighted. Now I feel sure that I am going to be better—my lungs and throat. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 1)

I want you, Mary and baby, to come up, for we must talk about my books. I want Willie should meet me here and talk over matters. You can never come in a pleasanter time. It is just beautiful. I have been going over the hills with Dr. Chamberlain. Now come if you can. Do come now before it will rain again. It is very mild here, so different from the mornings in Oakland or Healdsburg. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 2)

Tell Marian [Davis] I have matter in regard to Nehemiah on usury. Will send [it] I think tomorrow. Wish she were here. I am delighted with [the] prospect. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 3)

Sister Rogers seems so glad to see us all. Brother Rogers’ brother leaves today. Come now if you can. The children are here to take care of baby. Bring me the history of John. Borrow it. I have yours, Willie, coming in [a] box. Jennie [Ings] is very urgent for you to come. When patients get here, it will not be as good a time. No one [is] here but Bro. Robbins from Japan and Bro. St. John and our party. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 4)

Willie, bring the fountain pen. Tell Sister Sarah I would like a settlement of our account. I shall be so glad to meet you here. Do not delay, because it is so beautiful now, sunshine so warm. Ella can be out of doors all the time after early morning. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 5)

In haste, (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 6)

Mother.

Shall I set Brother Burr to work on my lot? Let me know if you do not come at once. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 7)

I think you had better, if you come, bring some of those green peas. They are nice. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 8)

Mother.

I want tinted scratch books to write on. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 9)

Mother.

I send this article to follow the others in regard to South Lancaster. If you think it not best to put in the paper, now, hold it or put [it] in [the] Signs. (4LtMs, Lt 36, 1884, 10)

Lt 37, 1884

McEnterfer, Sarah
Healdsburg, California
February 14, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 241.
Dear Sister Sarah:

I would be pleased to have you send me the account of our expenses that have been incurred since we left Battle Creek to our return to Oakland. I wish to put it in my book. Do not delay this, please. (4LtMs, Lt 37, 1884, 1)

I have a nice tooth brush somewhere. Do you know where it is? There is one box, I am satisfied, we have not received. Those large cloth shoes, buttoned on the side, have not come. Those goods that I bought did not come. There are several things that I expected to find that are not here. What about that large piece of white oil cloth such as we have for tablecloths? I had one in Battle Creek, sewed together, but it is not here. Was it packed at all? It was new, had never been used. Was made to cover our wagon. Will you please see if any box is in Oakland? I suppose there is, as the doll is not here that we fixed for Ella [White]. (4LtMs, Lt 37, 1884, 2)

Please give me this statement of account. I want the address of Byron Belden, Stephen Belden, and Charlie Belden. You had these. Please send them to me. (4LtMs, Lt 37, 1884, 3)

I am writing every day. Mean to get my book finished next month, and can scarcely write a letter, I am so intent on this matter. (4LtMs, Lt 37, 1884, 4)

Love to yourself and your friends whose acquaintance we made on the journey. (4LtMs, Lt 37, 1884, 5)

Lt 38, 1884

White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
February 14, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Son Willie:

I received a telegram from Kellogg saying that $42,000 deposited in the office would meet his claims, without profit. Now if we can get the money, we will meet this. (4LtMs, Lt 38, 1884, 1)

I wrote to you before you left Oakland. You had, I think, ample time to receive it. I asked several questions, but no answer came to my inquiries. Did you get the letter? Why not answer the letter, if you did? (4LtMs, Lt 38, 1884, 2)

Is there another box to come to me? Several things are not here that should be here. They were not in the boxes that came. There was large piece of white oilcloth, two breadths sewed together, to be used as a cover to our new large buggy, but it has not come. Do you know anything about it? (4LtMs, Lt 38, 1884, 3)

I am making good progress. I am feeling quite well, for me. I had enough of meat at the Health Retreat. I eat no meat, no butter. [I] have a good appetite and think I had better remain here with my family until my book, Volume 4, is completed. I sent to Eliza yesterday—with things Marian had to send—six of the talks given in the ministers’ meeting. (4LtMs, Lt 38, 1884, 4)

I am pleased to be with my little family. It is cold, very cold, but clear. Ice is quite thick mornings. Brother Pratt came down last Monday with his girl. Left for home yesterday morning. Elder Brownsberger is in great anxiety to know when you are coming here. Please say in your answer to this. They say you sent for your Bible and hymnbooks. Where did you leave them? Professor says he cannot find them. Your rubbers I found in a satchel of mine with scratch books. Addie is doing housework cheerfully. All are doing well. (4LtMs, Lt 38, 1884, 5)

Come and see us when you can. We had an extra good meeting Sabbath. The church seems to be of good courage; bore excellent testimonies. Write about your meetings. Do write something. (4LtMs, Lt 38, 1884, 6)

Mother.

Read Sister Chamberlain’s letter and hand [it] to her. (4LtMs, Lt 38, 1884, 7)

Lt 39, 1884

White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
February 21, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear son Willie:

Professor [Sidney] Brownsberger has been waiting anxiously for you for some time to decide some matters. Come Friday if you can. (4LtMs, Lt 39, 1884, 1)

Brother Pritchard wants to know what to do, whether he is wanted at St. Helena. He may have to move out of the house he occupies any day, and he doesn’t want to get another if he goes to St. Helena. Brother Pratt said he could have his old house for his family to move into, and he would go Sunday if he knew what to do. He would get settled with his family ready to begin work. (4LtMs, Lt 39, 1884, 2)

P. S. Bottle of ink for fountain pen. (4LtMs, Lt 39, 1884, 3)

Mother.

Lt 40, 1884

White, W. C.
St. Helena, California
February 29, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie:

I found the cellar partly dug, lots of stone piled up in heaps everywhere. They could go no further because they knew not what to do. [The] trees [are] all set. Now a wire fence must be put around the whole at once, or the cows will prune them. Sanford [Rogers] has taken his oak trees and pine trees for fence posts. I can do the same. Can get Italians to work for two dollars per day on this kind of work. They ask two and a half for laying stone foundation. Sanford has his foundation, or rock wall, for the back of his basement. Cost fifty dollars. All seem to think it a good thing and advise me to have it. I have all the stone I will want for the purpose. (4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, 1)

If Whalin comes up Tuesday, he will want the foundation prepared if it is to be stoned up. What had I better do? Let me know. You ought to have come up with me. I do not mean to stay long, for I fear perplexities will come upon me to hinder my book work. The lumber has come and must be unloaded today. If you were only here, you could see Sanford’s house—it is all enclosed—and could judge for yourself better what is wanted. I will pay you for your time if you will come. You can take the phaeton and get a horse. Set Henry on the track of a horse. (4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, 2)

It will take three coils of wire to enclose my land. This must be done at all events at once. (4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, 3)

Now, is Bro. Whalin coming or not? These things confuse me. If the work does move forward, I want you here at once just as soon as you can come. Then I will come right back with you when you return. If the whole thing is to be put off two weeks, telegraph, and I will start home Sunday. (4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, 4)

Mother.

P.S. Do write something. Come yourself or tell us something definite to do. (4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, 5)

Sanford Rogers has excellent workers, outsiders that Whalin can use. They are real nice-looking, enterprising, sturdy workmen. Two men get three dollars each day and pay their own board, and some he pays two and a half and boards them. He says these are the best kind of workmen. Now tell me what is best. (4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, 6)

Lt 41, 1884

White, W. C.
St. Helena, California
February 29, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie:

I want you to come up at once if you can. There are many things that need to be settled, talked over, if the house is to go up at once. One week more finishes the house of Brother Rogers, then the workmen can go on to mine. It will take one week’s work to prepare the basement, and no one seems to know what you want. Everything is at a standstill. Will you please come up and tell what must be done? Come as soon as Sunday, and you can go back in a day or two. There are some things to be considered. (4LtMs, Lt 41, 1884, 1)

Sister Scott is not here yet. I know not when she will come. May Sawyer goes home tomorrow. Hannah goes with her to Oakland. (4LtMs, Lt 41, 1884, 2)

I stood the journey well, but I am rather weak today and nervous, else I should have turned round and gone straight back to Healdsburg, for I cannot be troubled with these things of building that I know nothing about. (4LtMs, Lt 41, 1884, 3)

These workmen here will, I think, do well, even if Pritchard does not move up here with his family. They will work for three dollars, boarding themselves, or two and a half, boarded. They are excellent workmen. Brother Atwood’s brother that came from Kansas was sick. He works well. [The] two outsiders do good work. Now I believe you have the whole story. (4LtMs, Lt 41, 1884, 4)

Mother.

Lt 42, 1884

White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
March 16, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear son Willie:

I received your letter in reference to Battle Creek. I have been in the carriage all day today. I have been trying to secure money; have the loan of $1,500.00 (fifteen hundred) from Bro. Condivent at 6 1/2% interest. Will send you a draft with this. Tell me how much more I shall raise. All this brother required was my simple note. I tried Bro. Mills. All borrowed by boarding house. Tried Bro. Cook. Bro. Harmon borrowed all he could spare to stock a ranch, and I began to think I should utterly fail, but I was glad to get this sum. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 1)

The farm is in great need of several pairs of hands just now. We left Crystal Springs Friday morning. We came through without stopping for dinner. Arrived at home at one o’clock, [at] Dr. [E. J.] Waggoner’s at half past one. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 2)

It rained hard in the morning, but nevertheless we started. We were all afraid of a long storm. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 3)

My head troubles me much; last night [I] did not sleep until morning. I received a letter from Dr. Young, which I send with this. If you and I promised to see her through, I do not know when it was. The only thing I told her was that if I could secure her a little room in my house, I would do so, and it should cost her nothing. Out of pity to her, I gave her freely two dresses and told you to make her comfortable at my expense for the value of two hundred dollars. This I thought was considerable for me, pressed for means as I have been. But when she lays her whole weight on me, I will not carry it. I never promised to pay her bills in her medical course. If she has told others that I did, she has at least misstated me. I told her before going east just how I stood, that I could not obtain means for her. I wrote her to that effect, and now as she comes into a straight place, she writes this letter, making no acknowledgment that I had helped her. I do not accept her letter at all. It robbed me of a night’s rest and cut off one day of my writing. I cannot bear these things as I once could. They disturb my thoughts and I ponder over them and become almost distracted. I rode over to Sister Butchers’. She said she would write to her husband to hire three hundred dollars for her. She had not the means, but he could hire it if he felt it was right to do this. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 4)

Benton is now in the little house on the farm; moved today. I went all over [the farm] on the side where the house is. The trees seem to be doing well. But I think Benton is another Hemstreet—slack and shiftless. If he earns two dollars even a day, he will have to put on more energy than I give him credit for now. I am sorry that we have anything to do with them, for such ones never know themselves. They are thinking [that] that which they do [is] of much greater value than it is. I have had my share of such ones’ labors. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 5)

Willie, I think of all the dirty houses I ever looked upon, this house of mine is the worst. It is really the paint plastered with dirt. I understand he is somewhat dissatisfied now, because I did not pay him what I am paying [J. A.] Burgess to do my work. He says he shall take the manure from the farm—that is all the farm has yielded. I shall have Wallace ask him what he asks for the dressing and pay him, but I fear I have another just such in Benton. Brother Ings wrote to Bro. Leininger yesterday to learn what his purpose is in regard to the farm. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 6)

I received a letter from Dr. Lay yesterday. What shall I say to him? If he cannot come soon, will it be any use for him to come at all? I send you the letter and Dr. Young’s letter. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 7)

I will not say what I think of her statements. She is certainly arrogant and gives evidence of her manner of working. I cannot know what to make of such a production, after writing her as I did in my last [letter]. I do not know what to write her. I shall take no more responsibility in her case than I have done. The least I am mixed up with her, the better. I never shouldered her and never shall, and fear I have done more than I ought to have done. I never could see that it would pay for her to take this medical course, and I see less in it now than I ever have before. Her throwing herself on me is unreasonable and ridiculous. I shall take no further burden in her case; shall not answer her letter. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 8)

I have just been talking with Wallace. He says he went down last night and talked with Hemstreet. He has a different spirit. Says that there is something my due. He has not, as far as the rent is concerned, put in full time, and will make it right. I told Henry that I would make no claims upon him if he would only feel that he had had things his own way and [that] I had done all that I ought to have done by him. He says he will not remove the dressing, but I tell Henry to pay him, that there shall be no cause to feel that I would take the least advantage of a poor man. I may have to pay for the horse yet. He does not come right, yet he may. We are keeping it, seeing how the matter turns with him—if bad, I must pay for the horse, for he shall not lose a dollar. The horse was in my hands and that makes me responsible for it. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 9)

Send me Michael’s papers at once, and I will see him myself. If I can get anything, I will do so. Now please do not forget this. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 10)

Mother.

P.S. You spoke of getting sugar peas, rice, and some staple articles. What will you do about it? In regard to that carpet, I hope you will not neglect to look it up, for I do not want it lost. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 11)

Please look after these things for me. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 12)

Mother.

Willie, I think I shall sell both places. If I can, I will. I must break up housekeeping. I cannot any longer bear the care and burdens. I will sell everything in Oakland and in Healdsburg, keep the place in St. Helena, board at the institute. I ought not to keep house. Let the girls go—Addie to learn some trade—May to do something, I cannot tell what. Sister [Jennie] Ings has too much care and burden and ought not to be situated as she is. She thinks she does too much work. I think so too. Sister McOmber can go to Crystal Springs. I shall put both my places in the market, [but] not to furnish means for Sister Young. (4LtMs, Lt 42, 1884, 13)

Mother.

Lt 43, 1884

White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
March 18, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie:

I received a letter from Sister Coolidge for the money lent me one year ago. I am perplexed. I can find no writing, except the one calling for $1,000.00. Is there any more due her? Let me know at once. Brother Bolton will let me have a couple thousand. He has bought him a place, but he is desirous to get all the interest he can get. He will not let it go short of seven percent. What think you? Shall I give him eight if he will not let me have the money for seven? Answer by telegram at once. (4LtMs, Lt 43, 1884, 1)

How much do I owe Sister Coolidge, and interest? I must send [it] as soon as possible. I am trying to write with my tired head. I think I am some better in my head; sleep a little more. These rainy days, do not go out much. (4LtMs, Lt 43, 1884, 2)

I hear Sawyer is coming the first of next month, but what his purpose is, about the place I cannot tell. Henry has been up there at work with [J. A.] Burgess the last two days. Today they plow. I think it is the dirtiest place I have ever been in, everything neglected, but we will slick it up before Brother Leininger sees it again. Nobody would want to purchase such a looking place. I am sure it is the best for me to have no home here and free myself from care. I wish you would try to sell the places on 38th Street if you can. (4LtMs, Lt 43, 1884, 3)

I would sell for three thousand. Cannot this be done? (4LtMs, Lt 43, 1884, 4)

Mother.

Lt 44, 1884

Children
Healdsburg, California
March 27, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 242.
Dear Children:

After we had arrived at Brother Chapman’s, we saw prospects of rain and decided to come home. Started at one o’clock and arrived here at seven p.m. We found everything moving on as usual. Nothing new except letters—one, from St. John, I will send you. I think these people better be secured at once. I fear if they go to Battle Creek, Dr. [J. H.] Kellogg will secure them there. I think we must have them. (4LtMs, Lt 44, 1884, 1)

I do not think Bro. Driver wants my place. He does not say much. I was out with him nearly all day yesterday—although it rained some. There were no cheap places—everything is high, very high. (4LtMs, Lt 44, 1884, 2)

I think much of Brother Driver. He is a substantial man, a man of worth. I have told him not to be in a hurry, but to be perfectly at home until he shall look around the country. He seems to be pleased with Healdsburg. (4LtMs, Lt 44, 1884, 3)

I spoke to the college students yesterday in the parlor and shall speak to them occasionally while school lasts. (4LtMs, Lt 44, 1884, 4)

I see by appointments there are only three weeks left for me to close up my book. Dr. [E. J.] Waggoner is fearful I will not get through but I mean to by that time, if possible. I told Brother B. to send the five hundred to you. (4LtMs, Lt 44, 1884, 5)

Mother.

P.S. I send this little note for you to add what you will and send to Brother St. John. I do not think it will amount to much, the doctor spending much time at the sanitarium; but it seems to me that there is needed now the very men to take hold and do something with Chamberlain’s help. I think they can do good service. (4LtMs, Lt 44, 1884, 6)

Mother.

Bring me another good fountain pen. (4LtMs, Lt 44, 1884, 7)

Lt 45, 1884

White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
March 27, 1884
Previously unpublished.
[Willie:]

Willie, I spoke with Bro. Fay in regard to [a] sewing machine. He said he would let me have or rather let the Health Retreat have a Howe machine for $20.00. I think you had better purchase the machine and send it up to the Retreat, for they need it. It has been stormy all night and much of the time this afternoon. The mountains are all white with snow. Brother Driver may not come back till you come. (4LtMs, Lt 45, 1884, 1)

Mother.

Lt 46, 1884

White, W. C.
NP
April 26, 1884
Previously unpublished.
[Willie:]

Sister Davis and myself left Healdsburg with our horse and phaeton [and] rode thirty miles to Sister Chapman’s. We intended to take the boat that night, but the Donahue boat was still eight miles farther and we feared we could not reach it in time. We had a very pleasant visit with Sister Chapman and her family. Thursday we left the pleasant home of our sister’s for [the] Donahue boat. We had no trouble in getting our horse on the boat. Then the officials there took charge of him, so we had no more worry until we reached San Francisco. (4LtMs, Lt 46, 1884, 1)

Lt 47, 1884

Children
Los Angeles, California
May 15, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 246.
Dear Children:

I am feeling some better than I did. I had an appointment last evening, but it had been rather a disagreeable day and my lungs were congested, and in my feebleness I dared not venture to talk. It was lowery and rainy, and my brethren favored me. Brother Waggoner preached and they had a good meeting. (4LtMs, Lt 47, 1884, 1)

Came down to the early morning meeting. I spoke about fifteen minutes, and it was the best social meeting we have had. Brother Cody came only last Monday intending to go back today, but we are urging him to stay. Brother Yoakman came Monday from Lemore but had the ague and went back Tuesday. No one has come from San Diego. The attendance of brethren is small; outside attendance [is] the very best. (4LtMs, Lt 47, 1884, 2)

Sister McOmber bathes me in bed and rubs me every morning and night. I am still weak indeed, but am able to attend one meeting daily and some days two. Sister McOmber is faithful as the day is long, tender, attentive, and at times, as she sees my feebleness, appears in agony because she cannot do more. (4LtMs, Lt 47, 1884, 3)

This meeting is doing the church great good. They are learning more than they ever knew before. (4LtMs, Lt 47, 1884, 4)

Will you write to Dr. Smith and talk with Sister Sawyer? I believe he will be the one to come to the Health Institute, if you can get him. All are doing, I believe, their level best to make this meeting a success. (4LtMs, Lt 47, 1884, 5)

Mother.

Lt 47a, 1884

Ings, Sr.
Refiled as Lt 27, 1884.

Lt 47b, 1884

Brisbin, W. L.
Duplicate of Lt 28, 1884.

Lt 48, 1884

White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
July 7, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear son Willie:

I am in my mountain home; everything here is quietness and peace. I long for this, but some way my mind is exercised in regard to those eastern meetings. I shall not be obliged to leave this coast before the first of August. In that time I can do all essential upon my book and see that it is completed. That is all that I can do on it. I do not know certainly that I shall go, but my mind is drawn that way by night and by day. I cannot close my mind to it, for it will force itself upon me every few moments. It may not be my duty. It is not my choice, by any means. Sister McOmber will go East this fall. She thinks she must be with her mother. If Edson and Emma [White] do not go with me, she will accompany me whithersoever I go, if I desire it. If Edson and Emma will go, then Sister McOmber need not go; so it will be a saving of expense. Sister McOmber will go anyhow, she says, so you see how the matter stands. (4LtMs, Lt 48, 1884, 1)

I think of these large meetings, so many of them; and I was so weak when I went East before, I could not accomplish that which I desired; but if I am even as well as I am now, I could do much better work with the help of God than last year. I do think that just this year in these appointed meetings I could do much work for the Master. (4LtMs, Lt 48, 1884, 2)

In that case, I cannot be at the camp meeting in California this year, but one camp meeting should not stand in the way of five or six. Should I decide to go East, [I] will come to Oakland this week. Will you lay this matter before Elder Waggoner and pray over it as I am doing? (4LtMs, Lt 48, 1884, 3)

I find myself rather exhausted, but of good courage. Wrote yesterday seventeen pages, part for Volume Four. I think my writing on it is about done. Just as long as I exercise my mind on it, there will be something more to write. I shall never feel that I am through. The matter must be left in this way—that it is not possible for me to crowd into this volume all I have to write, so that what I shall write more fully, if I ever do, my enemies will not have a chance to make a handling of it. (4LtMs, Lt 48, 1884, 4)

Willie, the long lost carpet has come. It has been in Santa Rosa all this time. It was not injured for it was done up nicely. (4LtMs, Lt 48, 1884, 5)

I hear nothing more in regard to Leininger; shall send him a letter today. I should return and spend the winter here. (4LtMs, Lt 48, 1884, 6)

Mother.

Lt 49, 1884

Children
Kansas City, Missouri
August 10, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 11MR 145-146.
Dear Children:

It is Sunday morning. I ought to have written you as soon as we came, but the cars were delayed. We had only time to get here and get our baggage all settled, and the Sabbath was come. So I did not write, but will say we had a pleasant time at Denver. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 1)

Brother Jones rushed into the cars [and] took us across the tracks to [the] depot. [It was] raining smartly, and Brother Someone (his name I cannot remember) was waiting with [a] hack and took us about two miles to the tent. We found them very conveniently and comfortably fixed. There were two small tents carpeted, furnished with beds, besides a double tent, or two tents together, with [a] kitchen stove and everything for living. Then there was the large tent. I unpacked my fruit at once—every bit of it, with the exception of three tomatoes—and gave it to Brother Jones. He packed it in a little box and sent it to his wife and children. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 2)

I was requested to speak a short time to the canvassers [and] I told them I would. Notice was soon given by sending different ones in different directions informing our brethren that I would speak. One man was so zealous [that] he walked four miles to notify one family. We had quite a little company assembled. I spoke to them one hour, and all seemed to be pleased. A man and woman came in and seated themselves after a while. I began to have impressions that the countenance of the woman was familiar, and soon I discovered Fred Walling. The woman was his mother, sitting by the side of her husband Dunn. Before her was a lad of about ten years, the same [one] that had crossed the snowy range with us. Now, how they ever knew I was to speak, I cannot tell. It may be they were passing and heard me speaking. I expected they would come and speak to me, but they all passed out, and I was relieved. An interview might not have been agreeable to either party. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 3)

We had a very pleasant season with our brethren, then were taken in the hack back to [the] depot. From this point we had a dusty time. Could not sleep well. The smoke from [the] engine was blown back, and it was very strong. Throat and lungs were severely affected with this coal smoke. But all this is over. We are at Edson’s. He is pleasantly situated in a location separate from other houses and standing high and dry. The location is every way better than the one they had before. I cannot write all I would be pleased to write, for I am not feeling much life and energy. Had severe pain in my heart yesterday. Today my hip troubles [me] considerably. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 4)

I find that Iowa camp meeting can be made on my way to [the] New York meeting. I can spend four days there and then have six days for Syracuse. What think you of that arrangement? I seem to feel it may be a little hard on me, but it may do [a] little more good, and the blessed Saviour has plenty of strength to give for just such needy ones as I. But do you think it will be robbing New York of that which is their due? But some way it seems right to go with Edson to Marshalltown, Iowa, and spend Thursday, Friday, Sabbath, and Sunday there, and Sunday night start for Chicago. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 5)

Edson says [that] in that case I must send my tickets back to you to be used at some [other] time. He says they would gladly pay my extra expenses to Marshalltown and on from there to Chicago. I think the arrangements will be made for me to attend the camp meetings in Nebraska and in Independence, Missouri, after the Michigan meeting. Then if they still insist, I will attend the General Conference. If not, will go toward home in California. Edson cannot attend the camp meetings with me, for his business requires his presence. He can attend meetings within range of his business, but if he goes a distance, his business will suffer. He has no responsible man here and cannot get one until too late to accompany me. He wants to go wonderfully, but I am glad he feels inclined to stick to his business; but, Willie, it would give character to my work if one of my sons could attend me as I journey. It must be so in the future. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 6)

Now, Willie, I want you no longer to be keeping a boarding house. I want you to be making arrangements to connect your interest with me and do my business and have a share equal, equal share with myself. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 7)

[Apparently from a later letter written from Worcester, Mass.] (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 8)

I have received one little letter from you since I came from Oakland, one from Marian [Davis]. You are many; I am one, with work enough before me to almost frighten me, but I am calling upon God. He will help me. He has promised it. I shall not be discouraged one bit. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 9)

Elder [S. N.] Haskell goes to Portland [directly] from here. Brother Roberson goes with him to help him to arrange for the meeting. We dare not trust Brother Goodrich, for he is so slow to act. I shall not feel any security in leaving matters in the hands of Elder Goodrich and those who live in Portland. I expect tomorrow morning we shall go to Vermont, [and] get there the same night. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 10)

September 2, 1884
Dear Children:

Yesterday I had rather a hard day’s labor. I was in the morning meeting and occupied about one-half hour. The galleys of proof I read. Wrote some then. Then there was [a] baptism. Twenty were baptized. We had a large crowd of outsiders. I spoke to them from the words, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.” [Matthew 6:28.] I had the most perfect freedom and clearness in presenting the subject. Then I visited a sick woman and prayed with her in agricultural hall, sister of the man who takes charge of the grounds. She has just had a tumor removed from the abdomen, weighing forty pounds. She is doing well. She had one of my volumes. One and another had contributed eighty cents, and I went to the stand and purchased the other two volumes and Early Writings. They were very thankful. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 11)

I can write no more now. Just came in from [the] morning meeting. Had a good parting meeting. We have decided to go to South Lancaster for a little change and get on the Vermont ground Wednesday night. (4LtMs, Lt 49, 1884, 12)

Mother.

Lt 50, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
Kansas City, Missouri
August 13, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear children, Willie and Mary:

I thought you would want to hear in regard to our plans. Edson [White] and Emma [White] go with us to Marshalltown, Iowa. We take the six o’clock train this evening. We shall spend four days at this camp meeting and then go on to Syracuse to be at the last week of their meeting. This looked right to me. Edson obtained half-fare tickets to Chicago and [a] permit to tarry at Marshalltown. We have to leave the direct route and go a short distance on another road. Emma goes with me the rounds at the camp meeting. Edson will join us when he can, but his business is such he cannot leave it. Trunks came all right. They are checked for Marshalltown. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 1)

The time we have spent here has been very busily occupied. There have been efforts made in Lawrence about sixty miles from here. Brothers Barton and Enoch have been at work there. There has been a church raised up of about forty in all. They have drawn into the net of truth one woman, a remarkable case, Mrs. McCullouch, a great money speculator, speculator in lands, grain, and everything where there is any show of money. She does an immense business. Well, this woman has powers adapted to just such a work. She is a woman of commanding appearance, of wonderful influence. She is worth one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and this woman has embraced the Sabbath. She has purchased a library of our publications, the four she had paid for. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 2)

I had an opportunity to talk much to this lady, being in trade, and I hope she will come heart and soul into the whole truth as it is in Jesus. She asked many, many questions. I told her frankly the truth. I told her that money, the handling of money, was a part of existence, but there was a greater work for her to do than this—[working for] the souls of men and women for whom Christ has died. “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” Isaiah 13:12. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 3)

There was work for her to do; there were faculties she was to exercise and develop [in] her work and enlarged powers she would take with her into the future, immortal life. But all the work she was now doing would not, could not, be carried on in the future life; therefore, her life work would tell nothing there. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 4)

I said many plain things to her, which I hope will be thought of hereafter. Money or the handling of large business is her element or her God. She is awakening upon some points. She has large moneys of an infidel invested with her money. He is a foul blasphemer, and she has decided she cannot have his means mixed up with hers. She is a woman of keen sensibilities and acute discernment. She has peculiar powers of intuition, and all these powers are valuable. I tell her, they belong to God, to be used not in the world, but for the glory of God. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 5)

Well, we must wait and see what will come of this singular acquisition to the truth. She has supported the work being done in Lawrence. She has an immense skating rink, which she opened and used for meetings. She expected many would come into the truth, and to have only twenty-five or thirty adults seems to her small business. She opens her princely establishment for Brother Barton and Bro. Enoch and their wives, and she seems to be willing and thankful for the opportunity. But we will leave her now and write of something else. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 6)

Bro. Cudney heard I was to be here. He came down yesterday and he solicited my attendance at the Omaha meeting, to commence [the] 24th [and continue] to the 30th. Brother [G. I.] Butler writes that it is a week too early, earlier than he told them to have the meeting. Brother Cudney thus understood him, and he has made arrangements for the meeting with the railroad officials. I told him they could extend the meeting one week, to the 6th of October, and the first week have someone, at least, who could be there to speak and attend to much of their business that could be done, and then the last week we would come in to take hold in earnest. He has written to Brother Butler about it. In this case, I could not attend the Indiana meeting, but I was there last year and I think I ought to attend the meeting at Omaha. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 7)

To say the very least, you must consider I am getting older every year. I need you. If you do accept this offer, I will pay you weekly a sum that will be as much as you receive now. This looks right to me. We will work either at Healdsburg or St. Helena this winter, probably at Healdsburg. You may occupy the house with us, have Anna and Mother Kelsey with us and your family, and let us be united in our efforts. Sell your place, if you can. Think of these things candidly and prayerfully. There is now a good boarding house so that the necessity is not now so great for you to remain where you are to make a home for the young. Edson works very hard. He feels much cramped and worked up about things at Battle Creek. They crowd him and hurt him unnecessarily. I think it will be essential for you to be at Battle Creek at General Conference, if not before, to accompany me, but I will see and test matters still further. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 8)

Emma is very thin and poor in health. I do not think she will accompany me. [She] is willing to do so if I say that I want her, but if Edson does not go, I think she had better not go. Now I have written quite fully. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 9)

A woman has just embraced the truth in Lawrence. She wished to see me. Edson telegraphed that I was here, and a dispatch has just come that she will be here at six o’clock today. She is a woman in possession of property and wants some advice about the matter. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 10)

Bro. and Sister Shireman are living in this city. They want to do missionary work on their own responsibility and try to work with persons and introduce the truth to individuals. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 11)

Edson seems to be anxious to do all he can, in any way he can work. He wants no pay for his time, only his expenses for traveling paid. He has been unable to do much for months on account of [buying?]. Now he says nothing is in the way, but to go ahead. He feels very hopeful. He has another book, Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper, for public sale. It is a good thing; it has been much of it [done] by himself. Mary Clough has done some; William Gage, some. He found his large book was wanted, but many could not take it because they could not go so high. This will go with the other, both canvassed for; this will be much cheaper, so it will go. He hired seven hundred dollars to get this out. The work had been paid for, before [completion of] the material or matter composing the book. I know so little about business. I cannot tell much about it. Edson wants so much to see you and talk with you. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 12)

Well, I found out I could not get this in before night, and I concluded to write [as] fully as I could. When I get to Marshalltown, will write you again. Edson has a Sabbath school in his house every Sabbath. There are three families that attend. He says he will try to have meetings every Sunday evening when he is here. He will speak to them on Bible subjects. When he is absent, Bro. Shireman will hold Bible readings. Thus they are trying with a little leaven to do what they can. I think this is a good plan. They are going to advertise for meetings here every Sunday, and may the Lord bless their efforts is my prayer. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 13)

I shall make the most of my little time to rest, but I cannot spend my strength in private conversation to entertain those who have no real claim upon me. It really tires me more than giving an address in public. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 14)

May the Lord bless you, all those working for me, and those working for the interest of the meetings in the tent. (4LtMs, Lt 50, 1884, 15)

Mother.

Lt 51, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
Marshalltown, Iowa
August 16, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear children, Willie and Mary:

It is evening after the Sabbath. Thursday at about half past six, we left Kansas City. Edson and Emma [White] accompanied us. We all had half rates and privilege of the chair car, but I could not rest or sleep. Edson and Emma obtained a berth for me in the sleeper, but I slept but little that night. We left the train at three o’clock in the morning. We hired a room at the Eldon house and we occupied it and all slept considerable, one on the floor, three of us on the one bed in the room. The cars were thundering all the time, coming and going and making up trains, but wonder of wonders, I slept. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 1)

We took the cars again at 8:00 a.m., rode a short distance to Givin, and had to lay over again until four o’clock in the afternoon. We found a grove near and took our writing and dinner out in the grove and had a very pleasant picnic. Some slept. I wrote out some matter to be used in Testimony No. 32. It cost us, including all expenses, fifteen dollars to reach the encampment. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 2)

I spoke Friday morning [at the] 5 o’clock meeting and [in the] evening at the commencement of the Sabbath to one thousand people. I had great freedom and the people listened earnestly. Many outsiders were present. Several carriages were in the road, listening during the services. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 3)

In the night Emma was sick. I tried to find some things for Edson, who occupied the next tent. Had a serious time with my left arm, that dulled so I had but little sleep. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 4)

In the early morning meeting I spoke a short time; directly after breakfast, spoke for about thirty minutes to the ministers alone. I talked very plainly and pointedly in regard to the state of the cause in the conference. Many wept. Then I was present at the Sabbath school. Spoke about twenty minutes to the Sabbath school. We had a very interesting school. Edson managed the school efficiently and acceptably to all. In the afternoon I spoke upon Joshua and the angel. Deep feeling was in the congregation. The tent was full. Seven carriages were drawn up to listen and remained during the entire services. Many outsiders were in. There was deep feeling in the meeting. Many wept. Their heads were bowed down and they seemed to feel deeply. Oh, that God would impress hearts! (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 5)

We made a call for those who wanted prayers to come forward. About one hundred responded. There was a deep feeling throughout the congregation. After some time spent in hearing the testimonies of those who came forward, we had a season of prayer and then divided up in companies to carry on the work in different tents, and the Lord wrought by His Spirit in these tents. Some brought in excellent reports of these meetings, but the work must go deeper and more general. I am weary tonight. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 6)

August 17, 1884

We all slept well last night. I sweat profusely in that left arm, was as if bathed in water. I took sponge bath, went in early morning meeting, spoke about twenty minutes. We are making progress. The work is deepening. Many heartfelt testimonies were borne. Four were on their feet at the same time, and we had to close when the interest was steadily increasing. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 7)

As soon as we had taken breakfast and had attended prayers, we, Edson and I, went into the minister’s meeting. I talked with them most earnestly and pointedly for about thirty minutes. There were several who wept freely. At half past two p.m., spoke to a full tent with great freedom [on] the subject [of] the lawyer who asked Jesus what he should do to have eternal life. [Luke 10:25.] Many outsiders were present. There would have been a large crowd today, but it has rained all night and much of the time today. They are now having a Bible reading. Edson is having a meeting with the children and youth. I never saw Edson in the place he is now; evidently the Spirit of the Lord is working with him. He is doing all he can as he is now situated and means to do all he can. He has excellent ideas of work and his labors are appreciated. He worked earnestly in the Sabbath school. He has a canvassing class for which he is working. He has a love for the work. I hope he will erelong be able to give himself wholly to the work. He seems to have precious ideas and he labors well upon temperance. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 8)

Tomorrow I talk to parents in regard to their duty to their children and attend the early morning meeting, ministers’ meeting. At half past six we go to the train, ride about thirty miles, stay over night at hotel, take the cars then direct for Chicago. From Chicago, take cars for Battle Creek and make no change until we get to Syracuse by the way of Buffalo. I am desirous Emma shall accompany me, for I think it will do her good, but she has acute attacks of most stubborn pains in the pit of her stomach. I think I shall venture to have her go. There are those who will take care of me where we shall go. It is not as if we were traveling west and among those who do not know me well. I will now let this rest until tomorrow. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 9)

Sister McOmber is reluctant to leave me, while Emma is so poorly. She fears I will not have proper care, but I will risk it. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 10)

I shall expect to hear from you at Syracuse. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 11)

Monday morning [I] attended the early morning meeting. Spoke earnestly for thirty minutes. Edson had been holding meeting with the teachers in Sabbath school in another tent. He came for me to talk to them. I spoke thirty minutes to them in a very pointed manner, showing them their responsibility as teachers, then took breakfast. Then I went directly to ministers’ meeting, put in one hour of hard labor. Then there was a breaking down and many confessions were made with the deepest feeling. Many tears were shed and there was a good work wrought. One young minister confessed he had felt hard as a stone all through these meetings. He had really despised the testimonies borne of reproof, showing them they must have the Spirit of God with them in their labor. Other confessions were made and the work we felt was begun which would let the light into the meetings. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 12)

I did not intend to go in meeting again, but at two o’clock I went under the tent and spoke for one hour. Many outsiders were present. We called them forward for prayers, about two hundred [came]. Many were youth and children. It was a time of deep feeling. We had an earnest season of prayer, and then the meeting was divided into three parties. The ones who came forward were taken into a tent by themselves to be labored with. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 13)

Edson is now holding meeting in the Sabbath school interest. He has worked heartily, interestedly and efficiently in many branches of Sabbath school, of temperance, and in instructing canvassers. But he had a meeting for the children, and he conducted this ably. He was intensely interested and blest, himself. He is doing all he can, fettered with debt as he is. And he has the fear of God before him, and his heart is very tender. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 14)

In about one hour we take the cars for Chicago. I do not know as we can get a berth, for we have need of it very much. I have worked tremendously. God has given me strength, or I could never have done it. There were but two who could lift here, and the heaviest weight came on me. I have tried to stir things and I think things will move differently in Iowa than they have done. Brother [G. I.] Butler comes the last of this week. When the reenforcement comes, we hope that they will continue to progress, for the work is well started. I am real tired for I have spoken in all about five hours today, beside praying three times. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 15)

Mother.

Please send this to Sister [Jennie] Ings after you read it, and it will save my writing to her. (4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, 16)

Lt 52, 1884

White, W. C.
Syracuse, New York
August 20, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie:

I have had some talk with Brother [S. N.] Haskell, and from that which I have been myself able to see, I cannot see how it is possible to spare one laborer. It was a real pitiful thing to see the large number out at Iowa and no one calculated to understand the situation but Brethren Farnsworth and Olsen. They were very hoarse, and the rest were young men who knew not how to lift. The Lord helped me to work, and I think there is a right mold on the meetings. Here you see are so many camp meetings running that all are not thoroughly manned, and this is sad to think of. The meetings are in large places and need the wisest generalship to do what they ought to do. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 1)

Elder Haskell should be at the General Conference and Michigan camp meetings. Could not Elder Waggoner leave California in season to attend on his way the Omaha and Independence camp meetings? I think it would be well for him to do this. Elder Haskell would have me be at the dedication of the school and boarding house, which will be arranged after the camp meetings. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 2)

Brother Oviatt wants a meeting again in Pennsylvania, but they are laying out too great an amount of work for me. I cannot see how I can do it all. Elder Haskell says if he can be of service this winter in California in going from church to church, he can do more than in a camp meeting. What think you of this? Will it not be better? You have now Elder Waggoner, Corliss, Jones, Loughborough, beside other help as Ballou and St. John, if he is able, [and] Bro. Briggs, who should certainly attend your camp meeting. I think you will do very well for help. Consider the proposition in reference to Elder Haskell’s coming in the winter to California. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 3)

I think I shall speak this evening. It is oppressively warm. Elder [Uriah] Smith is here, also his wife, Brother Wilber Whitney, Brother Cottrell and Brown. Haskell leaves tomorrow or tonight, so you see this meeting is feebly manned. I mean to [start] in early and get away next Monday, if possible. I am enduring the heat well, but it is terrible. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 4)

Mother.
Thursday Morning, August 21

Brother Smith has just informed me that George Lay has made an assignment. The facts are these: He [was] engaged in business with his son-in-law, Lane, who is not a safe businessman. This Lane was connected with a party in partnership. These men did not like the way of Lay and Lane doing business and refused to be connected with them for the principles upon which they had done business were objectionable. The result was, Lay pompously bought them out and established his manufacturing works directly opposite theirs, using the same signs, doing business in the name of these men who had been their partners. These men complained of this and threatened the law against them. Lay asked what they would settle the matter for. The parties said eight thousand dollars. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 5)

They had been damaged that amount. Lay pompously told them he would pay no eight thousand dollars. They might law it as much as they pleased. He had money and would law it as long as they would. Well, the result was, judgment was obtained against George Lay for fifty-eight thousand dollars. He lost five thousand by fire. This has broken him down financially. There are men in Monterey, Elder Smith says, that heard me make the statement to George Lay in the last conversation I had with him, that he would be lifted up because of his prosperity in making money and for a time God would bear with him, test him, to see what he would do. But he might gather, and if he abused his God-given powers to place his affection on his property and exalt himself, God would show him how quickly He could scatter his possessions because he did not honor God with his substance and lifted himself up against the God of heaven. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 6)

Elder Haskell remains today. Tomorrow he goes to the Worcester camp meeting. This leaves them really short handed. May the Lord give me strength, is my prayer, to say and do all that I ought to do. He will do it. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 7)

I attended the morning meeting and spoke to them quite pointedly. We long to see the Lord work here. I am so glad to receive your letter from home. Write me as often as you can if you expect me to write to you real often. I shall expect letters often. Don’t disappoint me. There is a meeting now in this tent, the auditing committee. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 8)

Bro. Oviatt says that from that meeting held in Pennsylvania, there went out an influence that has done a work all through their section as was never known to be done in any winter before. The result is one hundred accessions to the truth. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 9)

Courage and hope has inspired them since that meeting. This is good news. (4LtMs, Lt 52, 1884, 10)

Mother.

Lt 53, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
Syracuse, New York
August 20, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in TSB 202; 12MR 269.
Dear Willie and Mary:

We arrived here all right at half past one o’clock. No one was at the depot to meet us, but we engaged a hack and it took us to the ground. This is a large encampment, but I think it is no larger than the one in Iowa. I was astonished at its size and at the large number that attended the meeting. Brother [S. N.] Haskell is speaking. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 1)

Emma [White] came along with us. I thought it might benefit her healthwise. She is having another painful season with her stomach. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 2)

We left Marshalltown about half past six o’clock, took [a] sleeper, and came northwestern route to Chicago. Brother [G. B.] Starr, his wife, and Brother Sawyer met us. We took omnibus to the other depot, Michigan Central. We left Chicago about eight o’clock. We had more dust from this point than any of the past journey. We tarried over one train to Battle Creek. Then I heard that little Mabel Kelsey was dying of consumption. As she was then in the death struggle, I did not go to see her. They say the grandfather and mother have been keeping the Sabbath since the death of their daughter. Little Mabel has a very precious record as a child of God. Sweet child, let her rest in Jesus. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 3)

I called upon Aunt Mary just a few moments. I found a large family, Schroder family. The children were noisy and he was a hard, miserable being. She had received no rent for five weeks. She looks very thin and feeble. I shall make some decided arrangements for her before we leave for California. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 4)

Brother Palmer says he has written to you in regard to the insurance. If the house is not insured, it should be at once. He says you have all the papers, and you have not answered his letter at all. If you have the insurance, they can get pay for the damage done to the house. Please attend to this immediately. Write something at once so that we may know what to do. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 5)

We took [a] good bath at [the] sanitarium, then we again took [the] sleeper. We had forgotten to buy a section in Chicago so we could get no berth, but I tried the upper berth and I did well. This morning when the lower berth occupants crept out of their berth, so black, so fearful looking, I was glad I was where the cinders and coal dust did not reach me. But it was bad enough for us, all hot and dusty. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 6)

Received a letter from Brother B. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 7)

We have some hard labor to do here. There was a spirit on the ground of lightness. The young men were mating up the young girls and when reproved, were, some of them, defiant, hard-hearted, reckless. We had to get this cleared away before we could get the spirit of freedom into our meeting. But Sabbath everything seemed to break away. Elder Fifield, who has been preaching, had been running after the girls, married women, and widows, and this seemed to be his inclination out of the desk, from state to state. Sunday morning I called him out by name and told him and all present we had no use for any such men, for they would only make the work of the burden-bearing laborers double what it was now. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 8)

If they would only take themselves out of the way and act out just what was in their heart, without doing this evil work under a pretense of godliness, the cause would be relieved. He has made no confession yet. Do not know as he will do so. But light came into our meetings, and the young who had been following his example came out decidedly and confessed their wrong course of action. When will those who profess Christ be wise? (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 9)

Yesterday I spoke to the crowd on temperance. There are many convicted on the truth. Some have decided to obey the commandments of God. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 10)

This meeting has been very trying. We have had dog days weather—rain and a depressing atmosphere, oppression in breathing. Today I am able to breathe more freely, thank the Lord. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 11)

I think of you all. I pray for you and I believe we shall see God working with our efforts. Do not be faithless. Ask and believe and receive, that your joy may be full. According to our faith so it shall be unto us. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 12)

The people of temperance in the city sent a request for me to speak at five o’clock, but we would not divert the interest from this point. Brother Haskell and [Uriah] Smith have labored hard. Brother Smith takes especial pains to vindicate the testimony and show the necessity of our having this gift in the church. When reproof is given, he is right on hand to stand by them and impress them upon the people as the greatest blessing God has ever vouchsafed to them as a people, which constitutes them as God’s chosen ones, preparing to stand in the day of the Lord. We seem to draw in even cords now, and I hope the enemy will have no power to separate us again. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 13)

[Apparently from a different letter written about the same time:] (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 14)

Then immediately following this, will be a camp meeting in Independence, ten miles from Kansas City. I could attend this meeting in Kansas also. Then, if I must needs do so, [I] will go back to General Conference. Perhaps Elder Waggoner could attend both these meetings held in October and yourself, if you come, Willie. I mean to trust in the Lord and do all I can on this visit to the camp meetings. I hope and pray that your meetings will prove a success in Oakland, and especially that you may see of the salvation of God in your camp meeting. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 15)

My heart is fixed, trusting in God. I think Edson is altogether in the best place religiously he has been in for years. I cannot see why his business should not be finally successful. I am glad we have helped him. Emma seems well, but is not strong now. Will improve. She decided to go with me, was really anxious to go. Edson will be with me at these Western meetings. I dare not say one word to urge him to go to the more distant meetings, for I know he greatly desires to go and he lifts a cross in remaining away from them. But I wish he could go. It would do him good and he could help me. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 16)

If you can get out the books so that they can be had at the camp meetings, I would engage to sell all I could myself, and these large sums paid to canvassers, I could have myself. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 17)

Well, Willie, write me. Tell Marian [Davis] to write Eliza, and Mary [to] write. I want to hear from you all very, very much. I am thankful I am as well as I am. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 18)

We awoke this morning with heavy thunder and vivid lightening. It is now nine o’clock and the storm continues. The dust will be laid and we shall, I think, have a pleasant journey. I think of you all, every one—Mother Kelsey, Anna, and little Ella May [White] comes in for a large share of tender love and thoughts. I see Marian at work, so busy. God bless the dear child. To me she is as precious as gold. I appreciate Eliza’s work above gold, and Mary, my faithful daughter. Mary her price is above rubies. May the Lord deal very tenderly with my precious Mary is my heart’s wish and earnest prayer. Willie, I think of you so much, steady, earnest, constantly at work. God sees it all and will by and by say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 19)

Pray for me. I believe you do this. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 20)

Willie, I send back this ticket. See if you can get the time extended, and see if [in] the place of “McOmber,” you can get “attendant” inserted. I can use it from Omaha back to Chicago. (4LtMs, Lt 53, 1884, 21)

Mother.

Lt 54, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
Syracuse, New York
August 22, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie and Mary:

I have just come from the stand from speaking to a large congregation of most interested listeners. I had freedom in speaking. Last night Elder [S. N.] Haskell left us. This morning at half past five I went into the morning meeting. Before there was a prayer offered, I invited those who had not a living connection with God to come forward, those who had backslidden from God and those who wished to become Christians, to separate themselves from the congregation and thus testify they were seeking the Lord. Nearly the entire congregation came forward, and what a change a few minutes made from stiffness and formality, coldness and hard-heartedness to deep feelings of penitence, confession, and contrition. There seemed to be heart work. We had another meeting of the same kind at nine o’clock. I labored considerably in these meetings, then went into a meeting or the meeting was held in our tent in the outer court. Two small tents are pitched side by side [near] the larger tent. This leaves a court or hall with [a] table for dining [and] for writing for the ministers. (4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, 1)

They are trying to raise means to cancel the debts in the conference. It is slow work. I talked several times in this meeting, but everything comes by the hardest. My work is now done for today. I am tired. Yesterday [I] was in morning meeting and a meeting of certain ones assembled to raise means. I talked some but had a hard day; inflammation of the eye affected my whole nervous system. I just worked with it all day. It is better today, and I am so grateful that I could speak to the people this day as I have done. I seem to draw the people. It is the Lord. I will praise Him who is the light of my countenance and my God. I will, as soon as I can get time, give a little sketch of my journey and labors. I have been so full of labor and care and traveling [that] I cannot write much, but I mean to write you often, just a little if no more. I think they are indeed poorly provided for [in respect to] the real working element in this meeting. May the Lord work, is my prayer. There is certainly a break here now, and this afternoon God helped me. I know it, I know it! They need the testimony God has given me here as much as in any place I am acquainted with. (4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, 2)

Monday night I shall go to Worcester, ride all night, reach there in the morning. I am harassed continually about that Volume Four. Do make haste with it and get it off. The people are so anxious for it. I feel deeply in regard to you all in Oakland. (4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, 3)

Pray with all your might. Pray that God shall work. Just had chance to send this to office. Pray for us. (4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, 4)

Mother.

Lt 54a, 1884

Children (?)
Benecia, California
Circa May, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 19MR 283-286.

The sleeping car conductor spoke to the gentlemen in the seat with us [asking them] to go in another car, so we have the whole seat to ourselves. We are pleasantly situated. We are delayed—a box is heated, a fire smelling badly—but we are now started again. I shall endure the journey well, I think. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 1)

May 9

Since writing the above we have had some experience. I realized difficulty in breathing and was greatly annoyed by the effluvia of tobacco, but as I had crossed the continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic nineteen times, I had found [that] on the Northern route there could be secured in the sleeper every convenience without the annoyance of being obliged to inhale tobacco-poisoned air. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 2)

Once only was I grievously troubled. My husband and I were situated in the car opposite a gentleman, his wife, and daughter. This gentleman was a steamboat inspector. He smoked in the cars. Others took lenity from him and they smoked. We changed our seat for the smoke room which could be closed. I thought we were safe, but I realized no relief. I used lemon freely but felt the same strange emotion, and the tobacco-poisoned air was the same as in any [other] part of the car. I was determined to endure it and I laid down, but my head felt that a tight band was drawn around it. I was unable to think and soon went into a spasm. It was one hour before this was overcome and I was relieved, but with a strange sensation of giddiness and weakness which lasted me three months. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 3)

The smoking steamboat inspector was told it was the tobacco smoke which had acted like poison upon me. He threw away his cigar and we had no more smoking on the train. A physician on board stated that he feared it was to me a fatal poison and that I would never become conscious again. He told me never to consent to be in the room or in the car, carriage, or steamboats where I would be obliged to breathe the air poisoned by tobacco, for he had in his practice treated many cases of mothers and children with affection of the heart caused by living in and inhaling constantly tobacco-poisoned air. Notwithstanding he warned the husband and father of the sure result, he thought there could have been no change, for the afflicted ones only lived a short time and were [as] verily poisoned to death as if a dose of arsenic or strychnine had been administered. The blood was poisoned. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 4)

He further stated that a very large share of these wives and children who die with heart disease are purely the sure result of living in an atmosphere that is charged with tobacco. “Yours is,” said he, “a miraculous escape. The twitching of the muscles of the face, the rigidity of the muscles followed with great prostration and relaxed muscles, are the sure tokens of poison. The violent action of the heart followed by a feeble, intermittent pulse, I have met it very many times. It is the effect of tobacco poison. Hundreds are falling victims to this plague of men’s own creating, and then have to suffer the consequence of their own perverted habits. They sacrifice wife and children and themselves for [an] indulgence which is a curse to themselves and to all around them.” (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 5)

On this short trip I have suffered great pain in my heart and dullness of the head. I questioned whether it would be safe to lie down and attempt to sleep. I was very weary, but the drawing room opening directly into the car with the door open was devoted to smoking. A party of Germans were on the car, and their habits are to smoke almost constantly. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 6)

I spoke to the ticket conductor. He said he had no control whatever of the passengers of the sleeping cars. He could do nothing. If the passengers wanted to smoke, they would, and no one could control the matter. I spoke to the porter, asking him if there was no place in the so-called palace car that I could be free from tobacco-poisoned air. He said he could not do anything; he was only a servant. I decided to try [to solve] the matter and went into my berth, drew the curtains as closely as possible about us, and opened the window; and, as there was no smoking after they took their berths, I [thought I] might sleep. In the morning I had a severe pain in my heart, and breathing was quite difficult. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 7)

I had yet ten hours on the cars. Close by our seats the Germans began their devotion, to offer up their morning sacrifice. To whom—to the Creator or to the devil? I spoke to the conductor. He said he could not hinder them but would speak to them in regard to it. He did, and they desisted from smoking in that locality. They went into the rear department. In order to obtain correct information, [I] inquired of the sleeping car conductor. He says that it is the custom to devote one end of the car to smoking. As the door is either left wide open or continually opening and shutting, so that the smoke was fully and thoroughly distributed through the car. I know now what we had to hope for—nothing but poisoned air to breathe the entire journey. I must bear it as best I could. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 8)

We passed over some striking scenery. We passed Sumner (?) some miles and there is much on this route that is interesting in the scenery. The engine is climbing up the steep ascent with two engines tugging laboriously with their load of coaches in their serpentine course, bearing to the right, [then] to the left, going through the heart of [the] mountains. (4LtMs, Lt 54a, 1884, 9)

Lt 55, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
Syracuse, New York
August 24, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear children, Willie and Mary:

Our important meeting is now over. They estimate we have had from five to eight thousand people out, and the very best part of community. I never addressed a more noble appearing people. They listened, many with tears, while I spoke one hour and three quarters upon temperance. Then at the close of the meeting they came to my tent to speak to me and bid me Godspeed. One lady spoke to Emma [White] and said I was too tired, she knew, to be troubled with visitors, but could Mrs. White be prevailed upon to stay one more week and speak to the people. I could do so much good, that the congregation was composed of the very best class in the city, and if Mrs, White would only stay! Several have come and spoken with me, kissed me, and expressed their gratitude to God that they heard me—noble-looking, richly dressed ladies. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 1)

Brother Whitney says just this one meeting alone would pay for all the efforts and expenses of the whole meeting. I bless the Lord that He gave me strength today. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 2)

I am, of course, weary, but of good courage. Many say, “I hope this meeting will be reported in the papers, for we want it. It is too good to be lost, and we want to ever remember the ideas presented before us.” I feel now that my work is about done. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 3)

Tomorrow there will be twenty or thirty baptized. Oh, I am so grateful to the Lord that He can use me, a poor frail instrument to do His work. I am unworthy of this great honor. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 4)

Several of the first-class ladies have urged me to go with them to their homes, but I have told them this was simply impossible because of other appointments. I leave for Worcester, Mass. tomorrow night. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 5)

Elder [Uriah] Smith spoke on the Sabbath question to a large congregation this morning, and this evening he speaks on the Eastern question. I feel so grateful that Brother Smith is not lost to the cause. He seems fully and thoroughly united with us; seems like Brother Smith of old. Oh, thank the Lord! Praise His Holy Name, that His love, His wondrous love has been exercised toward the children of men. It is so dark, I must stop. Will write you tomorrow. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 6)

Aug. 25, 11:00 a.m

The first two pages were written Sunday after I had spoken to the crowd. The evening meeting was largely attended. Elder Smith spoke with great clearness, and many listened with open eyes, ears, and mouths. The outsiders seemed to be intensely interested in the Eastern question. He closed with a very solemn address to those who had not been preparing for these great events in the near future. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 7)

This morning in [the] half-past-five meeting, many precious testimonies were borne. I spoke about twenty minutes. We then had a meeting of the ministers, licentiates, colporteurs, canvassers, and I talked with them about one hour in regard to the preparation essential to prepare them for the solemn work in which they were engaged. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 8)

The ministers said these remarks were right to the point, good words of highest value. They begged me to come into the tract and missionary meeting, but I declined. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 9)

Dr. Gibbs had been waiting to talk with me. He has cases of fever he must see through. We have just had a talk with him, and I am pleased with him. He is about thirty-three years old, black hair, dark eyes, rather young looking, of good address. I think he is just the man for us. He carries the highest recommendations. Studied in this very city. Has the first-class diploma. He graduated with the highest honors. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 10)

He has believed the truth for six years, but his wife is the bitterest kind of an opposer. Says she will leave him if he goes with this people, but he has decided to obey the truth. He seems to be conscientious and his highest aims are to glorify God. He wants to do good. He seems to think it would be the highest blessing to be connected with the work of God where he could be a blessing to others. He is compassionate, tender, pitiful, and I think he will serve us well. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 11)

He will, as soon as he can, settle his business, go to the sanitarium, and there learn something of the manner of treating the sick upon hygienic principles. Thinks if he can settle his business, he can do this in a few weeks and can be prepared to go back with us when I return to California. I asked him in regard to his wages. He will come for eight hundred dollars the first year, and his fare paid over; and he says if he sees the Health Retreat embarrassed, he will feel it a privilege to take hold and put his means into it, for he is not proposing to work for money. He wants to learn the ways of the Lord more perfectly. He wants to be fitting for heaven. He has an offer of three thousand dollars a year at Philadelphia, but in the light of this truth it would be at the loss of his soul. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 12)

He says he was called away from his medical studies two years. His father died. He could not leave his mother in her bereavement. He took the farm and worked on it for two years and then, when the farm was sold, he returned to College [and] completed his course. He said, “I am a successful physician. I do not [say] this to praise myself but you want to know facts. I have mementos now awarded me for skillful practice in broken limbs and arms, shattered limbs, and removals of tumors. I can get large wages if I go to Philadelphia, but my soul is of more value than three thousand dollars multiplied.” I will say I like his appearance much. He says you need not think I fear hard work or that I am not willing to be taught. He is [an] allopath. He says he has practiced eight years. His mother is a noble appearing woman. She was so anxious for her son that we should find a position for him among us, that I told her to telegraph for him. He has here, listened to the truth. He had tried to keep the Sabbath, but he says not as he should. Now he has enjoyed these meetings, every one of them. He took his stand publicly. He came forward Sabbath afternoon and bore his testimony. Seems to be firm and decided for the right and to appear to be a man of noble qualities of mind. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 13)

Well, I have been called away to converse or advise with Isador Green, who wants to study for a physician, who, I think would make a failure. I do not think she has the qualifications for a physician. Well, I speak once more and then I am done, I hope. You see how faithful I am to you. Will you do as well among you all for me? May the Lord bless you. I have just bid Lucinda [Hall] and Emma White goodbye to go to the Abbey farm. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 14)

I, [be] on to my work. Love to all in the household. (4LtMs, Lt 55, 1884, 15)

Mother.

Lt 56, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
Syracuse, New York
August 24, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie and Mary:

Yesterday was a trying day for me. I was in the morning meeting and felt urged by the Spirit of the Lord to present before them the true state of indolence and indifference of the laymen [in] looking to and leaving the work to be done by the ministers, when every one of them that had reasoning powers when they became servants of Jesus Christ pledged themselves as men and women to labor in His service for wages, the gift of eternal life. Yet there were but very few who felt under any obligation to use their ability, their tact, their inventive powers, all their capacity in the interest of their Employer. They devoted all their powers to serving their own selfish interest, and if they did even care for their own souls, they neglected the souls around them, the property of the Master. This was their work, to labor in His vineyard, but their powers were reserved for themselves to glorify themselves, to devote to their different enterprises, and the very work they were hired to do they left undone. The Lord had not given them a different set of faculties than their ministering brethren, but their ministering brethren put them to work in the interest of the One who employed them, while the larger number neglect the appointed work given them by their Master and devoted all their time and powers to serving themselves. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 1)

The worldly, temporal interest was made first; the Master’s work came secondary or lastly and was in almost every case neglected and negligently done. This is the reason that the churches all through the land are in a neglected or languishing condition, like a neglected field left to haphazard, scarcely any time spent in its cultivation. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 2)

I presented before them that the most terrible, fatal delusion was upon souls, that Satan had so blinded their understanding that they could not sense the claims of God upon them and neglected to use their powers in His service, robbing thier own souls of a genuine experience of the things of God and robbing the world of the light of a precious experience which should shine, through them that would constitute them the light of the world. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 3)

I told them their ideas were all perverted. The things which should be the highest, the first, and that demanded the strength of thought, tact, wisdom, perseverance, diligence, earnest, and untiring effort, were almost wholly neglected for self-serving, self-pleasing. If they devoted a small remnant of their time to forethought, to study, to advance the cause of their Master, they thought the Lord was under obligation to them. Everything they had regarded in a perverted light, and when they came to their senses, they would see that they were symbolized [in a parable]. The man that Jesus addressed, “Son, go labor today in My vineyard,” said, “Yea, Lord,” but did not go. While the one who refused, repented, and went afterward. Which did the will of the Master, he who assented to the call but would not work, or he who refused and then afterward did repent and did work in the vineyard? [Matthew 21:28-31.] (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 4)

Now God wants workers and not those who claim to be obedient but do nothing to improve or exercise their ability in the very work they are bidden to do. These things are not urged home upon the people. The burden is borne too much by the ministers, and the laymen [are] left to employ all their powers in temporal, worldly things. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 5)

Well, I tried to urge these things upon the people and they felt it. All day Sabbath we had a large congregation, as many outsiders as our own people. In the afternoon I spoke to 1,000 people, and all listened with deepest interest. There was deep feeling in the congregation as I dwelt upon the days of Noah and our time. I called them forward. The tent was crowded, every seat filled and the tent packed. I hesitated to make the move, but Oh, I am glad I did. After a little while there was a decided move and one hundred and fifty responded in that large congregation. I stood two hours upon my feet, talking all the time. We then had a praying season and divided up into divisions in the tents while those who came forward remained in the large tent. They say the meetings in all the tents were excellent; especially was the meeting a success with those who came forward. They report deep feeling, and nearly all talked. The melting spirit of God was there and the testimony of all was, “This has been a precious, blessed Sabbath day to our souls.” (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 6)

Now this morning there is a meeting to raise means. I do not go out in the meeting. Money matters are not my work. After Brother [S. N.] Haskell left, I was obliged to take the heaviest part of the work and carry it. I do not see in both these camp meetings that the proper things would have been presented before them had I not come. God has given me a message for the people. There is all the chance before me to use myself up for there are but few who give the trumpet a certain sound. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 7)

We, Elder [Uriah] Smith, his wife, Sister McOmber, and myself start Monday evening for Worcester. Emma [White] goes with Lucinda [Hall] and Mary Abbey to Brother Abbey’s to visit and see if engaging lightly in picking hops will not benefit her. Bro. and Sister Abbey and Eleanor are here at the meeting. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 8)

Yesterday, in the morning, during the morning meeting, Lawyer Aims drove up in a carriage and urged me to come to his [home] to see his wife’s sister who was very sick. She came to the meeting but was unable to attend. I felt reluctant to go, but as the request came from an unbeliever, I told him I would go. I called upon Elder Smith to go with me. We had a very pleasant ride, and we found one of our sisters in affliction with nervous prostration or slow paralysis. We comforted her, prayed with her and she was blessed; and then we were brought back in style again to the camp. This lawyer, Aims, is a noble man among men, kind, sympathetic, benevolent. Oh, if such would give their talent to God, to plead the higher law, how glad should I be. I stopped here to go into [the] morning meeting and talk to them in regard to their obligation to sustain the cause of God. I think they will raise the ten thousand. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 9)

I am getting hungry. I ate nothing since yesterday noon, and after my constant hard labor, I am wanting my breakfast. Today is another hard day for me. May the Lord help me. He is my strength. (4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, 10)

Mother.

Lt 57, 1884

Children
Worcester, Massachusetts
September 1, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 112-113.
Dear Children:

I have just read the manuscript of the last three chapters. I cannot see but that it is all right and of the most intense and thrilling interest. I am glad you have these pages, and I want the book, the very first one, from the press, sent [to] me. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 1)

Today is the last day of the meeting. Our meeting has been a success. We feel thankful for the tokens of good. Last Sabbath was an impressive, solemn time. I spoke upon some of the very scenes described in these last chapters, and there was deep feeling in the meeting when I called them forward. Two hundred responded, and then we had the most interesting meeting that we have had during the entire meeting. There were deep, earnest testimonies borne. The Spirit of the Lord was truly in the meeting. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 2)

I was wonderfully surprised in looking over the congregation to see seated in their midst Byron Belden and his wife, and when I called them forward, they both came forward. I took them into my tent and they have been interested in the meetings. Byron I found to be a boy whose turn of mind is very much like Willie’s. He carries a wonderful gravity about him, and when anything is mentioned upon the truth and his taking a part in it, his eyes fill with tears. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 3)

He says ever since last winter he has been searching for himself. He has had free access to the Catholic priest’s library and he has read the history of Catholicism. Then he read Bower’s History of the Popes, read all our works he could get, Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation and History of the Sabbath. He has searched everything he can got hold of, and he said he could no longer live a life of indifference to religion, unheeding the claims of God. I asked him what he was going to do. He said, “Keep the Sabbath.” “What if you lose your place?” “Then so it must be. My soul, the salvation of my soul is of more value than money.” (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 4)

He wants to come to California and break up the association of his wife with the Catholic associations. She is a very excellent woman and I believe will yet come out of darkness to the light. She thinks Byron is about perfection, so he has a strong influence over her. They both left this morn, very thankful that they came. He is really in earnest. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 5)

In the meeting of ministers and principal men: (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 6)

We are now earnestly at work in a meeting with the general men in New York, to raise means to lift themselves out of debt. There is a debt on their meetinghouse in Rome. They have paid the lowest figure to their ministers. The ones engaged in the work of the General Conference have twelve dollars per week; the other ministers, the highest is eight dollars per week; others six; others five; some four; some have been canvassing who have three, two dollars, and some one dollar and a half. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 7)

I have just been talking with them in regard to giving their workers so little. It belittles the work, degrades the work to men’s low ideas and estimate. The Lord is displeased that His work should be placed on so low a level. Men working on the farms in their business have wages that will be compensation for their work, but in the cause and work of God men are showing which is valued the highest. The worldly, the temporal, is exalted far above the high, the solemn, the immortal interest. I have talked earnestly, decidedly on this point and it has done some good. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 8)

I think, by the remarks made, Brother [S. N.] Haskell is drawing upon them, but no one dares to offer a pledge stating what he will do. This conference is about four thousand behind, taking meetinghouse, tent and the funds required to pay the ministers their low wages. I told them this state was carrying the heaviest amount of financial ability entrusted to them of God and their workman were, some of them, robbed of their real due. The workman is worthy of his hire, even in the cause of God. I told them that they were not dealing with equity and would have that class of workers according to their limited ideas and small compass of their thoughts and faith revealed by their works. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 9)

God will honor those who honor Him by respecting and honoring His cause. None dare to venture any pledge for money. Another meeting is to be held. Ten thousand dollars are called for. It will come. Harmon Lindsay and Charles Lindsay are before us. They will do something, perhaps one thousand each. We have another meeting to this point. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 10)

Elder [Uriah] Smith seems hearty, whole-hearted, urgent to have me attend General Conference. I proposed to go directly from Kansas to California, but Brother Smith said they never would consent to have me go home before attending the conference. He seems so different from what he did. He is, I know, a changed man, and I am so glad that Satan did not succeed in tearing him from us. The Lord will work for us if we will place ourselves in the right relation to God. Well, this is the last I shall put in this letter. (4LtMs, Lt 57, 1884, 11)

Mother.

Lt 58, 1884

Children
Burlington, Vermont
September 9, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I send you these articles I think more appropriate for the Review and Herald than for the Signs of the Times. I had thought I would not write you any more letters. I have written many letters, but all I have received is one containing a few words from Willie [White] and one from Marian [Davis], at Worcester, repeated at Burlington, Vt. When we commenced this meeting the weather was good, nice air, but it became very warm. Then Sunday had thunder showers, but brought no relief. It has rained considerably ever since; it is most oppressive. (4LtMs, Lt 58, 1884, 1)

I have not been well as usual for Sabbath, Sunday and Monday—old malaria struggling for the mastery. I have not eaten much of anything since I came here. Sunday [I] was too sick to sit up, but although I could not eat, I went on the stand in the afternoon. Strength was given me and I spoke with power for one hour. Felt right then the spell was broken. Am very weak, but anticipate no greater difficulties. It is muggy, very foggy, and very depressing. (4LtMs, Lt 58, 1884, 2)

Our meeting has been good. I think I have spoken five times. Utterly refused to speak at all yesterday. These meetings are so arranged that one needs to be in perfect health to meet the demand. (4LtMs, Lt 58, 1884, 3)

If your California meeting was changed [to] one or even two weeks later, I think your prospect would be more favorable for help, but as it is exactly at the time of the Michigan meeting, you will stand a poor show for help. (4LtMs, Lt 58, 1884, 4)

Another year’s round of camp meeting such as this year will, I think, finish up some of the workers. No rest but continual work is not the thing for me. I am too old. They will have to count me out. I have been thankful for the strength the Lord has given me here. I praise His name and will try to have faith still and, although worn, will trust Him. You may say, Why do you write so much? I answer, my head is clear and when I am seen to be writing, I am not obliged to be using my throat which is more severely taxed. If they think I am obliged to write, then they keep away from me. (4LtMs, Lt 58, 1884, 5)

I have not received one line in regard to [the] Healdsburg place or anything that pertains to my interests there. I sometimes think when all are so silent, I will be silent, but then I find myself writing again. When I am able to eat once more, I shall get some strength. I have scarcely eaten one meal ever since I have been here in Vermont. (4LtMs, Lt 58, 1884, 6)

Will you send me a package of shittim bark? Send to Jackson, Michigan. We leave this morning. (4LtMs, Lt 58, 1884, 7)

Mother.

Lt 59, 1884

White, W. C.
Portland, Maine
September 11, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 111; 3Bio 262.
Dear Son Willie:

We have just read the matter in regard to the time of trouble. Brother [Uriah] Smith thinks that chapter by no means should be left out of Volume 4. He says there is not a sentence in it that is not essentially needed. This seemed to make a very deep impression upon his mind, and I thought I would write to you in reference to this matter. I have read it and it is just a thrilling power with it. I see nothing that will exclude it from the book for general sale among unbelievers. (4LtMs, Lt 59, 1884, 1)

As yet I have not commenced work here because [I am] not really well. I begin this my labor evening. Yesterday afternoon I got Sister Morton’s horse and rode out to Gorham to see Lizzie. She was about the same, if anything, a little more comfortable. We had a very nice visit, considering her sad state of affliction. The meetings are going well. Today they had a very interesting meeting. There is a softened subdued feeling in the congregation. We are so glad that Elder Smith is with us again. Elder [S. N.] Haskell says he preaches as he never has done before. (4LtMs, Lt 59, 1884, 2)

We leave here next Monday for Lancaster, stay over night, [and] then go on to Syracuse. [We will] meet Emma [White] there and then go to Ohio. Edson [White] says it is impossible for him to leave now, as he is making business arrangements that will involve great care, thought, and work, but says he will meet me in Omaha. (4LtMs, Lt 59, 1884, 3)

Everyone says you must be at General Conference. I have no duty to make for you but should be glad to see you and counsel with you should you come. Cannot Elder Waggoner and Willie make it their duty to be at the meeting in Omaha the last week of the meeting? And [the] Missouri [meeting] immediately following these will be important meetings, we think. I am sorry I cannot thank you for the letters you have written me. Will you please to see in regard to the papers sent to Lizzie N. Bangs? They do not come. She misses the Signs much. I thought I made permanent arrangements that these papers to my friends should come regularly. What does this mean? Have they all stopped? Does John White receive the papers? (4LtMs, Lt 59, 1884, 4)

Mother.

Lt 60, 1884

Children
South Lancaster, Massachusetts
September 16, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 262.
Dear Children:

I came here yesterday and stopped over night. Expect to go on the way today to Syracuse. Our meetings in Portland closed with Sunday night, except the morning meeting. Now I wish I could just be left to go back to California to attend the camp meeting in Oakland, the last week of it, but I suppose they will hold on to me. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 1)

There is the most healthy influence left in the community. The meeting will be there next year. We managed to have Elder Goodrich superseded by Elder [S. N.] Haskell. This is as it should be. Nothing will be accomplished unless there is someone with broader plans and ideas than they have had for the last six years. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 2)

Our meeting was well attended from first to last, although not one-half the efforts were made that might have been and should have been; but everything seemed to be paralyzed in Maine. Everything is done on so small a scale. They cannot get their ideas up. As for Sister Morton, she will never be employed again as a reporter. She is next to nothing. If we could employ Mary Clough, we should see something done. We must educate a reporter to be at all our meetings. We should have two of them at least. It is such a pity that we cannot have first-class reporters to give to the papers the very best points of the subjects, both argumentative and practical. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 3)

On the ground, I met many old schoolmates and relatives who were delighted to have the privilege of acknowledging their relationship. There are many I might mention, but you will not know whom they are. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 4)

After I ceased speaking, Elder Webber brought into the tent Lower Carlton, one of the first temperance lecturers in the cause of temperance. He was a noble-looking man, some taller than Father, broad chested with as kindly a face as I ever looked upon. He grasped my hand and said that he felt it an honor to take my hand, [that] a large circle of the first talent in Portland was with him and [that] he would express their sentiments as well as his—they had listened to temperance lectures from many able men in all parts of the world, but this was far superior to anything they had ever heard. You, Mrs. White, went to the bottom of things. You have the true platform of temperance. Your presenting tobacco as you did is just [what it] should be. The tobacco curse is nothing less in its evil effects than the liquor curse. You have put ideas into minds that have never been started there before. He blessed me with weeping eyes and deep tearful voice and said he would pray the Lord to spare my life to carry on this work in which I was engaged. I never in all my life had so eloquent a commendation as I received from this man. I scarcely knew what to say. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 5)

All seemed to regret that the meetings could not hold one week longer. I think our people are encouraged with the result of this meeting. Monday morning we held our last meeting. I spoke fifteen minutes. Brother Haskell says that fifteen-minute talk brought from five hundred to a thousand dollars into the treasury. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 6)

Brother Preston was deeply moved. He took his position on the testimonies and fully with our people to help with his influence and with his means. It was a precious meeting. Sunday the two tents, joined, were packed, and a wall of people several feet deep was upon the outside. They were held as if spellbound for one hour and a half. I felt grateful for the privilege of speaking to the people in Portland. We shall expect to see something done in Maine the coming year. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 7)

Brother [Uriah] Smith’s discourses are highly appreciated. I never saw him in the place He is in now, never. He is just delighted and deeply impressed with the subject matter of the book. He is in as great a hurry to see it and have it before the people as we are. The last years’ labors are blossoming into fruit. Everywhere the work has been deepening and widening. Received letters from Brother [G. I.] Butler that Dr. Lay has come out clear. Brother Sampson has passed through a fierce battle with the powers of darkness. He is clear on the testimony and he seems to bear with him the Holy Spirit in a large measure. Elder Butler says the fruits of last year’s work, the testimony I bore, can never be fully estimated and the result known until eternity. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 8)

In much love, (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 9)

Mother.

Be sure to not send me a line anywhere in any place, any of you. It might be too great a tax. I rose at four o’clock to write. (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 10)

You must come to General Conference, Willie. You are needed. Come to the meeting at Omaha, (4LtMs, Lt 60, 1884, 11)

Mother.

Lt 61, 1884

White, John
Battle Creek, Michigan
November 27, 1884
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 270; 6MR 307.
Dear Brother John White:

Your welcome letter was received and read today. Were glad to hear that you are as well as you are and sorry to learn that Sister Ann was not as well as usual. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 1)

Willie [White] is here with me. Mary [White] did not come East. We do not come anywhere near Sunset Home on our homeward trip. We take [the] palace car from Battle Creek direct without change to Kansas City [and] then take the Topeka and Santa Fe road. There are about forty in our company. We shall occupy one car and about half of another car. Elder Waggoner and Willie came that route. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 2)

The decision of the conference is passed, that W.C.W. accompanied by his wife shall accompany his mother to [Europe], that W.C.W. is needed to advise in the furnishing of the offices with machinery necessary to the printing of their French paper [and] the starting in of the work. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 3)

I could not prevent this decision, but I told the conference I could not consent to go unless the writings that are now unfinished could be completed this winter. We take over with us helpers in addition to those we already have. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 4)

You asked if Mary [Chase] will come to your place. I think she would do so. She certainly needs someone to have some care of her. I think her children should take charge of her. Such heartlessness is the wonder of my life. Whatever may be her faith, whatever her course of action in the past, that cannot change her relationship to her children and their responsibility to care for their mother who needs their care. Adaline has related to me the base conduct of her father and stated that it was impossible for her mother to live with him. That they should leave their mother to be cared for by strangers seems so unnatural. I leave soon for California. She has good friends here, but this is no excuse for this heartless neglect. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 5)

Bro. John, I wrote you, as you told me, the particulars in regard to Mary. I have done for her those things she needed to make her comfortable this winter, because I was on the ground [and] you were not. I thought of your abundance. It would be a pleasure to you to share this expense. If not, I will do it cheerfully whether it cramps me or not. I do not urge you to do anything; but as [you are] her own brother who is well able to do this, I expected it. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 6)

I laid the whole matter out before you that you may know just what I was doing. I am willing to do my part. I have done it all along. You have also helped Mary and I think would not have been deprived of the privilege of doing this. She has necessities all along. One thousand dollars is tied up in a house for Sister Mary, notwithstanding I need the means. I am giving Mary three dollars per week for her board, in the rent of my house. I ask you, my good liberal brother, to share all these expenses with me. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 7)

You must know that it is a great loss to me [to be] deprived of the wisdom and ability of my husband to help me plan, to bring in means, [and] that mine is steadily decreasing. I will not rob God in withholding that which He claims in tithes and in offerings, for I do want to lay up treasure in heaven, and I want you to lay up treasure in heaven that you may not lose your reward. I write you this in love. In your liberalities, I plead for [you] to do liberally for your sister out of your abundance and not let her have the impression that she is dropped by you all. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 8)

Much love to you, my brother and my sister. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 9)

P.S. Nov. 30. I have been looking over my accounts and see greatly the need of all the money invested in the home for Sister Mary Chase. I must use considerable means to carry forward the publishing work. I cannot be here at all in B.C. You can support Mary with her children’s help, amply. I am through now. This burden I have carried until I am satisfied it is not my duty to carry it any longer. I ought not to have been expected to carry it after my husband’s death. She can be comfortably and liberally taken care of by her children and brothers. My husband and I carried this perplexing burden for years; since his death, I have carried it. My circumstances are such [that] I can do it no longer. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 10)

Yours with respect. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 11)

I can readily sell my place now for $1,000. I need the means to put into my business. I am paying interest on the thousand dollars. This I must carry for some time yet. (4LtMs, Lt 61, 1884, 12)

Lt 62, 1884

White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
December 18, 1884
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie:

We found our team waiting for us at the depot. Brother Cole from Oregon had just hitched the horses when the cars stopped. We went to Brother Chapman’s. How rejoiced they were to see us, especially to meet Brother and Sister Lockwood. Bro. Lockwood and his wife are very happy. I came up in the cars Wednesday morning but have been so head tired have done nothing at writing. (4LtMs, Lt 62, 1884, 1)

I had a visit with Brother [Sidney] Brownsberger [and] tried to ply him with questions about the school. All is moving in harmony. Bro. Granger [is] doing nicely, just a fit. I talked about Bro. Pierce. They need an experienced gardener, one who understands how to raise vegetables and garden produce. Can Brother Pierce do this? Brother Mills thought it would pay well to have a man who could take charge and work in this direction. If Brother Jones comes, there will be no need of another teacher. If he does not come, they will have to employ a teacher. Just now, Brother and Sister Lockwood rode up. They said it rained some but they had a cover to the wagon. They feel delighted with California. (4LtMs, Lt 62, 1884, 2)

When you can, will you see Sister Mills and talk with her about Chicago? I am feeling tired, and the weather is so bad now it makes me feel worse. I think Mary [White] ought to come up here, and Willie, this winter. We will have a screen about the fireplace so Ella [White] shall be in no danger. We found the girls glad to see me. All were pleased to have me come home again. (4LtMs, Lt 62, 1884, 3)

I think you had better send Brother Lockwood’s trunks up here on the tickets you have, and then we can send them to St. Helena by the wagon that moves Brother Cramer’s goods down. Send by the ones who shall come to Healdsburg, the luggage, hand luggage of Brother and Sister Lockwood. Pack things in a trunk and send my things as you see fit. (4LtMs, Lt 62, 1884, 4)

Well, I must stop, for I am good for not much. (4LtMs, Lt 62, 1884, 5)

Mother.

Lt 63, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary
On Eastbound Train Nearing Reno, Nevada
Autumn of 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 11MR 146-148.
[Willie and Mary:]

Nearing Reno: Will be at Reno in one half an hour. We had a very good night’s rest. After you left us, we were told our position was in the next car and thither we went, seated ourselves, and found it was filled with men. We were the only women in the car. At night we had two other women. We had tobacco effluvia creeping into our car, which made my heart very active and my throat and lungs sore, but I may not be troubled as much today. My head aches some, but I feel of good courage. (4LtMs, Lt 63, 1884, 1)

We have no checks for trunks. Probably you have discovered this, as well as we. We reasoned [that] the checks will be forwarded to Kansas City. We learned there was a washout at Truckee. The train coming West was delayed, I think, one day and a half. This is all the news I have to write. (4LtMs, Lt 63, 1884, 2)

Willie, I wish Elder Waggoner and yourself would, in connection with those in St. Helena, put Sister [Jennie] Ings in officially as matron of the institution there. This will give character to her work. We have not yet taken lunch, so cannot speak understandingly of our liberal outfit, but will tell you in our next [letter] how this suits us. I am not as debilitated as last year and think I will do well. My trust is in God. Will write again today when I may have something to write. (4LtMs, Lt 63, 1884, 3)

Mother.

Nearing Elko Station about six o’clock: We have had a very pleasant day. A number of men stopped at Reno. Brother Balborn and wife called upon us while the passengers were taking breakfast. We had quite a pleasant visit. There are only three men, besides us, in the car. The porter has been an old hand on the train, kind as kind can be. We have had a little dust and a small spurt of a shower. (4LtMs, Lt 63, 1884, 4)

A telegram was received in regard to our trunks, and the conductor insisted on my telegraphing back to you, while he would telegraph to the parties in San Francisco. I knew it was not the least use to telegraph [you], for you must know the trunks were not on the train. He insisted on our going into [the] baggage car. They got a chair and we climbed up and found no trunks of ours. Then he telegraphed. The agent said he must punch my tickets or baggage would not be sent; the conductor said I must not get my tickets punched until the telegraph should notify us the trunks were on the way. But the agent said he was mistaken, so my tickets are punched. We have plenty of room, good food, and plenty of it. Sister McOmber scalded up the chicken. Will scald the meat tomorrow morning. We arrive at Ogden at seven tomorrow. I wish you had told me just how far you had paid for [a] sleeper. Sleeping car conductor says [it was] only [paid] to Ogden, so we must go through that process of securing tickets in the Ogden depot. I shall get the porter to do this for me. (4LtMs, Lt 63, 1884, 5)

We are doing real well. I am feeling well. We are having a pleasant trip. Feel very thankful to the Lord for His mercies and blessings. (4LtMs, Lt 63, 1884, 6)

Lt 64, 1884

White, W. C.
Extract from Lt 42, 1884.

Lt 65, 1884

Osborn, Brother
Crystal Springs, St. Helena, California
February 7 (?), 1884
Portions of this letter are published in HP 305; 12MR 42.
Dear Brother Osborn:

I have been reading a letter from Ligonier, from your niece to Brother Rogers, stating that you were living with them and had been sick. I sympathize with you in your affliction. I would have been pleased to have met you at our camp meeting in Indiana, but was disappointed. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 1)

I have been anxious for your soul. I hoped that the influence of the meetings would have aroused your interest in matters which concern the future, immortal life. I have some knowledge of your situation. You have not much comfort and joy with the members of your own family. I am sorry for you and wish it were otherwise, but I do not want you to fail of obtaining a home in those mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 2)

We have now an opportunity to show that we make Christ our all and in all. We have now precious golden moments in which we may make our calling and election sure. The infinite sacrifice has been made for every one of us, and if we do not avail ourselves of the blessings Christ has placed within our reach, we have only ourselves to blame. Every provision has been made for us, at an immense sacrifice, that we should not only see and acknowledge the love of God but taste and see that the Lord is good. We may have an experimental knowledge of this love. This is your privilege, my dear brother. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 3)

I have felt an interest in your case because the Lord has been pleased to present it before me, showing me your trials, your dangers, your errors, and what you must do and what you must be in order to be saved. You have become distrustful and suspicious because you see selfishness exhibited in so many ways on every side. You have not, in your trials, drawn nearer to God, trusting in Him as a child would trust in his parents, but you have become distrustful of God. You will find Jesus your very best Friend. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 4)

Jesus gave His life for you. Like a child who has full confidence in his parents and who is not troubled for fear of being taken advantage of and misused, you may rest in God with perfect confidence that He will be to you a friend and a helper. If you commit the keeping of your soul to God as unto a faithful Creator, you will not distrust Him. You will not let loose your hold upon God. You will not be filled with doubt and misgivings, but will hold fast the promises, assured that God will not withhold from you any good thing. We need not expect to be free from trials, but we may trust in God implicitly for grace to bear every trial, for strength to endure every temptation, so that the trial becomes the occasion of triumph. Having all things and seeing all things present and future, He can and will, if we trust Him, prepare us to meet every temptation as it comes. We have the privilege of taking hold of the hand of Jesus and asking Him in faith to guide us. We must not contend with God through His providence. We must be believing, looking to His goodness, His love, manifested toward us in our waywardness. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 5)

You remember my appeal to you in former letters. I still urge that appeal, that you should lay up your treasure in heaven, not upon the earth. The Lord has placed in your hands means, and the question is, Will you let this means go into hands of those whom you know will not use one dollar of it for the glory of God, but for the indulgence of self? You have, my dear brother, been using your means, or allowing others to use it, where it will do no good in God’s cause. I do want you should use your means to extend the truth, to build up the kingdom of Christ, to lay up for yourself a treasure in heaven. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 6)

It is not for you to expect every blessing of God and return nothing. Through Christ we possess all things; without Christ we should have had nothing but poverty, misery, and despair. Shall we respond to this love which Jesus has bestowed upon us? To be sons of God is to possess all things. What more can you want? If the Christian is not content with such an inheritance, nothing can give him contentment. We are indebted to the Lord for all we possess. Then let us return to the Giver all that He claims as His own. Let us not commit robbery toward God. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 7)

On my last journey east I gave about three thousand dollars to the cause of God and could say with David, “Of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. It is all the Lord’s; will we return unto the Lord a portion of that which He has entrusted to our keeping to advance the interest of His kingdom when He calls for it? Oh, that God would give me wisdom to speak unto you wise and forcible words! (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 8)

Says the apostle, “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Timothy 6:9. How few are there who duly consider these words! When men have obtained means, how desirous they are to retain it! How afraid men are to speak the truth in regard to these things written in God’s Word. “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” Luke 12:33. Who is willing to tell men who are losing their soul in consequence of their love for the means in their hands, “Sell that ye have and give alms”? This is a strange doctrine in our day. But who has the courage to declare this unpopular truth? Who will declare it from the press as Christ presented it? (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 9)

Men just touch upon these things and glide away from them as soon as possible, as though they were on forbidden ground. How many repeat Christ’s sermon upon the “Mammon of unrighteousness” [Luke 16:1-13] with earnestness, as though they meant it? The reason is, the people do not like it. It offends their ears and stirs up their souls with a bitter resistance. I tell you plainly, they want all their means to use for selfish purposes. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 10)

I have been shown that you are not using the Lord’s money as He requires of you. There is a great work to be done. Will you come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty? I have respect for your soul. I want you to have eternal riches. I want you should redeem the time and give back to the Lord His own. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 11)

A great work is to be done to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord. Missionaries should be at work in every large city, where our publications should be kept for distribution. Missionaries should be in all quarters of the earth to enlighten those who are in darkness, to make ready a people for the soon coming of Jesus. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 12)

There is a great work to be done to combat all the prejudice, not only of the ignorant but of the learned. There are schools to be supported, that we may educate the youth and teach them the Bible and to love and reverence God. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 13)

I have been shown that large cities must be entered. The warning message of the soon coming Saviour must go forth to all the dark places of the earth. Missionaries are to be sent to Europe, Australia, and other foreign countries. A large work is to be done. The Saviour of the world is now saying to many, “Why sit ye here all the day idle? Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] The Lord is inviting you to act a part in this closing-up work. Christ invites you to act as colaborer with Him. Will you do it? (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 14)

Who can estimate the value of souls? He who died for you inquires, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36, 37. He who so loved man that He came from the realms of bliss, from His royal throne, and humiliated Himself to clothe His divinity with humanity, has given us unmistakable tokens of His love and the value He places upon man. He who has made for us this infinite sacrifice summons us to estimate the value of the soul, to strike the balance between earthly gain and heavenly loss, between temporal success and everlasting failure. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 15)

You love the earthly treasure, but Christ points you away from the earthly to the heavenly. He invites you to lay up your treasures above. Will you do this? (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 16)

Will you dispense your means while you live? Will you say, as you present your offering to God, “Of thine own, O Lord, we freely give thee”? [1 Chronicles 29:14.] (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 17)

As Christ’s ambassador, I entreat of you to use the means God has lent you without further delay in advancing His cause in the earth. We are crippled on every side for want of means to do what should be done in the work and cause of God. Satan manages to keep the means in the hands of the enemy and away from the treasury of God. But if those who have means will not use it to put it out to the exchangers, the Lord will raise up others to take the place of these selfish ones and pass them by. I do not want that your love of means shall ruin you. You have the power to do. Will you, my brother, do now what you can? (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 18)

I do not feel that you can charge me with any selfish motive in this appeal which I make to you because I am doing continually just what I am urging you to do—seeking, selling, giving alms, laying up a treasure in heaven. I felt urged by the Spirit of God to write you the letters that I did some time ago. You did not act on them as you should have done, as God wanted you to do. And now I write to you again. In the name of Jesus I call upon you to act, to give back to the Lord a portion of the means He has lent to you. Will you do this? (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 19)

When every case shall receive finally as their works have been, will it then appear that you have acted well your part? Will it then be registered in the books above that your means were used in worldly enterprises to please yourself, for the sake of gain? You saw not, felt not, the necessities of the cause of God. You were absorbed in handling God’s money entrusted to you in pleasing yourself, and yet you received no satisfaction in so doing. It did not bring peace or rest to the soul. Selfishness led to continual investments to increase the earthly treasure, but it brought disappointment and care and anxiety and distress. It did not bring you love. It did not bring you peace or joy, but unrest. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 20)

You feel discontent, fretfulness, and hardness of heart in the manner you are using and seeing used the money lent of God for wise and holy purposes. Will you entrust to heaven’s bank some of this means lent you of God to advance His work? You shall know how every dollar is expended. You shall have a voice as to where it shall go. Or, will you invest yourself, as you desire, in some of the branches of the cause? (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 21)

I tell you as God’s ambassador, all the means you may give will not buy for you salvation. You must give yourself. In surrendering yourself to the claims and influences of the Saviour, your life may be as a fruitful branch in a beautiful vine. The fruits of the Spirit may adorn it. Clusters of rich graces will appear, such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, and meekness, which will make it attractive. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 22)

You have been, I was shown, shutting yourself within yourself, disgusted with the selfishness you see exhibited around you. Those who take an interest in you, for their own selfish schemes, have made you distrustful and suspicious. This will ruin you unless you come to Jesus, your best, your truest Friend. Not long will your probation last, and I do not want it shall close without a different record than now stands in the books of heaven. Who is handling your means? What does God receive from it—that which is His own—entrusted to you to be used to His glory? What usury of God’s lent money have you brought to the treasury? (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 23)

You may say, Have I not a right to do what I will with my own? Here is your mistake. It is not your own. You have been committing robbery toward God for years. This means belongs to God. What good will your means do if you leave it all behind you, whether it be ten thousand pounds or ten thousand pence? If you leave much, the enemy will only have more in his ranks. I entreat of you to send your treasure before you into heaven by using the Lord’s goods to advance His cause in the earth. Make haste, I entreat of you, lest you close your career with terrible indebtedness to God because you have squandered His means in worldly schemes and robbed God. Settle your accounts with high heaven before you be called hence, and then use your influence with your brethren that they shall do as you have done. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 24)

You have a great work to do, but the treasury of the Lord is robbed for selfish purposes, and we cannot do what we would do to save souls and spread the triumphs of the cross of Christ. Many are robbing God in tithes and offerings. May the Lord impress upon your mind the words I have written. I have arisen while others were sleeping to write this letter to you. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 25)

In much love. (4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, 26)

Lt 66, 1884

Brethren and Sisters in Monterey
NP
Circa, 1884
This letter is published in entirety in 5T 341-348.

Testimony to the Monterey Church

Dear Brethren and Sisters in Monterey,

My mind has been exceedingly troubled in regard to your condition. I have not been able to sleep, and I rise at twelve o’clock to write to George Lay, and to you as a church. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 1)

I do not know what might have been the condition of George Lay at the present time, had you pursued a righteous, Christian course toward him,—such a course as every child of God should pursue in such a case. Some of you will not be able to comprehend my words; for your own course has placed you where you have not sanctified discernment. You have allowed strong, hard feelings against him to come into your hearts, and have justified yourselves in treating him with indifference, and even contempt. You have reasoned that by his unbelief and his wrong course he was certainly injuring the church and endangering souls, and you must have no fellowship with him. But will you, in the light of God’s great standard of righteousness, critically examine every word and act of your own that you can call to mind, and compare these with the life of Christ? (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 2)

If you have been doing the will of God, then His light and His approval will second your efforts, and prosperity will attend you. I wish the members of this once prosperous church would each begin to build over against his own house. When they see their course in its true light, they will know that they have made a very great mistake in allowing their own critical, Pharisaical spirit to control their tongues and develop itself in their treatment of their brethren. This unchristian harshness has excluded Jesus from the Church, and has brought in a spirit of dissension. It has fostered a disposition to judge and condemn, a hatred of those who do not see things as you see them. Even if your brethren say and do many things that really injure you, will you push them aside, and say, “I am holier than thou”? [Isaiah 65:5.] (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 3)

“By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] Christ has not been revealed in your deportment toward some who were much nearer the kingdom of heaven than yourselves. The Lord has opened before you your wrong toward His children; your want of mercy and love, your determination to control minds and make them see things just as you see them. And when light came to you, what course did you take? Did you merely admit that you were wrong, or did you heartily confess your error, and humble your proud hearts before God? Did you cast aside your ways, and accept God’s teachings? Did you go to the very ones you had bruised and wounded, and say, “I have been wrong; I have sinned against you. Forgive me. I have failed; I have worked in my own spirit. I had a zeal but not according to knowledge. It was the spirit of Jehu, rather than the meekness and lowliness of Christ. The Word of God directs, ‘confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.’ Will you pray for me that God will forgive me for the distress and anguish I have caused you?” (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 4)

If you who have engaged in this work of bruising and condemning [and] have not heartily repented, then light, peace, and joy will not come into your souls. When you are careful, kind, and tender to your brethren in the same degree that you have been hard, unforgiving, and oppressive, you will confess your faults, and make restitution as far as possible; and when you have done all on your part, you may ask the Lord to do that which is impossible for you to do,—heal the wounds you have made, forgive you, and blot out your transgression. When there is so great reluctance to confess a wrong which is laid open and plain before the erring, it shows that they are controlled by their own untamable, unsanctified natures rather than by the spirit of the gospel of Christ. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 5)

If God has ever spoken by me, you have most earnest work to do in zealous repentance for showing to the erring the satanic element in your character, not in coldness and indifference merely, but in neglect and contempt. If they are indeed in darkness, and doing things that imperil their souls, you should manifest greater interest in them. Show them that while you will be true to principle, and will not swerve from the truth, you love their souls. Let them know by your words and actions that you have not a spirit of revenge and retaliation, but that, for their sakes, you will sacrifice feeling and subdue self. Represent Jesus, our Pattern; manifest His spirit at all times and under all circumstances, and let that mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Your ways have not been God's ways; your will has not been God's will. The precious plant of love has not been cultivated, and watered by the dews of grace. Self-love, self-righteousness, self-complacency, have exerted a controlling power. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 6)

What has Jesus done for you, and what is He continually doing for us individually? What have you that you have not received? Said Christ,—“I am the vine, ye are the branches.” “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” [John 15:5, 2.] The branches do not sustain the vine, but the vine supports and nourishes the branches. The church does not support Christ, but Christ, by His vital power, supports the church. It is not enough to be a branch; we are to be fruitful branches. “He that abideth in me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” [Verse 5.] But if the fruit produced be that of the thorn bush, it is evident that we are not branches of the Living Vine. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 7)

Life is disciplinary. While in the world, the Christian will meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in the right spirit that the Christian graces are developed. If injuries and insults are meekly borne, if insulting words are responded to by gentle answers, and oppressive acts, by kindness, this is evidence that the Spirit of Christ dwells in the heart, that sap from the Living Vine is flowing to the branches. We are in the school of Christ in this life, where we are to learn to be meek and lowly in heart; and in the day of final accounts we shall see that all the obstacles we meet, all the hardships and annoyances that we are called to bear, are practical lessons in the application of principles of Christian life. If well endured, they develop the Christlike in the character, and distinguish the Christian from the worldling. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 8)

There is a high standard to which we are to attain if we would be children of God, noble, pure, holy, and undefiled; and a pruning process is necessary if we would reach this standard. How would this pruning be accomplished if there were no difficulties to meet, no obstacles to surmount, nothing to call out patience and endurance? These trials are not the smallest blessings in our experience. They are designed to nerve us to determination to succeed. We are to use them as God’s means to gain decided victories over self, instead of allowing them to hinder, oppress, and destroy us. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 9)

Character will be tested. Christ will be revealed in us if we are indeed branches of the Living Vine. We shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without continual help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Each must win his own way through struggles and discouragements. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory. No one, not even God, can carry us to heaven unless we make the necessary effort on our part. We must put features of beauty into our lives. We must expel the unlovely, natural traits that make us unlike Jesus. While God works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure, we must work in harmony with Him. The religion of Christ transforms the heart. It makes the worldly-minded man heavenly-minded. Under its influence the selfish man becomes unselfish, because this is the character of Christ. The dishonest, scheming man becomes upright, so that it is second nature to him to do to others as he would have others do unto him. The profligate is changed from impurity to purity; he forms correct habits; for the gospel of Christ has become to him a savor of life unto life. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 10)

Now, while probation lingers, it does not become one to pronounce sentence upon others, and look to himself as a model man. Christ is our model; imitate Him, plant your feet in His steps. You may professedly believe every point of present truth, but unless you practice these truths it will avail you nothing. We are not to condemn others; this is not our work; but we should love one another and pray for one another. When we see one err from the truth, then we may weep over him as Christ wept over Jerusalem. Let us see what our heavenly Father, in His Word, says about the erring: “If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” [Galatians 6:1.] “If any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.” [James 5:19, 20.] What a great missionary work is this! How much more Christ-like than for poor fallible mortals to be ever accusing and condemning those who do not exactly meet their minds. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 11)

Let us remember that Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows the wants of each of His creatures, and reads the hidden, unspoken grief of every heart. If one of the little ones for whom He died is injured, He sees it and calls the offender to account. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He cares for His feeble, sickly, wandering sheep. He knows them all by name. The distress of every sheep and every lamb of His flock touches His heart of sympathizing love, and the cry for aid reaches His ear. One of the greatest sins of the shepherds of Israel is thus pointed out by the prophet: “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill; yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” [Ezekiel 34:4-6.] (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 12)

Jesus cares for each one as though there were not another individual on the face of the earth. As Deity, He exerts mighty power in our behalf, while as our Elder Brother He feels for all our woes. The Majesty of Heaven held not Himself aloof from degraded, sinful humanity. We have not a High Priest who is so high, so lifted up, that He cannot notice us or sympathize with us, but one who was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 13)

How different from this spirit is the feeling of indifference and contempt that has been manifested by some in Monterey toward George Lay and those who have been affected by his influence. If ever the transforming grace of God was needed, it is needed in this church. In judging and condemning a brother, they have undertaken to do a work that God never put into their hands. A hardness of heart, a censorious, condemnatory spirit that would destroy individuality and independence, has been woven into their Christian experience, and they have lost the love of Jesus out of their hearts. Make haste, brethren, to get these things off your soul before it shall be said in heaven, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” [Revelation 22:11.] (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 14)

You will have many perplexities to meet in your Christian life in connection with the church; but do not try too hard to mold your brethren. If you see that they do not meet the requirements of God’s Word, do not condemn; if they provoke, do not retaliate. When things are said that would exasperate, quietly keep your soul from fretting. You see many things which appear wrong in others, and you want to correct these wrongs. You commence in your own strength to work for a reform; but you do not go about it in the right way. You must labor for them with a heart subdued, softened by the Spirit of God, and let the Lord work through you, the agent. Roll your burdens on Jesus. You feel that the Lord must take up this case, where Satan is striving for the mastery over some soul; but you are to do what you can in humility and meekness, and put the tangled work, the complicated matters, into the hands of God. Follow the directions in His Word, and leave the outcome of the matter to His wisdom. Having done all you can to save your brother, cease worrying, and go calmly about other pressing duties. It is no longer your matter, but God’s. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 15)

Do not, through impatience, cut the knot of difficulty, making matters hopeless. Let God untangle the snarled-up threads for you. He is wise enough to manage the complications of our lives. He has skill and tact. We cannot always see His plans; we must wait patiently their unfolding, and not mar and destroy them. He will reveal them to us in His own good time. Seek for unity; cultivate love and conformity to Christ in all things. He is the source of unity and strength; but you have not sought for Christian unity, that you might knit hearts together in love. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 16)

There is work for you to do in the church and out of the church. “Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit.” [John 15:8.] The fruit we bear is the only test of the character of the tree before the world. This is the proof of our discipleship. If our works are of such a character that as branches of the Living Vine we bear rich clusters of precious fruit, then we bear before the world God’s own badge as His sons and daughters. We are living epistles, known and read of all men. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 17)

Now, I fear that you will fail in doing the work you must do to redeem the past and become living, fruit-bearing branches. If you do as God would have you, His blessing will come into the church. You have not yet been humble enough to make thorough work and meet the mind of the Spirit of God. There has been self-justification, self-pleasing, self-vindication, when there should have been humiliation, contrition and repentance. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 18)

You should remove every stumbling-block, and make “straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.” [Hebrews 12:13.] It is not too late for wrongs to be righted; but you must not feel that you are whole, and have no need of a physician, for you need help. When you come to Jesus with a broken heart, He will help and bless you, and you will go forth in the Master’s work with courage and energy. The best evidence you are in Christ is the fruit you bear. If you are not truly united to Him, your light and privileges will condemn and ruin you. (4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, 19)