Elder Rice has invested, $10,000 in land in Fresno to speculate upon. He shows unmistakable evidence that he has We actually did not dare to have the man connected with the management of the institution at the health retreat . (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 2)

Dr. Maxson and wife were present at all our meetings at the health retreat. They heard the reading of the cautions and warnings given to Elder Rice and Dr. Gibbs. I was so burdened when on the cars after leaving California en route for Europe that I could not feel at rest. The whole future was mapped out before me, and I wrote the letter on the cars and mailed it to Elder Rice and Dr. Gibbs. In the board meetings I said to Elder Rice, “Will you please state the response you gave to my warnings and cautions and entreaties?” He answered, “I wrote you that we would get along very well if you did not scold us too much.” This is the way the warnings were received. The Lord impressed my mind and urged me by His Holy Spirit to write—and the reception was in accordance with the words uttered. Notwithstanding all the developments that were made to appear in the case of Elder Rice’s unwise movements, notwithstanding the most solemn reproofs and warnings given Him, and the true state of things set before Him, yet Dr. Maxson and his wife excused and vindicated his course from the very first to the last and linked up with Elder Rice, revealing a perfect understanding between them. The spirit of determination to carry things their own way has been steadily preserved from the beginning. Neither [one] of this party has the least pleasure in the prosperity of the institution, and should these elements come into to compose a part of any institution, they would be a curse instead of a blessing unless they could be thoroughly transformed. They would make misstatements, they would misrepresent, they would put a false color on everything to make wrong appear right and right appear wrong. I wonder now that the institution was not demoralized more than it was. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 3)

Since these elements have gone out, Dr. Gibbs has taken his position nobly, and I think the change could not have been made in a better time, to make the least stir and the least confusion. There was for a time some little stir among Dr. Maxson’s favorites. One man who had been taking treatment, Mr. Smith, who was hundreds of dollars in debt to the institution, left highly displeased because Dr. Maxson did not remain. Immediately there were 32 lady patients on the board for treatment besides quite a number of men to be treated. I am sure there never was a time when there appeared to be more peace and harmony in the Rural Health Retreat than there is now. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 4)

Elder Rice has involved a large expense on his own responsibility and did this in the name of the Board, and the matter never came before the Board at all. There would have been the most singular management in the health institute if Elder Rice and Dr. and Mrs. Maxson had remained connected with it. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 5)

I now will state decidedly, I have no confidence in Dr. Maxson’s pretense of conscientiousness in regard to the methods of doctoring. I call it egotism. He feels competent to do many things, and if he fails he has not depth of thoughts enough to know it. If he had more intelligent knowledge, he would feel far less competent than he now does. There has been underhanded work with Dr. Maxson and wife and Elder Rice. They are connected together. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 6)

These things made us trouble, and my soul is tired of wading through the difficulties and perplexities brought upon us by those who claim to believe the truth. They work against us rather than in harmony with us. They seem to be doing the enemy’s work to dishearten and to discourage rather than to do the work of God. We make an attempt in the fear of God to set things in order as the Lord has made it our duty to do. Then the one that is corrected becomes a martyr and thinks he is abused, he does not take into consideration how he has abused the cause of God. Then his relatives and friends manifest great sympathy for him because they think he is not treated right. They give the wrongdoer all the sympathy they have to give; they bolster him up in his wrong! And they have hard feeling against those that have tried to set him right. They do not realize they are working on Satan’s side of the question, that they are putting out their own and His spiritual eyesight. They do not discern how greatly the cause of God has been injured by creating unnecessary prejudice against the work of God, both in the minds of believers and unbelievers, all through their own wrong course of action, and through their unchristlike management in connection with this institution. Blind parental affection and the sympathy of those who have been their friends come in to withstand the very work which the Lord made it necessary to have done. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 7)

God would have evil repressed. Unsanctified affection blinds the spiritual discernment that they have not wisdom either to detect wrong or to correct it. They set light for darkness, and darkness for light. Unholy practices are passed over as a very light matter. Their human selfish love prompts them to pet, to praise, and indulge, which is an injury to the soul, and which stands directly in the way of the reformation necessary for the salvation of the soul. The hearts of parents are turned toward their children in this age with an unsanctified affection which the Lord in no way approves. It is like the tender mercies of the wicked, only cruelty in disguise. It is a hopeless task to try to present matters in such a way before these minds that they shall discern the true state of the case and the necessity of plain, thorough work as the only means to meet the mind of the Spirit of God. We will present an incident in the life and experience of Christ. Will anyone charge our Lord with partiality, with want of love, sympathy, and affection? He loved us and gave Himself for us that we might have eternal life. The feet of Christ were already bending in the path which led to Calvary. The hour of the great temptation was upon Him. His enemies were plotting for His life. They were determined to stop the lips of the Son of God from uttering the reproofs and warnings condemning their sins and hypocrisy. They were determined to pursue Him, and not rest until His life should pay the penalty of His plain teachings and sharp reproofs. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 8)

Jesus told His disciples that were about Him what would be done to Him. “Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished, for he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and he shall be mocked and spitefully entreated and spitted on; and they shall scourge him and put him to death, and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” [Luke 18:31-34.] “Then Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee Lord, this shall not be unto you. But he turned and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me Satan, thou are an offense unto me, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” [Matthew 16:22, 23.] The words spoken by Peter were prompted by affection. How did Jesus regard them? Did He welcome them as a solace to His troubles? No, He rebuked the disciple because all this affection expressed was opposed to the mind and will of God and as such was offensive to the world’s Redeemer. Without giving the least excuse for Peter’s love that prompted him to speak as he did, the rebuke, most severe, came from the lips of Christ to Peter that he should, through his own human wishes, turn aside the purposes of God. Jesus addressed Peter as He had on a certain occasion addressed Satan when he asked Jesus to fall down and worship him. He then said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 9)

Now, as the disciple was suggesting a part contrary to the will of the Lord, the rebuke of the Lord was upon him. Human affection that would come in to break off the point of the arrows of God that they shall not wound and pierce the fleshly desires and inclinations of the soul, is not an angel of light, but of darkness. It would lead the one whose salvation is at stake to repentance, who needed to confess heartily that his sins might be forgiven, to think that his sins were a very light matter to be passed over without true humiliation and reformation. Those loving sympathizers with those who are wrong are standing directly in the way of God’s purposes and leading the reproved to consider that a mistake had been made in his case, and he shows contempt for the corrections God has given him. They counsel the erring by precept and by the Spirit with which they regard the reproof, that it matters not if they walk according to their own desire, their own human counsel, and do after the sight of their own eyes, they are doing the will of God. Many, many times, relatives and friends have balanced a soul in a wrong direction . They have indulged their own feelings in opposition to the principles of God’s holy law. They concede that which God has forbidden and withhold that reproof and correction which, if heeded, will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 10)

The one who would be very exacting with others should, by precept and example, teach others how to be circumspect, and they should not appear to be Christians today and tomorrow weakly comply with the enticement of their own natural, unsanctified hearts and give occasion for the cause of God to be reproached. Everything which bears the least resemblance to evil in their deportment, in all imprudent association and familiarity, men with women, and women with men, should be strictly guarded against . The truth of God is designed to sanctify the soul, and it is important for our own salvation, as well as for the salvation of those connected with us, that no one shall become self-inflated and so blinded by their own impulse that they think themselves favorites of heaven, and the things which they condemn in another they may practice themselves with impunity. Because of their former unblemished reputation and standing before the people, acts which they would condemn in another must not be regarded as sin or condemned in themselves because they have held high positions of trust and have the confidence of the people. This is the very policy of Satan in the heavenly courts. His position as covering cherub he claimed, placed him above suspicion and the possibility of doing wrong. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 11)

With every follower of Christ, “Thou God seest me” [Genesis 16:13], may be inscribed upon tablets [on] every side where the eye may rest. There may be quotations of Scriptures on cards on every side of the room, but if these are not inscribed upon the soul and woven into the very daily life experience, it is not of the least value to them. “I am a Christian” should ever be borne in mind, and then demonstrated by revealing Christ in the character. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 12)

When connected with institutions where so much may be done for the Master in rightly representing Christian character, what deep searching of heart there should be, what earnest prayer to God for strength to be a partaker of the divine nature, that there may be a correct example to others, to give wise counsel, and to reflect light upon the pathway of others. I must love my neighbor as myself. I must do to others as I wish them to do to me, were I in their place. I must study and understand the will of God in regard to myself; my words, my decisions, and my actions must be measured by God’s standard, not by my own finite standard, that no wrong impression shall go forth from me to lead the feet of any soul into strange paths. (5LtMs, Lt 32, 1888, 13)

Lt 33, 1888

Church, Brother
Fresno, California
March 21, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in 20MR 363-372.
Dear Brother Church:

I learn that you intend to erect a health institution in this place. This may be all right in time, but you are not ready, my brother, to engage in any such enterprise just now. There are other things that demand both your time and your means. You want not to do anything that shall bear the least appearance of working against the Lord, for in this you will not prosper. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 1)

I meant to have laid open before you plainly the things the Lord had been pleased to open before me in regard to the elements connected with the [Rural] Health Retreat. I had a long, tedious, painful effort to set things in order there. It nearly killed me for I carried the burden upon my soul day and night. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 2)

I have, in the fear of God, related to the board and to Elder Rice and to all parties concerned where they were deficient and where they must reform. We could no longer keep Elder Rice connected with the health retreat; not because he did wrong in his imprudence with his course of familiarity with Mrs. Heald, but his management in other things was so unsafe. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 3)

When he was first connected with the health retreat, he was a poor invalid, and it was questionable whether he could live longer than a few months. But Dr. Gibbs patiently and interestedly worked in his behalf so that he was encouraged to take some exercise, and he linked his arm with his and just urged him to do many things he was not inclined to do. I was at this time at the retreat. Dr. Gibbs watched over him as he would his own brother. Then it was thought best, in order to encourage Elder Rice, to give him the position, for a few months at least, of superintendent, while there were but few patients. We all thought this advisable. Well, through much persevering effort, Elder Rice, who appeared to be on the very borders of the grave, began to improve; and if these efforts had not been made for him, he would not have been alive today. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 4)

But as time passed, Elder Rice assumed larger responsibilities, and he felt that his head was sufficient to control altogether more than his position gave him any right to do. He did not consult the board, but repeatedly said, when spoken to about certain things done, that he knew better than the board what was needed. He took about absolute control of everything. He outgrew his humility and had altogether too exalted [an] opinion of himself, and he separated from God. He followed his own impulse and not the way of the Lord. After much prayer and burden of soul, we felt that things must change and must be set in order if we would have the blessing of the Lord upon the institution. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 5)

Brother Fulton, a man who loves and fears God, requested an interview with me during our conference in Oakland, and then stated that the burden was upon him day and night to connect with the health retreat at St. Helena. This looked like the work of the Lord, and we set this matter before the board, and he was given a place there with his pleasant, good wife. This is what we needed, a man and his wife. This would close the door to scandal, and these two united, we knew would place a different mould upon the institution. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 6)

I had several conversations with Dr. Maxson and his wife. Their only reason for resigning, they stated, was the methods of treating in drug medication. Dr. Gibbs was, they said, an homeopathist; but this is not the case. He is an eclectic physician, and had, when he came to the health retreat, eight years of successful practice. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 7)

Dr. Maxson and his wife stated that homeopathy was of the devil—it was like spiritism and mesmerism—and they could not conscientiously connect with him, although Dr. Gibbs, he acknowledged, had always treated him like a gentleman and had given him far greater liberty and freedom than he would have given Dr. Gibbs were he in his place. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 8)

I told Dr. Maxson we did not erect an institution at such immense cost to have people educated to resort to drugs, but to instruct them how to cure without drugs. I told them what the Lord had been pleased to show me nearly thirty years ago in regard to the old-school practice of drug medication upon the miserable wrecks of humanity, made so by the use of drugs. I told him of the two systems: the old-school system had killed its thousands and its tens of thousands, while the eclectic, or as he called it, homeopathy, had done no such deadly work. But this, I am sure, had no weight with him for he frequently repeated the same thing. Finally he sent in his resignation. We tried to have him and his wife remain upon a different plan: we could form a training school and Dr. Maxson and wife could educate in regard to hygienic principles and how to give treatment. But they declined to do this, and left. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 9)

Now, Brother Church, I have only just presented a few items before you. We learned that Dr. Maxson and wife were closely united with Elder Rice and always ready to excuse his course. Dr. Maxson denied to me that Elder Rice had been as imprudent as had been stated. I said, “Dr. Maxson, I have talked with Mrs. Heald and received from her own lips the statements to be true which you claim to be untrue.” An unholy bond has connected these together to the injury of all parties. This has stood directly in the way of Elder Rice’s receiving the very reproofs and corrections the Lord had for him. Dr. Maxson has done this before in Battle Creek, and it grieved me to the heart to see that he would be on the wrong side in this case. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 10)

Now you have the cases of Dr. Burke, Dr. Maxson, and Elder Rice. Are you willing, and do you think it safe to yoke up with these to start your institution? Do you think there could be the approval of God upon such a movement? We have seen it tried many, many times, but by-and-by there has always been a working out of rebellion and disorderly elements which have been unable to harmonize, and the result eventually has been departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and the loss of the soul. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 11)

Now, my brother, I have a request to make of you, which is to make haste slowly. I do not want you to connect with these elements. You are a man of very set, determined traits of character, and when things go contrary to your ideas you are greatly disturbed. Your life course has been opened before me. You have had a wrestling life, and when your course has been questioned or opposed, you have been trained by course of circumstances to push just as much harder to make your plans a success as that you were opposed. This element of character still exists with you, and it is a dangerous element to you and others to be brought into your religious life because you may in some things be inclined to push, when you may not have the Lord back of you to push with you. I know that the Lord can use you as His instrument if you will be passive in His hands. He can make you a conqueror if you are willing to submit to the light. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 12)

You are now in the decline of life and will not be able to wrestle as you have done. You want now more decidedly to seek those things which are above, where God sitteth. You want now to be fitting for those mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. I do not want that you should make a failure here. And for you to get mixed up with elements which I know that you cannot harmonize with will do the very worst injury to them, and not only this, but a greater injury to yourself and to the precious cause of God. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 13)

You may say, “Has the Lord shown you this peculiar case of Elder Rice and Mrs. Heald?” If I had my diary here, written during my last trip to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, I could read to you some things therein. In a vision of the night I was passing through the rooms of the institution and saw the very scenes which did take place there in this familiarity, men with women and women with men. My soul was deeply troubled, and I arose and wrote out these things at one o’clock in the morning. I have copied out much of this and sent it to Elder Rice. I have read to Elder Rice, the board, Dr. Maxson, Dr. Gibbs, and Brother and Sister Heald the things written in regard to Dr. Gibbs. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 14)

Dr. Gibbs made his acknowledgements. Elder Rice made no confession, only admitted that which he was compelled to admit before the board. But I should say, he made quite a number of confessions to me at Oakland at the time of the camp meeting. Dr. Gibbs confessed to his wife, too, in a most thorough manner. He confessed to me, and then to the board. He has done all that he could do to make wrongs right. He asked the forgiveness of the board, and then a vote was taken by all the board. Brother and Sister Maxson and Elder Rice raised their hands in unison with the board to vote their acceptance of the confession and their forgiveness. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 15)

I was, in the night season, conducted to the rooms in the health retreat where I was made to hear words spoken by Brother Rice [and] by Brother and Sister Heald. Their deportment towards each other [and] their attentions were such as should be given only to the wife or husband of married people. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 16)

The course pursued in settling the bills with the patrons of the health retreat was not of that character to leave a favorable impression upon their minds. The words expressed by these patrons as they left the retreat were anything but flattering to its managers. Great dissatisfaction was created in regard to the settlements of the accounts. They thought they paid large prices for board and treatment, and then the sums exacted for any additional favor bestowed was but a very little gain to the institute but resulted in the loss of patronage, and therefore the loss of means. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 17)

When I expressed my dissatisfaction in regard to these things to Dr. Maxson and his wife, both vindicated the course of Elder Rice, stating that this was the way they did at the sanitarium at Battle Creek; that the prices exacted were not equal to the prices of the sanitarium for the same favors. It was evident that in our experience with the parties and management there was a complete unity with Elder Rice and Dr. Maxson and his wife, and Brother and Sister Heald. There was one voice and one judgment with these parties. Many things I was made to see and hear which it is not necessary for me to write at this time. Now, these parties were either right or wrong. If the Lord was leading me and presenting before me the true state of things as they existed, laying the burden upon my soul, then these parties were not standing in the counsel of God. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 18)

I was shown at a certain time when the Spirit of the Lord was working upon those connected with the institution, some confessions were made. They seemed to be assembled in a meeting of worship. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 19)

Elder Rice was standing upon his feet, and the Spirit of God was deeply moving upon his heart to confess his way out of darkness into the light. But he only spoke in general terms. He in no wise cleared his soul from the stains of wrong on his part in connection with Sister Heald. He trembled for a while under the promptings of the Spirit of God, but refused to humiliate his soul before God in lifting up the cross. From that time he began to walk in darkness, contrary to light and truth. He had a moulding influence upon Sister Heald. She felt at one time that she could never be free unless she made an humble confession. But Elder Rice moulded matters to please himself. He might have made straightforward work; he might have come out of darkness into the light; he might have drawn near to God; and the Lord would have forgiven his sins and lifted up a standard for him against the enemy. But he has verily turned away from the light and convictions of the Spirit of God as did the assembly of the Jews at Nazareth when Christ announced Himself as the Anointed One. All responded, under the impression of the Spirit of God, witnessing to the gracious words which proceeded from His lips. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 20)

It is a dangerous thing under circumstances like these to open the heart to unbelief, which causes the Spirit of God to depart from them. After unbelief came in, after doubts were entertained, the pointed, close remarks of Jesus showing that apostate Israel could not be trusted with the hiding of God’s servant for they would betray him, filled them with madness, and they would have put an end to the life of Jesus then and there if they had been permitted to do this. But the angels of God preserved the Son of God, till His work was done, and He passed through the murderous throng and went on His way to continue His work and fulfill His mission. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 21)

It is Satan’s constant work to lead minds to deny the light. It takes but a step to leave the straightforward path and enter a diverging path where Satan leads the way. Light is called darkness; darkness is called light. I have no confidence that Elder Rice is under the influence of the Spirit of God. He has been moving and working under the deceptive influence of another spirit, and if he does not see this matter and gather up the rays of light that God has flashed upon his pathway and cherish this light as from God, he will just as surely come in the same position as did Jannes and Jambres who withstood God and Moses in ancient times. These men were so self-confident and had turned so fully from the ways of the Lord that by their own standard they believed themselves to be in favor with God and in the light because they had set light for darkness and darkness for light. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 22)

We have had many years of experience in the cause and work of God, and have seen many persons who have moved in blindness, resisting the work of the Spirit of God, and we have seen the result, which has been a separation from God and eventually from the truth. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 23)

The natural heart despises reproof, and there are those who, when corrected by the Spirit of God, rise up against it. They appeal to their own sympathy and relate matters to others in their own way, putting a wrong light upon everything and obtain their sympathies, and friends and relatives unite with them to make of none effect the work of God, to correct, reprove, and rebuke the erring. They lean to their own understanding; they refuse counsel; and in the place of harmonizing with the Spirit of God to set things in order, they work in an opposite direction. They erect standards of their own by which they measure character. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 24)

I might continue this subject to a much greater length, but I have not, neither will I go into particulars; but I feel it to be my duty to call your attention to a few points. If Elder Rice has made statements to you that have been of sufficient force to change your former opinion concerning him insomuch that you would connect with him in the most responsible work of establishing and running a health institution, we would be pleased to know the reasons upon which this change has been brought about. We do not want you to be brought into perplexities through any deceptive influences, through any misrepresentations. We would not suppress one syllable of truth that the Lord makes it our duty to utter, to gain favor with you, my respected brother, or any person living, in order to secure means to do any work in the cause of God. Your course must be straightforward in the fear of God. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 25)

The Lord is not dependent upon any living man, but He graciously gives us the privilege of co-operating with Him, that we may be laborers together with God. We cannot do His work from our own standpoint. We cannot follow our own finite judgment, but we must have any eye single to the glory of God. “The gold and silver is the Lord’s, and the cattle upon the thousand hills are His.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] He can work with His power to do whatsoever He will. If any one man refuses to co-operate with the Lord in doing the work after God’s order, that God’s mould may [be] upon it, and not man’s, then another will be chosen in His place, and He will make the willing and obedient to do His work which will be wrought in righteousness and will be as enduring as eternity. This work will be laid upon the foundation which will not be hay, wood, or stubble, but gold and silver and precious stones, which will stand the great conflagration which must take place when every work will be tried of what sort it is. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 26)

Now, my brother, we want you to stand side and shoulder with us, to build up those things that God is building up which are imperishable. We want you to lift and to wear the yoke of Christ. We want you to be ripening up for the future life. We want your help in the work which we are doing for these last days. We do not want you to be involved in perplexities that I know at your age you will be if you undertake to build and conduct a health reform institution. If, in the order of God, such an institution is established in Fresno, be sure that the very foundation of its establishment is laid in solid timber. Do not let the enemy come in and spoil the work by placing defective timbers into the institution, for these defective characters, not under the special control of the Spirit of God, will work at cross purposes. It is Satan’s special business to create variance and dissension among the people who claim to be Seventh-day Adventists. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 27)

I call upon you, my brother, in the name of the Lord, to unite with us, to close every door through which Satan would enter to cause strife and alienation among brethren. Let us counsel together. There has been altogether too much moving in one’s own independent judgment. Self-sufficiency and self-esteem lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed among the people of God. The angel of God has repeated again and again, “Press together! Press together! Be of one mind, of one judgement! Let God be your leader! Follow His footsteps!” (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 28)

My brother, God’s people are one body. God has a people whom He is leading, teaching, and guiding, that they may teach and lead and guide others. There will be among the remnant of these last days, as there was with ancient Israel, those who wish to move independently of the body, who are not willing to be subject to the body of the church, who are not willing to submit to advice or counsel; but ever bear in mind that God has a church upon the earth, and [to] that church God has delegated power. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 29)

He expects them to grow up as a holy temple unto the Lord. Men will rise up against reproof; men will despise counsel; men will depart from the faith; men will apostatize; they will want to follow independent judgment. Just as sure as they do this, disaster and ruin of souls will be the result. In short, Satan will become their leader and will work constantly to tear down the things which God is building up and follow their own finite judgments and plans. But the works of all are to bear the test of the judgment. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 30)

Angels of God are watching the development of character; angels of God are weighing in the balances of the sanctuary moral worth. The record is being made daily in the books of heaven of every man’s work. None of these discordant elements will be able to retard the great day of God and the final completion of His eternal plans. Truth is advancing. Missionary fields are constantly opening, and those who use the means which God has entrusted to them as His stewards to spread the knowledge of truth, which is of heavenly origin, are truly missionaries of God and co-laborers with Jesus Christ. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” [Daniel 12:3.] (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 31)

Those who will now support and build up the truth of God are ranging on one side and are standing with heart to heart, with one mind, with one voice, with one judgment, glorifying God by keeping a united front in defense of the truth which will eventually triumph. While those who will break up and confuse and do not labor to have harmony of purpose and action are verily doing the work of Satan, not the work of God. They feel annoyed because all honor and all praise are not given to their superior judgment. They feel fully capable to grasp in their arms large responsibilities and to be an independent body under no control. They do not keep the way of the Lord. They are ranged on the other side, ready to say, “Has not God spoken by us? You take too much upon yourselves.” (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 32)

God will set His own seal upon His work, and God will enlist men to co-operate with Him. As God has given to every soul His measure of power, He expects that they will put it forth in the very branch of the work where they may labor intelligently and effectively. It is a delusion of the enemy for anyone to feel that he can disconnect from the body and work on an independent scale of his own and think he is doing God’s work. We are one body, and every member is to be united to the body. Not one is to be shut up to himself and live for himself. Men must be like-minded with God, pure, holy, sincere. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 33)

My dear brother, you have a special work before you to do. If you will work in harmony with the Spirit of God, the Lord will bless you and work with your efforts. I have an intense interest for your soul. I do not want you by any wrong course that you may pursue, to hedge up the way which will deter you from doing the work the Lord has for you to do. My brother, there is only one safe course for you, and that is for you to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. Sound doctrine must be brought into actual contact with men’s souls that it will produce sound practice. God gives sufficient light to guide every man that He shall perform right actions. But unless this light is appreciated and obeyed, he will be left in the condition of Chorazin and Bethsaida of old. It is not enough to believe the truth, but its sanctifying power must be felt in our life and character. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 34)

My brother, God requires of us more than we are willing to give Him. We must individually be honest with God, and in no case rob God in tithes or in offerings. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” [Malachi 3:8-10.] (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 35)

Do not, my brother, neglect a plain duty revealed to you in the oracles of God. The books of heaven will reveal the fact in the past and the present standing of your accounts with God. Be strictly honest with your Maker in tithes and in offerings. You have been moved by the Spirit of God, and under the influence of His spirit you have made pledges. Then while you have means in your hands, make your account straight with God. Now God looks at all these transactions that bear any relation to the work and the cause of God. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 36)

I entreat of you, my brother, to make straight work for time and for eternity. Do not rob God in the least measure. Take the truth of God in your hand and in your heart, in every transaction with your fellow men. Go under its escort to your place of business. There God will be near you in every settled, determined effort to apply the simple but searching maxims which come from heaven to guide men through all the highways, the byways, and the broad ways through this life to eternal glory. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 37)

You are often troubled by the dishonesty and perversity of man. His crooked ways are an offense to you, his disregard of his word, the forfeiting of his promises, make you grieved and provoked. Well, Satan is pleased to have him do this way in order to tempt and discourage you. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 38)

But then, how do you, my brother, treat the Lord? Are you not disappointing His expectations? Are you faithful and exact in your promises, and do you pay your vows to your Creator? Do you not withhold from the Lord His own portion that He has reserved for Himself? Will my brother, whom I respect, whose soul I value above gold and silver because it was purchased by human agony and the price of the blood of the Son of God, will you look carefully to all these things? You need expect but little of man except through the power and prevalence of truth, which is alone able to elevate his nature to its true dignity by its sanctifying, holy influence. The only means of purifying man from his defilement is to make him like-minded with God. (5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, 39)

Lt 33a, 1888

[Church, Brother]
[Fresno, California]
[March 21, 1888]
Drawn from Lt 33, 1888. See 20MR 363-372.

Rejecting the Light

Dear Brother [Church]:

The course of your life has been opened before me. It has been one of constant wrestling, and when your course has been questioned or opposed, you have only pushed the harder to make your plans successful. The training received through circumstances has led you to do this, and the element of opposition still exists in you. But it is a dangerous element to be brought into one’s religious life, because it may incline him to push when the Lord is not on his side to push with him. You will do well to make haste slowly. I know that the Lord can use you as His instrument if you will be passive in His hands. He can make you a conqueror if you are willing to walk in the light. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 1)

You are now in the decline of life and will not be able to wrestle as you have done. You need to seek more earnestly for those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God; you should now be fitting up for those mansions which Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. Do not, my brother, make a failure here. For you to become connected at this period in your experience with those with whom you cannot harmonize will be not only an injury to them, but a still greater injury to yourself and to the precious cause of God. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 2)

Satan is constantly working to lead men to deny the light. It is but a step from the straightforward path to a diverging one in which Satan leads the way and where light is all darkness, and darkness light. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 3)

On one occasion of an assembly of the Jews at Nazareth, Christ announced Himself as the Anointed One. Under the impression of the Spirit of God, all witnessed to the gracious words which proceeded from His lips. But they began to doubt. It is a dangerous thing to open the heart to unbelief for it drives the Spirit of God away from the heart, and Satan’s suggestions come in. As the doubts were entertained, open unbelief followed; and as the close, pointed remarks of Jesus brought their true spiritual condition before them, they were filled with madness and would have put an end to His life then and there if they had been permitted. These lessons of solemn importance we must take to ourselves and avoid the first admission of doubt and unbelief. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 4)

I have no confidence that _____ is under the influence of the Spirit of God. He has been working under the deceptive influence of another spirit; and if he does not see this and gather up and cherish the rays of light that have flashed upon his pathway, he will surely come into the position of Jannes and Jambres who withstood Moses and thus withstood God, who was using Moses as His instrument. In the days of Christ, this class of men was so self-confident and had turned so fully from the ways of the Lord that they believed themselves to be in the right and in favor with God, when they were measuring themselves by their own standard and were putting light for darkness and darkness for light. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 5)

During years of experience in the cause of God, we have seen many persons move in blindness, resisting the work of the Holy Spirit. We have also seen the result, which has been a separation from God and eventually, from the truth. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 6)

The natural heart always despises reproof, and even men of experience will be blind to discern their own individual imperfection of character and sometimes rise up against it. There are those who hate reproof, and, when corrected by the Spirit of God, appeal to others in self-sympathy, putting a wrong construction upon everything, and in so objectionable a light present the matter as to win their sympathy. An impression is thus left on the minds of those who listen to them that there is a grave inconsistency in the reproof given. They have many words with friends and relatives over the matter, all of which tend to make of none effect the counsel and Word of God in correction, reproof, and rebuke of the erring. They lean to their own understanding; they refuse counsel; and instead of working in harmony with the Spirit of God to set things in order, they labor in an entirely opposite direction. They erect a standard of their own by which they measure character. They cherish their own ideas and place their own construction on God’s manner of dealing as though it were only human wisdom. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 7)

The Lord is not dependent upon any man to accomplish His work, but He graciously gives us the privilege of co-operating with Him, that we may be laborers together with God. We cannot do His work from our own human standpoint. We must not follow our own finite judgment, but we must have an eye single to the glory of God. Blind not your eyesight with your own objectionable traits of character. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 8)

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts,” “and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] His resources are unlimited, and His power can accomplish whatever He will. If any man refuses to co-operate with Him and will not work according to God’s order, then he will be laid aside, and another will be chosen in his place. God accepts the willing and obedient to do His work, which, wrought through Christ in righteousness, will be as enduring as eternity. Such work will be most precious and will be laid upon the foundation, not as wood, hay, or stubble, but as gold, silver, and precious stones, and it will stand in the great conflagration that is to try every man’s work, of what sort it is. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 9)

There has been altogether too much reliance [placed] upon independent, uninspired judgment. Self-sufficiency and self-esteem lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed among the people of God. The angel of God has said to me again and again, “Press together! Press together! Be of one mind, of one judgment, that God may be your Leader. Follow His footsteps, and you will walk safely. The clean heart and the right spirit are the gifts of His Son, purchased with infinite cost.” (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 10)

God is teaching, leading, and guiding His people that they may teach, lead, and guide others. There will be, among the remnant of these last days, as there were with ancient Israel, those who wish to move independently, who are not willing to submit to the teachings of the Spirit of God and who will not listen to advice or counsel. Let such ever bear in mind that God has a church upon the earth to which He has delegated power. Men will want to follow their own independent judgment, despising counsel and reproof; but just as surely as they do this, they will depart from the faith and disaster and the ruin of souls will follow. Those who rally now to support and build up the truth of God are ranging themselves on one side, standing united in heart, mind, and voice in defense of the truth, while those who do not labor in harmony of purpose and action, who choose their own unsanctified judgment as perfection of action, are ranging themselves on the side of Satan and are defending his cause. Satan will become their leader, and they will join him in his constant endeavors to tear down that which God is building up. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 11)

None of these discordant elements will be able eventually to thwart the purposes of God in the preparation of a people to stand in the great day and in the final completion of the plan of salvation. But the works of all are to bear the test of the great Judge. Angels of God are watching the development of character; angels of God are weighing moral worth in the balances of the sanctuary; and the record of every man’s work is being made daily in the books of heaven. And each will receive a reward according to his works. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 12)

There are those in our ranks who feel annoyed because honor and praise are not given to their supposed superior judgment as if they were doing some wonderful thing for God. They feel fully capable of grasping larger responsibilities and of moving independent of any control while they have failed to bear the test of smaller responsibilities. But they do not keep the way of the Lord. They are ranged on the wrong side, ready to say, “Has not God spoken by us? Ye take too much upon you.” God will set His own seal upon His work and will enlist men to co-operate with Him. He has given to every man his measure of power, and He expects that each will put it forth in that branch of the work where he can labor most intelligently and effectively. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 13)

It is a delusion of the enemy for anyone to feel that he can disconnect from agencies which God has appointed and work on an independent line of his own, in his own supposed wisdom, and yet be successful. Although he may flatter himself that he is doing God’s work, he will not prosper in the end. We are one body, and every member is to be united to the body, each person working in his respective capacity. Men must be like-minded with God—pure, holy, sincere. Not one is to be shut up to himself, to live for himself. God gives sufficient light to guide every man so that he may perform right actions. But unless this light is appreciated and obeyed, he will be left in the condition of Chorazin and Bethsaida of old. It is not enough to believe the truth; its sanctifying power must be seen in the life and character. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 14)

God requires of us more than we are willing to give Him. We must individually be honest with Him and in no case rob Him in tithes or in offerings. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.... Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” [Malachi 3:8-10.] (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 15)

Truth is advancing. Missionary fields are constantly opening, and those who use means which God has intrusted to them as His stewards in spreading the knowledge of the truth from heaven are truly missionaries of God and co-laborers with Christ. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” [Daniel 12:3.] (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 16)

You have a special work before you. If you will live in harmony with the Holy Spirit, the Lord will bless you and work with your efforts. There is only one safe course for you, and that is to “make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.” [Hebrews 12:13.] (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 17)

Sound doctrine must be brought into the life that it may produce sound practice. Do not, my brother, neglect a plain duty, revealed to you by the oracles of God. The books of heaven reveal at this present time your past and present standing in the sight of God. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 18)

Be strictly honest with your Maker in tithes and offerings. If you have been moved by the Spirit of God and under that influence have made pledges, then while you have means in your hands make your account straight with God. God notices all these transactions that are related to His cause. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 19)

I entreat you, my brother, to make thorough work for time and for eternity. Do not rob God in the least measure. Take the truth of God in your hand and in your heart; take it with you to your place of business; carry out its principles in every transaction with your fellow men. God will be near to help you in every earnest, determined effort to apply the simple but searching maxims which come from heaven to guide men through all the highways and byways of life to eternal glory. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 20)

You are often troubled by the dishonesty and perversity of others. Their crooked ways are an offense to you. Their disregard of their word and the forfeiture of their promises tempt and discourage you, and Satan is pleased to have it so. But on the other hand, how are you treating the Lord? Are you not disappointing His expectations? Are you faithful and exact in fulfilling your promises? And do you pay your vows to God? Do you not withhold from the Lord the portion which He has reserved for Himself? You need expect but little of men, except through the prevailing power of truth, which alone is able to elevate their nature to its true dignity. The only means of purifying man from the defilement of sin is to make him like-minded with God. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 21)

Your soul is of more value than gold and silver because it was purchased by the agony and the blood of the Son of God. Will you look carefully to all these things? Will you not fully unite with God’s people, closing every door through which Satan can enter to cause strife and alienation? Will you not stand shoulder to shoulder with them in His work? Put on the yoke of Christ and lift just where He can lift with you. We want your help in the work which is being done in these last days. We want you to be ripening up for the future life. (5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, 22)

Lt 34, 1888

Belden, Charlie
Fresno, California
June 8, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Charlie:

We left Oakland Thursday evening at half past eight o’clock and reached Fresno Friday morning. We were wise to travel in the night for Friday was a very hot day and dusty. We would have had a hard time of it. (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 1)

I am pleased, Charlie, that you are not an idle boy, but are willing to work hard. This is a good thing, and I hope you will obtain means during the vacation to secure for you the advantages of school the next term. You need close application to your studies in the common branches both of reading and spelling. Try to keep up as much as possible your studious habits, that the next term you can make much more advancement than during your last school experience. Just as soon as a good foundation is laid in acquiring the knowledge of the common branches, then you want to take special lessons in bookkeeping. I hope that you will, if persevering, be an honor to your widowed mother and be able to sustain her and make her life happy. Keep this in view. (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 2)

“That which ye sow ye shall also reap.” [Galatians 6:7.] Now is your time of sowing. You have now the opportunity of bringing into your character-building the very best and soundest timbers. Keep free from the society of those you know will not be a help to you in working out your own salvation. You will have enough to encounter from the enemy of God and man without soliciting or placing yourself where you will be in the hands of Satan’s agents. He has agents who are working for him all the time. There are young men and women who absorb or receive all of Satan’s plans and suggestions and act them out as cunningly and secretly and perseveringly as Satan himself. They are never content unless they are working for their master to ruin souls. I feel deeply over the matter; I do not want you to place yourself on the side of the enemy as an evil worker. (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 3)

I feel that I can do good missionary work in looking after the young men and young women who need help and bringing them into a position where they will have influences entirely the opposite from that which Satan is exercising. I want you, my dear boy, to help me in this good work and make me feel that I have not labored in vain. Will you be my helper? You have ever given me evidence that you wished to please me. Now if you will give just as good proof that you wish to please Jesus, your Redeemer, how happy you will make me, and there will be joy in heaven. (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 4)

You do not give evidence that you have yet true conviction of sin. Now go to work; pray before God to show you yourself as a sinner, then pray that Christ may be revealed to you as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Take your place under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. You may form ever so good resolutions, but unless your heart is changed you will make no progress. I want you not to be a hypocrite, but a pure, sincere, contrite, repenting, believing sinner. There is too much shoddy work, I admit, and for this reason you should try to be true and sincere. Will you try? (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 5)

Do not keep yourself apart from religious influences, for there you will find yourself breathing in the atmosphere of heaven. It makes every difference what atmosphere you choose. If you choose the society of those who are coarse and rough, uncultivated, irreligious, you will descend to their level. If you choose the society of the godly and imitate their practices and seek to be all that is right and pure and holy, then you will have different views. You will think of Jesus; you will dwell upon the great plan of redemption. You will see in the cross of Calvary the cost of your soul. (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 6)

Do not place yourself for one hour with the skeptic. Shun him as you would a deadly poison. Let not his satanic words, the atmosphere which surrounds his soul, be like the poisonous miasma [to you]. Do the best you can in the strength of Jesus to have your whole moral taste changed that you will love the things that Jesus loved and hate those things which Jesus hated. Delays are dangerous. I want to save your soul; it was for this reason that I brought you in connection with my family that the influence might help you to form right ideas of the service of God and see the necessity of true conversion to the truth. (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 7)

I hope you will help Byron. I pray for you both. Do not become a tempter to Byron. Go to meeting yourself and set him the example of right doing. I want Byron to be helped. (5LtMs, Lt 34, 1888, 8)

Lt 35, 1888

Snook, Edward
Fresno, California
June 9, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Friend Edward Snook:

I have visited your mother’s home to find her sons and have some talk with them. I enquire, What doest thou, Edward? Are you seeking to make a man of usefulness, or are you idling away the precious moments God has mercifully given you? Have you lost sight of the true design of life? Are you willing to engage in any kind of work that is honorable to earn money to sustain yourself and lighten the burdens of your mother? She has cared and planned and labored for her children, and the only one who is really of any kind of use to her is Marcus. May the Lord bless the young man. He may never grasp very great things, but he may receive at last the benediction of “Well done, good and faithful servant” [Matthew 25:23], if you do not by your precept and example spoil him. You know he is easily influenced. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 1)

What work are you doing, young man? How will you like to look upon your record in the great day of final accounting? You will then appear as a tree of the Lord’s planting bearing much fruit to His glory, or as a worthless tree bearing nothing but leaves. I tell you that which I know: few characters change materially after the person is twenty or twenty-five years old. At that period habits become fixed, impressions formed, and the future character of the man made. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 2)

How can you look upon your mother toiling and planning and working to sustain herself and you, eating from her table, supported by her means, clothed by her money, when you should be lifting from her every care, releasing her from every burden, and rejoicing to see her taking some rest and freedom from care? I should think, as you look upon your father and see him worthless and his influence and nobility as a man gone because of his own habits and course of action, you would be earnest and resolve that you will be a man; that you will bear the impress of the divine and not obliterate God’s image in your nature. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 3)

I tell you, characters are formed in youth and you, young man, are molding your own future. You are by every act writing out your own history. If you now live up to the light God has given you, if you will resist temptation, if you will form correct, virtuous, and manly habits, if you will be an earnest worker, you will only be doing your duty and in thus doing will receive the esteem of all good men and the final benediction of God. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 4)

The declining years of your mother may be made very happy. Now you sorely try her patience. You make it very hard for her both in her temporal as well as her religious life. You pursue a self-willed, indolent, selfish course which calls out from her an urgent protest, and you think [this is] dictatorial and arbitrary. The injustice of your course, the ungrateful indifference of a thankless child, is sharper to her than a serpent’s tooth. And after she has been sharp and spoken decidedly, she has then to take herself to task, to question her own course whether she was, indeed, a Christian; whether she was not hasty and impatient. So you make her Christian life very severe and uncertain by your own unchristian actions. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 5)

If the mother has not done enough to call forth the gratitude of the children, tell me, what more she can do? But few mothers would have plucked up the courage and firmness and willpower, in the fear of God, and carried along her family as your mother has done. And the way you treat your mother, the disregard and disrespect of you, her children, is all registered in the books of heaven. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 6)

Will you see the folly of your course, Edward, as it is? Will you, before it shall be too late, see the mistakes you are making? Will you arouse yourself, learn some trade, place yourself where your powers will be taxed, and grow because they are exercised? God has given you ability, reasoning powers for you to exercise, not to leave these powers lying dormant, but to be used. God has claims upon you and the day of reckoning is coming; He will hold you to these claims. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 7)

How dare you use your time, God’s time, as you do? Remember it is God’s time granted you to do your work for the Master. You may be now vicious or virtuous; just as you exercise your power will be your future reward, either in a blessing or a curse. You may now, by your indifference to the claims of God, become wise to do evil and treasure up wrath against the day of wrath—and who can bear the wrath of an offended God?—or you may, by a life of faithful discharge of duty, be a blessing in this life and by your example reflect light upon the pathway of others and hear at last the “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Verse 23.] (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 8)

Now is the sowing time; what kind of harvest are you preparing to reap? That which ye sow, ye shall also reap. Time is passing. You are not sowing precious grain; you are living for your own amusement, cultivating habits that will make you inefficient, indolent, burdensome to your mother. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 9)

As you advance in years, your age will correspond with your youth. The miser acquires the habits in youth to hoard and be selfish. The aged gambler commenced gambling in youth to secure dishonest means; he was too lazy to work and put to the tax his powers to acquire by the sweat of his brow his living. The drunkard learned to be thus in youth. Being out evenings, choosing society that was demoralizing, hanging about the saloons tasting beer and wine, he cultivated the appetite for stimulus until he became a drunkard. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 10)

What is your aim in life? What standard have you decided to reach? Why are you not searching for employment, gaining means to clothe yourself, to pay your board and feel that every meal you eat that you do not earn is taking that which does not belong to you? I must tell you that I am surprised and grieved at your course. You are making yourself inefficient, helpless—in short, doing nothing. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 11)

Now it is not too late for you to overcome the useless, indolent, selfish inclinations. Show yourself a man, a self-sustaining man, earning every week means to sustain yourself, means that you will deposit safely for future use [so] that you will not be a mere dependent, a machine to be used in others’ hands, but a man that uses his brains, that can think and plan and devise. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 12)

Let not one hour of your time pass without having something to show for it. Wherein have you progressed the last five important years of your life? Is it not time that you went diligently, perseveringly to work to make an industrious man of yourself? Above everything else, be a sincere, earnest Christian, true to God, true to your duty. Do not wear the Christian badge and be a hypocrite. You are now no less than this. You know the truth, but do not love it or practice it. Will you not turn a square corner; will you now lay hold upon the hope set before you? I have been shown you are worse than the open sinner because you know the way and do not walk in it. You will be lost if your probation closes as it now stands. God help you to repent and be converted and then seek with your whole heart to be a Christian day by day. (5LtMs, Lt 35, 1888, 13)

Lt 36, 1888

Cody, Brother
Burrough Valley, California
June 28, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in WM 218-219. +
Dear Brother Cody:

I feel urged by the Spirit of the Lord to write to you this morning. Your case has been opened before me some years ago, and I have written out some things in regard to the matter which is in Healdsburg. I have not felt that the time to send you the matter in regard to yourself had come, but now I feel that the time has fully come. The Bible truth is the mighty lever to take you out of the quarry of the world, and the work was but just commenced for you. You were a rough stone from the quarry. You must have the hewing, the squaring, and the polishing done for you or you would be discarded as unfit for a place in the glorious temple of God. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 1)

Now, my brother, I know that this process of fitting up has not yet been done for you. I have been shown that you need home religion. Your words and your spirit are not of that character that you will let your light shine in good works. You have not exercised Christian courtesy and tender compassionate love, to your wife. Your talk, discourages her. You have not cultivated that Christian courtesy and love in your family that every Christian will do. Your words wound and bruise the soul and are often like desolating hail. Your wife, in the sight of the Lord, is nearer the kingdom of heaven than yourself. You talk of your wife to others; you treat her as no Christian should treat his wife; you do not give expression to words of tender sympathy, neither do you by acts of kindness and thoughtfulness show that you esteem your wife as you should. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 2)

She has nearly been driven entirely away from the love of the truth because of your manner of dealing with her and because of your unchristian course of action. You need to be thoroughly converted. I cannot think that the Lord can accept your missionary zeal until you have more spirit of missionary work at home, right in connection with your family, in educating and training your children to love, to respect, and to honor their mother by your own example. I want you to be saved, and if you ever join the society of the redeemed above, you must be a saint here in this world. Here in this world is the workshop of God; here you must feel the chisel and the hammer; here you must be burnished and polished for the heavenly temple of God. You must be a truly changed man, else you will in the place of honoring the cause of truth do it great harm. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 3)

You should select a pleasant and healthful location for your wife and help her to bear her burdens as best she can. She is a woman of good, sound sense, and a woman of principle, but your way of treating her has been of that character to lead her to lose confidence in you as a Christian and to lose her affection and love for you as her husband. Love will not survive unless it is cultivated. I cannot have confidence in you as a missionary worker while you are unfitting yourself by the company you keep, by the tenor of your conversation, for the Spirit of the Lord to work with you. You cannot serve God and mammon. Your heart is not cleansed; you have an outward form of religious life and faith, but you need to be aroused from your false dreams and false ideas of what constitutes the character of a Christian. You are too content to rest in a theory of the truth, in mere outward privileges, attending meetings, bearing your testimony in meetings, doing a little missionary work, when your heart is not in your work and you are not right with God. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 4)

“Without me,” says Christ, “you can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] The testimony you bear to those with whom you associate, the living connection you have with God would accomplish a good work for the Master in missionary work. Churchgoing and church worship severed from holiness of heart and purity of words and righteous works will prove a curse to others, for it will confirm and strengthen them in their unconsecrated lives. There is much foolish, low, earthly conversation indulged in by those who profess to be Christians, and their irreligious life is a stumbling block to sinners. Says the true witness, “I would that thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 5)

I was brought by the angel of God where I could look upon your association with some of your brethren and also with those not of our faith and your course was an offense to God. There was a scheming disposition and a close, selfish spirit manifested, and it was growing into a close, selfish spirit to advantage yourself to another’s disadvantage. A spirit of avarice is being strengthened and cultivated by many in Fresno, and a spirit of coarseness, of lightness, and of trifling. There is much talk that is of an earthly element and the inwardness of the heart is tainted and corrupted. How then can the truth you claim to believe sanctify your soul and refine your character? It is simply impossible, and you will make shipwreck of your faith by being overcome by some masterly temptation of Satan unless you are sanctified through the truth, for your life and your influence is an offense to God. You have a work to do to confess your sins and your neglect to your wife and with true contrition of soul come to God. Fall upon the Rock and be broken. It is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted. Mercy’s sweet voice is still to be heard. Will you heed it? Will you make diligent work now for repentance? Will you be diligent to make your calling and your election sure? I cannot bear the thought of your going on just as carelessly as you have been, for your life as a professed Christian is really perverting the faith. The truth is dishonored by your profession of faith and your unchristlike character. What will you now do, my brother? Will you wear Christ’s yoke? Will you lift Christ’s burden? Will you be a Christian? Please, ever bear in mind that the religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep yourself unspotted from the world. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 6)

Now many in their own minds and hearts pervert this good lesson given them by the apostle. Like many other things the unconsecrated soul perverts this instruction. There are some who would cover up the purposes of a polluted heart and visit the widow and the fatherless in order to see how they can gain some advantage in their dealing with them and they rob them of their little all. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 7)

Again, others make an excuse that they should visit the widow and the fatherless, but in these visits they indulge a spirit of flirting and they laugh and joke and trifle with them, and by their flattering attentions mislead them, awakening and strengthening the worst passions of the human heart. There are married men claiming to believe the truth who manifest lovesick sentimentalism. In your association with these , what influence are you exerting over them? (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 8)

Visiting the widow and the fatherless which the apostle enjoined [James 1:27] is to have a Christian, sanctified sympathy with them in their affliction. They are to sacredly guard their interests to work for them, to put themselves to inconvenience to do them a favor. They are to give them Christlike counsel; they are to unite with them in prayer and to ever bear in mind that Jesus Christ is present in all these visits and [that] a faithful record is kept of the object and the work accomplished. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 9)

Christians will give evidence that they are converted men and women. They will show that they are Bible readers, Bible believers, and [that] they obey every injunction of the Word of God. They will not seek to create sympathy for themselves by speaking in disfavor of wife or husband. They will become self-centered, but they will have a heart to do good to others and to be a blessing to humanity, for this is Christlike. They will walk circumspectly and reveal the character of Christ. They will in all their dealings with widows and the fatherless do just as they would wish others to do by wife and children were they to leave them husbandless and fatherless. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 10)

The facts should be borne in mind by all who claim to be children of God that there is a Watcher in every business transaction who records every act and deed of the transactor and [that] this record will stand just as it is written until the great day when every man shall receive according as His works have been, unless their wrongs shall have been repented of and blotted out. Any injustice done to saint or sinner will then be rewarded according to their works. But God will avenge those who shall treat the widow or the fatherless with oppression, or who shall rob them in any way. (Malachi 3:5) [says:] “And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.” The reason is now given why the Lord has not executed His judgment against the evil worker, “for I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” [Verse 6.] John was the forerunner of Christ; he was raised up of God to prepare the way of the Lord. There are messengers in this age sent forth of God to do a similar work, to prepare the way of the Lord’s second coming. While the work and message of these men shall be straightforward and earnest, they are not to encourage them to do nothing in this work-day world. The message God sends is for the object of keeping him to his work, inspiring him to do this work in accordance with the Lord’s great moral standard of righteousness. Lawful business and religion (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 11)

The sanctifying influence of the truth is to be left on minds in all business transactions. To the common working people the message of the forerunner of Christ was [to] do your appointed work and in it all manifest a spirit of brotherly kindness. He that hath two coats let him impart to him that hath none, and he that hath meat let him do likewise. God has enjoined upon His children that they must let their light shine in good works. A tree is known by its fruit. The truth must be exemplified in the life, in words, in deeds. You are to scorn all that is mean, and base and low and dishonest. Be brave, be good, and true to principle. Let all your actions speak of mercy and compassion, and build others up in the Bible principles, In all your work be honest, be frank, without one particle of guile, without deceit, without prevarication. Keep yourself away from association with girls and women. They will be a snare to you. Seek not their company; trifle not with them. Never flatter them, and do not insinuate yourself into their favor. Let the barriers never be overstepped. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 12)

You are to be a daily learner of Jesus; to practice His meekness and lowliness of heart. You are to take broad and noble and generous views of your existence and of God’s claims upon you and that which comprises the individual duties of yourself and your fellow men. Religion must and will be thoroughly incorporated with your everyday life and with every work and business in which you are engaged, and it will be interfused with the fear and love and favor of God. You must know what it is to be in the world and yet not of the world. You are not to meet the world’s standard. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 13)

John, the forerunner of Christ, was self-denying, and all who are engaged in the work of preparation for these last days must be self-denying. They must control every lust and separate from them the elements of all baseness and coarseness. If Christ is abiding in the heart, you will be weary and sick at heart with all baseness, all corruption of this degenerate age. The pride of life must be overcome. Every thought that would be turned into a wrong channel must be girded about and brought into subjection to the will of God. Any ambition of earthly well-being and worldly advancement will be superseded and expelled by a higher and holier principle. You will have a consciousness of a mission from God that is noble and elevating. The true Christian will be willing to forfeit the prizes which the worldly man will grasp and covet. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 14)

John was no candidate for worldly honor. The world and all its attractions, all its prizes, all its flattering inducements, were as mere, glittering tinsel in comparison to pure gold. God would have His people faithful as was John the Baptist. What patterns of self-sacrifice would they then be for the world to look upon! God has entrusted to His people high and holy capabilities and [a] most sacred burden of testing truth. I entreat of you not to feel that you are at the present time right with God. He cannot cooperate with you until you are seeking to do all on your part and the things you know you ought to do. You seek to help those you associate with to pure thoughts, [to] holy conversation, to holy works. You mingle your missionary efforts with commonplace things and God is not pleased. Flee to Jesus for your soul’s sake. Be imbued with His Spirit, then you will have a high sense of sacred things. You bring the sacred things down upon a level with [the] common. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 15)

May the Lord help you to see where your feet are standing and what material you [are] laying upon the foundation stone. Is it hay, wood, and stubble? If so, your work must perish. Is it gold, silver, and precious stones? If so, it will stand the fires of the last day. Take heed how you build. (5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, 16)

Lt 37, 1888

Daniels, E.P.
Duplicate of Lt 13, 1888.

Lt 38, 1888

Sister
Healdsburg, California
August 11, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in 16MR 174-179.
My dear Sister:

I received your letter this morning and will reply briefly. I have no recollection of receiving a letter of the character you mention. I will look through my writings when I have more time. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 1)

I have been pressed beyond measure of late. I returned to my Healdsburg home to rest and to take care of my harvest of fruit—peaches, plums, nectarines, and pears—and as we could not sell them, we have been obliged to dry them. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 2)

There has been quite an interest in Healdsburg among outsiders to hear Mrs. White speak, and I have been the only one in the place to speak to the people upon the Sabbath and First Day evening. We have had good attendance. Last Sabbath two Methodist ministers were present; also a professor who has long been connected with some institution of learning but is now laboring in Mexico as a missionary; and a prominent man, an agent for the home for the homeless in San Francisco, attended our meetings. The two last mentioned have become deeply interested in the Sabbath. The Lord has given me largely of His Holy Spirit, for which I praise His name. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 3)

This is an important place. Our school is here established, and we have a new church erected. Two large canneries are in active operation which bring in workers from surrounding towns, and here is a missionary field. Our brethren and sisters work in the canneries and are associated with those over whom they can exert an influence. We have seen plenty of opportunities to labor in the Master’s vineyard. I think I have not attended so excellent a social meeting here as we had last Sabbath. The Lord was indeed present, and that to bless. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 4)

But I am wandering from my subject. Dear Sister, you state that “some claim among other things that there is dishonesty in suppressing your former writings.” Will those who say these things please give proof of their statements? I know that this has been often repeated but not proved. “Claiming that in your original testimonies, volume 1, which they have preserved, you distinctly declare that you were shown the day and hour of Christ’s second coming. Their argument is that this statement of yours will not stand the Bible test, as Christ Himself declares that no man knoweth the day or the hour, no not even the angels of God, hence [you] have withdrawn the first editions and revised them leaving out the above, [and] also printed a tract declaring we are not a class of people who set the time, (entitled Is the Time Near?)” (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 5)

Will these good friends who are troubled concerning these statements please ask the individuals who claim to have the original copy of [the] first edition to let them see the statement they claim it contains. If they have the book, they should be willing to show the statements, paragraph by paragraph. I have no book and never have written one containing any such statement; and any book I might send you, the parties might claim was not the one containing the said statement. But if parties claim to have such a book, certainly someone who thinks these statements correct could have access to it. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 6)

In my first book you will find the only statement in regard to the day and hour of Christ’s coming that I have made since the passing of the time in 1844. It is found in (Early Writings, 11, 27, 145-146) [pages 15, 34, and 285], present edition. All refer to the announcement that will be made just before the second coming of Christ. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 7)

By turning to page 145 [page 285, present edition] and reading from the commencement of the chapter, you will see that the statements made refer to the deliverance of the saints from the time of trouble by the voice of God. Please obtain this book, if you do not have it, and read the statements therein. They are just as printed from the first article published. “The sky opened and shut and was in commotion. The mountains shook like a reed in the wind and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot and cast out stones upon the land. And as God spoke the day and the hour of Jesus’ coming and delivered the everlasting covenant to His people, He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth.” (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 8)

This is a portion of the paragraph. The statements in pages 11 and 27 [pages 15 and 34, present edition], refer to the same time. They contain all that I have ever been shown in regard to the definite time of the Lord’s coming. I have not the slightest knowledge as to the time spoken by the voice of God. I heard the hour proclaimed, but had no remembrance of that hour after I came out of vision. Scenes of such thrilling, solemn interest passed before me as no language is adequate to describe. It was all a living reality to me, for close upon this scene appeared the great white cloud upon which was seated the Son of man. But read the book itself. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 9)

It was this oft-repeated charge of suppression that led us to determine to gather up all my earliest publications and re-publish [them] in the book called Early Writings by Mrs. E. G. White. We printed this little book to be scattered everywhere that all might, if they chose, become acquainted with facts. But this did not, only for a time, quiet their reports. They came again just as fresh as if that book had never been printed. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 10)

I was a firm believer in definite time in 1844, but this prophetic time was not shown me in vision for it was some months [weeks] after the passing of this period of time before the first vision was given me. There were many proclaiming a new time after this, but I was shown that we should not have another definite time to proclaim to the people. All who are acquainted with me and my work will testify that I have borne but one testimony in regard to the setting of the time. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 11)

I have been shown that our disappointment in 1844 was not because of failure in the reckoning of prophetic periods, but in the events to take place. The earth was believed to be the sanctuary. But the sanctuary which was to be cleansed at the end of the prophetic periods was the heavenly sanctuary and not the earth as we all supposed. The Saviour did enter the most holy place in 1844 to cleanse the sanctuary, and the investigative judgment had commenced for the dead. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 12)

I have been repeatedly urged to accept the different periods of time proclaimed for the Lord to come. I have ever had one testimony to bear: the Lord will not come at that period, and you are weakening the faith of even Adventists, and fastening the world in their unbelief. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 13)

There have been plainly set before me events of great and thrilling interest which must transpire before Christ will come. Satan will move mightily from beneath and will delude the world, while the Lord God Omnipotent will move from above and prepare a people to stand in the great day of His wrath. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 14)

The time-setters have pronounced the curse of the Lord upon me as an unbeliever who said, My Lord delayeth His coming. But I have told them that the books of heaven would not make my record thus, for the Lord knows that I loved and longed for the appearing of Christ. But their oft-repeated message of definite time was exactly what the enemy wanted, and it served his purpose well to unsettle the faith in the first proclamation of time that was of heavenly origin. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 15)

The world placed all time proclamation on the same level and called it a delusion, fanaticism, and heresy. Ever since 1844 I have borne my testimony that we were now in a period of time in which we are to take heed to ourselves lest our hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon us unawares. Our position has been one of waiting and watching, with no time proclamation to intervene between the close of the prophetic periods in 1844 and the time of our Lord’s coming. We do not know the day nor the hour, or when the definite time is, and yet the prophetic reckoning shows us that Christ is at the door. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 16)

We have not cast away our confidence, neither have we a message dependent upon definite time, but we are waiting and watching unto prayer, looking for and loving the appearing of our Saviour, and doing all in our power for the preparation of our fellow men for that great event. We are not impatient. If the vision tarry, wait for it, for it will surely come; it will not tarry. Although disappointed, our faith has not failed, and we have not drawn back to perdition. The apparent tarrying is not so in reality, for at the appointed time our Lord will come, and we will, if faithful, exclaim, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.” [Isaiah 25:9.] (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 17)

I have also been pronounced a deceiver because I have said, “The Lord will soon come; get ready, get ready that ye may be found waiting, watching, and loving His appearing.” But in the Revelation I read this statement, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” “Behold, I come quickly: Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” [Revelation 22:12, 7; 3:11.] Was the One who bore this testimony a deceiver because the “quickly” has been protracted longer than our finite minds could anticipate? It is the faithful and true Witness that speaks. His words are verity and truth. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 18)

If I have failed to make this matter plain which you wish to understand, write me again and I will endeavor to make every point plain and clear. But I must plead not guilty to the charge of seeing in vision that the Lord would [come] at a definite day and hour which has since passed by. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 19)

I must now close this letter. I have been interrupted many times to give counsel to those who [have] called me. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 20)

May the Lord bless you and your dear friends is my prayer. (5LtMs, Lt 38, 1888, 21)

Lt 39, 1888

Harper, Laura
Healdsburg, California
August 29, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in 19MR 217-221.
Dear Sister Harper:

I sent you a letter written from Burrough Valley, but I did not copy it and there are some ideas which I wrote under the movings of the Spirit of God and I want to preserve them; therefore I wish you to return to me the letter. Address me: Mrs. E. G. White, Healdsburg, Cal., Box 65. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 1)

I seek to preserve every thought and every matter written when I am burdened and feel urged to write, and especially when the matter lies open before me as clearly as that did at the time I wrote. I wish it could have been received by you as truth, but as nothing seems to move you from your own determined purpose, I can say nothing further. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 2)

The Lord worked for me and through me at the [Rural Health] Retreat in your behalf. The burden is no longer mine but yours. I have done my duty in the fear of God, and I humbly hope and pray that you may not move blindly in your own spirit and walk in the sparks of your own kindling. I have nothing further to say upon the point in question. If the Lord will only lead you, then all will be well. If you take your case in your hands, then you will follow your own mind irrespective of God’s leadings. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 3)

I have not slept since 1:00 a.m., and I am writing to you while all the house are locked in slumber. I am pained when I think of your stubbornness on the matter we have all been troubled about, because I fear for your future. But if you choose your own way, then we cannot change your course. I see no signs of your spirit being in harmony with the Spirit of God, or being controlled by His Spirit. It seems that you have taken the bit in your own mouth and will do just as you choose. I see naught but an unsanctified will. I will not reproach you, but warn you to be careful what steps you take. With the feelings you now have you will make reckless moves which may plunge you into lifelong trouble. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 4)

I have written to Brother Harper that he ought not to take the matter so to heart. He feels like death over the thought that he must give you up, but in this sad case it is the best thing he can do. But do not then receive any money from him or expect him to defray your expenses. While you consent to receive his money, of course it encourages him to be of the opinion that you will again live with him as his wife and be true to your marriage vows. But if you design to cut loose from him, it is in poor taste for you to accept anything financially from him. I see and sense your situation and feel deeply for you for I know, with the position you take, you must suffer in mind. But I am not pleased with your set and fixed purpose to carry out at all hazards your independent will. In doing this you will not bring happiness to yourself or to anyone else. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 5)

I will not trouble you more with my advice unless I should have, as I did at the Health Retreat, a special word from God to you. I beseech of you to look and see what manner of spirit you are of, and see if it is the meek and lowly spirit of Christ. Without His Spirit, you are none of His. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 6)

I have been laboring in Healdsburg for the last four weeks. I have spoken fourteen times. I have had a sharp, pointed testimony for the youth, and I am pained to the heart to see the little modesty and real, good, decent behavior in the young. [There are] young girls so forward as to make advances to young men; so destitute of Christlike humility and elevation of character. The young girls [are] flirting with young men, sitting in meeting and exchanging notes with them at the very time I am presenting a message from God to the people. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 7)

The young women make advances to the young men and get up a flirtation with them. Their forwardness, their common, cheap talk and ways are offensive to God, and I told them last Sabbath that they were fast becoming like the Sodomites. And yet they profess to be Christians. What a good, gracious Lord we have to bear with such mockery of the Christian name and such perversity of character. I am disgusted and afflicted for my Saviour that those who claim to represent His character are being led and controlled by the wily foe, the great adversary of God and man. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 8)

It seems that during vacation the young have tried to see how far they could venture upon the long-forbearance of Jehovah. I have been burdened over these things. It does seem that Satan has lifted his hellish banner in the families of professed Sabbath-keepers. Their young men and women only think of how they can get into each others’ society and break down all the barriers of reserve and true decorum. It is a pitiful condition of things. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 9)

The family of Brother Adams is no help, but a living curse to Healdsburg, and unless they are converted—every soul of them—father, mother, and children will, I fear, lose their souls. There is a commonness, a low level which they keep which is no recommendation to our faith. It is not letting their light shine in a manner to lead anyone to glorify God. The fewer of such families that come to Healdsburg the better will it be for this church. My soul is sick and sore. I see nothing for this class that will elevate and ennoble, refine and purify, but the Lord’s close judgments. I mention this family as a sample of other families. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 10)

The end is near. The time for God to work is about come. He will do terrible things in righteousness for those who have so great light yet have not lived up to it. Boys flirting with the girls and the girls flirting with the boys seems to be a passion which destroys even common sense and leaves the souls of youth who might use their talents to the glory of God as destitute of the Spirit of God as the hills of Gilboa that have neither dew nor rain. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 11)

If you had been ever free from this spirit yourself, you would not be in the position you are. Unless the moral taste is refined, unless Christ becomes an abiding principle in the soul, but few of the youth will ever see heaven. They have misapplied their powers, perverted the privileges and opportunities given them, and will reap that which they have sown—a harvest which they will not be pleased to garner. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 12)

Where great light has been given, great opportunities and privileges granted, there has been such a strengthening of unbelief, such determined resistance of light, such despising of God’s divine favors, that I can see nothing for these thus favored but terrible judgments and wrath. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 13)

Wherever the intercourse between heaven and earth has been free and abundant and God’s gifts [have] been unappreciated, the long-forbearance and patience of God [will] finally be exhausted. Then the once blessed and once favored are abandoned and forsaken of God. It is a terrible thing to exhaust the divine patience. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 14)

God today is as surely speaking by His servants as in past ages. He has His messengers today as in ancient times, but those souls who have not had divine enlightenment, [who] have had no deep and rich experience in the things of God, know not by experimental knowledge at what they stumble. They are infatuated; deluded by the enemy; rejecting offered mercy when the Eternal Father is seeking to save them by the cross of Calvary. Oh, that hearts might be touched by the love of Jesus! (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 15)

God has made the mind, and man must make the character through the merits of Jesus Christ. How few are willing to deny self, to lift the cross and follow Jesus. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 16)

But I only designed to address to you a few lines, but have written several pages. I have an interest for your soul that it may be cleansed from all defilement and be made a fit temple for the Holy Ghost. (5LtMs, Lt 39, 1888, 17)

Lt 40, 1888

Harper, Walter
Healdsburg, California
August 29, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in 13MR 296-298.
Brother Harper:

I received your two letters, but I have labored so hard here in Healdsburg that I was not in a condition to write to you. I have not slept since 1:00 a. m. and I am now writing to you while others are asleep. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 1)

I cannot see what more can be done in this case, and I think that the only thing that you can do is to give up your wife. If she is thus determined not to live with you, both she and you would be most miserable to attempt it. And as she has fully and determinedly set her stakes, you can only shoulder your cross and show yourself a man. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 2)

In regard to divorce, I am not prepared to say. She has had all the light that I can give her, and it is useless to keep this matter constantly before her when she is perfectly decided to follow her own judgment. You asked me if I thought, if your wife left you, that you should marry again. I would say [that] if one understanding all the circumstances should choose to marry you, if you had not been married, I see no objections. But I am not fully prepared to give my judgment, whether in a Bible point of view you could marry again. My mind is so fully occupied that it is not possible for me to consider this vexed question of marriage and divorces. I wish I could help you, but that, I fear, is not possible. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 3)

I think if you had shown less anxiety it might have been different. But I will not write more, for I am quite weary, having written ten pages of note paper to Laura. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 4)

I hope you will be a man. Lay aside this matter; go to your labor; do your duty irrespective of everyone else on the earth, self-forgetting, self-denying, self-sacrificing. In this will be your power. Jesus our Redeemer comes to men and says, “I love you. I want to make you happy.” He shows His hands and His feet and says, “I have suffered for your sake. I bear the shafts that are aimed at you. I will carry your burdens, I will shelter you. Trust in My surety, and you shall have the great reward of life forevermore.” (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 5)

I say, Put your trust in God. Your mind has been perplexed and occupied with this matter regarding your wife. Now, in the name of Jesus, lay this matter down; leave your case with the Lord. Let your experience humble you. Christ is with the weak and the tempted and forsaken to give them His divine sympathy and rest. You need rest of mind. Give up Laura and fasten your affections on God. He will give you relief. Time is short; you have no time to stop and pity yourself. Go to work for the Master. Do your duty to the very best of your ability. Do not give up to discouragement; walk humbly with God; seek communion with God. Do not let your disappointment make you self-centered—to think of yourself, talk of yourself. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 6)

Our brief existence in this world derives its chief character and importance from the fact that it is the season of preparation for an endless life. All other talents and possessions that may be conferred upon us sink into insignificance when compared with that which makes us capable of improvement which will be as lasting as eternity. Ability in the service of God is as a wellspring of life. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 7)

All the gifts and possessions of this life, all the pleasing pictures of selfish enjoyment are of no weight when weighed in the balances against eternity. We shall live with honor and satisfaction to ourselves and with wise regard to our own welfare so far as we make all earthly things help us in our preparation for the great future life. Live for God. Be kind; be courteous. Let not this disappointment ruin you. Cast off your melancholy. God will help you if you will be true to Him. Remember, the eye of God is upon you, searching the depths of your soul. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 8)

You must preserve the idea that obligations are mutual. If God has done everything for you, then you must willingly do everything for God that is in your power. You must feel your obligation, and this will keep you on the right side, and you will say, “These things must be done because they are right, and some other things must not be done because they are wrong.” (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 9)

May the Lord help, strengthen, and bless you to do your best. Look away from earthly things, earthly idols, and worship the Lord thy God and serve Him with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul, and then you will be wholly devoted to the Lord. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 10)

I must close; this is sixteen pages of notepaper written by lamplight. (5LtMs, Lt 40, 1888, 11)

Lt 41, 1888

Brethren and Sisters at Fresno
Burrough Valley, California
July 7, 1888
Edited from Lt 41a, 1888. This letter is published in entirety in 13MR 232-237.
My dear Brethren and Sisters at Fresno:

I feel deeply anxious on your account. If the Lord would have you engaged in the business of speculation in land property, then every trade you make will be done with an eye single to the glory of God. Then the truth will lose none of its power upon the soul to sanctify the life and character. There will exist among the brethren a Christlike unity, an increased love and confidence one in another. There will be a continuous daily growth in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 1)

A feverish haste to become rich will find no manifestation in the words or in the works of Christ’s followers. When the soul is sanctified by the truth, all elements of selfishness are banished. Ingratitude, with its evil tendencies and results, will not live in the heart that loves the truth. Policy and truth will never pull together or be at agreement. Policy implies cunning, false pretenses, artful management, an eagerness for selfish, personal aggrandizement without regard to strict integrity in the ways and means used. Honesty and strict equity are in perfect harmony with all the principles of truth, in perfect harmony with God’s holy law. Our every act should bear a reliable testimony to the validity of truth. Yet those who live on this plan will have a cross to bear. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 2)

Many who have moved into Fresno have eagerly drunk of the spirit of speculation in order to obtain money fast. Worldly business tries the character and puts it to the test. It brings out the real, valuable virtues of the man and develops an upright, youthful training, or else it brings out natural, objectionable, hereditary tendencies and exposes him to sharp thrusts of the enemy. God will not work a miracle to preserve any one of you on the enemy’s battleground where He has never indicated that it was your duty to go. He has followed you with warnings and reproofs to keep you away from dangerous ground where your soul would be imperiled. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 3)

If you do not ask interestedly, “Is this the way of the Lord?” but in following impulse place yourselves in the way of temptation and thus invite the enemy to tempt you, you will not come forth from the ordeal unharmed and with your character unsullied. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 4)

Should a minister of the flock engage in worldly speculation? I wish you to closely examine yourselves to see whether you are on the gaining or losing side in spiritual and moral power. When in your business of selling property, in your eagerness to make a sale do you not sometimes keep back some things that are unfavorable, and do you not exaggerate in praise of the property in order to place the matter in a favorable light? When this is done, the conscience is violated, and the tongue utters guile. There is need that the conscience shall be kept pure and undimmed in every transaction that you make, or there will be so much glitter and attraction placed upon property that you are handling, that the purchaser is deceived. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 5)

God wants men in His service, under His banner, to be strictly honest, unimpeachable in character, that their tongues shall not utter a semblance of untruth. The tongue must be true; the eyes must be true; the actions wholly and entirely such as God can commend. We are living in the sight of a holy God who solemnly declares, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] The divine eye is ever upon us. We cannot cover one act of unjust deal from God. The witness of God to our every action is a truth which but few realize. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 6)

Are we Bible Christians? Warnings are given us in the Word of God and stern injunctions to do unto others as we would have them do unto us were we in like position as they are. Yet some seem to think that there can be no harm in taking advantage of occasions and circumstances to make money, even though in order to do this they set forth in a strong light the benefits of that which they wish to sell. Often it is asserted that a property will rise or even double in value in a few months or years. This may or may not be so. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 7)

Let us remember what the Lord says about honesty: “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord.” Proverbs 20:23. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 8)

“Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him; the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” Leviticus 19:13. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 9)

“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.” [Verse 11.] This is done in nearly all transactions of real estate buying and selling, and many who are engaged in this business need to cut loose from it before they can be considered as healthful branches of the church. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 10)

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:35-37. See also Deuteronomy 25:13-16. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 11)

It is a dangerous business to rob God when we know that every purpose of the heart is open to His all-seeing eye. God cannot be deceived or cheated by human device. The question is asked, “Will a man rob God?” And the startling answer comes back, which makes us tremble, “Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:8. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 12)

While there are not a few who conscientiously give of their annual increase of substance and business prosperity to God in tithes and offerings to pass into the Lord’s treasury for the support of the gospel and for missionary work in different parts of the land, it is a lamentable fact that so large a number deliberately rob God by withholding the portion which God claims. We must all be tested in God’s balances whereby He weighs character. Then decide to be honest, whatever may be your circumstances, and let no temptation of Satan force you to be dishonest with your fellow men or to be dishonest with God. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 13)

Let the wife stand by the side of her husband and help him in the conscientious discharge of his duty. Let her realize that she is of value, because she is the purchase of the blood of Jesus Christ. It is essential that honesty be practiced in all the details of the woman’s life, and it is important in the training of children to teach the youthful girls as well as boys never to prevaricate or to deceive in the least. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 14)

[Note: the next five paragraphs are from Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 17a, pp. 7, 8.] (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 15)

Let not the enemy of God and man control your thoughts, your words, and actions. The message from the lips of Christ is, “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” [Luke 12:33.] There will be many great failures in earthly banks, and in speculations, including mining and real estate. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 16)

How pleased Satan would be if in the very time when men should be selling their possessions to sustain the cause of God, he can so deceive them that all their available means shall be invested in land speculation and other worldly enterprises, thus taking away from the cause of God means which should flow into the treasury to advance His work in the earth. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 17)

When Jesus tells us to “sell,” He does not mean that our principal burden should be to buy possessions. If Satan can get us entangled in worldly possessions so that we have no means to put into the Lord’s treasury, then he is leading us to do the very thing that Jesus has told us not to do. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 18)

Many have conscientiously loaned their money to our institutions that it may be used to do a good work for the Master. But Satan sets in operation schemes that will produce in the minds of our brethren a great desire to try their fortunes, as in a lottery. One and still another are flattered by strong representations of financial gain if they will only invest their money in lands; and they take their means out of our institutions and bury it in the earth where the Lord’s cause is not benefited. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 19)

Then, if one is successful, he is so elated over the fact that he has gained a few hundred dollars that he decides to keep on getting money if he can. He continues to invest in real estate or in mines. The device of Satan is successful; in the place of increased funds flowing into the treasury, there is a withdrawal of means from our institutions in order that the owners may try their fortunes in the mining business or in land speculation. The spirit of greed is fostered, and the naturally penurious man begrudges every dollar that is called for to be used in the advancement of the cause of God in the earth. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 20)

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.... (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 21)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24. (5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, 22)

Lt 41a, 1888

Brethren and Sisters at Fresno
Burrough Valley, California
July 7, 1888
See also Lt 41, 1888. Portions of this letter are published in 10MR 71.
My dear Brethren and Sisters at Fresno:

I feel deeply anxious on your account. If the Lord would have you engaged in the business of speculation in land property, then every trade you make will be done with an eye single to the glory of God. Then the truth will lose none of its power upon the soul to sanctify the life and character. There will exist among the brethren a Christlike unity, an increased love and confidence one in another. There will be a continuous daily growth in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 1)

A feverish haste to become rich will find no manifestation in the words or in the works of Christ’s followers. When the soul is sanctified by the truth, all elements of selfishness are banished. Ingratitude, with its evil tendencies and results, will not live in the heart that loves the truth. Policy and truth will never pull together or be at agreement. Policy implies cunning, false pretenses, artful management, an eagerness for selfish, personal aggrandizement without regard to strict integrity in the ways and means used. Honesty and strict equity are in perfect harmony with all the principles of truth, in perfect harmony with God’s holy law. Our every act should bear a reliable testimony to the validity of truth. Yet those who live on this plan will have a cross to bear. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 2)

Many who have moved into Fresno have eagerly drunk of the spirit of speculation in order to obtain money fast. Worldly business tries the character and puts it to the test. It brings out the real, valuable virtues of the man and develops an upright, youthful training, or else it brings out natural, objectionable, hereditary tendencies and exposes him to sharp thrusts of the enemy. God will not work a miracle to preserve any one of you on the enemy’s battleground where He has never indicated that it was your duty to go. He has followed you with warnings and reproofs to keep you away from dangerous ground where your soul would be imperiled. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 3)

If you do not ask interestedly, “Is this the way of the Lord?” but in following impulse place yourselves in the way of temptation and thus invite the enemy to tempt you, you will not come forth from the ordeal unharmed and with your character unsullied. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 4)

Should a minister of the flock engage in worldly speculation? I wish you to closely examine yourselves to see whether you are on the gaining or losing side in spiritual and moral power. When in your business of selling property, in your eagerness to make a sale do you not sometimes keep back some things that are unfavorable, and do you not exaggerate in praise of the property in order to place the matter in a favorable light? When this is done, the conscience is violated, and the tongue utters guile. There is need that the conscience shall be kept pure and undimmed in every transaction that you make, or there will be so much glitter and attraction placed upon property that you are handling, that the purchaser is deceived. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 5)

God wants men in His service, under His banner, to be strictly honest, unimpeachable in character, that their tongues shall not utter a semblance of untruth. The tongue must be true; the eyes must be true; the actions wholly and entirely such as God can commend. We are living in the sight of a holy God who solemnly declares, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] The divine eye is ever upon us. We cannot cover one act of unjust deal from God. The witness of God to our every action is a truth which but few realize. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 6)

Are we Bible Christians? Warnings are given us in the Word of God and stern injunctions to do unto others as we would have them do unto us were we in like position as they are. Yet some seem to think that there can be no harm in taking advantage of occasions and circumstances to make money, even though in order to do this they set forth in a strong light the benefits of that which they wish to sell. Often it is asserted that a property will rise or even double in value in a few months or years. This may or may not be so. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 7)

Let us remember what the Lord says about honesty: “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord.” Proverbs 20:23. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 8)

“Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him; the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” Leviticus 19:13. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 9)

“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.” [Verse 11.] This is done in nearly all transactions of real estate buying and selling, and many who are engaged in this business need to cut loose from it before they can be considered as healthful branches of the church. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 10)

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:35-37. See also Deuteronomy 25:13-16. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 11)

It is a dangerous business to rob God when we know that every purpose of the heart is open to His all-seeing eye. God cannot be deceived or cheated by human device. The question is asked, “Will a man rob God?” And the startling answer comes back, which makes us tremble, “Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:8. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 12)

While there are not a few who conscientiously give of their annual increase of substance and business prosperity to God in tithes and offerings to pass into the Lord’s treasury for the support of the gospel and for missionary work in different parts of the land, it is a lamentable fact that so large a number deliberately rob God by withholding the portion which God claims. We must all be tested in God’s balances whereby He weighs character. Then decide to be honest, whatever may be your circumstances, and let no temptation of Satan force you to be dishonest with your fellow men or to be dishonest with God. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 13)

Let the wife stand by the side of her husband and help him in the conscientious discharge of his duty. Let her realize that she is of value, because she is the purchase of the blood of Jesus Christ. It is essential that honesty be practiced in all the details of the woman’s life, and it is important in the training of children to teach the youthful girls as well as boys never to prevaricate or to deceive in the least particular. Women are not to be satisfied to be toys to be played with as a toy, and caressed and flattered, to be light and trifling, to laugh and gossip and play on [as] an instrument of music. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 14)

Woman should have a staunch, noble independence of character, reliable and true as steel. [A] woman who has good sense, who is connected with God, will not prove to be a temptation to her husband to live beyond his earnings, to supply her with money to obtain changeable suits of apparel, to please her whims, to gratify her desire for change and sightseeing. She must have a just appreciation and accurate conception of her position as a wife and mother, and her demands should be such as not [to] bring weariness and care and perplexity upon her husband because of her thoughtless extravagance in procuring dainties for the appetite and in fine dressing. This consumes the means far beyond the income. The wife can be a comfort, a blessing, standing by the side of her husband as his safe counselor, her influence keeping him to the right, to honesty and purity and godliness. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 15)

I charge you who compose the Fresno church to take heed to the warnings I give you in the name of Jesus Christ. We all are living in the last days of this earth’s history. We are dealing with solemn realities. Will you allow your minds to be embittered one toward another? Shall all unjust dealing be put away? No, some will not heed this warning. They will act as if bewitched by Satan’s representations. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 16)

My soul is in great travail that each now make diligent work for time and for eternity. “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Ephesians 5:14. Remember to confess your sins, repentance you must have toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, you need not be despairing, but go on from light to a greater light, from faith to a greater faith, obtaining a rich and deep experience in the things of God. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 17)

Every secret, unconfessed sin will be laid bare in the great day of judgment. Bring all the faculties that have been used for selfish purpose into God’s service; repent and forsake sin. Let the work of the inner man of the heart be carried on. Let the plowshare of truth go deep and thorough. God has a work for you to do. God forbid that the truth should have no power over your daily life and character. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 18)

There have been and still will be glowing inducements presented that will call into action [a] desire in our brethren and sisters to make earnest efforts to obtain money to invest. Many have conscientiously loaned their money to our institutions that they may use the same to do a good work for the Master. But Satan sets schemes in operation that will produce in [the] minds of our brethren a great desire to try their fortunes—as in a lottery—and one and still another is flattered by strong pictures portrayed of financial gain if they will only invest their money in lands, and take it out of our institutions to bury it in the earth where the Lord’s cause is not benefited with it. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 19)

If one does succeed, then he is so elated [that] he has gained a few hundred dollars [that] he decides to keep on getting money if he can, and investing in real estate and mines, and the devil’s device is successful. In the place of increased means flowing into the treasury, there is a withdrawing of their means from our institutions that they may try their fortunes in land speculations and the naturally penurious man begrudges every dollar that is called for to be used in the advancing of the cause of God in the spread of the truth. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 20)

Do not let the enemy of God and man control your thoughts, your words, and actions. The message from the lips of Christ is, “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” [Luke 12:33.] There is to be a great failing in banks and in all speculations in mines and real estate. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 21)

Now, if in the very time when men should be selling their possessions, Satan can deceive and use those who should be using their influence to encourage men to sell their property and sustain the cause of God [so] that much of the available means is invested in land and in speculations, they [will] bind away from the cause of God means which he invested in the treasury to be used to advance the cause of God. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 22)

Now, when Jesus speaks and tells us to sell, He does not mean our principal burden should be in buying possessions. If Satan can get us entangled in worldly possessions [so] that we have no means to put into the Lord’s treasury, then he is leading us to do the very things Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, told us not to do. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasurers in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.... (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 23)

“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 24)

The world is a hard master to serve and is Satan’s agent to unite with him in his work to captivate souls. There is a power moving from above to work with willing and obedient watchmen who are praying and gratefully accepting the breezes from heaven and communicating the heavenly atmosphere in good works to others. (5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, 25)

Lt 42, 1888

Kellogg, Dr. J. H.
Healdsburg, California
September 12, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dr. J. H. Kellogg
Dear Brother:

I have just received yours of Sept. 5. It finds me sick in bed and unable to write much in answer. I will say, however, that I am glad that you have decided to take the property of Bro. Lockwood and pay him his price, forty-five thousand. He needs every cent of it. He is a poor, crippled man unable to do any more work and is wholly dependent on this property. I have given him a piece of land from my place in St. Helena where he can put up a little house, and he is at work on this now; therefore, what money you could pay down would come very acceptable at this time. (5LtMs, Lt 42, 1888, 1)

I cannot advise him to take any share in the new corporation because this property is all his living, and he will live and die here in California; therefore, I say, Let those who are there on the ground invest their money in this corporation, and they will be there when they can attend to it and sell it when they choose. (5LtMs, Lt 42, 1888, 2)

I presume it would be satisfactory to him if he could have the two thousand dollars down and the balance at six percent interest for one year. Bro. Lockwood is at St. Helena where I can have no talk with him, but I will send him your communication. (5LtMs, Lt 42, 1888, 3)

I am sorry I cannot answer your good letter, but I have been sick for two weeks with malaria or something similar to the epizootic that was raging in Battle Creek once. Although much against my will, I am confined in my bed, my head suffering intense pain nearly all the time. I cough and raise terrible matter. (5LtMs, Lt 42, 1888, 4)

Have some fears that I cannot attend our camp meeting. I had decided to attend the General Conference, but I may not be able to go. (5LtMs, Lt 42, 1888, 5)

I will close for this time and write again when better. (5LtMs, Lt 42, 1888, 6)

Lt 43, 1888

Carpenter, Brother and Sister
Battle Creek, Michigan
November 15, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Carpenter:

I have been exceedingly [pained] at the condition of our churches in Mich. as it was several times opened before me while in Switzerland. The influences at some of the churches, as it was pointed out by my guide, was a detriment to them, bringing spiritual death into their midst. Otsego was one of these churches. The apostasy of Eld. [D. M.] Canright did not harm the church; but when Satan saw that his disaffection brought no particular discouragement, then he devised other means to accomplish his object. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 1)

Your natures have never been brought into subjection to Jesus Christ and consequently your hearts are not in harmony with Him. The enemy has wrought through the sharp, unconsecrated elements in your nature to accomplish his ends. I shall speak plainly and tell you as Christ told Nicodemus that you must be born again, else you can never enter the kingdom of God. [John 3:3.] You would perhaps be as much astonished as was Nicodemus; but this is your case as it has been shown me. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 2)

Neither of you has the Spirit of Christ; and unless you are entirely changed in heart, in thought, in spirit, and in character, you can never enter the city of God. You have cultivated a spirit of questioning and of cruel criticisms until you have, by your own course of action, driven the Spirit of God out of your hearts, from your family, and from your dwelling. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 3)

What kind of education have you given your children? Bickering, strife, contention, downright quarreling concerning the ____ ____ ____ ____ [words illegible]. If we would learn of Christ, the soul must be cleansed of everything that defileth. All proud ____ ____ [words illegible] must be sacrificed and every faculty, every [thought] brought into captivity to Christ. Make no proud boasts. Cultivate the eloquence of silence. With the soul humbled before God, cut away all envy, all unkind, unchristian feelings, all the clamorous pretensions of self-sufficiency. Put on the robe of Christ’s humility and learn in His school precious lessons which you will fail to learn from any human source. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 4)

You want every ray of light which God may impart through any of His agencies. Seat yourselves as children at the feet of Jesus to learn the truth as it is in Him. You should fear to pass judgment upon any new light upon the Bible until, upon your knees with humble hearts, you have searched its pages and sought wisdom of God to know what is truth. I hope you do not take it for granted that there is no more light or truth to be given to us, for I know this is not true. There are before us broad fields of truth yet to be explored, and every portion of these fields is to be ploughed and dug over with painstaking effort to find the truth—glorious, precious truth—which exalts Jesus, but humbles us to the place of learners. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 5)

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” [1 Peter 5:5-10.] (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 6)

Here is a work for the children of God to do individually—to fall upon the Rock and be broken. This is the very thing which you need to do. Search the Scriptures, not that you may find something to question, some difference of opinion which you can hold up as a battle-ax, but to find the truth. You delight in presenting those points with which your brethren are not in harmony. You should dwell rather upon those things upon which you can all agree. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” [Verse 6.] Have you done this? “Yea, all of you be subject one to another.” [Verse 5.] How much of this work have you been doing? May the Lord open your blind eyes to see how far you are from being like Christ. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 7)

You need to be converted, and yet you claim to be Christians. Had your children had the right influence from father and mother, had sweet peace surrounded them in the home circle, they would today be obedient to the truth, serving the Lord. But while you claim to be Christians, the atmosphere of your home tends to produce fruit unto death. It is making skeptics and infidels of your children for they have no desire to be such Christians as you are. Were it not that God’s Spirit was appealing to their hearts, they would have been, ere this, despisers of the truth, driven from it by your criticisms and censures, and your contentions with them. You have managed the family so that your children fear you, but they do not love you as children should love their parents. You might have bound them to your heart from their earliest years by the silken cord of love. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 8)

It was shown me, that you, Brother Carpenter, were exercising the same management in the church. The unchristlike atmosphere with which you have surrounded your soul unfits you for the position of teacher in the church. It is an atmosphere, not of heaven, but breathing of strife and dissension, poisonous, and charged with moral death like that which surrounds the enemy of all righteousness. It is as he would have it. The church in Otsego is inhaling this atmosphere, and it is far from prospering because of your influence in it. This influence is death to the church and death to the Sabbath school, and why cannot you see it? (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 9)

I have been shown that no religious responsibilities should be committed to you, for you will endanger the spiritual interest of any church to such a degree that moral death will be the result of your administration unless there shall be a thorough transformation in you. You will start questions of controversy if you can, and you will dwell upon these points early and late. It is food for you to be on the opposite side of a question. You pride yourself on your aptness and sharpness and have trained your mind to do this special work which is of Satan’s own devising. He knows he is sure of you as long as you work in this line, and he will use you as a channel for his spirit. Your words and your work, which you think is a Christian work, disgust unbelievers, confuse the faith of believers, and dishearten them. You have worked at this business so long that you are a ready tool in the hands of Satan. You have trained your powers in this very unchristlike work until your brethren find it difficult to counteract your influence. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 10)

Satan would just as soon you would profess the truth as not, for by so doing you can do the greater harm to those who believe it. If you were really sound in the truth and saw any other man following the course you are pursuing, you would be disgusted. You would say at once, “That man’s religion is vain; he is not a Christian.” [James 1:26.] The fruits that a Christian should bear are specified plainly and distinctly by Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:16-20. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 11)

In your own house you frequently find yourself baffled, disappointed in your hopes; you feel that you are not respected, unloved, and betrayed; and you will feel the very same in regard to the church. You create this state of things yourself. You are a self-seeking man and cherish pride and self-sufficiency. In conversation you set your ideas foremost as authority and doctrine. Said my guide, pointing to you, “Sir, you do not know what is the faith once delivered to the saints.” [Jude 3.] You are officious, uncharitable, unjust, and recriminative. Your spirit is charged with bitterness. In association with your brethren, you neither receive nor impart real good. You have no comfort in your own family because you create an atmosphere that is repulsive and satanic. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 12)

You do not receive strength and blessing from God for He does not impart His grace to those who would abuse His mercies. The highest spiritual attainments are reached only when the soul is humbled in view of its great need. Man begins to comprehend himself when he takes his place at the feet of Jesus. When men turn their attention away from earthly things, and look heavenward, when they obtain glimpses of the heavenly glory, they discern more clearly the depths of the human heart and see the depravity of the soul. Will you heed this testimony, Brother and Sister Carpenter? Will you first be converted, then give to your family and to the church the example which God requires of all His children? (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 13)

What an education your children have been receiving! The apostle says, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” [Colossians 3:21.] There has been so little Christlike tenderness in your dealing with them that you have aroused in them a spirit of opposition and retaliation. You pick at them until you stir up the very worst feeling of their nature, and at times they have feelings almost of hatred toward you because you are so constantly wounding them. How can they love the Bible when you fling it at them in harsh denunciations? You are driving them away from yourselves and from God. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 14)

Be careful, my brother and sister, what seed you sow, for that which you sow you will also reap. Your children are receiving a stamp of character which will be revealed when they stand at the head of their own families. Love has not been the law of the house, and their own domestic life will be very soon like the example which has been set them unless a thorough renovation of character shall take place in them. The objectionable traits of character which exist in the father and mother are given as an inheritance to their children; and the constant exercise of these unchristlike elements in the parents is repeated in the experience of the children. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 15)

What a record you will meet when the judgment shall set and the books be opened! If it is not time for you to reform and to gain a Christian experience, will you tell me when the period will come that you will be fitted for heaven? I tell you in the fear of God that, could you carry into heaven the same wrong traits of character that you now possess, you would mar its peace and harmony. But this can never, never be. Unless you have a work done for you here in this life and become like Jesus here, you will have no part in the future, immortal life. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 16)

You have a most earnest work to do for yourselves in the strength of Jesus. Confess heartily to your children and the church before it shall be forever too late for wrongs to be righted, and “be clothed with humility as with a garment.” Then you will have an experience that is of solid value. Your children will have strong temptations to meet, but they as well as yourselves may be overcomers. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 17)

I feel so keenly over the wrong parents are doing their children in thus cherishing defects of character in themselves to be perpetuated in their children. Their hands and hearts are guilty of the blood of their children’s souls, their own offspring are ruined by the defects of the parents. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 18)

Love should be the ruling element in the home, only kind, patient, loving words should be heard. The influence should be such that the children would not venture to speak an unkind or impertinent word to father or mother. Instead of this, a spirit has been manifested in your family that has provoked the children to wrath and discouraged them. Parents should teach their children by a consistent example that truth, honor, and courage, patience and meekness are the fruits that grow on the Christian tree and that scolding, loud-voiced commands, dissension, and strife are no part of religion. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 19)

Any daughter who has been trained to observe the laws of kindness and love, which should be the laws of the household, will be tender and solicitous towards father and mother, and should she be called to be a wife, she will not be heartless, critical, and bickering, making her husband miserable and unhappy. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 20)

Parents make a great mistake when they do not sympathize with their children in their joys and their trials. Gather your children to your hearts and bind them there by the silken cords of love. Control them with firmness, yet remember that justice has a twin-sister which is love. Let them see that you have the peace of Christ abiding in your hearts as the ruling element in your life. Do not give too many commands, do not lay down too many rules for some will surely be forgotten; but win the respect and confidence of the children by making them feel that you are their very best friend and that you delight to give them pleasure. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 21)

Follow righteousness, faith, hope, charity. Do not let your course of action or instruction be such that your children will think that religion is of all things the most disagreeable. Angels are watching to see what spirit we manifest in the home circle. Shut out all prejudices and evil surmisings. A complete, harmonious, Christian character is to be developed and the brightest, spiritual attainments reached here in our precious hours of probation. But your characters may well be represented by a vine lying prone upon the earth, fastening its tendrils about rubbish and anything that it can grasp. You need to be converted. Let the Spirit of God come into your hearts and cut loose their tendrils and fasten them upon God. Then you will know what it is to have a holy, sanctified independence staid upon God. He is pure, and He is holy. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 22)

While you are constantly looking for something to criticize in others, you are neglecting the plot of ground that belongs to you. If you love to dwell on the errors, mistakes, and failings of others, you will have plenty of this kind of work to keep you busy till the Lord comes. (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 23)

“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, drunkenness, revellings and such like: of the which I tell you before as I have also told you in times past that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” [Galatians 5:15-26.] (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 24)

Listen to Paul’s admonitions to the Philippians, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.” [Philippians 4:8.] Here is advice inspired of Heaven. Will you receive it? Will you act upon it? Will you bring Christ into your hearts and reveal Him in your character? (5LtMs, Lt 43, 1888, 25)

Lt 44, 1888

Rice, Br. [J.D.]
Refiled as Lt 51e, 1887.

Lt 46, 1888

Frisbie, Brother
Battle Creek, Michigan
December 30, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 349.
Brother Frisbie
Dear Brother:

I cannot express to you the joy and thankfulness I feel that the Spirit of God is moving upon your heart. Your case has been presented before me, and I have felt very anxious for you. I was about to make a personal effort in your behalf when the movement made yesterday brought you to the vestry and led you to make confession. Satan has been watching you closely. Only a little farther on his ground and the Spirit of God would have been driven forever from your heart, the Lord would have left you, and Satan, cruel in his power, would have cut you off in your sins. But I thank the Lord that His Spirit has been striving with you. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 1)

Man has fallen through sin; he can of himself do nothing. His faculties have become weakened and incapacitated for moral achievement; but let him turn to the Lord and cease to harbor pride and conceit; let him come all helpless and sick of sin and cast himself unreservedly upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and he will thus connect himself with a power that will save him to the uttermost. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 2)

Never can we comprehend the depths to which sin has brought men until we shall appreciate the length of the chain that God has provided to draw men up from that abyss. The completeness of his ruin can only be ascertained by [the] true understanding of the forces that are at work for his moral restoration. Had this restoration been within the power of man himself to accomplish, the Son of God would never have suffered death. But because man could not save himself, Jesus came to our world to fight his battles for him. The Son of the Highest had strength to overcome the prince of darkness, and it is through Him alone that any of us can have hope. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 3)

Neither of you, my brother and sister, has been in a position to gather with Christ. You have both had your affections centered in self. Your religious life has been dwarfed, and your example and influence have been leading away from God and heaven. Your belief in the truth has been only a nominal faith, and you have virtually lived without God and without hope in the world. Unless there is a transformation in your characters, you will never see the kingdom of God. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 4)

A practical exhibition of the transforming power of the truth in your own life is of greater value in bringing others to Christ than are sermons or professions of faith. Would it please you to have those who know of your profession say of you, “Their religion makes them no better than we are; they are just as worldly and self-indulgent as we; he drives just as close bargains and will speculate as we would hardly dare to do.” Can you not see that you are bringing discredit to the Master? You are rearing barriers that will turn from the way of salvation those very souls whom you might win to the truth if your hearts were right with God. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 5)

Your heavenly Father requires you both, if you would be His children, to be living embodiments of the grace of Jesus Christ, seen and felt of all who associate with you. Let them see that you are governed by the divine law which is God’s rule of righteousness, full of wisdom, mercy, and love. “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” [Matthew 7:12.] You are not children of God unless you do this; but by keeping the commandments of God, you convince all who come within the sphere of your influence that religion is with you a genuine thing and that you have the experience of a true believer. You will then be able to correctly represent Jesus Christ to the world. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 6)

The apostle wrote to the Philippians, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His own good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings, that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:12-16.] It is Satan’s constant effort to lead souls away from God where he can pervert their ideas in regard to eternal things, just as he has been leading you. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 7)

Sister Frisbie has never had that deep heart-work and that experience that would make her influence of value to others. The Lord says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] What kind of works are registered in your favor in the books of heaven, my sister? You have an unruly tongue. Your conversation is not upon those things that will give strength to the soul. Your influence constantly tends to scatter, not to gather with Christ. The mold of the world is upon you. You are not in a condition to receive the seal of the living God. You are not Christlike in your character, serving God with your heart subdued by His love. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 8)

My brother, the success which has attended you in business has nearly ruined your soul. You have lost nearly [all] spiritual discernment, and your ideas of righteousness and unrighteousness have become confused. Look closely to your business career and ask yourself how far you have brought into your character the principles of the last six commandments—“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:39, 40.] Inquire, Am I a Christian? Do I reveal to the world a Christlike disposition and character? (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 9)

The world is watching with keenness and criticising with severity your management of temporal affairs. They judge you by your fruits. You have been no help to the church. It is your privilege to demonstrate to the world that Christianity produces industry, frugality, and Christlike economy, while it purges from the soul all avarice, overreaching, and every kind of dishonesty. Reveal to the world the truth as it is in Jesus; show to all with whom you associate the kindness, humbleness of mind, forbearance, and generosity that the gospel of Christ demands of you, and then will you render service to God. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 10)

In acquiring the things of this world, you have lost many spiritual blessings which you must strive diligently to win back through the merits of Jesus Christ. Satan presents before you much that you can gain of this world’s goods and suggests that in gaining these you must not be over-scrupulous or have too fine ideals of principle and honesty. He prompts you to look out sharply for your own interests and not to let your generosity or benevolence hinder you from making money. Yes, Satan proffers to every man as he did to Christ the kingdom of this world if he will worship him. You have been giving him your service and sacrificing spiritual and eternal interests for worldly and temporal things. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 11)

There is a heaven to win, a hell to shun. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” [Galatians 6:7.] “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hand. Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” [Psalm 128:1, 2.] “A son honors his faither, and a servant his master. If then I be a father, where is mine honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? Saith the Lord of hosts.... If ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now to thy governor; will he be pleased with thee or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.... Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for naught? Neither do you kindle fire on mine altar for naught? I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hands.” [Malachi 1:6-10.] (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 12)

Please read carefully and prayerfully Malachi 3:7-11. “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God?” The question is put as if such a thing could not be possible. “Ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.” Will you consider this and meditate upon it? It is for your eternal interest. It is a terrible sin to be robbing God. Make this matter right, if it takes all that you possess. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 13)

“Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruits before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.” Will you consider this—that all we possess is only lent us in trust? If your robbery of God is continued, His curse will be upon you. The less one gives to God in tithes and offerings, the less will he have to give, for God will scatter faster than he can gather. Will you fear and tremble before God? He claims a tenth of all He has lent you to be returned to Him as His rightful interest. Will you rob Him of this, His own portion? Will you withhold one jot or tittle from God? (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 14)

There is a watcher who has followed you all your life, who has seen every business transaction, every occurrence in your home, and is with you wherever you are, in whatever you are engaged, and his record is made in the books of heaven just as it took place. This record you must meet in the judgment. What is the record these books contain of your practical life? Will you not now make decided work in repentance and in restitution? Will you not, before this old year shall pass into eternity, settle up your accounts with God, dealing honestly with your Creator? Will you let your robbery stand registered against you the coming year? Oh, no! You cannot afford to do this, and you cannot afford to practice any dishonesty with the God of heaven, for that which you sow you will also reap. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 15)

Those who are fully resolved to be rich, regardless of the claims that God has upon them, “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” [1 Timothy 6:9, 10.] This represents your case to the letter. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 16)

“For this ye know that no ... covetous man, who is an idolater, hath an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” [Ephesians 5:5.] “The wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.” [Psalm 10:3.] Paul classes covetous men with idolaters, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners, none of whom, he says, “shall inherit the kingdom of God.” [1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.] (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 17)

You cannot, my brother and sister, afford to be with this class. You must be converted. “Let your conversation,” your disposition, and your habits of life, “be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 18)

Will you now turn to the Lord fully? Will you press your case to the throne of grace? Will you bring to the Lord an honest tithe and the offerings He claims from you? Bring to God a trespass offering and a thank offering because He has not allowed the enemy of souls to do with you as he has done with some who have had light and truth, but did not walk therein. He did not, after a time, “rebuke the devourer” [Malachi 3:11], but let him do his will with those who have thus placed themselves on his ground, and they were cut off by disease or instant death, without any time for repentance. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 19)

I fear for you both. I tremble before God for your souls. Will you make thorough work and return fully unto the Lord? For if you do, He will have mercy upon you and will abundantly pardon. You have both been like the unfruitful fig tree, producing only leaves. Let not the work be delayed until God shall say, “Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?” [Luke 13:7.] (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 20)

I write plainly, for I dare not withhold these warnings and reproofs. I leave your case now with God. Go to Him, plead with Him, surrender soul and body to Him, and He will tell you what you ought to do to come into favor with Him. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 21)

Now I invite you to make a freewill offering of yourselves, soul, body, and spirit, at the opening of this new year. Will you devote your tact and ingenuity to the work of saving souls? Will you seek to obtain experience and knowledge in the things of God that your entire future life may be an expression of the sanctifying influence of the truth upon your soul and character and that God may accept your work? (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 22)

Let your conversation, as you hold intercourse with men, show the results of communion with God. Superior talents and learning are not essential in obtaining due acquaintance with the Scriptures. The Bible is intelligible to every capacity and is adapted to every class and station in life. Jesus is knocking at the door of your hearts. Will you let Him in? Will you meet the requirements of God’s Word that He may “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”? [Malachi 3:10.] God bless you is my prayer. (5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, 23)

Lt 47, 1888

Brethren
NP
March 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 6MR 150-152. +
Dear Brethren:

Selma is 15 miles south of Fresno. I was called according to a former promise made to Elder [E. P.] Daniels to come to Lemoore and help him at the close of a series of meetings he had been holding there. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 1)

Quite a number of the very best church members had taken their stand on the truth, and one infidel is now about to take his stand. I spoke five times with great freedom. The little meetinghouse was full, crowded to its utmost capacity. There sat before me infidels, saloon keepers and men who are accounted of the first ranks of society in Lemoore. They listened with intense interest. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 2)

The Lord put His spirit upon me, and I have freedom and power while all were held as if spellbound. I did reach the hearts of many. Some took their stand for the truth. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 3)

I was obliged to speak evenings, although it is contrary to my practice because I am unable to get off the burden from my soul so that I can rest and sleep that night. After speaking I had to ride four miles which was not favorable for me in a malarious country, and I have been afflicted somewhat with malaria. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 4)

There has never been so universal an interest awakened in Lemoore and the surrounding regions as this past winter and spring. The Lord has blessed Elder Daniels’ labor wonderfully. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 5)

I made it my home at Harvey Gray’s, and he lives halfway between the towns of Grangeville and Lemoore. From his place it is four miles to Grangeville and four miles to Lemoore. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 6)

People have become aroused in Grangeville, and the community there sent a petition, signed by the most popular men of the place, for Elder Daniels to come there and hold meetings. They will bring this about. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 7)

Brother Scazighini, a steady, old, faithful, God-fearing German, lives there. He paid his pledge, made one year ago, of twenty five hundred dollars. He said, “Sister White, you remember I asked you six years ago, if I should sell my property or a portion of it. Then you said, ‘No brother, not just yet; the Lord will certainly let you know when to sell to the best advantage.’ Well I asked the Lord this year to send me a buyer if it was duty to sell, and I put my price upon it. The buyer came, and I have received twenty five hundred dollars more for my place—thirty five acres of land—than if I had sold it when I asked you about it.” (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 8)

Now the tent will be pitched in Grangeville. A much better class of people resides there than at Lemoore. Twenty-nine took their stand in Lemoore, and it is important that some labor is done in Grangeville now. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 9)

We look in this southern part of the State for the means to be invested to sustain the cause of God in Europe and in other branches of the work. Labor must be put forth all through this country. It is the most wealthy part of the State. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 10)

In company with Brother and Sister Daniels we went to Fresno, met Willie [White] at Goshen, and he accompanied us on a freight train to Fresno. I spoke twice, Sabbath and Sunday afternoon, and I had great freedom. The hall, owned by Brother Church, was crowded to its utmost capacity. Sunday afternoon the first men of the place were there, and also Sabbath many outsiders were there. Brother Church told me all were highly pleased. We had a meeting in the forenoon. I read to them something written in regard to the building of a church. Then I talked considerably, and asked them what they would do. Elder Daniels spoke after me. Before the meeting closed, thirty-one thousand dollars was pledged for the building of a church, a school, and a mission. I could not go away and see the people worshipping in a little hall, owned by Brother Church. It has done good service as yet, but it will not contain the people that come to the meetings now. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 11)

We came on the ground here last Thursday, and have been at work hard ever since, and I am now much exhausted. We have had excellent meetings all through. Yesterday I brought up the European missions, and in this small camp meeting, composed largely of [the] Fresno church, there was pledged three thousand one hundred dollars. The two Sabbaths, the children’s donation for the London mission amounted to eighty dollars. Five have embraced the truth here at the meeting. Brother Will Smith is a man that was converted last year. He was in the truth years ago but for some reason gave it up, and the devil took possession of him, and he became a desperado. His wife kept the Sabbath. He is a tall, well-developed, powerfully-built man. He went into all sorts of lawlessness, stealing, and tried to kill, but his victim did not come in just when he was prepared to kill him. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 12)

Last year at Fresno under the labors of Elder Daniels he was powerfully wrought upon, and he repented with another backslider who had gone with him in all his wickedness. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 13)

Then commenced the work of confession and restitution. One man they went to see and met him in the road and down they went in the very dust and dirt on their knees, weeping and confessing, and the infidel wept like a child. “Now,” said they, “we want you to forgive us, and we do not ask you not to arrest us for stealing your sheep, but we ask pardon; we will pay every cent of the cost of the sheep.” The man who had been wronged said, “What has wrought upon you to make this confession?” Said they, “We have been attending the camp meeting, and the Spirit and power of God and the religion of Jesus Christ has taken hold upon us.” (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 14)

“Well,” said the man, “if the work done there is of this order I must go there,” and he did go, and he did tremble under the sharp arrows of God. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 15)

The influence of these confessions made to many others who have been wronged, is as far-reaching as eternity. This man in his wickedness had nothing, but since his conversion the Lord has blessed him greatly with means, and he is using it in making restitution and in advancing the cause of truth. He is free, generous to a fault. He is humble as a child, sitting at the feet of Jesus, ready and willing to do anything. He takes 150 Signs and distributes [them]. He has done more missionary work alone the past year than the whole Fresno church together. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 16)

The lawyers and jurors to whom he had made confession, saying, “Do with me what you please,” assembled to decide what they should do, and although composed of infidels and those bitterly opposed to our faith, they said, “Can we take action against a man that God is evidently working with? No, no, we will not do it. He is now reformed, humble, and a wonderfully changed man.” The whole community was afraid of him. These things have exalted the truth and done great things in its favor. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 17)

He is now in the real estate business and at the same time doing missionary work. He brought four to the meeting, paid their carfare, and boarded them at the boarding tent. He told me he wanted to go out a few miles and see a woman whom he would bring to the meeting if he could, and his wife went and brought her. The four from Fresno and this lady have embraced the truth, and when the call was made for Europe this newly converted woman gave fifty dollars; one of the other converts gave twenty-five, and another, five. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 18)

Brother Smith was worth worse than nothing; now he has quite a handsome property, and he and his wife gave for Fresno church quite a goodly sum, and yesterday they gave one hundred each for the European mission. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 19)

Yesterday I spoke again [at] half past two. The tent was so crowded that some could obtain no seats. The attention was unequaled. I spoke upon temperance. The power and Spirit of God was upon me, and the effect on the large number of outsiders was good. Brother Church was highly pleased. He said he never heard me speak so well, with such clearness and power. I was surprised to learn I had talked two hours and fifteen minutes and felt less weariness than I had done when I had spoken only one hour. I have felt some of the time great exhaustion through want of sleep and rest; but this morning I arise of good courage, full of thankful praise to God, and feel better than I have done any morning yet since I came to Selma. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 20)

Our meetings have done good, and many have been blessed. Seventeen have been baptized. One was the sister I mentioned who came to the meeting through Brother Smith’s influence. She is closely examining the Scriptures and is coming right along. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 21)

I have had much extra labor upon me at this meeting. Dr. Maxson and wife left the institution at St. Helena, connected with Elder Rice, and they together came to Fresno. [They] have linked together and had [an] influence upon Brother Church and flattered him to build an institution in Fresno. Dr. Maxson went across the plains and has written back to Brother Church to go ahead without delay, that all was clear. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 22)

Now this enterprise would be the ruin of Brother Church. He could not harmonize either with Dr. Burke or Dr. Maxson and his wife, and he could not harmonize with Elder Rice. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 23)

I have labored early and late with great caution to upset this plan. Brother Church put a letter in my hand from Dr. Maxson. Such a letter of self-exaltation! He was to be with his wife and Brother Church the superintendent of this institution. He was well acquainted with the bath hands at Battle Creek Sanitarium; he was at work securing the best kind of help, and was surprised at their willingness to engage with him! (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 24)

Thus you see how matters were working. But the Lord has given me favor with Brother Church, and he says he will not disregard my advice. We hope the devil is defeated on this point. But we cling to God and pray and trust in Him to work out this matter to bring about the right state of things. I expect Maxson is in Fresno. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 25)

I go today to Burrough Valley, and return Thursday to Fresno to meet Maxson. I speak Sabbath and Sunday in Fresno. (5LtMs, Lt 47, 1888, 26)

Lt 48, 1888

Lamson, D. H.
Battle Creek, Michigan
December 13, 1888
Formerly Undated Ms 4a. Portions of this letter are published in CS 254-255; 2MCP 767; OHC 335; UL 361; CG 135-136.
D. H. Lamson
Dear Brother:

I received your letter in due time, but have been so pressed with labor that I have been unable to write you. I have not been indifferent to your state for some time back; and now that you have written to me, I must respond, although I cannot see how relief is coming to you. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 1)

I am sorry that you are situated as you are, under the pressure of debt. I know of quite a number, who, like yourself, are troubled and distressed over their financial condition. My son Edson is in about the same situation as yourself. We have tried to help him, but he has not as yet been able to free himself. There seems to be a lack of ability in the management of financial matters. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 2)

Now, my brother, will you please tell me the real circumstances—how much is required to set you free! I feel very anxious to have all who can do so, laboring in the Lord’s vineyard. I know that the loss of your sons is a sad bereavement to you, and my heart is drawn out in sympathy for you. The Lord does not take pleasure in your distress. He wants to bestow upon you the consolations of His Holy Spirit that you may be a free man, abiding in His light and in His love. He has lessons for you to learn, and He would have you move quickly in learning them. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 3)

You ought not to allow yourself to become financially embarrassed, for the fact that you are in debt weakens your faith and tends to discourage you, and even the thought of it makes you nearly wild. You need to cut down your expenses and strive to supply this deficiency in your character. You can and should make determined efforts to bring under control your disposition to spend means beyond your income. Do not receive these words as though I were making a personal thrust at you to wound you, for it is not so intended. I love your soul and want you to be a perfect overcomer. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 4)

We are engaged in a conflict for eternal life; and in this battle, grace is arrayed against nature and the whole strength of self is opposed to the victory. Few find the path of self-denial, which is lined with crosses, and fewer still pursue it. Yet some press on, notwithstanding the obstacles and discouragements they meet, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Every step is not backward, but forward, gaining sure victories until they reach “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:14.] Can you not, dear brother, press into the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in? Will you persevere and not become weary in well doing? This Christian warfare is one of strife and eternal vigilance. Perfect victory may be yours if you will cheerfully lift the cross of Christ. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Eternal life in the kingdom of glory is worth a lifelong, persevering effort. The battle is the Lord’s; but if we are co-workers with Him, the victory will be ours. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 5)

Now, my dear brother, if you will learn of the Master and be imbued with His Spirit, being clothed with Christ’s righteousness, you may yet do good work; but you must bring the solid timbers into your structure. The Bible is our guide as to the kind of labor we should put forth. Paul says: “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain; but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor of guile; but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness; nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ, but we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.” [1 Thessalonians 2:1-7.] (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 6)

“I am made a minister (of the church), according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” [Colossians 1:25-29.] (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 7)

The Lord requires more of you than merely to minister; He requires you to bind off your work. I know that the same kind of labor is not given to everyone, but the Lord has taught me that a worker in His vineyard must do his work thoroughly, even if he accomplishes far less in preaching. I have been shown that although you have been an acceptable speaker, your labor has not been of that benefit to the cause which it might have been. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 8)

Let what you do in the churches be done thoroughly; for no church can be in a healthy, growing condition, unless all its members have been fully instructed and are faithful in the performance of duty. If they are withholding their tithes and offerings, and you go among them as an ambassador of God with a pleasing, comforting testimony and do not touch the plague spot of their hearts, they are only confirmed in their selfishness. The more gratifying your discourses, the more will the very men who need your reproof feel that they are all right, for such preaching will not help them to see the evil in their hearts. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 9)

When a man undertakes to labor in the Lord’s vineyard, he must not choose the pleasing part of the work and leave the unpleasant part for someone else to do after him. The people may be wonderfully pleased with him because he does not point out their duty and urge them to do it, but the Lord is not pleased. His work is imperfectly done; and when a more thorough man tries to show them their deficiency, they refer to the first minister to whom they have become much attached, and say, “He was a man whom the Lord sent; and if these things are essential, why did he not teach them and urge us as you do?” So they are disposed to question this man because he speaks plainly and decidedly. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 10)

Heretofore you have aimed to please your hearers, when at all times and in all places you should have had an eye single to the glory of God. Faithful warnings, reproofs, and corrections are often required in the formation of a church that every man may be “perfect in Christ Jesus.” [Verse 28.] When those for whom you labor see that you will not sanction a wrong act, that you will not do imperfect work for the Master, it will inspire them with confidence in you as a faithful sentinel of God. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 11)

You have done too much surface work. You move upon the sympathies; but deep, earnest, solid heart work has not characterized your labors. Women have been attracted to you and have been ready to pour into your ears their private troubles and family disappointments. You ought not to lend an ear to them, but tell them that you are yourself only an erring mortal; that God is their helper. Jesus knows the secrets of every heart, and He can bless and comfort them. Tell them that you might misjudge and be led to encourage evil rather than reprove it. Point them to “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] If you will put on the armor, and, crossing though it may be, give personal labor just where it is needed, to those who are closing the door against the light of heaven because of their selfishness and covetousness, you may not make so many friends, but you will save souls. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 12)

Timothy was a young man, yet Paul, his father in the gospel, gave him this counsel: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” [2 Timothy 4:1, 2.] And he further instructed him: “Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” [1 Timothy 6:17-19.] And he concludes thus: “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so-called; which some professing have erred concerning the faith.” [Verses 20, 21.] (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 13)

Dear brother, the Lord is not pleased with the position you occupy. You have entertained doubts, and unbelief has darkened your pathway. The position taken by Elder [D. M.] Canright has had some effect upon you. You have been unsettled in your faith. I have known that you were tempted and skeptical, even upon the testimonies, but I have not let go of you. I have wanted to be where I could help you. Unless you are settled and grounded in the truth, your labors cannot be a success. You will always work with uncertainty. You need to place yourself in the channel of light and know of a certainty what is truth. Your position has not made you a strong man to do God’s work and to help others up to the platform of faith. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 14)

God has given you valuable talents which you must return to Him with interest. You can do precious work for the Master if you will be earnest and devoted and so consecrated that you will daily, hourly, momentarily, yield yourself to Him. The Lord accepts no superficial work. If you would cultivate other traits of character to combine with the strong traits you already possess and then sanctify them all, you might be a power for good. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 15)

But, dear brother, why are you so determined not to receive advice and counsel, even from your best friends? The Lord designs that we shall help one another by counseling together; but if anyone seeks to aid you by advice, you feel that your rights are invaded. You are impatient of control and want to follow your own mind and judgment. This is a dangerous position for you to be in because the enemy takes advantage of you, and you become discouraged. You are not yet like clay in the hands of the potter, which is turned again and again until the will of the potter is wrought out in the vessel. Grace and truth will make perfect the work of fashioning the human clay, that the glory of the great Potter may appear in the production of a shapely vessel, molded and polished for service. You should be ready to receive divine impressions. The Spirit of truth should inspire you and govern all your movements. Your soul must be emptied of pride and self-sufficiency that there may be room for Jesus. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 16)

You do not see the necessity of counseling with your brethren. You should lay your plans frankly before them, asking the advice of those of good judgment, and at the same time earnestly seek God for heavenly wisdom. The Lord would not leave you to make mistakes. He is ever ready to give wisdom to those who really feel their ignorance and do not rely upon their own judgment. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven of the wind and tossed; for let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” [James 1:5-8.] (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 17)

If you will become a learner in the school of Christ, submit your will to Him, and come under His discipline, you will be able to walk in His ways; and by living in constant connection with Jesus, you will be a channel of light to others. You and I, and every worker, need to feel our entire dependence upon God for His grace and His guidance. God wants you to come into sympathy and harmony with His plans. Submission to the authority of Christ, which forms an essential qualification in His disciples, is not only opposed to the pride which feels hurt when advised and counseled, but those who have it will choose to be subject one to another. It has not been easy for you to work with one of a different temperament than yourself, yet this is the very thing you should have done. If we allow our own will to control us, the Lord will not work a miracle to preserve us from the consequences of our folly. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 18)

I tell you, my brother, fatal deceptions are upon souls. They have a settled confidence. They think they are Christians simply because they assent to the truth; and so completely does this delusion enclose and encase the heart, that the arrows of the Lord do not find access to it, and the deep, searching truths, which clearly portray this very delusion, are listened to without effect, with not a thought of their application to themselves. Oh, seek preparation of heart at the throne of grace, that when you feel your incompetence, you may have clear views of the power and dignity of Christ and can grasp the promises by faith and can have a living connection with God! You are assured that you may have the guidance of His Holy Spirit which will not lead you into uncertainty, but into a certainty of all truth. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 19)

Do not, I beg of you, rise up against these things. You have unwise sympathizers, as men in your position always will have, who do you only harm. God calls upon you to return unto Him, receive the truth as it fell from His divine lips, and convey it as living power into the hearts of others. Then will He place upon you the image of Christ, who is the Author of truth. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 20)

There is much, very much which I would like to say to you, but I have not time. Why not come to some of our meetings and place yourself in the channel of light? If you would, it may be that your children, too, would feel the influence of the Spirit of God and His transforming grace. Your son, if molded by the Spirit of God, might be of use to the cause, but he has very much to learn. As it is now, his education and mold of character are such that he would do positive injury if engaged in the work. He is inflated with self and does not know how to economize or limit his desires. He does not know how to live and work in a humble way like his Master, the Prince of life. His spendthrift habits could not be tolerated in the work of God. If he does not come into close relation with God and realize his defects of character and become converted, he will erelong be left in darkness. Both yourself and your son need to be thoroughly renewed by the Spirit of God, converted wholly and entirely, that every member of your family may be brought under the influence of the Spirit of God. This may and will be the case if you will only heed the warnings and entreaties of the Holy Spirit. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 21)

There is much work to be done for the Master, and men who might today be occupying high positions in connection with the work of God have failed because they never learned to economize. They did not limit their wants to their income when they entered the work, and their spendthrift habits proved the ruin of their usefulness in the cause. Because of the great lack of a self-denying, Christlike spirit, they have not had the favor of God. Their want of a deep, religious experience has made them unworthy to be trusted with eternal responsibilities or to be called sons of God. Yet they have become so self-conceited that they feel entirely competent to enter upon the solemn, sacred, responsible work of the ministry when they have no real fitness for it. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 22)

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Oh, what love! What amazing love! And yet how few appreciate it! How few are partakers of the divine nature! Having undertaken the amazing work of redemption, He resolved that He would not give up the plan, but that He would spare nothing, however costly, withhold nothing, however dear, which was essential to the consummation of His design of bestowing on man gift upon gift until He had opened to Him all the treasures of heaven. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 23)

The saving grace of God upon us, the increased conception of His greatness, justice, mercy, and love, will not fill our hearts to no purpose. This knowledge of God, which Jesus came from heaven to impart, must not be trifled with. The love of God cannot remain in our possession unless it is expressed. Shall it ever be reckoned our greatest curse that we knew of the blessed gift of eternal life and did not make it known to others? O my brother, “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] Jesus is calling to you and saying that you can be like Him. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,” is willing to shine in our hearts, “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2 Corinthians 4:6.] (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 24)

My brother, exalt the standard. If you ever handle the Word of life again, which I sincerely hope you may, be faithful. Be not only a preacher, but one who will lift up Jesus wherever you are, being imbued with the Holy Spirit and filled with all the fullness of God. Do not stand back questioning and doubting and speculating, but come heartily into the work. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 25)

The Chief Shepherd is soon to appear, and when He comes, He will give to the faithful undershepherds a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Truth will stand, for it is eternal, it will triumph, and may you triumph with it. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 26)

I write in no spirit to oppress you, but because the love of Christ constraineth me. (5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, 27)

Lt 49, 1888

Sister
NP
1888
Portions of this letter are published in OHC 119.
Dear Sister:

Let us put away everything like distrust and want of faith in Jesus. Let us commence a life of simple, childlike trust, not relying upon feeling, but upon faith. Do not dishonor Jesus by doubting His precious promises. He wants us to believe in Him with unwavering faith. (5LtMs, Lt 49, 1888, 1)

There is a class who say, “I believe, I believe,” and lay claim to all the promises which are given on condition of obedience; but they do not the works of Christ. God is not honored by any such faith, it is spurious. Another class are trying to keep all the commandments of God, but many of them do not come up to their exalted privilege in claiming the promises that were given for them. God’s promises are for those who keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. (5LtMs, Lt 49, 1888, 2)

I find, Sister _____, that I have to fight the good fight of faith every day. I have to exercise all my faith, and not rely upon feeling; I have to act as though I knew the Lord heard me, and would answer me and bless me. Faith is not a happy flight of feeling; it is simply taking God at His word, believing that He will fulfill his promises because He said he would. (5LtMs, Lt 49, 1888, 3)

I am much interested in your experience. The Lord has let His blessing rest upon you at seasons of prayer, and if you had kept looking to Jesus and fully believed on Him, then you would have received a much larger measure of the Spirit of God. But your husband’s coldness, unbelief, and manifest inability to appreciate the blessing proffered, was a heavy weight which hindered you so that you did not trust the promises of God. (5LtMs, Lt 49, 1888, 4)

I hope you will not become discouraged in any way. I hope you will not allow the want that is evident in the experience of your husband to be the means of keeping your soul in darkness and discouragement. He seems to feel very anxious in regard to you, but if he would leave you in the hands of a merciful God and work for his own deliverance by a perfect surrender to God, he would have no cause to be troubled about your case. It will require much of the Spirit of God to break up his Phariseeism. He does not see himself. He has so woven self into the warp and woof of his experience that God has little to do with him. When he is able, through grace, to see his own defects, then Jesus can be his restorer. (5LtMs, Lt 49, 1888, 5)

My sister, stand free in God. Let not your husband’s ideas become yours. Unless he rids himself of his supreme self-complacency and falls humbly at the foot of the cross of Calvary, he will deceive his own soul. He can relate wonderful incidents in a past experience, but he has no new, joyful experience in God. (5LtMs, Lt 49, 1888, 6)

The Lord wants you to be free; He wants you to be trustful, to cease doubting, and believe. Self-righteousness is a terrible plague spot, but it does not belong to you at all. You are altogether distrustful of self and write and talk bitter things of yourself. Rest in the sheltering arms of Jesus, and do not worry yourself out of His arms; just believe, and praise God, and go forward. We are almost home. The Lord is coming. “Look up, and lift up your head; for your redemption draweth nigh.” [Luke 21:28.] I see in Jesus a compassionate, loving Redeemer, One who can save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. Lean your whole weight on the promises of God. May God help you to believe as it is your privilege to do. (5LtMs, Lt 49, 1888, 7)

Lt 51, 1888

Ballou, George
Healdsburg, California
January 1, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in OHC 140; 1MCP 32-33.
[George Ballou:]

I have received your letter. I feel distressed over your condition and would not add to your affliction if I could conscientiously avoid it. But I cannot see any safety for you or the cause of God to connect you with His sacred work. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 1)

Brother Ballou, you cannot be trusted. The base metal abundantly composes your character. These have been so long weaving into your character the threads of evil, in thought, in action, that in your hands the salt of truth has lost its savor, and the revealed will of God has not for years acted as light to guide your feet, having a controlling influence upon your character and leading the erring to the true foundation. Satan has had the control of your thoughts and led you into the subtlest reasoning which has decided in your impure mind that which was allowable and that which was forbidden, until in your case, as with many others, this has resulted in your making decided transgressions of the law while appearing to be in perfect harmony with its requirements. This is the danger; this is Satan’s manner of working, making void the law of God by traditions or a subtle manner of reasoning. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 2)

Paltry evasions, quibbling, and distinctions as to what constitutes sin have led other minds to have confused ideas of right and wrong and lessened the crime of sensual indulgence. The great God and His holy claims have become so obscured by thoughts issuing from defiled hearts that sin no longer appears the vile thing that it is, and the minds left to drift into this channel make innocence of crimes most revolting. The Scriptures are wrested from their true meaning, and the oracles of God, by a system of reasoning inspired by the devil, are meaningless, and the ingenuity of the devil knows no bounds in twisting and torturing terms to such a degree until the plainest statements are explained to mean the very opposite of that which the ordinary reasoning of intelligent minds would suppose they did mean. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 3)

The guilty Scribes and Pharisees worked at this business until they made those things positively forbidden in the Word of God to appear in conformity with His requirements, thus turning things upside down, setting darkness for light and light for darkness; and when general precepts are laid down without a particular specification or form how it was to be obeyed, they felt no obligation to obey these general, far-reaching requirements. Practical godliness was made as thin and incomprehensive as possible, and they set aside the spiritual altogether. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 4)

This is becoming one of the dangerous and most artful workings of Satan to make of none effect God’s purposes that are given all in these virtues which are stated, because the form and measure of conformity is left to be met and acted upon by the circumstances of each case, and the promptings of a loving, loyal heart will see and practice virtue and truth. Many professedly religious lives are shamefully defective because the law of God has not specified the particular way, under all circumstances, it was to be fulfilled. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 5)

The law of God covers the whole matter, but their love of particular sins leads them to the position there is no law to condemn these particular transactions. The Lord’s prohibitions and requirements are in perfect consistency with His moral law, the great [law] of righteousness, which is a matter of character rather than of form. The heart work will lead to the righteous actions. The law of Jehovah is exceedingly broad. Jesus in His lessons on the Mount plainly declared to His disciples that this holy law of God may be violated in even the thoughts and feelings and desires, as well as [in] the word and deed. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 6)

The heart that loves God supremely will not in any way be inclined to narrow down His precepts to the very smallest possible claims, but the obedient, loyal soul will cheerfully render full spiritual obedience when the law is seen in its spiritual power. Then will the commandments come home to the soul in their real force. Sin will appear exceedingly sinful. The light of principle illuminates the whole law of Jehovah. Sin is cleansed from the soul temple. The law is pronounced to be holy, just, and good. There is no longer self-righteousness, self-esteem, self-honor. Self-security is gone. Deep conviction of sin and self-loathing is the result, and the soul in its desperate sense of peril lays hold on the blood of the Lamb of God as his only remedy from the condemning power of sin. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 7)

Many are deceiving their own souls today. They restrict the injunctions of God to condemn outward acts alone and do not consider it sin to dishonor God in thoughts and affections. They flatter themselves that they are keeping the law of Jehovah, while their life and character as daguerreotyped in the books of heaven reveal them as venturing to see how far they can go in the direction of wrongdoing without being branded as transgressors of God’s law. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 8)

God’s holy Word is a book of living principles that every soul who desires to depart from all iniquity is not left in doubt as to what course to pursue to meet the claims of God’s Word. They will be ever laboring in thought, in word, and in character to be on the Lord’s side, obedient to all His requirements. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 9)

In the place of seeking opportunities to evade the law of God, they will give the largest interpretation to His far-reaching commandments and will strive most earnestly to bring the will, the affections, and all the heart to exemplify the great principles of His holy commandments. This is genuine sanctification. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 10)

The Pharisees of today are among those who have a reputation as Christians. Who are Pharisees and who are bearing the stamp of Christ’s purity, holiness and devotion will exemplify the same in their life and character. Those who are unconscious of their danger in Pharisaism think all is well with them. If man will preserve humility, keeping I out of sight and God in the forefront, then there will be a power of influence going forth from their words, their deportment, and character that will be for good—far-reaching as eternity. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 11)

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! So many are working earnestly on a wrong line which seems to them to be right. They are building a very fine structure but the foundation is not safe. It is on sand and not solid rock. Their ideas are wrong. The work must begin at the heart. Their conceptions of their God-appointed work is confused. It is false. If the heart is right with God, then the whole life will be purified, refined, ennobled, sanctified. If the eye is single, the whole body is filled with light. Religion is not a matter of externalities which can be kept out of work. The heart must be subjected to the influences of the Spirit of Christ, then all hours, in all places will be devoted to one grand aim to save souls for whom Christ has died. The influence of the transforming grace of Christ will be brought into the minutest deeds of the life, in every department of the work. Religion is a thing of the heart. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 12)

Selfish interests lead in one direction; ambition is constantly urging to acceptance of positions for gain that will place man in difficult places where it is impossible for him to maintain right motives and principles that reveal the love of God. It is fidelity on the one hand to the commandments of God; and unsanctified ambition, selfish interest on the other hand—God’s commandments on the one hand and transgression on the other hand. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 13)

Satan was constantly saying, “Why be so particular and exact. Obeying the commandments of God is greatly against your interest; you overact in being so far separated from worldly customs. You are narrow and you can never rise very high until you change your sentiments.” Satan gets the day; man yields to Satan’s suggestions and divorces his soul from God. We do not place you in a position where you cannot receive the pardoning love of God. If you repent of your transgressions, God is just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. A broken and contrite heart the Lord will not despise. If you regard iniquity in your heart the Lord will not hear you. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 14)

When I learned that you stated before your brethren in the ministry that when you undressed and got into bed and induced the young sister to do those things she would never have thought of doing had you not presented matters as did Satan in his temptations, you claimed you had no impure thoughts or evil intentions in so doing, I said then, “It is a hopeless case. Evil is so ingrained in his character that even his very thoughts are evil and that continually, and the eye is so obscured to light and purity and holiness that his whole body is full of darkness.” If no impure thoughts could be attached to such a course of conduct, then, blameless in this course, you would act over the same under the slightest temptations and corrupt pure minds by your satanic reasoning and specious sophistry. You would come to consider this a part of your ministerial work and you would tear and devour the sheep of God’s pasture. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 15)

The very fact that while you were preaching the most solemn truth of God’s Word you could be guilty of such conduct shows a conscience defiled. Men may be surprised by temptations to do many things that are wrong, then they become disgusted and horrified with their transgressions, but your mind has been under the control of Satan to deliberately plan and devise a course of action in accordance with your unsanctified character to gratify lustful desires. You have boldly urged your common, corrupting actions upon others. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 16)

It has been difficult to turn you aside from your purpose. And, think you, should you lay bare the sins that you have been guilty of practicing during your ministerial office, that there is one member of the conference [who] would consider you a safe man to be entrusted with the responsibility as a shepherd of the flock of God? Would they not consider you a wolf in sheep’s clothing? (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 17)

I have no confidence that you see your sinfulness. You have been continually in your mind and words referring to others who have, you claim, no more right to credentials than you have. I have naught to say to you of any such. But their sins will not excuse your sin one iota. Yours is black as midnight, and if you save your own soul, you will be a brand plucked from the burning. Your moral taste has been perverted, corrupted, and the moral defilement runs through your whole life, notwithstanding the clearest testimonies have been borne directly to you, and you have made humbling acknowledgments. I felt the burden again and again of your case. I pressed it home upon you at the April meeting in Oakland. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 18)

You see the light. You know you were polluted. You sought to humble yourself before God but were not converted. Your course, after the clear light in general principles has been laid before you, has been more bold and defiling to draw other souls into your snare of pollution, and this has been practiced so long that the whole moral taste is corrupted. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 19)

You have no right to stand in the place of a minister of righteousness. You need to be proved. God will test you. If you cannot bear the proving of God, the matter is decided forever that you can never stand as [a] mouthpiece for God again. Long has it been since the Lord has used you directly in His work and in His cause. Your heart has been corrupt, your hands defiled, your thoughts full of defilement. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 20)

I counsel you, think no more of entering the ministry, but seek some humble employment and work not with the brain, but with your hands. Physical exercise you need. The animal in you is largely developed, and if you can perfect a Christian character in an humble way, revealing Christ in your life and in your deportment, if you will show you are not ignorant of Satan’s devices, that you will stand the test of temptation, tearing out the rotten timbers in your character building and putting the solid timbers in, then you may so work out your own salvation that you will see and acknowledge that it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 21)

If the sin of Achan brought [the] curse of God upon Israel, what can be your ideas of your sin, and how can God excuse the church or conference that will pass you credentials as being a delegated minister in good standing in the conference. It cannot be done. You will be sought after by those who are watching for all such souls who are ready to sympathize with you and give you the right hand of fellowship and will place you in the pulpit, and you will be tempted to accept of this opening. You have so little spiritual enlightenment, you know so little of what constitutes Christian character that you may be deceived and be found with D. M. Canright. (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 22)

You have fully as high an estimate of yourself as had D. M. Canright. You are full of self-esteem and pomposity. You know not yet what true humility is. Self, self has been held up, exhibited, admired, worshipped. God’s Spirit has had so little to do with you. Your proud boasting has pleased the devil but has not in any way glorified God. You have glorified yourself; you have ... [Remainder missing.] (5LtMs, Lt 51, 1888, 23)

Lt 51a, 1888

White, Mary
Healdsburg, California
January 4, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear daughter Mary:

Brother Harris will take this line to you. We need our large flat irons. They are the largest size and Sister Lockwood says they are in the laundry at [the Rural] Health Retreat. Will you see that they are sent down when someone comes to Healdsburg? (5LtMs, Lt 51a, 1888, 1)

We are all well. W.C.W. [W. C. White] has just left for Oakland, to be gone till next week. He is well as usual. We do not forget you, and we pray for you every day; we have earnest petitions ascending from all of the family in your behalf, and we believe the Lord is working for you. We have confidence in the promises of God. Cling to these promises. (5LtMs, Lt 51a, 1888, 2)

Dear Mary, be of good courage in the Lord. He will not leave nor forsake you. Much love to your mother and Sister McOmber. (5LtMs, Lt 51a, 1888, 3)

Mother.

If there is anything that we can do for you, just let us know and we will do it gladly. (5LtMs, Lt 51a, 1888, 4)

Mother.

Lt 52, 1888

Giles, Br.
Refiled as Lt 82, 1889.

Lt 53, 1888

Butler, G. I.
Healdsburg, California
February 10, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in 20MR 373-377.
Dear Brother Butler:

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hearing W.C.W. [W. C. White] read your good letter to him in reference to many important matters. There is one matter I wish particularly to notice—that is the subject of Dr. Gibbs in connection with Dr. Maxson. You know that he has resigned his position at the [Rural] Health Retreat and this will make it necessary for some facts to be presented before you and the sanitarium at Battle Creek. I can but feel that there is a determined purpose, whether Dr. Maxson and his wife are aware of it or not, to misinterpret and misunderstand Dr. Gibbs’s methods of practice; and notwithstanding I have plainly presented before Dr. Maxson that he certainly views matters in a wrong or incorrect light, yet this makes not a whit of difference with his ideas and plans of action. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 1)

When the great question of health reform was opened before me, the methods of treating the sick were plainly revealed to me. [In] the old-school cruel practice and the sure results, where one claimed to be benefited, there were thousands [who were] made life-long invalids who, had they never seen a physician, would have recovered of themselves without implanting in their systems diseases of a most distressing character. Eclectic was less dangerous. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 2)

The homeopathy which creates so deadly opposition from the regular practice, was attended with far less evil consequences than the old-school practice, but did much harm because it could be resorted to so easily and used so readily with so little expense that many practice upon themselves and fall back upon this without real knowledge of their ailments and do great harm to themselves, when a proper regulation of their diet, abstinence from tea, coffee, and all spices and flesh meats [and] gaining an intelligent knowledge of temperance would be medicine above all drugs. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 3)

But Dr. Maxson has insisted in putting his manner of treatment in a false light. He has repeatedly stated that if Dr. Gibbs did not use drugs he was afloat and could not do anything. In Oakland I had another conversation with Dr. Maxson, and I urged him not to make so wonderful a specialty of methods of drug using. I told him [that] after the whole system of drug medication had been laid open before me, I was shown of God that we should have an institution conducted on hygienic principles. In that institution lectures should be given, not on how to use drugs, not to lead minds and educate them in the methods of drug using, but [to] teach the people the better way—to live healthfully and do without drugs. The words were repeated, Educate! Educate! Educate! (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 4)

I then saw that [with] an intelligent knowledge of pure air, making use of it wisely and abundantly, and [with] simple, healthful food taken into the stomach temperately, and eating and drinking to the glory of God, ten thousand would be well who are now sick. Then I was taken from room to room and shown disease and its causes, and the result of drug medication. I was then shown through rooms of a hygienic institution that was conducted on hygienic principles and these simple means—sunlight, pure air, healthful habits. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 5)

Constant instruction needs to be given, line upon line, precept upon precept, in regard to the necessity of clean bodies, clean houses, and clean premises. Breathing clean air would preserve health without the use of drugs. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 6)

But to deny self, to restrict the appetite, to eat only wholesome food and exercising temperance in eating the wholesome food, abstaining almost wholly from the flesh of dead animals that creates nine-tenths of [the] disease in our world, is too severe a process for a large part of our world and of professed Christians to enter into; so they eat [and] they drink without reference to health, and the result is a depraved condition of the system; then they resort to the [use of] drugs, because [that is] easiest, and there continues to be a wicked disregard of the laws of life and of health in taking care to preserve good health. There are diseases of every stripe and type because self-indulgence is practiced through willing ignorance. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 7)

I tried to present to Dr. Maxson something of the matter the Lord had shown me, but I think it did not make the least impression on his mind. He stated that he regarded homeopathy as of the devil; of the same character as spiritualism and mesmerism. Now, Dr. Gibbs is not a homeopathic physician, but he takes the good of all. He obtained his education in the regular school and has his diploma from that school. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 8)

The use of water to help the sick, plenty of exercise, education as to how to breathe, and education as to purity of habits would throw drugs in the shade in their own place where they naturally belong. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 9)

Dr. Maxson thinks he knows a great deal more than he does, and here is the very seat of the difficulty. Were I sick, I would not trust myself in his hands, for the principles of kill or cure, I fear it would be to kill. A deeper knowledge than he now has would give him a sense of [the] little knowledge he really has and the much more that he needs to know by precept and practice before human life is safe in his hands. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 10)

In Oakland I tried to show Dr. Maxson that his ideas were not after God’s order in the set ideas that he could not harmonize with Dr. Gibbs. You say you have had an education in hygiene. Now, Dr. Maxson, you have all the opportunity in the world in the Rural Health Retreat to practice that education and demonstrate to Dr. Gibbs the fact that hygiene will do wonderful things. Just demonstrate this. Do not, if you see hard work in this practice, like many others, leave it aside and resort to your strong doses of drugs. I have positive light that this is tampering with human life. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 11)

But notwithstanding all I could say, he would go over the same ground again, presenting the infallibility of the allopathy above the homeopathy. I was sure all that I had said of the light which the Lord had been pleased to give me was in his mind as thistledown before the wind. He has asserted that he used less drugs than Dr. Gibbs, while Dr. Gibbs declares it is otherwise. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 12)

But there has been positive harm done by the strong doses of medicine given by Dr. Maxson—such enormous quantities of quinine given to his patients which he maintains is far better in influence than less. We have not a knowledge of the same results following the use of drugs from Dr. Gibbs. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 13)

Dr. Maxson had things his own way for many weeks, for Dr. Gibbs was away. He had all the opportunity to lecture, all the room to work that he chose, and then Dr. Gibbs did not stand in his way at all—let him have all the room he asked. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 14)

When he sent in his resignation, a copy [of which] I will send you, he worded it in a manner that needed explanation. He resigned, it was stated, because of the incongruity of the physician associates. Incongruity—what is that he said? It was the methods of practice. He was asked to explain himself. He stated that he would stay only on one consideration—that he should have the liberty to plainly state to his patients the difference between his practice and Dr. Gibbs’s and that he should state the errors of his practice by expressing freely his opinions. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 15)

This would not, he was told, be tolerated for it was just this course that Dr. Burke pursued and brought about a state of things that would break down the institution. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 16)

At another meeting of the board it was proposed that it be recommended by the board that Dr. Maxson reconsider this matter of his disconnecting from the Rural Health Retreat. Elder Rice promptly answered that it would not be of the least use, for this was no hasty conclusion but a matter of deliberate thought and arriving at decided conclusions. So his resignation was accepted. There seemed to be a good understanding between himself and his wife and Elder Rice. All were perfectly united in their plans and purposes. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 17)

Elder Rice could not be kept as superintendent for he was considering himself [as] constituting the whole board, planning and managing, buying and selling; and the board knew not the first syllable of the matter. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 18)

He was incurring great expenses and without one word of advice or counsel from the board of directors. His sharp dealing with outsiders has cut off outside patronage, and he seems to lack the power of discrimination. He asks all the price that is set in the terms, which is looked upon as very high for board and treatment, and then if one asks for a hot water bag to be supplied with hot water, he or she is charged extra. [On] every little favor is put an extra price until they go away mad, vowing they will never enter the institution again and telling their friends never to enter. These cases are being revealed more and more, and in a very agony of distress we have been unable to correct the evil. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 19)

I think now it was understood [that] if Eld. Rice did not remain, Dr. Maxson and his wife would also leave. They have formed a bond of union from the first. I wrote a letter to Eld. Rice but he made no response; but [as] soon as possible comes one from Dr. Maxson making all [the] excuses for Eld. Rice. It was evident that a firm bond of union has been formed with these parties. I will go to St. Helena in a few days and will then obtain something definite from Dr. Maxson. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 20)

Eld. Rice has been very imprudent with Mrs. or Sister Heald, and I have handled this familiarity with decision in the fear of God under a great burden. Elder Rice was warned, but he persistently kept on his course. He stated that it was his privilege for the superintendent to ride with the matron, and he told me, quite aggrieved, that the church members had much talk of his always taking Sister Heald to the meeting. When the matter came up in the camp meeting at Oakland in the presence of about twenty, he justified himself that he had, he said, been spoken to in regard to Sister Heald’s riding with him and her husband not being with them, but he knew that this was no moral wrong, and therefore he went on just the same. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 21)

I just arose and told him plainly he was not a Bible Christian; that the Word of the Lord was positive—abstain from the very appearance of evil and give no action for reproach to fall upon the cause of God. But, knowing that much talk was being made over his close association with another man’s wife, he had not sought in his own course of action to cut off the reproach, but justified his course. Had he seen another man taking the same liberties with his wife when she was living, he would have felt indignant. Had he seen any of the men connected with the institution, young or old, thus intimate with a married woman or young girls, he would have seen the evil and with no soothing words would have made short work of this matter. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 22)

He stated he should have done so, but that he considered he was a minister, above suspicion and above temptation, he had thought, and therefore it was safe for him to do that which would be sin in another. He acknowledged that this was wrong reasoning, but every time the matter was talked upon he brought forward the same excuses. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 23)

I first took Sister Heald, for I had in a dream been shown some things. Then I talked with her. Nothing, not one thing, was specified as wrong until I urged the matter and asked pointed questions and then drew out by direct questioning that Elder Rice had lain upon the bed with Bro. and Sister Heald, [and] that this was done several times. They had kissed each other and she had sat on his lap. This matter was all through the institution and has gone far and near. Bro. and Sister Maxson stated to me this was all talk. No such things had been done as were talked of, but in a few hours I had the statement from Sister Heald’s lips. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 24)

After this, just about the last interview we had with Dr. Maxson and wife, Sister Maxson stated that Sister Manoah, Bro. Rice’s mother, told her all the circumstances of that one occasion of their lying on the bed together and made it a very innocent, accidental affair. I said to Sister Maxson, “I do not accept this statement, for I have had the matter from Sister Heald’s lips.” (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 25)

Everything shows that these parties, Bro. and Sister Heald, and Bro. and Sister Maxson, and Elder Rice have been closely connected in bonds of sympathy, and when the board felt, for the prosperity of the institution, that Eld. Rice must not officiate any longer, then all agreed to leave together and did leave together. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 26)

There has been some thought that they will unite together to start an institution on this coast, and this he has plainly stated in a letter to me that a wealthy man was urging them to do this and would help them. It is not improbable that Eld. Rice may marry Dr. Maxson’s niece. (5LtMs, Lt 53, 1888, 27)

Lt 54, 1888

Butler, G. I.
Salmar, California
March 23, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Butler:

Brother Rice has come to Fresno in company with Brother and Sister Maxson and so presented matters before Brother Church that he decided to build a health institute at once. (5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, 1)

Now this is not in God’s order. Brother Church could not manage such an institution in his best days and now, when over seventy-years old, he is no more fitted for this work than he has been. (5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, 2)

Now Brother Maxson was sent to Battle Creek to get counsel of those who understood scarcely anything of the situation, and he has not counseled with anyone here, only those who have drawn off—Dr. Burke, Elder Rice, Dr. Maxson and his wife—and this is a corrupt union. (5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, 3)

I send you this because John Church told me last night that he supposed that Brother Butler had sanctioned this enterprise, for Dr. Maxson telegraphed, “All right, go ahead.” (5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, 4)

I will write no more except [that] Brother Church is expecting to draw his means out of the Signs office to put [them] into this building. What kind of moves our people will make next, the Lord only knows. I send you this that I have written to read to Brother Church. He will be here the last of next week. (5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, 5)

Love to all. (5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, 6)

Satan is determined to have a controlling power. I had great liberty in speaking to the people. We had three meetings, raised in pledges thirty thousand dollars for meetinghouse and college and mission house. I thought this would be something to divert the mind of Brother Church, but he has gone to St. Helena to see Burke and answer a telegram in regard to some matters at the Institute. (5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, 7)

Lt 55, 1888

Maxson, Dr.
Burrough Valley, California
April 3, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dr. Maxson:

A letter you had written to Brother Church providentially came into my hands. I was much surprised at the contents of that letter. First, that without consulting on this coast who have the burden and cause of God at heart and who are engaged at the present time as God’s workmen in the salvation of souls, you crossed the Rocky Mountains and opened the matter to others. You were called to the Pacific Coast to help them in the Rural Health Retreat. You left of your own accord because you claimed you could not conscientiously harmonize with the methods of Dr. Gibbs in the administering of drugs. You claimed you had been treated kindly, liberally, and well by the board and all connected with the institution, that you left them with the best of feelings, that you had not a complaint to make in regard to the way that you had been used. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 1)

Now we would make a complaint of you that we are not satisfied at all with the way you have treated us on this coast—not in a Christian manner, certainly. You have laid your plans in a most secretive manner. You have not counseled with anyone on this coast. You have asked no advice. You have talked with Brother Church and have encouraged him to engage in an enterprise of erecting a sanitarium. You have put on the outside an appearance in your letter to him that this move was not to be a rival institution and was not to injure the Health Retreat at all. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 2)

If you possessed such disinterested feelings, I will say you have a very poor way of showing it. You claim to believe that the Lord has given Sister White light and has been working through her as His agent to bear testimonies of reproof, of wrongs, to correct evils, and set in order things in the church. But notwithstanding, you did not intimate your purpose to Sister White, only that if you connected with any institution, it would be in remote or far distant Southern California. Then you stated you should not make a move in anything of this kind until you first laid the whole matter in all its bearings before our leading, responsible men and had their fullest sanction of the matter. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 3)

Well, you laid all your plans with Brother Church. You then went across the plains with the stated purpose to him of consulting Elder Butler and obtaining his counsel. Then, if there were no objections, you would write or telegraph to Brother Church. Well, the telegram came, “All right, go ahead,” which was taken by those here that you had consulted with Elder Butler and others and they harmonized with your presentation of the case and hence the decided message. What else could be conjectured—“All right, go ahead”? (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 4)

I immediately wrote to Elder Butler [asking] what this meant, and a telegram comes, “None of the committee favors, neither have they favored, the building of a sanitarium in Fresno.” We wait [for] letters of explanation from them. But why this manner of working and injuring us on the Pacific Coast? Why does Dr. Maxson leave California out of the question and go to parties across the Rocky Mountains for them to favor his schemes when the Lord has His appointed agents and guardians of His work right here on this Pacific Coast? These men of God’s appointed are not to have the particular oversight of the work in all its branches over the other side of the Rocky Mountains, but right here they have their appointed work. Then why have you not, Dr. Maxson, openly and frankly laid matters which must have a material influence upon this cause and work of God in California before the proper ones in California, the guardians of the cause here? (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 5)

Every branch of the work on this coast concerns the cause right here. Why does Dr. Maxson show disrespect to God’s appointed agencies right within his reach? Is this the way men are to work in the Western vineyard who claim to be moving in these last days with unselfish interest? Will this manner of work be in harmony with their brethren? Will it have [a] favorable impression upon minds? Is this the manner of work that is to come forth from their hands, and is it of a character to create the best of harmony and to have unity in action that will be answering the prayer of Christ that His disciples may be one even as He is One with the Father? (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 6)

The responsible workers engaged in preparing a people to stand in the great day of God which is just before us must have concerted action. Are not these movements a second edition of the same work that Dr. Burke has been doing when he sent in his resignation to the Health Retreat and set up a health institute right in the city of St. Helena for the only reason that he was not made first in the Health Retreat institution? (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 7)

He has withdrawn, acted as traitor. He has carried on his work as a traitor would do, and the leaven has been at work. Here we see a worse course pursued by Dr. Maxson, without saying anything of his plans to the president of the State Conference at California, without making [known] his plans and purposes to me, whom God has connected with the work from its first rise and to whom God has been pleased to reveal light in regard to the great subject of health reform and that an institution should be established in California. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 8)

The Lord has for years been revealing [to me] the characters of men, their dangers, their defects of character, the course different ones would pursue that would imperil the soul, and the course they must pursue in order to overcome as Christ overcame and escape the dangerous perils of these last days. The Lord has given light to His people for the last thirty-six years. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 9)

Dr. Maxson becomes closely connected in unsanctified sympathy with Elder Rice and shows no respect to this gift the Lord has placed in the church. He enters into and lays plans with one man, Bro. Church, to establish a large institution in Fresno. Has he any knowledge of Bro. Church as a man adapted for any such work? No, but he seizes the first thing that promises to place him first. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 10)

Bro. Church has recently lost his wife. He feels almost uprooted, is unsettled, confused, [and] perplexed. How important that someone who understands him shall help him at this time! It seemed congenial to his inclination to establish a large sanitarium in Fresno. His motive was good, but what light has he from God that his entrusted capital shall be used in this way; what evidence that these elements that could not unite with the Health Retreat in St. Helena could unite and work harmoniously? We know that these are not safe. They would flatter and misconstrue and prevaricate and work under a false pretense, all the time claiming to be very conscientious. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 11)

By their fruits ye shall know them, and with all lamblike pretensions, with wonderful apparent conscientiousness, they see the opportunity they have long desired to be at the head, and they take advantage of the mind and purposes of Bro. Church, strengthen his ideas, help him along in his plans, engage with ardor in the enterprise, exalt his ideas, and unite with him in all he suggests. They have not, neither do they care to learn whether this would be the mind of the Spirit of God and evidence this by their saying nothing to those who have a right to know. They do not inquire whether it would place Bro. Church in circumstances where temptations would come powerfully upon him. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 12)

He is about seventy years old and these men who have had no acquaintance with Bro. Church do not consider whether this would prove his ruin or be a detriment to the cause. Brother Maxson has accepted Bro. Church’s ideas, strengthened them, and united to help them forward without any knowledge of whether you were working in harmony with the Spirit of God or against it. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 13)

The Lord has opened the past life of Bro. Church before me. I have sent warnings and counsel to him. I know his dangers. I know if he will use his capabilities in a right direction the Lord will bless him. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 14)

If you are, Dr. Maxson, moving in God’s order, then the Lord is not leading and teaching me. For His Spirit is urging me to do all in my power to influence Bro. Church in an opposite direction, to give up his purpose to erect a sanitarium in Fresno. And I shall make most earnest efforts to be in harmony with the Spirit of God who doth not look as man upon outward appearance, but at the heart. He knoweth the end from the beginning whether this or that shall prosper, whether the plans of man will in the end redound to His glory or result in the loss of souls, and whether the plans of shortsighted mortals will be the upbuilding of His cause or for the detriment of His kingdom upon the earth. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 15)

If you have decided to move and work independent of God’s laborers whom He has placed in His vineyard and consider yourself a competent, independent body here in California, you could not have taken a more thorough course to represent the same than you have done in your movements of late. Have you decided that the Lord has no head here in California, that there are no pastors, no teachers, none whom God calls His watchmen, shepherds of His flock, that you feel all wisdom is invested in yourself? (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 16)

Satan is bound to get in strife and dissension among us as a people by drawing apart, acting independently. You need more of Jesus and less of self. One object must be kept in view constantly, that is harmony of cooperation is our strength. Our work is worldwide. Respect and attention must be shown to all God’s ordained agencies if we expect the Lord to work with our efforts. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 17)

Your work is now outside the Lord’s agencies. Your work is an independent matter without one word to the responsible men God has ordained [for] this coast. Those who refuse to hearken to instruction will work on the enemy’s side, and a bitter tide will be started from him which will result in every sort of trouble; souls will be wounded, alienations will exist, and if this is the policy that men claiming to be commandment-keepers feel at liberty to work upon them, the enemy’s cause will be served rather than the cause of God. Say not, in the words of a man who imagined himself to be better than the Lord saw him to be, “What is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?” 2 Kings 8:13. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 18)

Feel not indigent at this illustration and the suggestion of a possibility that you may be left to pursue a course which will not only imperil your own soul but the souls of others. You are strong, ardent, confident, you think, in God, but it is in your own strength, trusting to your own heart. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 19)

I speak that which I know. It is another spirit that is leading you. Dream not that your mountain stands so strong that you can never be moved. I do not doubt but that you think that you are moving in the counsel of God, but you are deceived. You have united with influences that lead you to give a little honor or respect to the instrumentalities the Lord has placed in the church for the perfecting of the saints until we all come into the unity of the faith. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 20)

You have put confidence in men who mislead you, and your own unsanctified ambition harmonizes with every suggestion whereby there seems to be a possibility of exalting yourself. There is a busy, tempting devil. Once place the feet in a wrong path, and it pleases the devil, and he will be too well pleased to lead you on avenues leading off from the right path open on every side. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 21)

None are more exposed than those who feel fully capable of guiding themselves and think there is no peril and become impatient at words of caution and counsel that may be addressed to them. They will not be forewarned. Every plan looks like perfection to their inexperienced, unsanctified [judgment] to the watchman on the walls of Zion on this coast. You have passed them by. What for? Was it not because you feared they would not harmonize with your ideas and plans, and your haste to do this great work is not after the wisdom of God. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 22)

If one and still another follow your example, where would be the unity that must exist in the body that they be of the same mind, of the same judgment, and speak the same things? Now if every one feels at liberty to do as you have done, how is this Christlike harmony to be preserved? Where can the unity exist that God has enjoined? If Dr. Maxson is so conscientious to do nothing that will injure the Health Retreat, why is he so careful to observe such secrecy and consult with no responsible men on this coast, unless he is sure they will sanction his movements? Why did he not consult with me before crossing the plains to engage in the enterprise of carrying out his plans? Why does he express his fears, and he is sure this is of God, fearing Bro. Church’s mind may be changed? (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 23)

He says, “I suppose you must have gotten my telegram and my letter following, and that you are finishing the work as rapidly as possible. I hope so, at least, and I have faith to believe we shall never need to take a back step.” He expects the work to be rushed through without time for thorough contemplation. There are all kinds of faith. There is a presumptuous faith that rushes on without good foundation. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 24)

“The Devil will work hard to frustrate our plan if it is a good one, and he will work in a way we little suspect.” Sister White may come in, “I suppose he thinks,” and the Devil use her [to] hinder this work. “I believe it is a right move and if we can maintain right relations to God and have His guiding Spirit to sanctify our judgment and be in a condition that we can ask the blessing of God on every plan we make and every step we take, then and only then will we have confidence toward God and work in harmony with His Spirit.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 25)

Does Brother Maxson consider that unless he is working in harmony with the body, the church of God on earth—God’s delegated power upon the earth—that he cannot be working in harmony with God? The Lord never leads one member of His church to move independent of the body when these plans must necessarily affect that body either for good or for evil. This great haste without so much as taking counsel of any of the leading workers on the Pacific Coast looks suspicious. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 26)

His fears expressed that the Devil will do all he can to hinder it in a way we little suspect. Does not Bro. Maxson know that by appointment Sister White would be at Fresno and attend the camp meeting to be held only fifteen miles from Fresno [and] would not be united as he has been so fully with Elder Rice? Suppose I might say something to change their plans in this matter and would he not set the mind of Bro. Church to think that Sister White would be the evil agent to thwart their plans? (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 27)

The wonderful desire to have the Lord’s help is well put in, but he might look and consider that the Lord has ways and means through whom He works. He has set in the church the very means to reflect light to His people. If Satan can blind the eyes of the watchmen through the cunning, artful plans of men who have need to be closely connected with the body, but who feel fully sufficient in themselves to do wonderful things, he will do it. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 28)

The Lord has in His church some men of experience. Christ and angels are identified with His appointed sentinels upon the earth. The church above is united with the church upon the earth, and every enterprise entered into that is of a character to have an influence upon the people should be made a matter of counsel with the workers God employs in His vineyard that one man’s mind and one man’s judgment should not place his mold upon the work, but that if there is defect in one man’s plans and judgment, that other minds shall discern this and shall avoid entering into plans and schemes that will not only be hazardous to the cause of God, but imperil the souls of those who shall be seduced into it and take these responsibilities independent of the body. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 29)

I would say of Dr. Maxson, when you do according to your word in the expression of your faith, you will feel much smaller than you do now, and will feel to respect the body and feel that amid a multitude of counselors there is safety. Warnings are not heeded because your spiritual eyesight is blinded and you think they are [not] applicable to you. “If we take a step that will take advantage of the work to the detriment of the Health Retreat or to our cause at large, it will be a step that we will regret some time, I think.” So do I. What blindness! What want of wisdom? He just as well knows that his plans are calculated to injure the Health Retreat. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 30)

But like Dr. Maxson’s character, he is superficial. He does not think deep or reason deep. Advice he does not want, else he would seek it. If he wants to move understandingly, why not canvass this matter? Why does he rush on in such haste? Why does he conceal everything from the workers for God on this coast whose business it is to watch for souls as they that must give an account? Why not consult the very ones who have the cause of God in all its branches at heart on this coast? Why rush the matter through without time to premeditate and counsel in reference to this work? “Let me assure you that as long as it is run in harmony with the Bible and the Spirit of God, we will be with you, one mind and one heart, and our great wish will be to carry out your wishes.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 31)

What kind of a standard has Dr. Maxson lifted, which he names the Bible standard? When Dr. Maxson and wife are to be the judges whether it is run according to the Bible and the Spirit of God, I should beg to have more accurate, spiritualized judges. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 32)

“As one of the Board, I pledge you hearty cooperation in all your plans up to the point of sacrificing principle, and that I would endeavor never to do. I know your plans I could heartily endorse, and in working for you I should be in the work of our blessed Lord.” Here again we see the weakness of the man’s character. He is so ardent to have these plans carried out that he submits himself to endorse and cooperate with the mind and judgment of one erring man who needs to be counseled, who needs kindly to be bound about in many of his ideas, whom I have been shown needs to heed the counsel and light God has sent to him in order that his feet shall not stumble in following the bent of his own mind. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 33)

Satan baits his hook skillfully that the first intimation that it is a hook is found in the pricking of its hook. Here Dr. Maxson passes by God’s appointed agencies, does not counsel and advise with the church, but consents to take one man’s plans and ideas that have not been submitted to the body and carefully scrutinized by men of experience. He ignores altogether the watchmen who are to see the sword coming and warn the people. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 34)

Dr. Maxson says, “I know that there is a position that we can take and that you have already expressed in our talk that day I was with you that I think will exonerate us from any suspicion of intending to injure them.” If Dr. Maxson is so true in his purposes, so loyal to the Health Retreat, why does he not act this? Why does he work in an underhanded manner? Why not be frank? Why not be open as the day and lay these plans before the body for their endorsement? For the very reason he does not wish his plans to be criticized, he would have them rushed through without delay. These plans are kept from the very ones he knows will question them. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 35)

Here is where our institutions all have suffered and will suffer because we have self-sufficient men who have so high an estimate of themselves that they will not feel the need of counsel and who will make their individual mind supreme. Professedly, they say, “Lord, Lord,” but when the Lord speaks to them through His appointed agencies, they are deaf to His words and do not His words. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 36)

When we see open, frank work like a Christian working in harmony with God’s appointed agencies, then we will have more confidence in these words of Dr. Maxson; but we say to him now in the words of Christ to the Pharisees, “Ye will not come to the light lest your deeds shall be reproved.” [John 3:20.] (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 37)

“My mind is at rest if you carry out the policy you laid before me and make a strong team to carry out your plans.” Now the Lord has shown me for the last thirty-five years that one man’s mind and one man’s judgment never should be a controlling power because that mind and judgment were liable to grave mistakes and serious errors, but if Bro. Church is linked up with Dr. Maxson and wife, they “will make a strong team to carry out his plans.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 38)

If the spirit of self-sufficiency, of egotism, is not here revealed, tell me by what name shall we call it? These words reveal the character of the man. “We shall go into it with all our mind, might, and strength and shall be willing to sacrifice comfort, and as long as it is in a good cause, we will almost sacrifice life before it shall go to the world as a failure.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 39)

Mark, Dr. Maxson and his wife were called to this coast to help the Rural Health Retreat, but as has been stated he was not willing to sacrifice his ideas and feelings. He did not take hold with the spirit of self-sacrifice to build up the institution which the Lord has revealed should be established in order to do a special work. Great light has been given but these two received $25.00 per week for their labor, all that the institution could reasonably pay them. Knowing the light God had given in regard to this instrumentality, they sent in their resignation and refused to connect with it longer. What a pity that the Spirit of sacrifice was not felt in doing the good work with “mind, might, and strength” to make the institution already established all God would have it. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 40)

Dr. Maxson expects to sacrifice nothing. He expects to [be] benefitted financially, and he expects to be just that which I was shown years ago. He aspired to be the head physician and manager, which he is not qualified to be, and I fear never will be. This talk of sacrificing is superficial, cheap talk revealing the character of the man. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 41)

Dr. Maxson—“All the institutions I have visited have their leading lady physicians, and I can assure you that none are as well equipped as my wife is for the work, except it be Dr. [Kate] Lindsay, for she certainly is a remarkable woman, and Dr. Kellogg could not well get along without her.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 42)

This statement may be critically examined. I think that Dr. Maxson had little or no experience as a practitioner until she came to California. She had but little experimental knowledge of disease and how to treat the sick as a physician until she came to the Rural Health Retreat, except that [which she] found in books. I never should have made this statement if this wonderful position had not been taken in reference to the qualifications of his wife. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 43)

We have confidence that Sister Maxson, if she is humble and connects with God, will have ability to do a good work. But we take this statement for all that it is worth like many other things from the lips of a man who is undesignedly placing a false coloring upon many things. I do not doubt his honesty in this because he thinks this was. “But my wife is quite well known and favorably well so too in the East, which will help us to secure a certain kind of eastern practice which we would not otherwise.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 44)

What a pity that all this knowledge and capacity and [these] advantages were not used when employed by the board at the Health Retreat. But then they were not the first; they were not made managers because we did not dare to make them thus with the light God had given me in regard to them before they came to the Health Retreat. What a power Dr. Maxson will make now when he is put in first, and how things will move in the new institution in order to make it a success, that it shall not go to the world as a failure! (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 45)

I wonder how much the Lord had to do in imparting His Holy Spirit to Dr. Maxson in writing this letter. “I have my eye on some of the very best of bathroom help also. I have no doubt but that we can start even with as good help as they have there which will be of no small consideration. I am surprised that I can secure so good help without manifesting unfriendly interest toward the work here. It is most gratifying to me that my relation with our bath help in the past has been such that now I can get plenty of the best help and all I want, without trouble. That has always been the plague of the sanitarium to know how to train and keep good help, and it is an important problem [with which] we shall have to deal. Keeping up a good nursing school will help very much to solve the problem.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 46)

Here again is developed the secretive work of Dr. Maxson. He comes in as on friendly terms and works with an undercurrent to secure or steal the best help that has been [trained] carefully and with painstaking effort to fill in as nurses and bath hands. Like a lamb he enters the fold and then steals away that help by offering them higher wages, and they be employed by a new institution in a beautiful country, set out in language that is of equal force to many things said in this letter. And this is the conscientious man that is going to move just as God wants him to, that is not going to take one step that will hurt the Rural Health Retreat. The fact is, he acts like a man who [is] spiritually blinded and is trying to lead the blind. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 47)

“It will help to put our work on a good medical basis before the world and gives us a large amount of help that will cost us nothing.” The man here talks of stealing help which the sanitarium has sought out and trained—ignorant, inexperienced hands—and when made efficient, depended on to do the essential work, someone comes in, holds out flattering inducements, and takes them away to a new institution. Dr. Maxson sees this bad thing and must take measures to prevent others doing just as he is doing, so that institution comes out full-fledged without any trouble or cost to themselves. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 48)

“The way I feel [is] like this, that the trio, yourself, my wife, and myself, would in fact be the medical superintendent, and no steps should be taken on our part without your knowledge and counsel. We could spend much time in maturing plans for you to look over and approve if you thought best, and we three be one in execution of plans that we adopt, while I should bear the medical superintendency. In name, in heart, and hand I should want our three beings to act as one even in this department, while I should expect to take very little responsibility in other departments to do this work in this department and do it well and to the glory of God. [It] would be a great work and a heavy burden. My great aim would be to do what little I could and do it well.” (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 49)

Wonderful, wonderful!—a large institution to be managed by a company who know literally nothing and have had no experience in bearing responsibilities. Brother Church has not been educated in a school that qualifies him for any such work. In this statement is again revealed the character of Dr. Maxson—fully able, he thinks, to grasp the higher rounds of the ladder while he has never climbed step by step by painful effort to reach that eminence. I am plain to state that this arrangement will crush out the life and confidence in men who claim to be Sabbathkeepers. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 50)

As we see this gauzy covering thrown over a course of action that is condemned by the Scriptures, in the fear of God, we tear it off. There are such glaring inconsistencies with Bible rule while [there are] thrown in many strong statements to vindicate and cover up and justify the departing from the laws of God, that I want these things to be discerned and stand out in full relief. Such a course of action may be in accordance with Dr. Maxson’s standard, but not in accordance with God’s great moral standard of righteousness. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 51)

Selfish interests will lead to the wronging of your neighbor to serve your own ends. There are all kinds of deceptions practiced by those who are not full of wisdom from above. They have a kind of wisdom which is from beneath. Something will occur to make the disguise or the acting of falsehood apparent. Deception will be detected although they may think their way is covered up. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 52)

How much better to do the works of a Christian, to be open and frank. The self-praise, the exaltation is making others think them what they are not and to have an high estimate of their capabidities which they will be disappointed in. These embellishments will not bear in being compared with facts. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 53)

There are many reasons that the truth should always be spoken one with another. Falsehood in any form is sin. Ye shall not deal falsely, neither lie one to another. God is a God of truth. The Bible is a book of truth. Jesus is a faithful and true witness. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth, and every precept of the Most High is true and righteous all together. How then must these perverted, exaggerated statements appear in the books of heaven? Even life itself is not to be purchased at the price of falsehood. (5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, 54)

Lt 55a, 1888

Friends at St. Helena
Burrough Valley, California
April 4, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 379.
Dear Friends at St. Helena:

We will probably leave Fresno Monday morning and shall be in St. Helena on the evening train, but if I shall think best to go directly to Oakland to do some special business, I shall not be there until the noon train next day. You had better have a carriage for me at the night train or every train till I come, after Monday night. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 1)

I was so unfortunate as to take a severe cold somewhere, which has taken a firm hold on me. I have been working earnestly to break it up. Took sitz bath Tuesday night, brandy sweat last night, and shall repeat it tonight. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 2)

Why I shall go to Oakland is, Brother Joe Hutchins is in danger of losing his place by mortgage [foreclosure], and if he can raise five thousand five hundred dollars, he will tide over and be able to settle this matter in one year. Parties are coming in here to buy property—our own people—but they cannot sell till this mortgage is cleared, and the fifteenth of April the place goes if the money is not on hand. So I may go to Oakland and see if the money can be raised; if not, then I will make an effort to get it from Healdsburg and give my note for it. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 3)

This is a beautiful valley and as healthful a place as I have been in California, St. Helena not excepted. The atmosphere is mild and no strong winds—none. The people here want Mary and her children to come here and make a visit in the heat of summer. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 4)

The first of June a party goes to the Yosemite, and I am to be a passenger. If it was possible for Mary to come here and go to the Yosemite, I would be glad. We could make it very comfortable for her. If not, she can remain here a couple of months and have a change. It will be an advantage to her. I wish she could do this. I am really improved in health; if it was not for this cold, I should be first-rate. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 5)

I am exploring all the places in the valley, taking in its advantages and its disadvantages. The latter are not to be compared with the advantages. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 6)

We leave here Friday for Fresno. I have had much labor with Brother Church and in regard to Fresno Sanitarium, and I think that he will not carry through his purposes. We intend to remain a few days at our place, then go to Healdsburg. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 7)

Love to all. (5LtMs, Lt 55a, 1888, 8)

Mother.

Lt 56, 1888

Burke, Brother
Reno, Nevada
May 28, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in UL 162.
Dear Brother Burke:

I have not been able to obtain a calligraphic copy until now. I received your letter before I left St. Helena. I was sorry that you did not immediately act upon the light God had given you and manifest greater zeal in setting things in order. I always feel that if there is a wrong to be repaired, delays are dangerous, for Satan may put a soothing plaster upon the bruise and leave the pestilent matter unobserved to work until it may be incurable. (5LtMs, Lt 56, 1888, 1)

My mind has been much exercised the past night in regard to our condition as a people. I was looking over the discouraging attitude of our people in regard to their unity and love one for another, and I was very sad and heart-burdened. Then the promises came up before me in such clear light that my courage revived. I devoted the early morning hours, while all on the encampment was quiet, to earnest supplication to God for heavenly wisdom to know how to speak a word in season to my brethren, and deep impressions were made upon my mind that those who had walked in darkness needed special help to bring them to the light. There is no one who has pursued a wrong course whom Jesus will not pardon and receive and bless if he will come to Him believingly and cast himself in his conscious weakness and helplessness upon His sympathy and His strength. (5LtMs, Lt 56, 1888, 2)

My mind labors for you that you may come fully to the light, that peace and comfort and joy might be your portion. What a comforting thought that Jesus is touched with the feelings of our infirmities! He has been tempted in all points as we are tempted, and just the right kind of help has been provided for us, that if we only put our feet in the prints of Jesus’ footsteps, we will be safe. He has hallowed the path His feet have trod. We hear His inviting voice, “Follow me. I am the light of the world. They that follow me shall not walk in darkness. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 8:12; 16:33.] (5LtMs, Lt 56, 1888, 3)

In actual experience Christ has overcome the world, and how great His love to us when He invites us to come to Him in all our afflictions, distresses, heartaches, and perplexities, with the assurance that He will help us! He will bring health and brightness into our lives. If we place our hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, He will place our feet on solid rock, a better foundation than we ever had before. He will make us more strong in His strength and He will work with all our efforts. (5LtMs, Lt 56, 1888, 4)

Then when our own souls have experienced His healing touch we are brought into close fellowship with Jesus, and we will be laborers together with God not only to restore the erring, to repair broken hearts and souls, but to impart courage and faith and confidence. This is the work of God’s laborers—to bring to Jesus souls who have gone away from His direct teachings and have apparently gone to pieces on the rocks and reefs of sin. These broken lives, that have been apparently hopeless, He promises to make whole. (5LtMs, Lt 56, 1888, 5)

It is more difficult to teach one who thinks he knows it all than one who feels his inefficiency and his ignorance. I speak understandingly when I say, The work of repairing souls broken down through errors, through manifest sin, is the most difficult we can do. Some pet sin has been cultivated which has taken the lines of control, one bad habit has not been vigorously fought and conquered, and oh, how hard [it is] to efface the bruises that soul has sustained! Where there is success made in a few cases, there is failure in the many. (5LtMs, Lt 56, 1888, 6)

Brother Burke, I appeal to you to delay not, but to be a wise worker for God, to put forth every effort to redeem the time. Let nothing deter you. God can do without you, but you cannot do without God. But the Lord will accept consecrated, devoted effort on your part. (5LtMs, Lt 56, 1888, 7)

Lt 57, 1888

Harper, Laura
Fresno, California
June 8, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in TSB 54-57.
Dear Sister Harper:

I wish to present before you some few points. Why do you not regard facts as they are? You two registered an oath that has been recorded upon the record books of heaven by the recording angel that you would love one another until death does you part. Why do you not remember this? Do you so lightly put aside your vows? Should you yield to evil counsel your honor, your oath, your duty? If evil thoughts have come in upon you, if you have had evil advice suggesting your estrangement, is that a reason you should lightly cast aside your oath? Is an oath nothing? Are your own whims everything? (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 1)

You may say you do not love your husband. Is that a reason you should not try to do so? Is this life so long and of such value to you that you will choose to have your own way and set aside God’s law? I see no possible grounds for you to obtain a divorce. If your husband deceived you, even so, there is your oath. If he told you, as he says he did do, and denies that he deceived you, then you married him, how can you obtain a divorce? I wish you would pursue a course in accordance with the advice I gave you, for I cannot give you any other counsel. (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 2)

My heart is sick when I see the loose way that the marriage vows are held. We are nearing the judgment. I ask you to consider carefully, candidly, your position. There is, perhaps, upon more thorough acquaintance, a dislike of your husband’s ways and manners. Will not many people find the same, after the marriage novelty has passed? But when you made your vow before God and holy angels, you knew you were not perfect and your husband was not perfect; but this is no excuse for breaking your marriage vow. There is a need of training your mind and heart that you shall bear with one another, to be kind to one another, and not to allow distrust and hatred to come in. (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 3)

I love you, my sister, and I do not want you should take a course to ruin your own happiness and that of your husband. Those who have come in to teach you to do this had better be searching their own hearts. When you bring your will more to your aid and conscientiously move in the fear of God, then the love you now suppose to be dead will be found to have a resurrection, unless you play upon each other’s evil nature and stir up the worst qualities of the human heart. The fountain of love will increase day by day and will exclude in time all bitterness and disappointments. (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 4)

You know you have kindly feelings towards your husband for he is your husband and he loves you with all his heart. Your love would be precious to him, a light, an inspiration to his life. Your husband will appreciate your love; he will value it, and it will have a modifying, elevating influence upon his life. You may have fancies and ideas and whims that you may not at once surrender, and your husband may have to bear humbly and patiently with you, but you have noble traits of character that, if not disregarded and abused, will come to your help. (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 5)

Now I tell you that you cannot break your marriage vow and be guiltless before God. Unite your interest with your husband. Love him and bear with him and work with him. Bid the evil advisers depart. The case is between you and your husband and your God. It is a pride of heart that shuts your eyes that you cannot and do not discover the justice and righteousness in the case of fidelity to your husband. Adhere faithfully to your marriage vows because you are upright of heart, and will you regret this keeping of your vows when you shall be clothed in the garments of Christ’s righteousness? (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 6)

We have only a brief season here upon the earth, a time when licentious practices under the marriage vow are ruining thousands and tens of thousands. While you have some cross to lift, do not, I beg you for Christ’s sake, depart from justice and righteousness. Let your lives be in sobriety and bring your will power into the matter, looking not for perfection in each other, but looking unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of your faith. Strive to run the Christian race with patience, keeping the crown of life in view, seeking to have a knowledge of the will of God, striving for precedence in His acquaintance and affections. (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 7)

You will, I know, when convinced of the right way, act resolutely, not as a child, but according to your convictions and [not] according to your feelings. Give yourself to God without reserve, soul, body, and spirit. Go to work in the cause of God, doing good, and the Lord will bless you. Do not become self-centered. Think of someone’s soul; think of the self-denying, self-sacrificing life of Jesus. Turn your attention away from yourself to Jesus and His life and His character. (5LtMs, Lt 57, 1888, 8)

Lt 58, 1888

Kellogg, Brother and Sister [J. H.]
Burrough Valley Tollhouse, Fresno County, California
June 22, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Kellogg:

I am now sitting in my tent with Sister Sawyer upon a high rise of ground overlooking the valley, and where we can lift our eyes to the everlasting hills which encircle the valley as the mountains are round about Jerusalem. Mary [White] and Sister McOmber came here accompanied by Willie [White] and Charlie Taylor. Willie could only remain a couple of days. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 1)

There is a little wood house which we have been occupying for a couple of weeks. Mary remains there still. It is only boarded up. Has one room 16 x 16, and two bedrooms 8 x 10 a rough lean-to kitchen and bedroom—rough enough for miners and woodsmen. But it is as a palace to us. The scenery is restful. The climate (is) even, not extremely hot or cold. There are no severe winds here but a gentle breeze. The mornings are lovely, the evenings beautiful. You may be out of doors all night and not have that sense of chilliness that is so common in most places. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 2)

Mary has improved here decidedly, and it will be a good place for her, we think. I am about to invest $1,000 in a place here for Mary. Brother and Sister Sawyer contemplate purchasing twenty-five acres for $1,000. Sister Sawyer coughs badly. Oakland is no place for her. She had been quite sick for several weeks; and since coming here her cough is a great deal less trying. She thinks if they can purchase a little place, Robert could set it out to fruit and it would be best for her to continue in the boarding house through the winter as there is no one to come in her place. She can then earn something towards increasing the sum for the place which she will have to hire and pay interest on. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 3)

They are good standbys to the cause. Must get them a home that they can call their own for the time is not far ahead when they must retire to private life. Both are much worn. This place is in the mountains thirty-five miles from Fresno. No malaria here. Not a particle of fog. We have had one cloudy day and some rain. While it, the heat, is almost unbearable in Fresno, it is very pleasant here. We have a gentle breeze here and dry atmosphere. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 4)

We made an attempt to go up thirty miles higher. We had to climb miles and miles up in the mountains, and we feared that Mary could not endure the higher altitude. Some told us that the doctors said persons with lung difficulties must not come up into the high altitude of the mountains. We saw the dust was bad for Mary, and we ate our dinner in the pine grove and went back to Burrough Valley. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 5)

We have today pitched our tent in a pleasant grove of pines where we will have a taste of tent life without the camp meeting experience. Sara McEnterfer will come next week. Sister Sawyer leaves for home when we take her down to Fresno. We will probably meet W.C.W. [W. C. White] and Sara for the team to bring back. Here I wish to remain, away from all camp meetings that I can, and finish Vol. 1, “Great Controversy.” (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 6)

I have many calls all over the States, east and west, north and south, but I have passed through such struggles, such wearing labor for years, that I dare not venture to go farther just now. I have at times great exhaustion and then comes high fever and loss of appetite and the difficulty of breathing. If I can feel reconciled to rest and feel that I am not neglecting my duty in not attending camp meetings, I shall do so, and I must improve. As yet I am too weary to do anything. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 7)

I have dealt very plainly by letter and by personal counsel with Dr. Maxson and wife. They are gaining an experience in hard, practical work. I do not know what Brother M. J. Church will decide to do. He has not received his last money for his ditch. Yet sometimes I think it would be best if he never did receive it, for I think he would put it to a wrong use if he did receive it, and it would be a snare to his soul. I have labored faithfully with him. One week ago last Sabbath I spoke with great plainness to the church in Fresno. Brother Church responded heartily, and many others. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 8)

But there is constant danger of becoming worldly blind, worldly deaf, and worldly privileged, where there are brethren and sisters who engage in land speculations—making the truth of God a matter of minor importance. Self and selfish interests become all absorbing and eternal interests are neglected and forgotten. We would certainly think by the energy exercised, the zeal put forth in this eager, hungering pursuit to make haste to be rich, that to secure heaven depended upon this strife and wrestling for worldly possessions. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 9)

In regard to matters at Fresno, they must work out. Dr. Maxson and his wife are manifesting endurance, and I believe are gaining an experience. They seem to have excellent success with many disadvantages. They seem to think Fresno a good place, but I fail to see its advantages [in] burning sands and great heat in abundance—much fruit grown through irrigation. I could not live in Fresno if you gave me the richest place there upon condition I should live there. There are a large number of people brought in to Fresno for some cause, and nearly all are engaged in land speculation. I know excellent material has come into Fresno, but how long their religious life and growth will continue is a question. The strength of many weak churches has centered in Fresno and I tremble for their future. (5LtMs, Lt 58, 1888, 10)

Lt 59, 1888

Butler, Brother and Sister [G. I.]
Healdsburg, California
August 1, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in FBS 2.
Dear Bro. and Sister Butler:

I have received and am receiving many letters from the different state conferences making most urgent pleas for me to come to their camp meetings, and I would be glad to go if the Lord directed me; but the question is, What is my duty? Have not had time to settle down in my home to accomplish much writing for constantly changing from place to place where it has seemed circumstances compelled me; [it] has so broken me up [that] I could not accomplish any writings further than the writing out of matters which related to these different cases which seemed to be forced upon me in these places. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 1)

I have had much labor for Fresno, and we could have had much less perplexity and wearing labor had it not been for the case of Brother [E. P.] Daniels’ family. I had so much labor at the April meeting that I was burdened day and night. I worked privately with individuals and publicly with those assembled at this meeting, and when it seemed we were about gaining a special victory, then some few seemed to feel so deeply over their sins that they lost their balance and went to extremes in confessing and fasting and praying. Oh, what a devil we have to contend with! (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 2)

As it seemed sure that the Lord was working with us, and one of the most terrible rebellions had been prevented, I was relieved for a little and felt so grateful to God; but as soon as one burden was rolled off there were others that came upon me. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 3)

Elder Daniels went to Fresno. He found the church in a bad condition, and he labored most zealously. All acknowledge that the Lord did work through him, and many in the church sought the Lord and a good work was apparently done. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 4)

Then come the same things which have been the curse of some of our ministers: praise, flattery, and gifts which blind the eyes and tend to ruin the man. When he needs reproof or correction, all this kind of flattery and exaltation are just so many barriers to hinder reproof from taking effect. He feels his importance, that he is a necessity and that they can afford to give to him liberally. The Lord is dishonored and man is petted and glorified. This is painful to my heart, and I feel deeply over the matter that, through want of wisdom in our brethren, our ministers should be plunged into temptation, fierce and strong, making it next to impossible for the Lord to correct them or to lead them by any earthly means. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 5)

I have written many pages. I have talked faithfully with both of them, separately and together, and yet I have but little encouragement. In response to my earnest efforts, Elder Daniels enclosed his credentials and sent them to me. I returned them and told him that this was not my work to receive yielded-up credentials from our ministering brethren. They must be returned to the president of our conference. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 6)

I had still another faithful conversation with Elder Daniels, but the brethren have hurt him, and he has hurt the church by preaching straight truth and contradicting it in his life. This I set before him in a most decided manner, and I think now of little else I can do. I leave the matter with the Lord. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 7)

I have spoken two Sabbaths here in Healdsburg. There was no minister to speak to them. The Lord did bless the word spoken. On both occasions quite a number of outsiders were in. Oh, how I do long for these souls to see the truth! (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 8)

Last Sabbath we had a goodly number assembled in the church, and men of intellect not of our faith were present. My heart was subdued and melted by the Spirit of God, and there was weeping all through the house. We then had a second meeting in [the] afternoon, a social meeting. I spoke about twenty minutes and I think it was the best meeting of the kind I have attended in Healdsburg. I spoke again Sunday night, and the Lord did help me to speak. Many not of our faith were present. The Lord’s name be glorified! (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 9)

I feel so deeply for the church and those not of our faith that I am often prostrated. This is the case yesterday and today. Poor souls confessing their sins and returning from their backslidings stir every fiber of my soul. We want the work to go forward deep and full and thorough. I cannot rest unless I see the church awake and a working church. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 10)

How I long to speak to the large meetings in our several conferences, but I see enough that requires most decided effort here in California, and I fear I shall not cross the Rocky Mountains this year. They insist here I must attend the camp meetings, and if I do I cannot attend meetings [in the] East, and I do not think it would be prudent or wisdom to do this. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 11)

I have not been in my home to remain one week for many months. My workers are now together, and while I feel anxious to bear my testimony to your camp meetings [in the] East, and I feel at times that I have words from God that I must speak to the people, I consider at what great disadvantage I have to work. Every meeting I attend revives before me some things in different individual cases that occupy all my time in writing to them, and the writing that has been neglected for years lies neglected still. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 12)

The work on sanctification should come before the people, for spurious sanctification—so-called holiness—is everywhere abounding. Then, on [the subject of] temperance I have much to present. “Mother’s Influence” should be brought before the people. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 13)

I ought to have out another testimony for the church, but I cannot obtain brain workers like Eliza [Burnham] and Marian [Davis]. She is now on Volume One; Eliza [is] in Australia. Fannie Bolton is fitted well for the work she is now doing, but she cannot take these matters that require attention and arrange them, for she has not experience. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 14)

I have been broken up so much I cannot do anything to advantage. I must be with my workers or else it will be at great loss to me. I mean as soon as possible to get something out of Sister Ings in the interest of works mentioned. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 15)

Now you see the situation, and as it now stands, I cannot see how it can be wisdom for me to pull up again here and leave my workers and go to even the General Conference, for I must stay here till after the camp meeting. Then it is too late to attend important meetings [in the] East. I think I will remain here until the early camp meetings [in the] East and then cross the plains to remain some little time. I ask every day the Lord to direct. I have no one to counsel with. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 16)

Brother Lockwood and his good wife are in St. Helena. He [is a] cripple all of a sudden so that he cannot walk without crutches. We have to do the best we can, we women, alone. It is sad that I cannot have any help from Willie [White]. He is full of work early and late. I have not a soul to advise or counsel with. Well, I counsel with the Lord. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 17)

Let me hear from you. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 18)

Elder Butler, please send this to Brother King of Dallas. I am not sure of his address. Call the attention of Brother Kilgore to this matter. (5LtMs, Lt 59, 1888, 19)

Lt 60, 1888

Daniels, E. P.
Healdsburg, California
August 12, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Daniels:

I received your letter, written to me a few days since, in regard to Brother Sawyer. I have talked with him and set the matter plainly before him and cannot know what he wishes to do. I think you had better talk with or write to him, but do not set out the place in glowing colors. I dare not do this, but leave him to his own judgment. By communicating with him, you may learn more particulars. I sincerely hope that Brother Cushing will obtain no place in the valley until he is a thoroughly converted man, for he would [be] holding his present views [and] be a curse to Burrough Valley. I am sorry that your wife is sick, and I hope she will not have a hard attack. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 1)

I think it is time we were closely examining our own hearts to see whether we be in the faith and love of God. I tell you, if there is not an awakening among us who have had so great light and so many privileges, we will sink to ruin, and our fate [will] be worse than that of Chorazin or Bethsaida, for if the mighty works that have been done in these had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in dust and ashes. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 2)

I am alarmed for you and for your children because your wisdom seems in some respects to be foolishness. When I saw when in Fresno the cards prepared and sent out by your daughter, invitations to a gathering, a party at your house, I thought as many others must think, “Vanity of vanities, your little boy sick, just escaping with his life, the mother worn out with watching, while the daughter and sister who ought to [have] shared this taxing care was amusing herself.” (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 3)

When I was her age, yes, younger than she was, cart and oxen could not have drawn me from my mother’s side. Had your daughter done her duty, she would have remained with her mother, but it was the mother’s fault that she did not. And the little weight these serious things in life have upon her mind is revealed in the way that mind works in actions. Serious and solemn impressions have no abiding influence upon the mind, and in the place of encouraging in your child that which you would condemn in others, you should restrain and lead her mind in the right channel. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 4)

I am sore distressed over the outlook of your family, for I see but little firm, steady, God-fearing course of action pursued that God can approve. I am sad over these things. You told several with your own lips that you had purchased a horse and saddle, etc., for Zua, and she was to take it to Oakland, and it would cost you not much less than from three to four dollars per week to keep the horse. And then comes up to mind that which looks to others like ingenious methods of your obtaining money [and] helps by laying bare your necessities, and how difficult it is for you to support your family. Every little needless indulgence will force upon minds, “My children cannot have these things and I have felt great sympathy for Elder Daniels and have tried to help him.” (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 5)

May the Lord help you, my brother, to come speedily to your senses and move like a man with a well-balanced mind, and may you take up your work with heart sanctified [and] lips sanctified, and [may] you walk humbly with your God. It is high time that you were deeply in earnest for the salvation of your soul and the souls of your children. Your calling, your work require this. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 6)

My soul is weighed down with grief for I know unless you are a transformed man that you will be anchored nowhere long. Oh, seek the Lord, seek the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is nigh. I entreat of you to humble your heart before God and never, never give over the effort till you are a different man. Let all your influence be on the Lord’s side. Let your children see in you a firm, unwavering principle. Let them see that you are not a creature of impulse, for you have a molding influence upon them. They copy the pattern you give them. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 7)

But I shall plead with you and exhort you until I see a change for the better in you. I want to say to you, my brother, that we are nearing the close of time. We want not only to preach present truth in the pulpit, but to live the truth out of the pulpit, our words and works corresponding with our teachings in the pulpit. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 8)

I expect you wish Sister White would let you alone, but I dare not do this. I want you should closely examine the foundation of your hopes of salvation. While you have stood in the position you have as a herald of truth, a watchman upon the walls of Zion, [you] cannot have [your] interests interwoven with any mines or real estate business and yet do that work which effectually is sacred, where the souls of men are at stake, where eternal interests are involved. The interests cannot safely be divided, and this is especially so in your case. You have talked the advantages of investing in lands in Fresno. To many you have represented the advantages to be gained in a money point of view. This was your part of the contract, and again and again have you been engrossed in picturing out the advantages of the purchasing of lands in Fresno. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 9)

When you were, as an ordained minister of Christ, pledged to the giving of soul, body, and spirit to the work of the salvation of souls, receiving money from the treasury to support you and your family in [your] own humble, economical manner, your talk was calculated to call the attention and money of men and women away from the business of promoting the Redeemer’s kingdom on the earth and beget within them a desire to withdraw their means from our institutions and place it where it would double itself in a short time with the pleasing prospect [that] they could help the cause a great deal more in so doing. You may not have advised them knowingly to withdraw their means from the cause of God, but they had no means to handle unless they did do this; and it has been done while your attention has been directed to mines and real estate. There has not been with you the cultivation of heartfelt piety. There has been a feverish desire to obtain possession of means. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 10)

We individually hold a relation to souls who may, through the merits of Jesus Christ, seek for immortality and eternal life. The purity, the sincerity, the real consistency and piety is affected by our words, by our works, our deportment, our prayers, our faithful discharge of our duty. Ye are the light of the world. The ministers of Jesus Christ must inculcate both on the church and [on] individuals that all profession of the faith, even as Seventh-day Adventists, does not proceed from heartfelt piety and is powerless for good [if] they are false guides. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 11)

Religious light is to shine forth from the church and especially the ministers in steady, clear, unfaltering rays. It is not to flame up on special occasions and then grow dim and flicker as if about to go out. The excellency of the religion of Jesus Christ must ever shine in the character of true believers. Then we adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. The excellency and also the power of the gospel is revealed, and each individual member of the church is bound to be in living connection with the source of all light and to be [a] spiritual worker, doing his part to reflect light in good works to our world. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 12)

Especially should the minister keep himself from every worldly entanglement and bind himself to the living Source of all power that he may represent correctly what it means to be a Christian. Christ expects you, as His employed servant, in mind, in thoughts, in words, in actions, to be like Jesus. [He] expects every man who opens the Scriptures to others to do his duty, not to work unwisely, but to carefully and intelligently exercise his powers in his work that he will not destroy or over-weary nature so that he is unfitted to do good work for the Lord. Every soul is called into active labor in the vineyard of the Lord in some of the various departments of the work, and the shepherd of the flock is [to] lead and guide his flock. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 13)

The tongue of the minister is not to be employed in telling the best means to bury his money in the earth. He is [to] tell him how to invest safely in the bank of heaven, and may the good Lord give you spiritual discernment is my prayer, for you will as surely make shipwreck of faith unless you are in a different condition spiritually than you now are. You work with your statements of your tongue away from Christ. You need the converting power of God, and unless you are changed, you will surely let go your hold of the truth, and although you should gain the whole world and lose your own soul it would be a poor bargain for you to make. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 14)

I will write no more now, but beg of you to be true to your soul’s interest. Cut loose from everything that in any way shall divert your mind from God and the great work for this time. My heart is sick and sad and sore as I contemplate your condition and that of your family. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 15)

I love your souls and want to see you striving earnestly for the salvation of yourself and the salvation of your dear children whom I know are managed very much after the same order Eli managed his children. (5LtMs, Lt 60, 1888, 16)

Lt 61, 1888

Daniels, Brother and Sister [E. P.]
Healdsburg, California
August 24, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Bro. and Sister Daniels:

Sister Clemens has consulted me only a little too late in regard to means you have persuaded her to invest in Fresno land, first $125, then two, or between two or three hundred. You write stating to her how much you have paid for the lots which you have purchased for her. You were in want of money and she withdrew the money from the college to send a draft to you. This little means is all the woman has that she can call her own. (5LtMs, Lt 61, 1888, 1)

Now, Elder Daniels, I do not approve of this kind of work coming from your hands. And how much of this work you purpose to do to obtain [money] to carry out your plans, I can only conjecture; but I hope you will erelong stop and consider and bind about your plans and pay your debts before you go deeper into any investments. (5LtMs, Lt 61, 1888, 2)

I know perfectly your disposition to invest and go into debt to borrow and serve your own peculiar ideas, and I want you to stop before you involve yourself too strongly and then you see your situation, you become desperate and will give up the truth. (5LtMs, Lt 61, 1888, 3)

[Regarding] your planning and management in which you glory to gain means of which you boast of making so much and showing your financial ability, I have told you in the name of the Lord that you had not good judgment as a financier. Now that your way has been a straightforward, unselfish course to obtain the money you boast of possessing, $17,000, when you had nothing when you came to Fresno, is not because of your wise, economical habits. It is not because you have learned to bind about your inclinations and plan wisely to live within your means, but you have managed to divert from the cause and work of God means dedicated by some to God to carry forward His work. I do not want to hurt you, my brother, but my duty to my brethren from whom I have withheld the knowledge of your failures will compel me to give cautions and warnings not to hurt your soul or your morals by tempting you with gifts or lending you means. Did you not promise me ... [incomplete.] (5LtMs, Lt 61, 1888, 4)

Lt 62, 1888

Roth, Mary
Healdsburg, California
September 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Mary Roth:

I was pained to received a letter from Professor Prescott stating that you were not doing well, that you were lodging or boarding at Swedberger’s. Now, my Mary, if you have discernment and the love of Jesus and the love of the truth, you cannot be in harmony with Mrs. Swedberger, and I seriously object to your having any association with her. I wonder if no one has objected to your being at that place, for you can do her no good while she can do you real harm with her conversation, her habits, and her practice. I greatly grieve over this. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 1)

I learn that I am held responsible for your expenses to the amount of above one hundred dollars, and that while I have felt that interest in you to place you in the sanitarium, and you have had at least some advantages of the college, you are found to be finding fault with the college and sanitarium. My sister, I am distressed at this state of things. Has no one come to you and talked with you kindly? And has no one had a care for your soul to lay open before you the danger of your association with persons who are not of that character that can in any way prove to be any help to you? I have thought if you took a correct and proper course in caring for your health that ere this you could be fully able to bear your own weight. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 2)

I am sadly perplexed that, when I flattered myself that you were being placed in the very best class of society to be molded and your character fashioned, you should choose associates or places where you would receive wrong impressions and in your turn give wrong impressions, and you would do injury to the very institutions that are calculated to be a great help and a great blessing to you if you manifest the right disposition. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 3)

I cannot longer be responsible for any of your expenses. For one year I have stood prepared to help you, and it is not right for me to do this while you in any way injure the institutions of God’s appointment by one word of complaint. Suppose you do see some things that are not perfection: is there perfection in everything in your own home? We see something we may question and find fault with if we are on that side of the question, but if we are individually considerate, we will, although we see some things not exactly as we call perfect, say nothing about them unless they are sins which need to be spoken of to the very ones who are guilty. If you see that anyone is wrong, or imagine he is wrong, then go to that very one. Use no deception; do not pretend to his face to be pleased and in unison with him and then open your lips of complaint to some one or ones around you. I hate double dealing or any deception. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 4)

I have had great confidence in you, Mary, and I hope that my confidence is not misplaced. I hope that you will be a wise, conscientious, pure-hearted, Christian girl; and if you have linked up with society that is not right, break with it at once and connect yourself with those who are calculated to help you in attaining a solid, religious experience. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 5)

I am sick and am writing sitting up in bed. I cannot entertain the idea that you have, through irreligious and improper associates, become leavened with faultfinding and with distrust and suspicion. Has anything gone wrong? If so, am I not the one to be informed of it? Or is not Professor Prescott or some persons who are responsible, the ones for you to talk with? I hope to hear from you at once as to what course you propose to pursue. What plans have you in view? What are your aims or object in life? Have you the love of Jesus in your heart? Have you backslidden from God? And shall I have reason to regret that we made interested efforts to secure to you life and health? I love you, and I have a deep interest and love for your father’s family. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 6)

I can write no more now for my head aches. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 7)

In love. (5LtMs, Lt 62, 1888, 8)

Lt 63, 1888

Lucas, Brother
Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 15, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Brother Lucas:

As I see your face in the congregation some things come forcibly to my mind which the Lord has presented before me. Your past record, what have you done about it? Have you stepped into the ministry without making past wrongs right? Have you by humble confession cleansed the soul temple? How stands your record in the books of heaven? God does not accept a polluted sacrifice. You have a work to do that none other can do for you, and if you do not see and sense the work that you ought to do, then your heart and conscience is not in that condition that you can be a blessing to others, and you need to be converted. (5LtMs, Lt 63, 1888, 1)

I am so grateful that it is not too late for wrongs to be righted. If your sins remain unconfessed, they will remain unpardoned, to stand to your account in the day of final account, and what can you answer to the Lord in the day of the execution of the judgment? You attempted to be a guide to others when your own soul was stained with sins unconfessed and unrepented of. Will Christ place upon you His robe of righteousness to cover the deformities of your character? Never. There are deeds of dishonesty in your life since you professed to be a Christian. These deeds are registered against you, and unless you repent of them they will stand against you, and your name will be blotted out of the book of life. (5LtMs, Lt 63, 1888, 2)

You have a work to do for yourself before the Lord can use you as His instrument to do His work. You are full of pride and self-sufficiency and destitute of the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. (5LtMs, Lt 63, 1888, 3)

Will you go from this meeting just as you are? Will you not here make thorough work? Will you not see that the words of Jesus are applicable to you: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful in much”? [Luke 16:10.] The sacred and common are altogether too much on a level with you. Christ seemed to say of you, were He in our assemblies, “Ye know not the Scriptures, or the power of God.” [Mark 12:24.] (5LtMs, Lt 63, 1888, 4)

May the Lord give you courage to make straight your errors in the past is my prayer. (5LtMs, Lt 63, 1888, 5)

I wish this returned to me. (5LtMs, Lt 63, 1888, 6)

Lt 64, 1888

Collie, Brother and Sister [Joseph]
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 5, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in OHC 239; 12MR 42.
Brother and Sister [Joseph] Collie:

I have many fears that you will fail to be Bible Christians and will be firmly weighed in the balance and found wanting. I beseech of you to make a business of seeking God. You have both been very weak in self-control. You have not moral power to hold in restraint your own impulses and passions. If you could only have opened before you the books of heaven and read there the record that has been daily carried up by God’s appointed messengers, you would be so overcome with the sight, that you would know that if your case should come up in the judgment just as it now appears, it would be eternal loss on your side. To lose heaven is to lose everything. The lesson that you both must learn is that true goodness alone gives true greatness. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 1)

Sister Collie, you have need of the converting power of God upon your own heart. You do not exert that influence upon your husband that you should. You do not control your tongue, and where there are many words there wanteth not sin. You talk at random and do not always speak the truth. You frequently stir up the fires of passion in your husband by presenting before him in a perverted light the words and the faults of your brethren. You work at this until he looks at the matter in an exaggerated light. Frequently there is no real cause for your statements. If there is some truth in your utterances, there is much spoken that is from your own evil imaginings. You complain and murmur, first at one thing, then at another thing, charging your brethren unjustly until the seeds of evil have been sown and the fruit is envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, strife, variance. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 2)

You ought to know well the influence these things have upon your husband’s character. He becomes exasperated, like a man who has lost his reason. He certainly did not need you to stir him up. He becomes excited easily and manifests passion that is unreasonable, untamable, and in the place of humbling his heart before God and confessing his sins, he encourages this wicked spirit, prompted by Satan, by his unreasonable talk. His tongue, the unruly member, is set on fire of hell, and he goes to great lengths. Satan exults, hell triumphs. It may well be said, “How great a matter a little fire kindleth.” [James 3:5.] (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 3)

Do you both consider that there is a Watcher looking upon you, a pen tracing your words, your deeds, that you must meet these words with their effect in the judgment, and that you must render an account to God for all your works? Christ says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Will you please consider, when you lose your patience and self-control, that you are in the presence of God and angels, that you grieve the Holy Spirit of God and put your Redeemer to open shame? Whom do you represent in words and character? Certainly not Jesus Christ. You bear not His stamp and His image, but you bear the image of the enemy of God and man. You represent him in character and deny Christ before the world in representing His worst enemy when you become angry. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 4)

Remember, now is your day; now, in this thy day, seek for those things which make for your peace. It is not pleasant or profitable for you to be giving way to envy, to jealousies, to evil surmisings. They make you very wretched. But remember this is not Christ’s yoke, but a yoke you have manufactured for your own stubborn necks, and the yoke galls you and is grievous to be borne. You both have been drawing in uneven cords. You have been cultivating traits of character that grieve Jesus and make you anything but representatives of Jesus Christ. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 5)

I must tell you, you are not Christians until you will, in meekness and lowliness of heart, learn in the school of Christ the precious lessons of humility, to be blameless and harmless, the children of God in a wicked and crooked generation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Then you will be happy and you will be Christlike. You will serve God from principle, not serve God a little while, then mammon, then the devil a while. All the money or possessions you may have will not make you precious in the sight of God. It is moral worth that the Lord estimates. Now with such service as you give God is not well pleased. Who would once suppose when they see you excited, unreasonable, without power of self-control, your tongue speaking perverse things in harmony with your perverse spirit, that you were representing Christ, that you were shining as a light in the world, showing forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light? (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 6)

I wish, if possible, to present to you a picture of yourself. The moral law, the great looking glass, reveals the defects in your moral character. I have been shown your case as it is. At times you have good and generous feelings. Then you will give of your means to the cause of God. And when anything transpires to displease you, when your track is crossed, you get provoked. Then you act in a revengeful manner, and you are full of a spirit of revenge, and God hears your words which are against Himself. Supposing He should take you at your word and count your offering as a gift taken back, do you not see that you would have no treasure laid up in heaven? A black cross is placed by your offering as a gift taken back. He does not accept gifts that are bestowed in this way, and He bestows no rewards for any such offerings. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 7)

How can God be glorified with such service as you render to Him? If you think your brethren do not praise you and show you honor, then you are both filled with discontent and envy and jealousy and evil-surmising and hatred. They cannot justify your course, for it is not right. Oh, my dear Brother and Sister, this is an offense to God. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 8)

I present your cases before you as the Lord has presented them to me. Wherever you go you will keep yourselves stirred up by imaginary trials just as long as you shall live in any place where you shall go, because you carry your own selves with you. You will talk against every one with whom you associate and see no good in your own relatives because they do not come up to your ideas. You will be at constant variance with humanity until your own hearts are changed and you are converted. Out of the heart are the issues of life or of death. Your words, your characters, are unlike Christ, and unless His transforming grace shall take possession of your souls you cannot see the kingdom of God. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 9)

You have no respect for God’s messengers if they do not please you. You do not regard them as the Lord’s delegated ambassadors, but as common men, and you talk against them and make the burdens of God’s workmen more grievous and perplexing than they otherwise would be; and you think you are misused, and you appeal to your own sympathies and mourn and weep and afflict your soul over something that has no foundation in truth. All this pleases the enemy. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 10)

We are in this world to meet with persons of varied minds and different temperaments, and you must consider that they do not differ with you any more than you differ with them. Kindness, forbearance, and love are the elements to be brought into the Christian character. By mutual contact our minds should receive polish, refinement, and elevation. We are dependent upon one another, and it is the duty we owe to one another to keep back our free-flowing words of bitterness. Words are spoken which bruise the soul of others, but our own souls more. Our evil surmisings are to be put away. We are to cultivate forbearance, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and love, and be bound together by the ties of human brotherhood. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 11)

May the dear Saviour be a welcome guest in your heart. If Christ is abiding in your heart, you will manifest Christ in your words, the law of kindness will be upon your tongues, and you will have peace within. Then all will be peace without, and you will make melody to God in your hearts. Then you will be happy. You will take sweet counsel with your brethren, those of like precious faith. You will love to talk of Jesus and to dwell upon His matchless love. The battle is before you. Will you enter upon it without delay? (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 12)

Christ addresses you, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” [Isaiah 30:21.] You must, if a servant of Christ, be strictly honest in all your dealing in business transactions. You must give to the world an example in purity of principle and incorruption in your words. You must not give yourself to the practice of deception, prevaricating, misstating facts, or the least dishonesty in dealing with your fellow men, because, if you do, God marks it against you, and the world judges your doctrines by your actions. You must be firm as a rock to principle, and then you will give evidence to the world that the truth has a sanctifying power upon your heart and your character. Jesus is coming. You have not any time to lose. Should Christ come and find you with the character you now possess, Brother Collie, you are lost. But I know that Jesus will not leave you to perish in your own unworthy defects of character if you will humble your heart before God. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 13)

Your wife is afraid of you and afraid of your violent passions, and she has a long list of equivocations, misrepresentations, and falsehoods marked against her name in the books of record in heaven. All this may be changed. If you, Brother Collie, are a man who loves God and the truth, if you see yourself in the light in which the Lord views you, you will control your unhappy temper; and your wife should now plead with God in behalf of herself for a pure heart and clean lips. She talks too much about everything and everybody with whom she has had association by acquaintance. I dare not place myself while in Minnesota under the power of her tongue, for I should be misinterpreted, misrepresented. Oh that she would feel that Jesus is her helper! By the aid of His Spirit she can gain victories over her own spirit day by day. Through Jesus Christ you may both gain daily victories. The transforming power of His grace upon your minds and hearts, deformed by false habits and defiled by sin, may make you Christlike in character. It will require effort, persevering effort, to overcome self. Christ may be in your hearts, abiding there, if you will cleanse the soul of its moral defilement. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 14)

You have a work to do which no one can do for you. Will you neglect it? Will you lose eternal life? Watch and pray. Read your Bible together and when you begin to feel that your spirit is like a boiling caldron, begin to pray and sing psalms and the devil will be cast out. Your health will indeed improve. Your spirit will be sweetened by the love of Christ. Your works will be in conformity to the will of God. You will be fitting for a holy heaven. Then work and watch and pray. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 15)

Ellen G. White.

Brother and Sister Collie, I would that you were altogether that which the Lord would have you. I would that Sister Collie were a woman who possessed discretion, that she would hold her peace and not stir up strife in the heart of her husband. Keep thy tongue as with a bridle. The words that are struggling for the mastery, subdue, hold back, let them not be uttered. Would, my dear sister, that you loved to pray as well as you love to talk; but your much talk unfits you for sincere prayer. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 16)

“Finally be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” 1 Peter 3:8-13. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 17)

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:26. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21. “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:37. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Verse 36. “Whosoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” Proverbs 21:23, 24. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 18)

Will my brother consider this statement carefully and prayerfully? Will he see how often his pride and self-esteem are touched, and he deals in proud wrath? Consider, my brother, my sister, that day by day, hour by hour, we are laying up the material for that searching judgment. Our whole lifework is bound up very solemnly with the second coming of our Lord. We are trading with our Lord’s entrusted goods. It becomes you both to consider. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 19)

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.... But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 20)

“My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish; for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that cometh from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:5-18. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 21)

Will you carefully review your life, your practice, and see wherein you have failed to be Bible Christians? Will you seek diligently for the grace of God that you may overcome the satanic traits in your characters? You are filled with pride, self-esteem, self-importance. “God resisteth the proud and giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your minds, ye double minded.” James 4:6-8. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 22)

This means just what it says. You are not to say words that you do not mean. That false tongue needs to be treated with the hot coals of juniper. “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy into heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren.” James 4:9-11. God’s Word is speaking to you, and will you hear it? I want you to be saved, but I know you cannot be saved unless you are thoroughly transformed in character. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 23)

Now is the time, Brother and Sister Collie, for you to put away evil speaking, evil thoughts, evil doings. If you have aught against your brethren settle up this matter not by charging guilt upon others, but in confessing your own sins. Your hard spirit has led to hard speeches. You have hated your brethren. You have said most bitter things against those who were far more righteous than yourself. You have not known what manner of spirit you were of. You certainly have not been under the control of the Spirit of God. Hear what the Word of God saith: (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 24)

“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:9-11. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9. (5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, 25)

Lt 71, 1888

White, Mary
Healdsburg, California
January 8, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Mary:

I received your letter and was somewhat relieved. Do what you please with the old carpet. I will erelong send you a better one. It is a poor, worn-out, old dud. (5LtMs, Lt 71, 1888, 1)

I had rather a sorry time yesterday with heart difficulty; could not attend meeting or sit up much of the time. Am some better today. (5LtMs, Lt 71, 1888, 2)

I will say four flatirons were taken to St. Helena. One pair was the heaviest kind; the second was lighter, nearly new. These were taken to the laundry. I would like one of those heavy ones. You may keep the other three; if you need all four, keep them. (5LtMs, Lt 71, 1888, 3)

It is cold here and frozen, but this will not last long. We are all as well as usual. I am pleased to hear from you. (5LtMs, Lt 71, 1888, 4)

Mother.

Lt 72, 1888

Walling, Fred
Healdsburg, California
March 2, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Nephew:

Your letter dated January 19 was received and read last evening. It was not directed to any number or to the Pacific Press so it has lain in the office until it was sent to Pacific Press. I had been absent from home two weeks and returned last night. Found many letters waiting my return; among them was one from you. I was glad to hear from you and was sorry to learn of the accident to your father; also that Addie [Walling] would be detained. We need her very much. (5LtMs, Lt 72, 1888, 1)

I wish to visit Los Angeles. They have sent earnest invitations for me to come; also San Diego and Nevada and Fresno and Lemoore, and a camp meeting in the southern country. I cannot possibly attend meetings in all of these places, and I must have Addie. I have no one to accompany me except one from Norway who knows not my wants and how to help me. I shall look for Addie every day. I want her to make no further delay in this matter, but to come home at once. (5LtMs, Lt 72, 1888, 2)

I will be glad to see you and talk with you. Why not accompany Addie to California? We shall expect her every day, as she promised. Now a whole month has gone, and I need her very much. You can say that much to the dear child. May [Walling] is here doing well. She is in good health. (5LtMs, Lt 72, 1888, 3)

Lt 72a, 1888

White, Mary
Healdsburg, California
March 6, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Mary:

I have read the letter that you have written to Willie [White], and I had sent to Brother Lockwood the price of lumber in Healdsburg, and I think it best to put rough pickets about the orchard. Have a man do a good job that will stand and not have to be done over and over again. Take the fence from Brother Rogers and enclose it about the orchard on two sides, taking in all that spot of land that is set with trees. The road cannot be enclosed, but rabbits would not be very likely to come into the orchard from that way. I shall seek to lay all the stone wall I possibly can around my place, by the road, and would be glad to lay it some time clear to Roger’s fence, then put a wire above the wall and it will be all safe from thieves and cattle. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 1)

I have written about the work done by the lower cottage. Let the institute make half the fence and I half. Redwood pickets would do to enclose the orchard. Then have the hen yard and house made as cheaply as possible, yet good and strong and tasty, to not degrade the place. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 2)

Now my dear child, I have told you all, I believe, that I have to tell. Please send my extra set of teeth to Lemoore or Fresno—care of E. P. Daniels at Fresno I think would be the safest. May [Walling] has today, and ever since we came home, done nearly all the work, with the exception of one day when Fannie [Bolton] helped her nearly all day. I think she does remarkably well. Today she has had all the work to do and the running to wait on us to get off Brother and Sister Reaser. She has many steps to take. It is a tax upon her but will do her good, I think. She does not complain at all. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 3)

We leave here tomorrow noon and leave Oakland Thursday morning for Lemoore, arriving at nine o’clock. I cannot see the way before me. God hangs a mist over my eyes, and I am just to go on faith. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 4)

Last night I had rather an ugly time with my limbs. The muscles contracted in the calves of my legs and so up to my body. It was just almost unbearable. I have felt it all day today, but not as last night. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 5)

I am so glad to hear Mabel [White] was better. I am so sorry for the little one and for you all when any one of you is sick. I hope Brother and Sister Lockwood will stay with you a while now and oversee the work, but if he gets to doing it himself I shall feel bad. I value his looking after things to see that they are done. I think he can look after a good cow. I looked at the cow at Brother Harmon’s but I would not give over forty dollars for her. I fear that would be five dollars too much. Mrs. Price now has a good milch cow which she offers for 35 dollars. The calf is a few days old. It looks just like our old red cow. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 6)

I have just received a letter from Brother Daniels. He says his cow has a calf and the calf sucks two teats and from the other two he gets a gallon of milk, and the cow is gentle; but he forgot to tell us she will, if she takes a notion, jump over a four-foot fence. This is enough. We cannot buy the cow. He wants badly to sell the horse, but I would not give over $100 for him. If I really needed him then that would alter the case. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 7)

Read this to Brother Lockwood. I shall answer his letter at once. He is coming over for his mother soon. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 8)

Love to all. I think of you on the hill and would love to be one of your company. (5LtMs, Lt 72a, 1888, 9)

Mother.

Lt 73, 1888

White, W. C.
Fresno, California
April 8, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie:

I received your letter just as the Sabbath commenced. Was glad to hear from you that you intend to be at the April meeting for I am sure it is necessary you be at that meeting. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 1)

After the Selma meeting, Cecelia and I rode with Mr. Paddock and his wife in a convenient, easy carriage to Burrough Valley. It was a very interesting and pleasant drive. The distance was forty miles. On the way I was very sleepy and next morning found myself in possession of one of the hardest colds that I have had for years. Where I was exposed I know not. I took hot baths, brandy sweats, and for the first time felt much relieved on Friday when we arose early, took breakfast at Brother Joe Hutchings’, and at half past six left for a thirty-five mile ride to Fresno. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 2)

I felt anxious to see Brother Driver whom I visited in company with Brother Bell and wife before Selma meeting and found him very low. We talked about the disposition of his property, and he thought the most of the money in the Signs office he would leave there, but wished Brother Church to be there to do the business. But Brother Church was called by telegram to St. Helena and San Francisco. He designed to meet us at the Selma meeting. I urged Brother Church to go at once and settle up the matter legally before it was too late. When we reached Fresno, which was at twelve a.m., I was just tired out. I learned Maxson and wife had come the night before. I did not care to see them, being very weary. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 3)

Sabbath morning, while eating my breakfast, Brother Church called, stating that Brother Driver had sent a message for himself and me to come to him at once for he was very low and in great suffering. We went and found him in much affliction, but his mind clear. His infidel son was in the room and his wife, but I did not mind either of them. I bowed down and offered most earnest prayer to God for relief to come and he did seem to be easier. I stood by his bed and talked with him. He could say but a word now and then. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 4)

Brother Church thought it best for him to go at once for his lawyer. I asked why this matter had been delayed. He said he had talked it up with Brother Driver, but he was not willing to have it completed until Sister White was present. It did seem that we were almost too late and Brother Driver felt loathe to give up his property to his family or to the cause until he knew he could not live. Although it was Sabbath, we thought it best to complete the business in a quiet way while he had strength left to sign his name. We thought of the sacrificial services more on Sabbath than any other day in the week, and this was only rendering back to God His own fifteen thousand of the seventeen thousand already in the office at the Pacific Press. Brother Church, after the matter was attended to, took the lawyer and me with his team back to Fresno to the hall. I was to speak at 11 o’clock. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 5)

The hall was crowded to its uttermost dimensions. I spoke to them from Luke where Christ announced that He was the anointed One. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 6)

This meeting was very impressive, and after I had ceased speaking there were many testimonies borne referring to the message given to them that day. We could see the Lord was at work upon hearts. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 7)

In the afternoon a meeting was appointed, and the good work went forward. There were humble confessions made, then the washing [of] feet and the ordinance of the Lord’s supper was administered. All were highly gratified. I have hope that a good work was done. (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 8)

April 9, yesterday, I spoke on temperance in the opera house to quite a large attendance. Had an interview with Dr. Maxson and his wife in the evening. In the morning visited Brother Driver’s home. I saw that which led me to suppose he could not last through the night. I told his wife the same. She is not pleased that he has, as she says, given away so much of his ... [Remainder missing.] (5LtMs, Lt 73, 1888, 9)

Lt 74, 1888

Scott, Sister
Oakland, California
April 1888
Portions of this letter are published in OHC 239.
Dear Sister Scott:

Let not your heart be troubled about the deed. It shall be made straight, and all things will be between us as God would have it. If I had means at my command, I would at once take the place on 38th Street off your hands. Tell me your price on the place. I may find someone who is moving into Oakland who would like to buy such a place. I cannot purchase it myself, but someone may be able to do this. If you will tell me the extra expense or, in short, the price you set on the place, then I will know what to say to those who wish to purchase. But the deed shall be made just as the law in California requires, cost what it may, so do not worry about this matter. (5LtMs, Lt 74, 1888, 1)

God does not want us to be constantly troubled or perplexed over these matters of an earthly character. My heart is sore and grieved over the hardness of heart that I meet everywhere, and I am sure if it were not for the thought that God rules and reigns, I should become discouraged. I am sorry you have so many perplexities, but I am also sorry to see you feel as you do in regard to Brother Rogers and Brother St. John, especially the latter. I know that the Spirit of God has naught to do with any such feelings. It is the work of the enemy. (5LtMs, Lt 74, 1888, 2)

You say I have tried to smooth things over, and it is not right, neither will it be right. You know what you said. I tell you, my sister, a blessing rests upon the peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9. Oh that the Lord would imbue me with His Holy Spirit that I shall ever be what Christ calls a peacemaker! I do not love the atmosphere of strife and contention. I want to be able to say the Lord’s prayer. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Oh, how can we utter this prayer and be unforgiving? (5LtMs, Lt 74, 1888, 3)

The Lord is soon coming. Then shall we return and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not? To judge our brethren, to allow feelings to be cherished against them, even if we feel they have not done exactly right toward us, will bring no blessing to our hearts and will not help the case at all. I dare not allow my feelings to run in the channel of hunting up all my grievances and telling them over and over and dwelling in the atmosphere of distrust, enmity, and dissension. I dare not do those things which grieve my Saviour and dishonor His holy name. (5LtMs, Lt 74, 1888, 4)

There is light in following Jesus, talking of Jesus, loving Jesus, and I will not allow my mind to think or speak ill of my brethren. “Inasmuch,” said Christ, “as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40. I would not feel unkindness or hatred to anyone. I would not be an accuser of my brethren. Satan will try to stir up my mind to do this, but I cannot do it. I will cherish the forgiving Spirit of Jesus. (5LtMs, Lt 74, 1888, 5)

I was astonished that any Christian should entertain and express the feelings you did in regard to Brethren Rogers and St. John. I have no sympathy with this spirit in anyone, and if you cherish this spirit it will lead you to any lengths in suspicion and distrust and accusations if, in your estimation, anyone did not meet your ideas. (5LtMs, Lt 74, 1888, 6)

Lt 75, 1888

Scott, Sister
St. Helena, California
May 4, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 383.
Dear Sister Scott:

We are here now in St. Helena. We find Mary [White] looking badly, and my heart is pained as I consider how the dear child labored in Switzerland, not saving herself. She contracted this difficulty there. She is patient and makes no complaints; not a murmur escapes her lips. She is cheerful and is daily gaining a precious experience in faith. She has a firm hold from above. It would be to me a sad chapter in my experience if we would have to part with Mary. It is a great comfort for her to have Willie [White] with her, although it is seldom she has the pleasure of his society. Stern duty calls him here and there, and although he bears a very sad heart as he sees Mary—who has been so unselfish, so forgetful of self—weak and an invalid, yet he tries to be cheerful and never speaks one word of repining. He talks with me, and weeps over these things sometimes. Mother Kelsey is quite ill just now. (5LtMs, Lt 75, 1888, 1)

Monday, May 7

Sabbath I spoke in town in the church. My burden was for the church. The house was full. Dr. Burke was there. I tried to reach the hearts, to impress them with the importance of all being doers of the words of Christ and not hearers only. I spoke upon the subject of Joshua and the angel. Satan was doing his work as an accuser; Christ rebuking him. (5LtMs, Lt 75, 1888, 2)

Lt 76, 1888

Lockwood, Brother and Sister; Davis, Marian; Bolton, Fannie; Walling, May
Reno, Nevada
May 24, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in DG 175-179.
Dear Brother and Sister Lockwood, Marian, Fannie, and May Walling:

We arrived here in good condition this morning a little before seven o’clock. We find it would have been exactly as well for us if we had waited one day longer. There are preparations going on for our tent. A board floor is laid, and they are looking for a carpet for the floor. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 1)

The sister that worked for Sister Leininger has decided to come to my house or go to St. Helena. She is disappointed in her visit and wants to return, so I think she had better come. I can give her twelve dollars per month now, and when I shall return, or when there are more responsibilities and more work to do, then I will increase her wages. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 2)

When we found out I could not have her, I altered my plans materially, and that leaves but a small family at St. Helena and a small [one] at Healdsburg which May could manage; but if May should have a place to work and learn a trade, she needs clothing made for her. She has the material, and I want her dresses made respectably. The black dress I brought from Europe is to be finished and others are to be made, and if Fannie has not employed a seamstress, let this girl do the sewing. If she cannot cut, let another seamstress cut; but tell them it is my positive orders that sleeves and waist be made loose and not so tight that there will be compression anywhere. Every muscle must be left free to do its work without having to strain the cloth to use the arms freely. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 3)

This pinching is the fashion, but none of it must be done in my house, for I have some regard for the health of my workers. Give the lungs ample room to exercise, the heart ample room to do its work without one particle of pinching. The standard of fashion I do not respect and will not have these new inventions practiced. I want to stand out clear and free from everything that will be the least detrimental to breathing or to perfect freedom of action. Let this sister have the sewing from Fannie to do. If she cannot cut and fit, she can work with one who does cut and fit. And I am decided that these close, skin-tight sleeves cannot be wise or healthful, and whether it be fashionable or unfashionable, I advise that they be not made after the tight order. Read this to the ones who do my sewing. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 4)

I would be pleased to have May’s clothing prepared, that she may go anywhere that it shall be necessary to learn a trade or go to St. Helena in time. I want her to be fitted with good clothing. She needs a good sack of some kind made. There is that sack cloth in the trunk—beaver. May can have a cloak from that. Again, I give positive orders that it shall be made roomy and not so tight that she cannot get it on or off without tugging and pulling. Now, if this girl at Brother Leininger’s can sew, May can do the work and get her sewing done. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 5)

If the Fairman’s cow comes from Brother Ross, then have the girl milk, if she has done milking. May knows how Sister Leininger has managed in feeding cows and calves. Let May take the care of the calves. She may need help in some of these things, but if she does her work systematically and considers in the morning and jot down upon paper just what she intends to do in the orderly accomplishment of her work, she will not lose time but can take up one thing after another. The dishes are not to be left, to do any other part of the work. Attend to the kitchen work first. Then the beds have had a chance to air and may be made up. Of course, the milking and the feeding of calves must be done early in the morning at a specified time, and at noon, as regularly as possible. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 6)

It is a very bad habit to let the work drag and drive one. Drive the work, and then you will not become discouraged. It is a bad plan to give way to impulse. If you see a book you would like to read and sit down in the midst of your work and read during the precious hours of the day when there is work that needs to be done, then the work is neglected. Make it [a] habit not to sit up after nine o’clock. Every light should be extinguished. This turning night into day is a wretched, health-destroying habit, and this reading much by brain workers, up to the sleeping hours, is very injurious to health. It calls the blood to the brain and then there is restlessness and wakefulness, and the precious sleep, that should rest the body, does not come when desired. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 7)

It is needful to take care of the body and to study its needs and preserve it from unnecessary exposure. It is a sin to be ignorant of how to care for the wants of this habitation God has given us. Especially should brain workers begin to be soothed and not in any way excited as they draw nigh their hours for sleep. Let the blood be attracted from the brain by some kind of exercise, if need be. Let not the brain be taxed even to read, and, of course, not to put forth literary effort. You shall, Marian and Fannie, have one or two hours, as well best please you, in the daytime, and you will not feel so starved for intellectual food that you will partake of it in the night hours. God designed that the night shall be given to sleep. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 8)

Well, enough upon this point, I am sure. If we are not aroused to obey the laws God has established in our being, we need not expect that the Lord will work a miracle to counteract our own wrong course of action. We must put reason to work and do our utmost to learn what we must do, not to form habits to pursue a certain course because we are inclined to do this, but to break up every habit that is the least injurious to health, for this God requires of us. Then we may ask God in faith to help and He will do it. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 9)

Especially do I feel concerned for Fannie. I want her to recover from this nervousness and wakefulness, and in order to do this she must take time to rest the brain that the nerves may not be completely out of tune like our old organ. When Fannie takes herself in hand, then she will see ways that she can improve her health. I feel so sorry for Fannie. She has a good frame, large bones, and should have good, sound nerves and muscles; and the reason she has not is because she has abused her brain and nerve power by overtaxation, keeping herself upon a strain, keyed up, when reason should take the reins and hold her in obedience to the laws of God which control the human system. I wish Fannie could hear the lectures given now upon health at the [Rural Health] Retreat. She needs her mind and conscience stirred up on these things, and needs to use every power God has bestowed upon her to get well, that she may use these powers as God’s entrusted gifts, that she may have healthful powers to exercise in all her work. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 10)

Fannie, you need some physical exercise indoors and out each day. If you get tired, it will relieve the brain. What this exercise shall be, I leave you to determine. You can plan it yourself. Use your tact and powers of brain to devise what you will do daily in the line of physical exercise. And I want you to get waked up to this matter. Do not be a creature of impulse, but just bring yourself to regular rules and order. Take yourself in hand, bring yourself to time, and when the Lord sees you are doing what you can for yourself to keep in health, He will do on His part that which you cannot do. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 11)

I now commit the keeping of your souls and bodies to your enlightened conscience and to the power of God which will work with your intelligent efforts to be well that you may render to God better service because it is not a sickly, diseased offering. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 12)

I want that May Walling should feel that she must take care of her health and fence against colds and needless exposure. I want you all there to keep in health, as a solemn duty that is devolving upon you. You must not be creatures of circumstances or impulse, but of sound reason. You must all study from cause to effect. I do not want one of you to overwork, but I want you to so systematize your work that you will be able to accomplish that which you do without friction and constant wear. God wants you to do this, and He will help you to do it, only be true to yourself. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 13)

Wake up in the mornings; set your hour to rise early, and bring yourself to it; then retire at an early hour, and you will see that you will overcome many painful disorders which distress the mind, cause gloomy feelings, discouragement, and unhappy friction, and disqualify you for doing anything without great taxation. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 14)

I hope and pray that these words may not prove to be idle tales to you, but that you will act upon them. May, especially, must consider what she has to do and then not be slow and heartless, but do her work promptly and with cheerfulness as if doing it for Jesus Christ. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 15)

In much love. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 16)

Please get the Harmon cow at once. I wrote to Sister Fairman that I would take the cow. Have Brother Ross’s people take the cow over at once. (5LtMs, Lt 76, 1888, 17)

Lt 78, 1888

White, Mary; McOmber, Sister
Healdsburg, California
July 27, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 383.
Dear Daughter Mary and Sister McOmber:

I am now in my own good home at Healdsburg, and I mean to remain here for a time at least. I found all well at St. Helena. Mabel was very much pleased to see me. Rheba [?] is filling her place well. Brother Lockwood can get around some on crutches. Sister Lockwood as well as himself have infirmities and I am certain that both should be released from cares and responsibilities. (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 1)

The fruit is of a superior quality. I wish you were right here now to use it. It ripens slowly. The white peaches are ripe. The early strawberry peaches not all gone. They have sold $300.00 worth only. I told them to sell no more but put up all they did not need to eat. At any rate, I think there will be all the peaches of the very finest quality [that] you and I will want on the two places. But I do wish you were here to eat the fruit off these trees. (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 2)

There are some foggy mornings, and it is pleasant and much cooler through the day here. I hope they will get my house moved and our things into it, or your things [section torn].... (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 3)

... to pray for you and believe that the Lord has heard prayer and that He is working in your behalf and that He will give you the victory and that you will stand as a living monument of the mercy and power of our God. You must cling in faith to Jesus. He is your helper and your God. He will not turn aside the prayer of faith. (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 4)

It is for us to believe and for the Lord to fulfil His promise. “Let him take hold of my strength and make peace with me and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Now if we had virtue and righteousness and strength to rely upon of our own, the promise and invitation would not be worded just as it is, but it shows us we must cast our entire care upon Jesus and hope and trust in Him and Him alone. He has the merits, the strength, the power, and the will to help us. “And he shall make peace with me.” The promise is positive and there is no excuse for our doubting. Only believe, only trust in the Lord fully, and we shall see the salvation of God. He will reveal Himself as a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 5)

I know we have been too faithless, distrusting our very best and ever faithful friend. But let us do this no longer. Let us believe and talk faith and act faith. I do not know as we can set a special hour of prayer where we both can come to the Lord the same.... [corner torn.] (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 6)

I find Sister Ings rather thin in flesh but very pleasant and of good heart. Apparently she and May Walling were putting up fruit—peaches—and we will have a good big job to take care of the plums. They are just coming on now. The days are not hot though, as in Burrough Valley and in Fresno. This is in our favor. Shall try to sell some to the cannery if I can, and dry what we cannot sell. It is a most beautiful sight to look upon our fruit now. Peaches [are] very large and of the deepest color, rich in flavor. They seem like the fruit the first year when you saw them. There are none equal to them in Healdsburg and none in St. Helena equal to my peaches there. I have two trees of nectarines here in Healdsburg—bright red, nice and healthful looking. The trees seem to be in a good condition to do good work another year. (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 7)

Marian [Davis] is not here yet. Will come next week, she thinks. Shall be glad to get all together again and settle in to earnest work. This morning is as clear as a bell. Fitch mountain is looking very fine. I wish you all were here—John, Ella May White, and you two. I hardly feel that it is just right that you are not here. I fear the early peaches will be all gone before you get around. The place at St. Helena is much improved. The poison oak [is] all gone—dug out about the house and ... [corner torn.] (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 8)

I ought to say a word more about Mabel. She seems well and happy. Sister Lockwood takes her with her whenever she goes outdoors, and this pleases her much, the little dear. I was so glad to see her and to find her in as good a condition all around. I wish Ella were here, and then I think she is fully as well where she is. But I would like to have her eat the peaches, and there are many growing low [so] that she could pick them herself. The Fresno peaches cannot compare with these of mine. I have but few peaches this year. I think fully as many were picked off as need be, but the tree will be better next year for it. (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 9)

Well, I do want to see you so much, and I do hope that that house is moved and in position on the hill. Write to us as often as possible. (5LtMs, Lt 78, 1888, 10)

Mother.

Lt 78a, 1888

White, Mary
Fresno, California
July 22, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Daughter Mary:

We have suffered considerably with heat. Wanted to go from Fresno in the early morning, but we decided to remain over Sunday to see Elder Daniels and have a talk with him. W. C. White remained tonight to be present at a trial between Brother Everits and Brother M. J. Church. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 1)

I spoke at eleven o’clock with much freedom. Then we had meetings in the evening. There was quite a spirited social meeting. I spoke some twenty minutes in that; then at half past seven o’clock there was a business meeting. I spoke in that meeting half an hour in regard to taking hold with interest and building the church and school and mission. W. C. White talked to the point, setting before them the manner of school they should have. He set matter before them in a sensible light. We think there were excellent impressions made. The old committee resigned, and a new committee was made so that some matters may be pushed. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 2)

I have been in a wash of sweat just running off of me, and I have ridden out in the country with Brother and Sister Bowen to find fruit. Peaches—the best—are two cents a pound; grapes, two cents per pound; pears, two cents per pound. I have ridden many miles in going to Elder Daniels’ home and Brother Will Smith’s home. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 3)

The sand today was very hot. The breeze was as if from a burning furnace. It burned my face and hands. Well, well, I shall be very glad to leave here in the morning for St. Helena. Willie will go to Oakland, and I will go, perhaps, for we may not make connections with the boat. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 4)

There is fruit enough here, but there is not real good fruit. It begins to decay at the pit, and in this hot weather, spoils quickly. The heat is almost unendurable. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 5)

Fannie [Bolton] wants to come up, but is afraid to come until the house where there has been so much fever is thoroughly cleansed. I told her she could go in the house we left, and she may do this. I hope you do not suffer with the heat as we have done. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 6)

I hope you will be strong in faith and courage and have good hope. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise his holy name.” [Psalm 103:1.] This is the language of my heart in reference to you. Hold on, without a doubt, to the promises of God. I must believe, you must believe. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 7)

With much love to Sister McOmber and Ella May White. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 8)

Mother.

P.S. The night that John left was the most distressing—no air, and oppressive heat. I wish I knew what kind of a time he had journeying back to Burrough Valley. (5LtMs, Lt 78a, 1888, 9)

Mother.

Lt 79, 1888

White, W. C.; White, Mary
Healdsburg, California
August 17, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I wrote you a few pages yesterday morning, but I cannot find it and will write you again. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 1)

You must not be surprised if I write you only a few lines as I have been much hindered by the fruit and many other things to look after. I have, as you well know, not one soul to counsel with. I am obliged to go forward as best I can and lay my plans and do my business as well as I am able. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 2)

I think I could do far more work if I were away from home. Marian [Davis] can get along. Fannie [Bolton] has a large amount of matter on hand. I am furnishing her with matter, and if I were away from here, I would not be perplexed so much as I am. Not that I do not like my home, but it is hard to explain all about the many things that come upon me here. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 3)

I have now sent May Walling to St. Helena to learn what she can. I expect her to stay one year. It is the best I could do in her case. She wanted to learn the bindery trade, but you know Oakland would be no place for her unless there was a mother to look after her, and I cannot think of any place where it would be well for her to be. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 4)

I have the girl that everybody prizes so much, Anne Horning. They want her at the college boarding house. They want her at the [Rural] Health [Retreat], and they were very loathe to have her go, but I urged my claims, and she is here. Sister Ings is in much better health and has worked hard ever since I came home. Brother Lockwood came from St. Helena last Monday with Anne Horning. I did not care to feel all the time that I was dependent upon Sister Ings to do my work. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 5)

May has done well in regard to the caring for the fruit. I do not know what I could have done had it not been for her help, but I thought I could not afford to pay for two girls, and May should be learning something, so I consented in my mind to give her up. I do not expect they will consider it a great favor to have her; nevertheless, I felt that it was my best thing to send her and their duty to take her, so we shall see how this will work. Anne can do the work with some help, and the less around, the better. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 6)

Sara [McEnterfer] is my hired man. I have let Charlie go. He seems to have no inclination to serve the Lord, and I do not feel that such an one is reliable to be with me. I shall therefore wait until John shall come or shall take one from the college to work for his board. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 7)

I was very thankful for the good news from you. The Lord is good. Praise His Holy name. I believe in His mighty power to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him in faith. We have dishonored God by our unbelief, and now we must, as never before, trust in God to do those things for us we ask of Him. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 8)

I have had great freedom in speaking in this place. There are quite a number of outsiders out on Sabbath. Last Sabbath there were two Methodist ministers. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 9)

Sunday night had quite a large attendance. After the Sunday night services there was a large [group that came] into the church. I spoke some thirty minutes after they came in. There is much to be done in this church. I am published to speak next Sabbath forenoon and Sunday evening. When I do not have much to perplex and trouble me, I am able to do considerable work. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 10)

Last evening I was in at Rosenberg’s and met Sister Morrison, who was Sister Nigby, also Sister Cale from Dallas, Texas. They came to Healdsburg but can get nothing to do and are living up their little all. I told them of Burrough Valley, and I think they will go there and look at once for land. They are farmers. Sister Cale is a widow and her daughter married Sister Morrison’s son. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 11)

She has property that she designs to put in the cause somewhere. She wants to buy a small place in Healdsburg to school her children. She has three who will attend school. She is getting rather discouraged. Land is so high. I thought I would take her round a little today to see the place you and I were looking at. I might sell her my land at five thousand, I think. What do you think of this move? It is just as much care to have a little place like this full of fruit that you have to care for, as to have a larger place with a little pasturage. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 12)

Well, I shall show her the place and if she wants to buy, she has plenty of money to buy. But Willie, had I better offer the land in Burrough Valley for sale to these parties at twenty five hundred? I am urging them to go there and see the place, and I expect they will come. What do you think of my holding a place in Burrough Valley? I mean to get out of Healdsburg somewhere if I can. A place between here and St. Helena would place me where I hope I should have less care and live at home. (5LtMs, Lt 79, 1888, 13)

Lt 80, 1888

White, Mary
Campground, Kansas City
October 8, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 387.
Dear Mary:

We arrived in Kansas City last evening at half past five o’clock p.m., just a little too late to make connections with the train we wished to take, or that our tickets would take us over to Minneapolis. We had all our baggage placed on a truck, and quite a little army stood about it. We went into the waiting room, but it was so full and there was such confusion of men, women, and children we were glad to make our way some distance farther up on the platform; but trucks and any amount of trunks were constantly unloading about us, and we had to keep on the move. We would just get comfortably seated on a trunk when [someone would say] “I will oblige you to move, please.” We felt rather disheartened when we learned that we must tarry till the half-past-nine-o’clock train. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 1)

Willie [White], John, and Elder Haskell then started out to find some of our brethren. We knew Brother Shireman [?] lived in Kansas City, but we had not his address. While these three were searching, a fine-looking young lady came to me with hand extended and said, “Is not this Sister White?” I quickly responded. She said, “My name is Mallory. We are from Missouri. My father is here. I will find him. He would give ten dollars to see you.” She left me a few moments and returned with her father, with whom I was acquainted, and soon there were no less than one dozen surrounding us. They told us they were just attending to their baggage. They had been attending the Kansas camp meeting which would close the next morning. They urged our going directly to the grounds and spending the night in camp, and we would get to our destination just as soon if we took the train the next day at half past eleven o’clock. If we went on, we would have to stop at some place all night. They were so urgent, the company decided to remain a few hours longer. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 2)

They shouldered the bedding, walked three blocks, took cable cars and rode out three miles to a nice encampment. We were conducted into the reception tent, and it was neatly and comfortably furnished. This they gave to the company with us, and Elder Jones gave me his tent where we had a good bed; but Willie went back to the depot for his satchel; and John says he took a good bath. I slept little last night for the confusion was just indescribable in [the] Kansas depot. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 3)

This morning we were up early, for Willie informed me I was to speak in the early morning meeting. Elder Haskell spoke last evening. I drank a cup of warm water, ate a cracker, and went on the stand. Before me was a large number of intelligent-looking faces. I spoke with great freedom and clearness for about one hour. The audience listened as if spellbound. The Lord did help me. Praise His holy name! I spoke from 1 John 3, “Behold, what manner of love,” etc. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 4)

Breakfast is over; eight o’clock meeting is in session. Elder A. T. Jones is now speaking. You cannot tell what a gladness our coming here has brought to this camp meeting company, and they bemoan those who have gone home. Those we met at the depot returned, in the place of going home. I believe this was in the providence of God. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 5)

I have had only one ill turn, this much-dreaded sinking spell on the cars the night after we started, I think it was. I was so weak after it, I kept quite still, would not visit or knit or do anything save look over a few exchange papers and select a few pieces. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 6)

I am in much better condition than I thought I should be in. Willie and the ministers have had their Bible readings and searchings on the law. I did not even listen, for I wanted rest of mind and body. I kept my window open day and night and the thick curtains furnished by the railroad company drawn about me. I lay or sat on the bed nearly all the time. We all kept well, no accident or harm has befallen us and we are, I hope, fastening our hold more firmly upon God. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 7)

Now Mary, I want you to leave your case fully and entirely with the Lord. Do not be anxious, do not keep yourself reined up, do not take your case into your own keeping. This will be your danger, but just rely on the arms of a compassionate, loving Saviour who hath loved you and given His life for you. He is your best and truest Friend. He loves you as no human being can love. Mary, rest in this love. If you can do anything in your power to improve your health, do it. This is in God’s order. But should you go to earthly physicians who claim to do wonderful works of healing, then it would be out of God’s order, and the reproof might come to you as to one of ancient times, “Thou hast forsaken God,” and because he went to the god of Ekron to inquire and not to the living God, the judgment was pronounced that the afflicted would die. [2 Kings 1:16.] But Mary, you have not done this thing, and you may use anything for your good that Providence has furnished for the ills of man. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 8)

Now do not worry one bit but just trust, and the peace of God will abide upon you and light will arise out of darkness. If the atmosphere of Healdsburg oppresses you, then, dear child, go to Burrough Valley. You can get someone to help you to get there and to get your pony there and the phaeton there by the way of Stockton. You go as you came back from Fresno. While you stay in Healdsburg keep out of doors all that you can. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 9)

I had a good visit with Brother and Sister Hutchings. They express earnest desire for you to come to Burrough Valley and spend the winter. Our family will so work in that you may arrange for Ella [White] and Rheba to stay, and the baby, if you see it best, but let nothing hold you if the air and climate seem harsh. Take with you any fruit you please that I have in my cellar or in my storeroom, dried. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 10)

I expect, when I return, to spend the winter in Burrough Valley. I must have less care, more retirement, else I shall become old and dilapidated. I look at Burrough Valley as a restful place. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 11)

If you could get another little pony like Daisy then you could take my mountain wagon, put your ponies to it, and let a trusty hand take them and [the] wagon to the valley. I want the wagon got from St. Helena and the top fixed up as it should be. It has new springs, new tires and is all ready for use, except the top. I will pay all the expenses of getting the wagon and horses over to Burrough Valley. Willie talked of having my lumber wagon taken over there. This would require two larger horses to draw it, and he designed the mountain wagon should be hitched on behind, to take the boat at San Francisco or at Stockton. Of course, this would be slow work, and this can be done after we come. The first-mentioned plan is the best. Get the mountain wagon over for your immediate, present use. You mind, I will pay the cost. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 12)

I lay this before you if you should find that Healdsburg is too harsh a climate for you. The time is nearly come when we must be thinking of leaving this ground. But Mary, be of good courage in the Lord. Trust in Him as a child trusts in a parent. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 13)

Love to Sister McOmber and Rheba and our household across the way, and to your little ones, Ella and Mabel, and receive my sincere love for yourself. (5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, 14)

Mother.

Lt 81, 1888

White, Mary
Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 9, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 66-68.
Dear daughter Mary:

We arrived at this place yesterday at about ten o’clock a.m. It rained all night and rained all day Wednesday. Tuesday night we had berths in [the] palace car. There were no berths, and we were given berths in the drawing room car. Had nice chance but could not get Will [White] to leave company and come in the sleeper. And it was not a very pleasant night for those in the day coaches. Passengers were so crowded. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 1)

We arrived safely and were pleasantly located in two good, hired rooms, richly furnished with plush chairs and sofas. Willie’s room was next to ours, but it did not look just in place to pile all our trunks and bundles in these nicely furnished rooms. We had to walk a few rods to our meals. We decided to find other rooms and we found rooms in the boarding house, hired for that purpose, and we have, Sara [McEnterfer] and I, in one room, plainly furnished, but it has the blessings of a fireplace which is of value, you well know to me. Will has a chamber above with a stove in his room. Two brethren sleep in a bed in the same room. Then they have a small room to do their writing in. Willie is just as pleased with this as he can be. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 2)

I spoke Thursday morning. There is a large number of our ministering brethren assembled, and I do not know but a few of them. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 3)

Today, Friday, at nine o’clock, I read some important matter to the conference and then bore a very plain testimony to our brethren. This had quite an effect upon them. Elder Butler has sent me a long letter, a most curious production of accusations and charges against me, but these things do not move me. I believe it was my duty to come. I worry nothing about the future, but try to do my duty for today. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 4)

I shall have to go to Battle Creek with Willie and [spend] some little time. Since the severe trial I passed through in Healdsburg, I think things of like character will not have such an influence upon me again. I am glad Willie [is] where we can look after him a little and he look after us. I think it bad to be in different houses, but we are hoping and praying to see the work of God move forward just in that manner as shall reflect glory to God and good to His people. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 5)

Elder Goodrich is here from Maine; Elder Underwood from Ohio; Sands Lane and his brother Otto Godsmark; Decker from Oregon; [J. O.] Corliss, [Uriah] Smith; [I. D.] Van Horn; [I.] Sanborn; [J.] Fargo; Rupert; Dr. [E. J.] Waggoner and wife—many, many I cannot think of now. We do not forget you, but we pray for you. We long to see the power and Spirit of God working upon the hearts of our ministers. We long to see that humility which we must have to do the work of God acceptably. Everything is done here that can be done to furnish good, clean bedding and good, wholesome food. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 6)

Elders Smith and Butler are very loathe to have anything said upon the law in Galatians, but I cannot see how it can be avoided. We must take the Bible as our standard, and we must diligently search its pages for light and evidences of truth. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 7)

Well, the sun is setting, and I cannot see very well. Please write us [as] often as you can [even] if it is only a word or two, and I will try to write quite often to you. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 8)

Sunday morning, October 14

Yesterday was a very important period in our meeting. Elder Smith preached in forenoon upon the signs of the times. It was, I think, a good discourse—timely. In the afternoon I spoke upon 1 John 3. “Behold what manner of love,” etc. The blessing of the Lord rested upon me and put words in my mouth, and I had much freedom in trying to impress upon our brethren the importance of dwelling upon the love of God much more and letting gloomy pictures alone. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 9)

The effect on the people was most happy. Believers and unbelievers bore testimony that the Lord had blessed them in the word spoken and that from this time [on] they would not look on the dark side and dwell upon the great power of Satan, but talk of the goodness and the love and compassion of Jesus, and praise God more. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 10)

At the commencement of the Sabbath Elder Farnsworth preached a most gloomy discourse telling of the great wickedness and corruption in our midst and dwelling upon the apostasies among us, and there was no light, no good cheer, no spiritual encouragement in this discourse. There was a general gloom diffused among the delegates to the conference. But the Lord gave me testimony calculated to encourage. My own soul was blessed and light seemed to spring up amid the darkness. I am not attending meetings today. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 11)

Last evening we had several of the ministering brethren together and read a long communication from Elder Butler which kept us up till ten o’clock at night. This morning they had an excellent social meeting. Today they have a Bible reading upon predestination or election. Tomorrow noon the law in Galatians is to be brought up and discussed. There is a good, humble spirit among the delegates as far as we can learn. The letter written by Elder Butler was a good thing to open this question, so we are in for it. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 12)

Charlie Jones came yesterday, Sabbath morning. W. C. White has gone to visit Elder Mattison who is in the city two miles from the meeting. The report is he is sick. Elder Corliss is sick. We fear he may have the run of a fever unless the Lord shall stay the progress of disease. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 13)

John and Sara are at work upon notes of the discourses I have given. It is cold and has been foggy here most of the time since we have been here. I shall be pleased to see the beautiful God-given sunshine once more. I wish I knew how many were at the meeting. Perhaps I can tell you in my next letter. I hope to hear from our home across the way soon. I have received no letters since I came here. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 14)

It is getting dark and I will say good night. Love to all the dear ones in the family—Sister McOmber, Babe, and the dear children. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 15)

Mother.

I was going to write to our family but things have transpired so I could not. Will write them if I can, tomorrow. (5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, 16)

Mother.

Lt 82, 1888

White, Mary
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 4, 1888
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 182-185.
Dear daughter Mary:

Our meeting is closed. I have on last Sabbath given my last discourse. There seemed to be considerable feeling in the congregation for the first time. I called them forward for prayers although the church was densely packed. Quite a number came forward. The Lord gave me the spirit of supplication, and His blessing came upon me. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 1)

I did not go out to meeting this morning. This has been a most laborious meeting for Willie, and I have had to watch at every point lest there should be moves made, resolutions passed, that would prove detrimental to the future work. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 2)

I have spoken nearly twenty times with great freedom, and we believe that this meeting will result in great good. We know not the future, but we feel that Jesus stands at the helm, and we shall not be shipwrecked. My courage and faith have been good and have not failed me, notwithstanding we have had the hardest and most incomprehensible tug of war we have ever had among our people. The matter cannot be explained by pen unless I should write many, many pages, so I had better not undertake the job. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 3)

Elder [O. A.] Olsen is to be president of the General Conference and Brother Dan Jones of Kansas is to help him. Elder Haskell will serve until Brother Olsen shall come from Europe. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 4)

I cannot tell what the future may reveal, but we shall remain for about four weeks in Battle Creek and get out a testimony that should come out just now without delay. Then we can see how matters are moving at the great center of the work. We are determined to do all we can in the fear of God to help our people in this emergency. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 5)

A sick man’s mind has had a controlling power over the General Conference Committee, and the ministers have been the shadow and echo of Elder Butler about as long as it is healthy and for the good of the cause. Envy, evil surmisings, jealousies have been working like leaven until the whole lump seemed to be leavened. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 6)

Elder Butler, we think, has been in the office three years too long, and now all humility and lowliness of mind have departed from him. He thinks his position gives him such power that his voice in infallible. To get this off from the minds of our brethren has been a difficult matter. His case will be difficult to handle, but we trust in God. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 7)

Willie [White] has gone a few miles to Minnehaha Falls—the first time he has had a moment to be off sentinel duty—committees, committees, committees. He has not yet come back. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 8)

We have it quite cool here. We have all had colds, but we have had considerable sunshine and but very little rain. We have had good food and that which we could enjoy. Sara is some better of her cold. I could not spend any time to nurse a cold for I have been in the harness every day. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 9)

Today, Sunday, I have not attended meeting but have had to visit considerably. I am grateful to God for the strength and freedom and power of His Spirit in bearing my testimony, although it has made the least impression upon many minds than at any period before in my history. Satan has seemed to have power to hinder my work in a wonderful degree, but I tremble to think what would have been in this meeting if we had not been here. God would have worked in some way to prevent this spirit brought to the meeting, having a controlling power. But we are not the least discouraged. We trust in the Lord God of Israel. The truth will triumph and we mean to triumph with it. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 10)

We think of you all at home and would be pleased to be with you, but our wishes are not to be consulted. The Lord is our Leader; let Him direct our course, and we will follow where He leads the way. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 11)

I hope and pray that you may be improving in health and strength. The Lord is a mighty Healer. His name shall be glorified. We leave this place tomorrow morning for Chicago by way of Iowa, calling upon Edson the same day, Monday. Monday eve at 6 o’clock [we] go on our way to Chicago. Cannot get a sleeper before half past nine o’clock which takes us in to Chicago about nine o’clock. We go out to the mission, spend a few hours, then take the cars Tuesday eve for Battle Creek. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 12)

John has gone on his way to Chicago today and many others. We sent our trunks and luggage by the delegates. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 13)

Now I shall write you something more as soon as we can after we reach Battle Creek. Excuse this hasty line. Much love to all the family, especially Ella and Mabel. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 14)

Mother.

P.S. I have one nice warm pair of stockings knit for Willie, and I have the second pair almost done. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 15)

Just as I was folding this letter, this great blotch came to make it look badly. (5LtMs, Lt 82, 1888, 16)

Mother.

Lt 82a, 1888

White, Mary
Battle Creek, Michigan
November 29, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 419.
Dear daughter Mary:

I am home again in our pleasant rooms in the new building of [the] sanitarium. Soon after I arrived, all tired out with labor, sisters began to come in, and I did not mistrust anything for some time and at last learned that it was a little party of my old friends to celebrate my sixty-first birthday. We all took dinner which had been arranged at the sanitarium. All passed off well and pleasantly. I was too thoroughly wearied out to enjoy the matter as I otherwise would. (5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, 1)

I spoke at Potterville [on] Friday afternoon, Sabbath afternoon, Sunday twice, at half past two and at five o’clock p.m. [I] spoke Monday at eight o’clock and went from the meeting to the cars to meet my friends as soon as I arrived home. (5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, 2)

It is thought best for me to attend State Minister’s meeting in Des Moines. Start today. Willie says he writes you, so he must give an account of himself which I will not undertake to do. He seems in good health. All your letters I have the reading of. (5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, 3)

I received the sad intelligence of [the death of] Mr. Foss, my sister’s husband. He dropped dead after eating his dinner. He was placing the dishes from the table to the sink for Mary when he fell heavily to the floor, groaned and died at once. I am writing her this morning. Marian [Davis] will. Have you the letter written to her? (5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, 4)

I still believe the Lord will raise you up to health. Be strong in the Lord, yea, be strong. Cling to divine power with unwavering faith. (5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, 5)

I would write more if it were not next to impossible because other matters of writing must be done. (5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, 6)

Love to dear little Ella [White] and to the little one, Mabel, and to each member of the family. (5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, 7)

Mother.

Lt 83, 1888

White, Mary
Refiled as Lt 83, 1889.

Lt 84, 1888

Managers of the Health Institute
Refiled as Lt 6a, 1890.

Lt 85, 1888

Caldwell, Dr.; Gibbs, Dr.
Healdsburg, California
May 10, 1888
Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 224-225; 8MR 330-331; 13MR 371-372.
Dear Brethren Caldwell and Gibbs:

I feel very much burdened. While I was at Crystal Springs, I was far from feeling that it was the wisest plan to have you two physicians together for the reason that there is not that fine delicacy of address and high sense of propriety in your association and treatment of women and girls that there should be. I tell you plainly that there needs to be far greater refinement and delicacy in the treatment of delicate diseases than either of you manifests. When I know that there will be in your influence with youth and with women a tendency to break down the barriers of reserve that ever should exist between women and men, I am more and more grieved and burdened over the present state of things existing in the [Rural] Health Retreat. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 1)

I am far from feeling that there is a proper education being given to those who are now under drill upon subjects of physiology, and while I know there is a want of refinement and delicacy with you both, I am greatly alarmed. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 2)

Dr. Caldwell, you desired to read to me some things in regard to sexual practices of married people. I have not encouraged it. I have taken the position that the least possible familiarity that could be encouraged in conversation between men and women, especially [between] physicians and young girls, on these subjects, the better, (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 3)

In many things in regard to these subjects, ignorance is bliss. I know it is not productive of pure thoughts and chaste conduct, by the confessions that have been made to me, that every girl and woman should make it a common matter of thought and conversation, even with medical men. The very first impure thoughts and practices commenced with the free common talk upon these things. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 4)

I knew, Dr. Caldwell, that, as a practicing physician, you needed far greater refinement and delicacy than you possess. I do not doubt but that you think it is best that others should become acquainted with all that you know in regard to these delicate subjects, but I differ with you. I fear through their education and training, young girls now attending our school will be left in a more dangerous condition in thought and in regard to temptations than when they came to the Health Retreat, for the reason that you both, Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Gibbs, are not as reserved and elevated on these points as you ought to be. I cannot sanction this kind of (I call it indelicate and familiar) talk and attitudes and practice. There is not that natural dignity clothing your words or your practice that there ought to be. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 5)

The association of Dr. Caldwell with Dr. Gibbs will not have an elevating influence in the very points upon which he needs to possess dignity and reserve. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 6)

Your medical knowledge in regard to delicate subjects is not to be made so common as you make it. I was, Dr. Caldwell, shocked to hear you converse as you did before _____ in regard to the birth of your child. You went on to state all the particulars to a young, unmarried girl. With her it might do no positive harm, as her interest and her work had been in this line of preparing matter for medical journals. In Europe familiarity on these subjects is far more common than in America. But this talk would do harm to some, and you know not who. This conversation has not increased my confidence in you as a wise manager in these matters. I have some knowledge of your dangers and of your want of dignity and reserve in your conversation, and your familiarity toward young women and married women is not as it ought to be. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 7)

We are living in a time when the world is represented as in Noah’s time and as in the days of Sodom, and I am constantly being shown the dangers of this time to which youth and men and women who have reached manhood and womanhood, and also of men and women of mature years are exposed, and I dare not hold my peace. There is need of greater refinement both in thought and association. There is need of Christians being more elevated and delicate in words and deportment. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 8)

The work of a physician is of that character that, if there is a coarseness in his nature, it will be revealed. I cannot consent for Dr. Caldwell or Dr. Gibbs to take charge of the Health Retreat unless there is a higher, purer atmosphere surrounding them. Strive to meet a higher standard. Be refined in your expressions and avoid all commonness in conversation. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 9)

I cannot admit a possibility of men in such sacred trust in the institution, professing to believe the truth, but possessing so [few] high and holy thoughts and practices in your profession. If you did not claim to be Sabbathkeepers or Seventh-day Adventists, then I should not feel so great danger of your misleading others and putting a reproach upon the truth. But I am exceedingly troubled. It is painful to think that this common, low, cheap conversation and familiarity shall get standing for one moment in our institution. Remember that the people of the world are sharp and critical. Every patient you treat is reading the tone of your morals and the traits of your character by the way you talk and by your actions. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 10)

Always feel that it is a sacred thing to preserve the privacy of persons who feel that they must submit to an examination. The manner in which you do this work may be of that character to inspire confidence in you, or disgust with you and hatred of you. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 11)

Women should be educated to a high intelligence to work for women, men to work for men. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 12)

I cannot express to you the burden I feel, the distress of mind I am under. I am at times overwhelmed at the revelations of immoral practices among us as a people. I feel the remorse as if I myself were guilty. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 13)

I was taken through the rooms where you were performing your work as physicians in delicate cases. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 14)

I was shocked with the careless familiarity of the works and words of those associated with you, all unnecessary. I had less confidence in you both than I had heretofore as wise, dignified physicians. I am compelled to say that if our institution is to be molded after this order of your influence, it will become such as God will frown upon. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 15)

You have lessons to learn that unless you do learn, you will never give the right mold to youth, and there will be a commonness, a cheapness and want of refinement with our youth and the workers in the institution that it would be better if it were burned to the ground. You both need to leave a different stamp of character. You need more refined delicacy of thought, to be more, very much more select in your words. You need sanctified minds and sanctified hearts and refinement of manners. Your work has a natural tendency to lower your estimate of women, and unless there is the cultivation of refinement and delicacy in you both, and strict purity of thought, you will be an offense to God; for you will break down the barriers of delicacy and bring in a forwardness, a boldness of speech, a coarse, common state of actions, and create thoughts and impure practices that the inexperienced youth would be led astray in these very things, to their ruin. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 16)

I see no necessity in physicians coming down in the least to any low, undignified management, even if you are physicians. I make my protest against this kind of work, and if there is not an entire and decided reform in these things, then we must consider your hopelessly defective, and we must seek other physicians. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 17)

We cannot, we will not, tolerate anything of the looseness that savors of immorality. I know what I am talking about, and I will not for one moment sanction any course of action that will leave impressions upon minds that may be carried away and reported to others, that which the physicians said or did, which will place a blot upon them or the institution. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 18)

The standard must be elevated and kept up, and not allowed to be lowered in the least degree. There must be a work done for you both, which you may not or do not now think essential. You must see and feel your need of the Spirit of Christ every day. Your tastes, your habits, your practices, must be Christlike. In word and in deportment, show ever that you are refined Christian gentlemen. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 19)

If your hearts are sanctified, if Jesus is in all your thoughts, there is then no danger to be apprehended. The result of pure and undefiled religion in the heart will be to change the whole character. If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. We will not, must not, be double-minded, unstable. The renewing grace of Christ renounces everything bad in action, in emotion, in thought. That which was good is purified from its selfishness and every taint of impurity. There is a decided change in the whole life. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 20)

If a brackish fountain has suddenly lost its bad qualities, the change will be discovered in the purity and sweetness of the streams that flow from it. There is a great responsibility resting upon Seventh-day Adventist physicians. This field is a peculiar one. He is sowing on the field of hearts, and he is to be careful whether the seed sown on the varied soil be pure wheat or foul grain, whether it is thorns sown or unadulterated wheat, whether the thirty, sixty, or one hundredfold to the reaper be pure grain or mingled with thistles and thorns, only fit to be burned. This matter demands your serious consideration. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 21)

No doubt your work leads to a depreciation of human beings, but remember that Christ considered them of great value, that He gave His life to save them from eternal ruin in the place of making the physician more careless as he ... [word(s) missing]. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 22)

Brethren, there is ever to be a secrecy maintained and honorably preserved between men and women. Let it be considered that Satan is ever at work to demoralize, and all that is necessary to bring the soul into a condition of weakness is to break up the pure home associations. Let them—men, women, or youth—escape from the accustomed influences which hold power over them to preserve virtue and strengthen its power to resist temptation and nourish the religious life, and they will more readily become the prey of their own evil propensities through the demoralizing influences that assail them from without. Impure influences are lurking everywhere, ready to seize upon any victim that gives them any chance by word or deportment, to make advances. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 23)

Some who have observed decorum, and appear exemplary young men or women at home, when in summer travel or even in such a place as the Rural Health Retreat, break down the barriers of propriety, show great familiarity, and those even who are in offices of trust in churches, in our institutions forget their high calling, become boyish, hilarious; the cords of the moral nature regarded and kept straight under other circumstances are broken when brought in certain relations bearing upon certain things. The soul, like the body, lives and grows upon that upon which it feeds. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 24)

Young men and young women who go to health resorts or boarding places find themselves in new conditions. The restraints of home are removed, and they plunge into various forms of sin. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 25)

The injunction of Peter is, “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” [2 Peter 1:5.] But there must be a living connection of the soul with the virtue of God, then with the fear of God before it, the mind is prepared for knowledge. Learning we cannot, dare not demerit, but I must say that, disconnected from God it has stood in the way of men and women really valuing the power and purity and glory of the divine power as much as it has contributed to it. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 26)

Now I come directly to the inculcation of knowledge of physiology. Were individuals to give themselves up to the decided aim to practice medicine, then the unfolding before the mind of the character of the abuses of private life and the actualities they will have to become acquainted with in sinful indulgences and in the abuse of the organs of the body in secret vice and in many ways that demoralize the soul and spirit and body may be essential. The young women and young men who listen to lectures which open before them the secrets of the most private subjects need all the while an influence surrounding their souls that is firm, ennobling, elevating, constantly exerting its place upon them. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 27)

Both women and men have a knowledge that each knows what the other knows, and the barrier is broken down. If the knowledge is strictly guarded and bound about, if there is not manifest a willingness to dwell upon these subjects, [that is best, but if they are] putting the matter before them in its worst bearings, in not very select language, then they are far better off without this instruction. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 28)

The Bible speaks upon the subject of the [word(s) missing] of women as being attended by women, and thus it ought always to be, women educated and qualified just as thoroughly as possible to become practitioners in the delicate diseases which afflict women, that their secret parts shall not be exposed to the notice of men. And then women physicians should utterly refuse to look upon the secret parts of men. There are men physicians, plenty of them, who can be called to the treatment of men patients, but it is not as easy for a woman to obtain a skillful practitioner of her own sex. This ought not to be. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 29)

There should be a much larger number of lady physicians educated not only as trained nurses, but as physicians. It is a most horrible practice, this revealing the secret parts to men, or men being treated by women. Let men know they must go to those of their own sex, and not apply to lady physicians. It is an insult to women, and God looks upon these things of commonness with contempt. These things need to be adjusted. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 30)

While men are called to talked in regard to purity, why not practice that delicacy which is a constant lesson in practical purity? Women may do a noble work as practicing physicians, but when gentlemen would solicit a lady physician to examine and practice for them, which demands the exposure of private parts, let her refuse decidedly to do this kind of work. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 31)

There is very much which may be said to arouse the moral sensibilities that will aid the hearers in keeping up a balance between the physical and mental powers and so fasten truth and their obligations to their Creator in their minds that they will see and sense their accountability; and not only the institution will be benefitted, but the world will be benefitted by the existence of such an institution. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 32)

Then, physicians should practice what they teach. They should teach that by studying after nine o’clock, there is nothing gained but much lost. Teach and practice that the time can be systematically employed, one duty after another attended to promptly, not allowed to lag, so that midnight hours will not have to be employed in laborious studies. I know from the testimonies given me from time to time for brain workers that sleep is worth far more before than after midnight. Two hours’ good sleep before twelve o’clock is worth more than four hours after twelve o’clock. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 33)

There is a large field for you to work in. Both of you can give short lectures in the parlor at stated times, which will be select but plain, upon the human body and how to treat this wonderful house the Lord has given us, which will aid you in your work as physicians as nothing else can. The people are ignorant, and need to be enlightened on almost every point of how to treat their own bodies. Then there will not need to be a dwelling upon the delicate diseases near as much. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 34)

Tell those who are sick that if the hosts of those who are dyspeptics and consumptives could turn farmers they might overcome disease, dispense with drugs and doctors, and recover health. But farmers themselves must get educated to give heed to the laws of life and health by regulating their labor, even if there is some loss in their grain or the harvesting of crops. Farmers work too hard and too constantly, and violate the laws of God in their physical nature. This is the worst kind of economy. For a day he may accomplish more, yet in the end he is a loser by his ill management of himself. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 35)

Every day the people, be they few or many, need to be enlightened how to take care of themselves. To subject one’s self to a severity of labor which is constantly straining the physical power of endurance, the constitution cannot endure; it is a violation of physical law which sooner or later will bring its pain of penalty according to the transgression. Talk to them in regard to the necessity of resting after eating. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 36)

The ignorance is lamentable upon the matter of the digestive process. Rapid eating should be condemned. The food is to be masticated and thoroughly mixed with the saliva in order to do the good that nature designed it should. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 37)

Physical as well as mental workers should take a much longer time to eat than they generally allow; then one hour spent after eating, upon matters which are of little more consequence than to interest or amuse, before they subject themselves to hard labor again. He will be more able in one month if he strictly adheres to all the principles involved in healthful living, than if he occupied every moment of his time before eating and after eating. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 38)

They hurry down a hearty dinner, then go in to work while all the nervous energies are needed in the digestive process, and they force these powers away from their legitimate work and duty to the muscular system, and at the close of the day they are exhausted and overdone. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 39)

Oh, how much might be done in educating, giving short talks! I need now dwell on these points. You can take the matters up and carry them through and leave the best impression on minds if you will put your mind to the kind and quality of work to be done. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 40)

You can make up a lecture in regard to the prevailing vices and purity of character which will create in those who listen, lustful thoughts which lead to lustful practices. [Or] you can, from a pure, sanctified heart, present your lessons in a manner that will be elevating and which will make sin appear exceeding sinful and disgusting. (5LtMs, Lt 85, 1888, 41)

Lt 86, 1888

White, Mary
Healdsburg, California
May 11, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Mary:

I send the enclosed to you, for I cannot tell the name of Sister King. Please hand this to her. I am unable to direct it to her. (5LtMs, Lt 86, 1888, 1)

We arrived home all safely, and we are all just as busy as we can be preparing for our trip to the valley. I am troubled about Fresno and shall go there as soon as we can. (5LtMs, Lt 86, 1888, 2)

W. C. W. [W. C. White] is writing fast. Cecelia came last evening, Thursday evening, and she is helping Willie all she possibly can. All well here. This must go into the mail. (5LtMs, Lt 86, 1888, 3)

How is Ella? How is Sister Kelsey? How are you all? Write a line and let us know if there is any fog. We have had none here for two mornings—beautiful weather. (5LtMs, Lt 86, 1888, 4)

Much depends on how you eat. May the Lord help you to get strong is my prayer. (5LtMs, Lt 86, 1888, 5)

Mother.

Lt 87, 1888

Maxson, Brother and Sister
Healdsburg, California
January 21, 1888
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Maxson:

In looking for a lost letter containing a draft, I came across a letter written by yourself which had been overlooked. I read this letter with interest, in which you speak of a plan in which you could work with Dr. Gibbs. My making no reference to this good-spirited letter, containing, as I fully believe, right principles for us as Sabbath-keeping Adventists to work upon, and I making no response or reference to said letter while seeking to present a similar manner of working, must have seemed unexplainable to you; therefore, I now at this time trace these lines and will send this letter to Elder Loughborough. (5LtMs, Lt 87, 1888, 1)

I was pleased with the letter, and I think it is the only right position we should work to. I am so glad I found this letter, for it certainly needed a response. (5LtMs, Lt 87, 1888, 2)

We regret the moves that you have made, and we think that you will regret it also. We feel deeply over the state of things that have occurred at the [Rural Health] Retreat. Elder Loughborough says that you are not willing to remain even a few weeks to give special attention to a class in hygiene and how to give treatment. I was sorry again for this. I am sure that it is a work that needs to be done, and I am fearful that you are following your own inclinations rather than duty. I fear that Ohio has been urging you to come there, and as it has been your desire from the first to do this, perhaps your own feelings and desires have unbalanced your judgment. I am sorry that this is the case, because it will lead, I greatly fear, to many unpleasant things in the future. I have some knowledge of how this matter has been going on. I see not one vestige of reason for your leaving only through misconceived ideas which have no foundation in truth, as you must see in the future. The letter that I forward to Elder Loughborough is a ray of light. It makes the showing better on your part. (5LtMs, Lt 87, 1888, 3)

I told you when at Oakland that if you were desiring to leave, not to wait until there was a close, hard place, and then step out. I told you then, there were two physicians who could come in if you were of your same mind; that after we had passed this crisis, it would be bad to have another breakout with all the disagreeable consequences which attend such movements. But nothing was said or done about it till your resignations were sent in. You stated that things were now in a condition that you could leave better than at any time heretofore. This may be indeed; but this movement on your part will not result in good, be assured. (5LtMs, Lt 87, 1888, 4)

I will say nothing of the existing state of things at the Retreat. As far as the physicians’ help and the treatment help is concerned, you must know all in respect to this as well as I do myself; and I will say nothing to influence you one way or the other, but it is, I fear, not as God would have it. It is a condition of things growing out of wrong ideas, and you will see it if it is not until the judgment shall sit and the books are opened. (5LtMs, Lt 87, 1888, 5)

I am sure that God reads every motive, every purpose of the heart, and while you may deceive yourselves in regard to your motives, your most secret purposes are read of the Lord. (5LtMs, Lt 87, 1888, 6)

May the Lord let His light shine upon us. (5LtMs, Lt 87, 1888, 7)