Our Bookmen St. Helena, California January 23, 1913 This letter is published in entirety in PH122. To Our Bookmen Dear Brethren:
I welcome you all to “Elmshaven,” the refuge that I found prepared for me on my return from Australia. In this quiet and comfortable home we have been able to prepare articles and books for publication.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 1)
I hope you will enjoy your visit and that you may come again. In your prosperity and welfare I am deeply interested.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 2)
The World Asleep
The time has come when a large work should be done by our canvassers. The world is asleep, and as watchmen they are to give the warning note, to awake the sleepers to a sense of their danger. The churches know not the time of their visitation. How can they best learn the truth?—Through the efforts of the canvasser. All who consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are assisting to give the last message of warning to the world. They are the Lord’s messengers, giving to multitudes in darkness and error the glad tidings of salvation.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 3)
Even where people hear the truth from the living preacher, the canvasser should carry on his work. The printed page is essential, not only in the work of awakening minds to the importance of the truth for this time, but that hearts may be rooted and grounded in the truth and established against darkness and deceptive error. Papers and books containing the messages of truth are the Lord’s means of keeping truth continually before the minds of the people. These publications will do a far greater work than can be accomplished by the ministry of the Word alone.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 4)
Through our canvassers the truth will reach those who cannot be reached in any other way—those living far away from any large settlement. I call these the by-way hearers. To such ones our canvassers are to be God’s evangelists, going from house to house and opening the Scriptures to those whom they meet. They will find many who are willing and anxious to know what is truth. Much has been accomplished by the faithful canvassers who have gone from place to place, bearing with them books containing the light of present truth. Through their efforts entire families have been won to the truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 5)
Broader Views
While in California in the year 1874, I was given an impressive dream, in which was represented the instrumentality of the press in the work of giving the third angel’s message to the world. The following paragraphs are taken from a letter written at this time:
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 6)
“I dreamed that several of the brethren in California were in council, considering the best plans for labor during the coming season. Some thought it wise to shun the large cities and work in small places. My husband was earnestly urging that broader plans be laid, and more extended efforts made, which would better compare with the character of our message.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 7)
“Then a young man whom I had frequently seen in my dreams came into our council. He listened with deep interest to the words that were spoken, and then, speaking with deliberation and authoritative confidence, said: ‘The cities and villages constitute a part of the Lord’s vineyard. They must hear the message of warning. The enemy of truth is making desperate efforts to turn the people from the truth of God to falsehood....
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 8)
“‘You must sow beside all waters. It may be that you will not at once see the result of your labor, but this should not discourage you. Take Christ as your example. He had many hearers, but few followers. Noah preached for one hundred and twenty years to the people before the flood; yet out of the multitudes on the earth at that time, only eight were saved.’
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 9)
“The Messenger continued: ‘You are entertaining too limited ideas of the work for this time. You are trying to plan the work so that you can embrace it in your arms. You must take broader views. Your light must not be put under a bushel, or under a bed, but on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. Your house is the world....
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 10)
“‘The verity and truth of the binding claims of the fourth commandment must be presented in clear lines before the people. Ye are My witnesses. The message will go in power to all parts of the world, to Oregon, to Europe, to Australia, to the islands of the sea, to all nations, tongues, and peoples. Preserve the dignity of the truth. It will grow to large proportions. Many countries are waiting for the advanced light the Lord has for them; and your faith is limited, it is very small. Your conception of the work needs to be greatly enlarged. Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Woodland, and the large cities in the United States must hear the message of truth. Go forward. God will work with great power if you will walk in all humility of mind before Him. It is not faith to talk of impossibilities. Nothing is impossible with God. The light of the binding claims of the law of God is to test and prove the world.... ’
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 11)
“In my last vision I was shown that we should have a part to act in California in extending and confirming the work already commenced. I was shown that missionary labor must be put forth in California, Australia, Oregon, and other territories far more extensively than our people have imagined, or ever contemplated and planned. I was shown that we do not at the present time move as fast as the opening providence of God leads the way. I was shown that the present truth might be a power in California if the believers in the message would give no place to the enemy in unbelief and selfishness, but would concentrate their efforts to one object—the upbuilding of the cause of present truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 12)
“I saw that there would be a paper published on the Pacific Coast. There would be a health institute established there and a publishing house created. Time is short; and all who believe this message should feel a solemn obligation resting upon them to be disinterested workers, exerting an influence on the right side, and never by word or action be found arrayed against those who are seeking to advance the interests of God’s cause. The ideas of our brethren are altogether too narrow. They expect but little. Their faith is too small.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 13)
“A paper published on the Pacific Coast would give strength and influence to the message. The light God has given us isn’t worth much to the world unless it can be seen by being presented before them. I declare to you our vision must be extended. We see things nigh, but not afar off.”
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 14)
A Remarkable Dream
In the year 1875 I was in attendance at a camp-meeting held at Rome, New York. The Sunday services had been well attended, and several speakers had addressed the large and attentive congregations. The following night I dreamed that a young man of noble appearance came into my room immediately after I had been speaking. He said:
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 15)
“You have called the attention of the people to important subjects, which to a large number are strange and new. To some they are intensely interesting. The laborers in word and doctrine have done what they could in presenting the truth. But unless there is a more thorough effort made to fasten these impressions upon minds, your efforts will prove nearly fruitless. Satan has many attractions ready to divert the mind, and the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches all combine to choke the seed of truth sown in the heart.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 16)
“In every effort such as you are now making, much more good would result from your labors if you had appropriate reading matter ready for circulation. Tracts upon the important points of truth for the present time should be handed out freely to all who will accept them. You are to sow beside all waters.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 17)
“The press is a wonderful means to move the minds and hearts of the people. The men of the world seize the press and make the most of every opportunity to get poisonous literature before the people. If men, under the influence of the spirit of the world and of Satan, are earnest to circulate books, tracts, and papers of a corrupting nature, you should be more earnest to get reading matter of an elevating and saving character before the people....
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 18)
“God has placed at the command of His people advantages in the press, which, combined with other agencies, will be successful in extending the knowledge of the truth. Tracts, papers, and books, as the case demands, should be circulated in all the cities and villages in the land. Here is missionary work for all to engage in.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 19)
“There should be men trained for this branch of the work who will be missionaries and who will circulate publications. They should be men of good address who will not repulse others or be repulsed. This is a work which would warrant men to give their whole time and energies as the occasion demands.... God has committed to His people great light. This is not for them to selfishly enjoy alone, but to let its rays shine forth to others who are in the darkness of error.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 20)
“You are not as a people doing one-twentieth part of what might be done in spreading the knowledge of the truth. Very much more can be accomplished by the living preacher with the circulation of papers and tracts than by the preaching of the Word alone without the publications. The press is a powerful instrumentality, which God has ordained to be combined with the energies of the living preacher, to bring the truth before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples.”
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 21)
To our canvassers I would say, Pray, O pray for a deeper experience. Go forth with your hearts softened and subdued by a study of the precious truths which God has given us for this time. Drink freely of the water of salvation, that it may be in your hearts as a living spring, flowing forth to refresh souls ready to perish. God will then give wisdom to enable you to impart aright. He will make you channels for communicating His blessings. He will help you to reveal His attributes by imparting to others the wisdom and understanding that He has imparted to you.
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 22)
May the Lord open your minds to comprehend this subject in its length and breadth, and may you realize your duty to represent the character of Christ by patience, courage, and steadfast integrity. If you take these principles with you into the canvassing field, you will be respected, and many will believe the truth you advocate, because your daily life is a bright light, which gives light to all that are in the house. Even your enemies, as much as they war against your doctrines, will respect you; and when you have gained this much, your simple words will have power and will carry conviction to hearts
(25LtMs, Lt 3, 1913, 23)
Lt 5, 1913
Workers in the Message St. Helena, California February 20, 1913 This letter is published in entirety in RH 06/19/1913. To the Workers in the Message:
Last night I seemed to be in earnest conversation with some of our brethren who seemed to be unable to take a broad view of the work that God desired them to do. Some in their efforts were going beyond that which was wise and prudent, while others were falling short of that which was required of them. I was trying to make these brethren understand the necessity of carrying the work forward intelligently, so that one worker would not tear down the work that another was endeavoring to build up.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 1)
This morning after dressing, I began to look over a collection of manuscripts that lay on my office table. The first on which my eye fell was one in which were laid down principles that lie at the foundation of all successful efforts for souls—principles that every worker needs prayerfully and carefully to study. Again and again I have been impressed to write that which, if studied under the direction of the Holy Spirit, would enable our brethren to take right views of their privileges and responsibilities. But unless these principles are so studied, they cannot be worked out in the experience. Unless there is a united drawing with God, unless those in positions of leadership lift up their hearts to heaven, confessing their defects of character, and pleading for help to reach a higher standard, they will not discern their own spiritual needs or strive successfully for higher attainments.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 2)
Because a worker does not see the importance of a fellow worker’s efforts, he should not pull back and make the work go hard. Every laborer should now be working with zeal and energy, pressing onward and upward. There should be no such thing as backsliding from the light that has guided us for so many years. God is calling upon His people to reach a higher standard of spirituality, to work unitedly. Much of the work being accomplished in the cause of present truth would require not more than half the labor than it now demands if the workers would come unitedly to the help of the Lord, lending their courage and zeal, their faith and influence, to the building up of whatever enterprise is called for.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 3)
A sad mistake is made when workers take up some work that God has not set them and carry it forward as if that were the plan of the Lord. The result is disappointment; and when the realization comes that they have been in error, it is often the case that the workers fall into discouragement and go off on a line that leads directly away from the reformations that God desires to see wrought.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 4)
There is a great work to be done, and we do not half realize its sacredness or appreciate its uplifting influence on the lives that are yielded to its fashioning. We are to learn to take God at His word, for thus only can we carry out His purposes. There should be no holding back on the part of any. With all the light that has been given us, we cannot truthfully say, “We did not understand His will.” Let there be a drawing together, everyone lifting in spiritual lines. Let us manifest a Godlike earnestness of purpose instead of taking an attitude of careless indifference. The indifference manifested by some discourages those who are trying to do faithful work.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 5)
Not all are pursuing a course of indifference. There are some who are reviewing their past mistakes and are learning from these mistakes the lessons that God would teach them. They are making close examination of self. These workers are studying their own lives in the light of Christ’s perfect example and are becoming changed into the same image.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 6)
Our ministers have some experiences to gain that have not yet been gained, standards to reach higher than those yet attained. They have lessons to learn of personal ministry for souls. There is a special work to be done for the newly converted. Do not think when these have embraced the doctrines of the message that you can leave them there. Many have thus been left in spiritual darkness; they know not how to go forward. Go to these souls. Pray with them; lift them up. Do not rest until you see that they are striving to reach the standard that God’s Word sets for His children.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 7)
We talk much about the truth; but unless we live the truth, unless we ourselves are reaching its standard, and helping others to reach it, our work will not have the approval of heaven.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 8)
We do not realize how untiring are Satan’s efforts to sap our spirituality. He is working mightily that the people of God may be only half converted. Then self will swell to large proportions, and there will be no revelation to the world of the transforming power of God. If this power does not rest upon God’s people and move them to sanctified action, they cannot do the work in the earth that He has shown us must be done. Without this power they will not realize their responsibility as His representatives in a world of unbelief.
(25LtMs, Lt 5, 1913, 9)
Lt 7, 1913
Those Assembled in General Conference “Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California May 4, 1913 This letter is published in entirety in TM 513-515. To Those Assembled in General Conference Greeting! My dear Brethren:
“Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” [2 Corinthians 1:2-4.]
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 1)
“Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.” [2 Corinthians 2:14, 15.]
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 2)
“We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” [2 Corinthians 4:5-7.]
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 3)
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” [Verses 16-18.]
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 4)
It is the privilege of our representative men in attendance at the General Conference to cherish a spirit of hopefulness and courage. My brethren, the Saviour has revealed Himself to you in manifold ways; He has filled your heart with the sunlight of His presence while you have labored in distant lands and in the home land; He has kept you through dangers seen and unseen; and now, as you meet once more with your brethren in council, it is your privilege to be glad in the Lord and to rejoice in the knowledge of His sustaining grace. Let His love take possession of mind and heart. Guard against becoming overwearied, careworn, depressed. Bear an uplifting testimony. Turn your eyes away from that which is dark and discouraging, and behold Jesus, our great Leader, under whose watchful supervision the cause of present truth, to which we are giving our lives and our all, is destined to triumph gloriously.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 5)
The attitude that our representative men maintain during the conference will have a telling influence upon all throughout the field, as well as upon the delegates themselves. O let it be seen, my brethren, that Jesus is abiding in the heart, sustaining, strengthening, comforting. It is your privilege to be endowed from day to day with a rich measure of His Holy Spirit and to have broadened views of the importance and scope of the message we are proclaiming to the world. The Lord is willing to reveal to you wondrous things out of His law. Wait before Him with humility of heart. Pray most earnestly for an understanding of the times in which we live, for a fuller conception of His purpose, and for increased efficiency in soul-saving.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 6)
Often in the night season I am bidden to urge our brethren in responsible positions to make earnest effort to follow on to know the Lord more perfectly. When our workers realize as they should the importance of the times in which we live, there will be seen a determined purpose to be on the Lord’s side, and they will become in truth laborers together with God. When they consecrate heart and soul to the service of God, they will find that an experience deeper than any they have yet obtained is essential if they would triumph over all sin.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 7)
It will be well for us to consider what is soon to come upon the earth. This is no time for trifling or self-seeking. If the times in which we are living fail to impress our minds seriously, what can reach us? Do not the Scriptures call for a more pure and holy work than we have yet seen?
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 8)
Men of clear understanding are needed now. God calls upon those who are willing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit to lead out in a work of thorough reformation. I see a crisis before us, and the Lord calls for His laborers to come into line. Every soul should now stand in a position of deeper, truer consecration to God than during the years that have passed.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 9)
During the General Conference of 1909, a work should have been done in the hearts of those in attendance that was not done. Hours should have been given up to heart-searching that would have to the breaking up of the fallow ground of the hearts of those who are at the meeting. This would have given them insight to understand the work so essential to be done by them in repentance and confession. But though opportunities were given for confession of sin, for heartfelt repentance, and for a decided reformation, thorough work was not done. Some felt the influence of the Holy Spirit and responded, but all did not yield to this influence. The minds of some were running in forbidden channels. Had there been on the part of all in the assembly a humbling of the heart, there would have been manifested a wonderful blessing.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 10)
For a number of months after the close of that meeting, I bore a heavy burden and urged upon the attention of the brethren in responsibility those things which the Lord was instructing me to set before them plainly. Finally some of those in positions of trust in connection with the general work, after much prayer and careful study of the various messages given, ventured to undertake by faith the work called for—a work they could not fully understand; and as they went forward in the fear of God, they received rich blessing.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 11)
It has brought great rejoicing to my heart to see the marvelous transformations that have been wrought in the lives of some who thus chose to advance by faith in the way of the Lord rather than to follow a way of their own choosing. Had those brethren in responsibility continued to view matters in a false light, they would have created a condition of things that would sadly have marred the work; but when they heeded the instruction that was sent, and sought the Lord, God brought them into the full light and enabled them to render acceptable service and to bring about spiritual reformations. When the Lord sets His hand to prepare the way before His ministers, it is their duty to follow where He directs. He will never forsake or leave in uncertainty those who follow His leading with full purpose of heart.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 12)
“I rejoice,” my brethren, “that I have confidence in you in all things.” [2 Corinthians 7:16.] And while I still feel the deepest anxiety over the attitude that some are taking toward important measures connected with the development of the cause of God in the earth, yet I have strong faith in the workers throughout the field and believe that as they meet together and humble themselves before the Lord and consecrate themselves anew to His service, they will be enabled to do His will. There are some who do not even now view matters in the right light, but these may learn to see eye to eye with their co-workers and may avoid making serious mistakes by earnestly seeking the Lord at this time and by submitting their will wholly to the will of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 13)
I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement—a work of revival—going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line, responding to God’s call. My brethren, the Lord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His voice? Shall we not trim our lamps and act like men who look for their Lord to come? The time is one that calls for light-bearing, for action.
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 14)
“I therefore ... beseech you” brethren, “that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” [Ephesians 4:1-3.]
(25LtMs, Lt 7, 1913, 15)
Lt 9, 1913
White, J. E.; White, Emma Sanitarium, California May 7, 1913 Portions of this letter are published in 11MR 23. My dear children Edson and Emma:
I must send you a few lines today. I should be very glad to see you, and I hope that you will make us a visit after the conference. We have a roomy house and can make you comfortable. I think you would both enjoy the climate of this place and that a stay here would prove a blessing to you healthwise.
(25LtMs, Lt 9, 1913, 1)
I earnestly hope that you will come. You may have suggestions to make, as you counsel with us, that will help us in our plans for the future.
(25LtMs, Lt 9, 1913, 2)
Willie is now on his way to the conference. He expects to stay through the entire session. I shall not attend. I desire to save my strength for the work here that is essential to be done.
(25LtMs, Lt 9, 1913, 3)
I have a company of faithful workers who are helping to prepare matter for the press. They are of good courage, and look on the bright side. We are doing our best to gather together the precious instruction that the people need.
(25LtMs, Lt 9, 1913, 4)
I cannot write more today; for I am weary and my eyes trouble me.
(25LtMs, Lt 9, 1913, 5)
Hoping to see you soon.
(25LtMs, Lt 9, 1913, 6)
Lt 10, 1913
White, W. C. St. Helena, California June 1913 Previously unpublished. W. C. White My dear son Willie White:
We are trying to do our best. I have not of late taken a part in public meetings but a few times. My courage is good. The writings, preparing selections and private talks, I have given whenever I have felt it essential. I spoke to quite a company on your premises at the foot of the hill. I was sustained. Elder Spalding was much pleased. There was a goodly number gathered. I stepped out of the carriage and spoke about three quarters of an hour and was not wearied. The Lord blessed the word spoken.
(25LtMs, Lt 10, 1913, 1)
I am encouraged that I can do this. There was quite a gathering. I had freedom of speech. I am encouraged to follow up this kind of work. It is now we need to be wide-awake. I shall now do more speaking. I shall not attempt to do much writing, but say to all I am grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace. I am of good courage in the Lord.
(25LtMs, Lt 10, 1913, 2)
I have spoken to the St. Helena church and without inconvenience. They were highly pleased. It gives me courage and hope. I spoke three quarters of an hour with perfect freedom. Young and old seemed to be deeply interested. I shall not withhold my testimony. I will do my best and not withhold words of encouragement. I have a message for our people, and I shall surely have strength and clearness of utterance. Let our words be wise and well chosen. I am of good courage in the Lord. I would, if the Lord will signify my duty, go forward. I write these few lines to you, my son; be of good courage in the Lord, “Fear not,” neither be discouraged. The Lord is to be your helper. We are not to look on the dark side. I am of good courage in the Lord. I have to venture some things, but we are every one to be encouraged, looking unto Jesus. We shall shine in His light and ever trust in the Lord.
(25LtMs, Lt 10, 1913, 3)
Lt 11, 1913
White, J. E.; White, Emma St. Helena, California August 28, 1913 Portions of this letter are published in 2MR 254; 11MR 23; 6Bio 393-394, 396. Dear children Edson and Emma:
Never was there a time when the Lord was not filled with compassion for any soul who turns to Him in repentance, humbling himself and confessing his mistakes. There is a hand stretched out to save. Let your faith take hold understandingly and determinedly. Relief will come. Be not discouraged. Press your way to the receiving of the blessing. “Ask, and it shall be given unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] Offer your petitions in simplicity, and believe that you receive the things that you so much need.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 1)
I am more than pleased to be able to write to you, and I am thankful that you have so good a place as a home. I can write only s short letter today, but I must tell you that I am of good courage and that I believe the Lord will hear the prayers offered in Emma’s behalf. I bid you to be of good courage in the Lord. In the night season I am viewing the scenes of the times in which we are living, and I am charged to speak words of faith to those who love the Lord. Though pressed with difficulties, we are still to be of good courage. We are to read from the Scriptures the words that the Lord has given for our hope and encouragement.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 2)
I am glad that I can communicate with you by letter; but Edson, why should we not communicate in speech? I am very much desirous that if possible you shall both make us a visit. I wish to see you, and I hope that you would both be helped by a stay here. I long to see you; I assure you that I have not lost my interest in you. If you will come to us, we shall do our best to help you.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 3)
I greatly desire to see you both taking a decided stand to be wholly on the Lord’s side. Edson, you have need to come to the light and to gather to yourself every ray of divine light possible. You know the truth, and your special testimony is needed. God calls upon you to make earnest and continuous efforts to proclaim the truth wherever you are.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 4)
Again I ask you to come to us if you can. We are close to the St. Helena Sanitarium, where Emma could stay if necessary, and her treatment need cost you nothing. I am burdened to do the very best that I can for you.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 5)
Willie and his family are well. His twin boys are busy workers. They have recently purchased an automobile, and yesterday I took my first ride in it. It is the easiest machine that I have ever ridden in.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 6)
I am as well as could be expected. I have no suffering. I am getting old, but I am doing all that I can to honor and glorify God. I have a deep interest in the work in Portland, Maine, and also in the work in Nashville, a place which has been distinctly pointed out to me.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 7)
We are to help people where and when they need help. During the past few months I have not done much letter writing; for I have wished to keep my strength for the reading of important matter in my book work. I have with me an excellent company of workers, men and women who are as true as steel to principle, and whose entire interests are bound up with this work. My faith has increased as I have tried to do my best to complete my writings. I have a great desire to bring before the people the instruction that the Lord has given me for them. I thank Him that He has placed in connection with me workers whom I can trust and who can help me.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 8)
I have a longing desire to see you. I am not sick, and yet I know not how soon my life may close. I am not cast down or despondent. It is no time now to despond. I very much wish that you could visit us, but if this cannot be, we shall try to be reconciled.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 9)
In much love.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 10)
P.S. Dear children Edson and Emma, I want to see you; and if you cannot arrange to meet us, I shall endeavor to arrange to meet you. In my old age it is not convenient for me to travel, but I think I shall venture, if necessary, to meet you soon. My appetite is good, and I eat the most simple food. Lately I have been enjoying the sweet corn; it is delicious. If you come to visit us, I shall have some prepared for you and will be pleased to see you enjoy it as much as I do.
(25LtMs, Lt 11, 1913, 11)
Lt 13, 1913
White, J. E.; White, Emma “Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California December 4, 1913 Portions of this letter are published in 2MR 255; 6Bio 380-381, 401. Dear children Edson and Emma:
It would be a great pleasure for me to see you and talk with you. You are both very dear to me, and I wish you might make me a visit. But I shall not urge this upon you at the risk of any loss or inconvenience to you yourselves. I do not want you to make the journey contrary to your own best judgment. If you feel that you cannot come, I shall not complain, but shall say, The will of the Lord be done.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 1)
As I have written you before, I am very well situated here. Our house is comfortable, and the climate is good. We have water of the best quality, which comes from a good spring on the hillside.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 2)
I am fairly well healthwise, not suffering much pain; but I realize that old age is reminding me that I am mortal. My book work is still taking my time, and I am trying to finish my work with joy and not with grief. I have not lost my courage. The Lord is my helper, and day by day He sustains and blesses me. My hope and trust are in Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 3)
If it be possible, I should like to bear my message once more in several places in the East. My work is not yet done; no, no. I have a message to bear to the people.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 4)
This morning I had an interview with several ministers who have been long in the work. The Lord gave me important instruction for them and a message of encouragement. I thank Him that they appreciated the words spoken.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 5)
December 12—
I have just picked up this unfinished letter, and will add a little, and then send it to you. I am still doing well healthwise. We are having a great blessing in the plenteous rain that has been falling at intervals for about a month. This rain was greatly needed. Today the sky is cloudy, but the sun breaks through now and then and gives us good greeting.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 6)
My children, I want you to be of good courage. The Lord is soon to come, and we may be among those who greet Him with joy, having overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Lay up your treasure where it can never be destroyed. Do not forget that you are striving for a crown of life. Let us fight the good fight of faith, refusing to give Satan the advantage on one point. Through earnest effort we may gain the victory.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 7)
Let us daily, dear children, press the battle to the gates. I entreat you both to watch and pray and trust. Step by step move forward in living faith. Put your trust in the Lord. Have faith every day—true, living faith. Never fail or become discouraged.
(25LtMs, Lt 13, 1913, 8)