Collins, Gilbert; Collins, Deborah Refiled as Lt 7, 1849.
Lt 4, 1850
Collins, Brother and Sister Oswego, New York February 18, 1850 Portions of this letter are published in 1MR 31; 5MR 91; 6MR 339. See also Annotations. Dear Bro. and Sister Collins:
We were very glad to hear from you that you were striving to be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. Be bold in the cause of God. Do not falter. God loves bold soldiers and they will get the victory. O how good is the Lord to us! Can we doubt His goodness for a moment? No, no. His watchful care has been over us or we should have fallen out by the way.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1850, 1)
We do not want you to feel, Brother Collins, that you cannot write us unless you can send us some money. No, no. Write us. We are just as glad to hear from you as though you sent us ever so much money. The way is now fully open for James to go forward in publishing the Present Truth. We love you and love to hear from you. We should have written you before but we have had no certain abiding place, but have traveled in rain, snow and blow with the child from place to place. I could not get time to answer any letters and it took all James’ time to write for the paper and get out the hymn book. We do not have many idle moments. Now we are settled, I can have more time to write.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1850, 2)
Do not let the suggestions of Satan hold you down. Be of good cheer. The Lord is coming to reward His faithful children. Be diligent to make your calling and election sure.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1850, 3)
Let us not rest unless we have the abiding witness that our ways please God. Souls are coming out upon the truth all around here. They are those who have not heard the Advent doctrine and some of them are those who went forth to meet the Bridegroom in 1844, but since that time have been deceived by false shepherds until they did not know where they were or what they believed.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1850, 4)
Much love to the children and yourselves.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1850, 5)
James has gone to the Office.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1850, 6)
In haste.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1850, 7)
Lt 6, 1850
Rhodes, Br. Refiled as Lt 10, 1851.
Lt 8, 1850
Hastings, Arabella Centerport, New York August 4, 1850 This letter is published in entirety in 19MR 129-132.+ See also Annotations. Dear Sister Arabella [Hastings],
This is the first opportunity I have had to write you since we left you. We have been traveling just as fast as we could go since we left your place. We have not allowed ourselves time to rest or hardly time to sleep. We have felt that the King’s business required haste, that what we did must be done quickly. God gave us a victorious time on our journey. The truth triumphed. I will not write the particulars of our journey for you will have it in the paper.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 1)
The Lord showed me that he, James, must take the testimonies that the leading Adventists published in 1844 and republish them and make them ashamed. He is now doing that work. Then the Lord showed me we must go east again. Last Monday evening while at Brother Lillis (Brethren Rhodes, Lillis, Edson and Harris present) I was greatly distressed for some in Israel. The burden was heavy. The brethren prayed the Lord to roll off the burden, and I was taken off in vision, a little of which I will write you.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 2)
I saw the powers of darkness were rising. Satan has come down in great power, knowing that his time is short. Said the angel, as he pointed to Israel, Art thou rising? Thou art upon the enchanted ground. Dost thou not see it? Awake and arise and put on the strength of the Lord. I was pointed back to the children of Israel in Egypt. I saw when God worked through Moses before Pharaoh the magicians came up and said they could do the same. I saw the same work was now going on in the world and among the professed churches similar to the work of the magicians anciently. I saw the power of the magicians has increased tenfold, within a few months, and it will still be on the increase and spread, and unless Israel is rising and increasing in power and strength and is growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, the powers of darkness will get the victory over them. I saw we must be constantly rising and keep the ascendency above the powers of darkness. I saw singing to the glory of God often drove the enemy, and shouting would beat him back and give us the victory. I saw there was too little glorifying God in Israel and too little child-like simplicity.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 3)
I asked the angel why there was not more power in Israel. Said he, Ye let go of the promises of God too quick. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by faith. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them. I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord and at last the cloud was seen.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 4)
I saw we had doubted and wounded the lovely Jesus by unbelief. I saw enchantment was all around us, and if Satan could get us to slumber he was sure of his prey. Said the angel, “Have faith in God.” I saw some tried too hard to believe. Faith is so simple, ye look above it. Satan tried to deceive some of the honest children and had got them looking to self to find worthiness there. I saw they must look away from self to the worthiness of Jesus and throw themselves, just as dependent and unworthy as they are, upon His mercy and draw by faith strength and nourishment from Him.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 5)
Dear sister, I have not forgotten you, although I have not written you. I have often thought of you and prayed for you and the rest of the children that you and their faith fail not. Do not mingle with the world; keep separate from them. If you mingle with them you will surely lose strength. Seek to live near to God and to hold sweet communion with Him. Be diligent to make your calling and election sure. I believe God loves you and will save you if you hold fast whereunto you have attained. Everything and everyone is coming to naught but those who have this truth in them, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Remember, sister, if you would come off victorious you must overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. We are in a glorious cause that will triumph and that will never come to naught. Eternal life we are striving for. It is not for any riches or honor in this world, but it is for a home in glory, an enduring substance the beauty of which will never wear away and its glory will never vanish. Remember the Master of the house became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. We must be willing to be despised and trodden under foot here. We are soon to be exalted to a home in glory, a treasure in the heavens. Praise the Lord, we will go through and behold Him whom our souls admire. Press, press, dear sister, to the mark of the prize. Have faith in God. Endure trials; be patient in tribulations. Pray, pray much; keep the victory above the powers of darkness.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 6)
Much love to your dear father and to your sisters and brother. Tell them to be faithful to serve God. I have often prayed for them. Tell them to pray much that their sins may be confessed upon the head of the scape goat and borne away into the land of forgetfulness. A little longer and Jesus’ work will be finished in the Sanctuary. Kiss the babe for me. Tell Charles to be a good little boy that he may meet his mother at the appearing of Jesus. My little one is with me; he knew me when I got home. I had been gone from him two months. He first looked at me, then flung his little arms around my neck. He is now very feeble, but we have prayed for him. He will be healed, I believe.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 7)
In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1850, 8)
Lt 10, 1850
Hastings, Brother Oswego, New York March 18, 1850 This letter is published in entirety in 14MR 52-54.+ See also Annotations. Dear Brother Hastings,—
I hardly know what to say to you. The news of your wife’s death was to me overwhelming. I could hardly believe it and can hardly believe it now. God gave me a view last Sabbath night which I will write.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 1)
I saw God gave Brother Bates a dream which if he had followed, he would have been with you in your wife’s distress; and if Brother Chamberlain had not been with him, he would have gone to God alone, and he would have seen by the dream and by the drawings of the Spirit that he must come directly to your house when Satan had got your wife in his grasp, and by faith in God would have wrenched her from the power of the enemy. But he leaned upon Brother Chamberlain some for duty and followed his impressions instead of the light God gave him in the dream.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 2)
I saw it was for no wrong of yours that she was taken away, but if Brother Bates had come directly to your house, she would have been rescued from the grasp of the enemy.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 3)
I saw they did wrong in afflicting the afflicted by reproving you for having the funeral on the Sabbath. I saw they had better been looking at themselves and seeing where they had erred from the path of duty that God had marked out for them to go in.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 4)
I saw that she was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the time of trouble, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in being deprived of her company. I saw her death would result in good.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 5)
I warn Arabella and the rest of the children to prepare to meet Jesus, and then they will meet their mother again never more to be parted. O children, will you heed her faithful warning that she gave you while she was with you, and let not all her prayers that she has offered up to God for you, be as water spilt upon the ground? Get ready to meet Jesus and all will be well. Give your hearts to God and do not rest a day unless you know that you love Jesus.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 6)
Dear brother, we have prayed to God to gird you up and strengthen you to sustain your loss. God will be with you and uphold you. Only have faith.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 7)
God has shown me about Brother Chamberlain that it was not his duty to travel. I saw his company was pleasant while he [was] with us, but when he was gone everything was gone. He had not left any truth from the Word of God for the mind to feast upon and had left nothing at all substantial, but everything had gone when he went. I saw he was not one of the messengers.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 8)
[The following is attached to Lt 10, 1850:] Dear Brother Hastings,
Sorrow not as those who have no hope. The grave can hold her but a little while. Hope thou in God and cheer up, dear brother, and you will meet her in a little while. We will not cease to pray for the blessings of God to rest upon your family and you. God will be your sun and your shield. He will stand by you in this your deep affliction and trial. Endure the trial well and you will receive a crown of glory with your companion at the appearing of Jesus. Hold fast truth, and you will be crowned with her with glory, honor, immortality and eternal life.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 9)
Give my love to Sister Gorham and all the saints. Much love to you and your dear children.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1850, 10)
Lt 12, 1850
Howland, Brother and Sister Centerport, New York August 15, 1850 This letter is published in entirety in 15MR 207-209. See also Annotations. Dear Bro. and Sister Howland:
I send this vision to you for you to read to the church in Topsham.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 1)
Brother Rhodes came here last Tuesday which is just one week ago today. We were glad to see him. He has just got out a new chart. It is larger than any chart I ever saw; it is very clear. We like his chart much.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 2)
My babe had been very sick for about a week. We had prayed for him and he was some better and we thought he would recover. Tuesday, P.M., James and myself went to Port Byron with Brother Rhodes. He was to take a canal boat and go on his way to Michigan. It seemed as though we could hardly let him go. We knew not why we felt so.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 3)
On our way home it seemed to me that Satan had stepped in and was troubling Edson. We found it even so; we found the child at the point of death. James took his horse and carriage and started to overtake Bro. Rhodes. He went five miles, overtook him and brought him back. That night they prayed for Edson and he has come up very fast since. Satan wanted to hinder the work of the Lord, so he afflicted the child but he was beaten back by faith in God and His name shall have the glory.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 4)
When Satan found he could not take the life of the child, he tempted me that God had left me or the child would have been healed when we first prayed for him. I sank under this temptation in despair and was so until last Sabbath evening. My heart seemed within me like lead, but God delivered me that eve and Satan’s power was broken.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 5)
The next he got hold of was Clarissa. She was sunken and discouraged. At the same time James was taken with the cholera morbus. He failed very fast until yesterday, P.M. Then he made a request for us to pray for him. Bro. Harris was gone to his work so that it only left Sister Harris, Clarissa, and Sarah and myself. We all felt unworthy to engage in the work, but we felt that the work of the Lord was hindered by his lying on a sick bed and we knew unless God should deliver him, he could not get well. He had a high fever. He had the cramp take him in his hips and extend down to his feet. His stomach was much strained by vomiting. We knew something must be done. I anointed his head and stomach and bowels in the name of the Lord, then we took hold of faith for him. Our united prayers went up to God and the answer came.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 6)
Sister Harris and Clarissa were set entirely free and they prayed God with a loud voice. The spirit caused Clarissa to laugh aloud. James was healed every whit; the great distress he had had in his head was every whit removed and he looked as though he had got the holy anointing. The fever and all pain left him and he ate and was strengthened. He walked out upon his faith, harnessed his horse and he and I went to Port Byron, one mile and a half and back. He gained strength very fast. He is quite strong today. Praise the good Lord.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 7)
When Satan found his power was completely broken upon him, he went to the child again. He waked us crying at the top of his voice. He seemed to have the colic and we went up to the chamber, anointed his stomach with oil and prayed over him, rebuked Satan and he had to flee. We heard no more from him till morning. He is quite well today but rather weak. We feel quite free from his (Satan’s) power today. He has made a desperate struggle to get some of us, but we have driven him back.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 8)
The Lord showed me some weeks ago that as James would begin to republish what the leaders had written in 1844, upon the truth, Satan would try to hinder us; but we must struggle for the victory and go on. It has been just so. He knows this work will hurt his cause and save some jewels. That is why he rages so but he is driven back.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1850, 9)
Lt 14, 1850
Bates, Sister Port Byron, New York September 1, 1850 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 351-352; 8MR 221-222. See also Annotations. Dear Sister Bates:
We received your letter dated August 26, last night. We were very glad to hear from you. We have been waiting some time to hear from you. We have not received your letter in answer to mine. Perhaps you sent it to Centerport; if you did, it went to another Centerport about 70 miles from here. There is no post office where we live. Our post office address is Port Byron, one half mile from this place. Did you send it in my name at Port Byron; if you did, it is now in the office and we can get it on the morrow. Please write us if you sent it to Centerport and we will send there for it.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 1)
We are all quite well here now. Praise the Lord. We are free. We have had a victorious time here this morn. Satan thought to have got some victory over us, but he has been driven back by faith in God.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 2)
Sister Clarissa Bonfoey was oppressed by the enemy. Her body was afflicted. Our united prayers went up to God and healing power came down. Brother Edson (who has been with us 8 days) laid hands upon her in the name of the Lord, and she was made whole and gave glory to God with a loud voice. The enemy has tried hard to take some of our lives here of late. One after another of us have been afflicted almost unto death. Had it not have been for the balm in Gilead and the Physician there, we must have perished.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 3)
The Lord shewed me some weeks before we came to this place, that we must gird on the whole armor, for we were to have a great conflict with the enemy while we were getting out the paper, for he knew the paper would hurt his cause and would be the means of strengthening the things that remain and would cause souls that were undecided to take a decided stand for God and His truth. Satan meant to hinder the work of the paper by causing sickness and distress in our company, but we laid hold of the sure promises of God. We anointed with oil in the name of the Lord and prayed over the sick and they were healed.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 4)
O what battles we have had to fight with the enemy since we commenced to get out the paper. We have had to pray, pray, pray, and have faith, faith, faith and that is all the way we have been enabled to live. I know you will rejoice with me when I tell you we have the perfect entire victory over the powers of darkness. We triumphed in God today for we have just had a rich full draught from the well of Bethlehem.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 5)
I will now write you a dream which I had about one week ago. I dreamed of being with Bro. Rhodes and James in a wagon. We were to pass a bridge covered with water. While passing it, I was much frightened for the water came into the body of the wagon. I had my babe in my arms. I came near letting him fall into the water through fright. Brother Rhodes assured me a number of times that there was no danger and that we must necessarily pass through that water that covered the bridge. After we had passed over the bridge through the water, my eyes were fixed upon something in the air that looked very strange to me. I saw angels marching through the air. They had light mantles on their shoulders that reached to their feet. And they were singing in solemn clear voices, For the great day of His wrath has come and who shall be able to stand. Their voices rung all through the air.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 6)
Brother Rhodes began to shout with a loud voice, “And shall I see Him whom my soul loveth?” James was counting the angels, and I stood trembling with fear lest I should not be able to stand. My mind ran back to my past life. I could see in it many wrongs and I could see no way that I could be saved. Just then Satan came where I was and said to me, “You are now my property. You are lost and you will go with me to the dark regions.”
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 7)
My feelings I cannot describe to you. I was filled with anguish unutterable. I knew that Jesus was all my joy and to be separated from Him was more than I could endure. And at the same time, I felt unworthy to be with the lovely Jesus. While I was thus in awful perplexity, one of the angels that was marching through the air, came where I was and said to Satan, “She is not your property. She has been redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus. She is the purchase of His blood and He will save her.” Then the enemy fled and my heart was filled to overflowing with thankfulness and praise to God. I saw the saints, that their garments would change and they would receive the mantle and their faces would light up as they would meet the angels in the air.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 8)
I looked around and saw some sleeping. O how I felt as I saw some who now profess to be with us asleep as I saw them. I said, “Poor souls. They have heard of Jesus’ coming and that the day of His wrath was very soon to come, but as time went on a little longer than they expected it would, they have lost their interest. Stupidity has crept over them and now they slumber never to awake again. They ought to have watched and then they would have seen the angels.” This dream has made a great impression on my mind. I hope it will cause me to double my diligence and to make my calling and election sure.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 9)
If ever there was need of watching, it is now. Satan’s host is arrayed against us and we must have the whole armor buckled tight about us or the darts of the enemy will hit us. Above all, we must take the shield of faith whereby we shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. Satan has great power and we must have living, abiding faith in God or the powers of darkness will get the ascendency over us and Satan will triumph. We will be free and we must be free in order to glorify God.
(1LtMs, Lt 14, 1850, 10)
Lt 16, 1850
Collins, Br-Sr. Extract from Lt 4, 1850.
Lt 18, 1850
Hastings, Brother and Sister Oswego, New York January 11, 1850 This letter is published in entirety in 19MR 128. + See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Hastings,
I will take time to write you a few lines. I earnestly desire to see you. I pray God to bless and sanctify you. I felt today the necessity of being all, all ready, that when the time of trouble such as never was, shall come, we may be hid. O my Brother and Sister, I wish all of God’s people could get a sight of it as God has shown it me. The work of the Lord is going on. SOULS are coming into the truth and soon the work will be all done. Keep up good courage, hope in God, let nothing weigh thee down. We have the truth. We know it. Praise the Lord. I saw yesterday our work was not to the shepherds who have rejected the former messages, but to the honest deceived who are led astray. I saw the (false) shepherds would soon be fed with judgment. Let the truth come out everywhere we go, the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God. Cheer up. There are better days coming.
(1LtMs, Lt 18, 1850, 1)
My love to your dear children. Tell them for me to have their lives hid with Christ in God, to have their hearts wholly given to God that they may be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger. Pray for us and do write us and let us know how you get along. I am in haste or I would write more. Babe is cutting teeth and it takes nearly all of my time to take care of him just now.
(1LtMs, Lt 18, 1850, 2)
Love to Sister Gorham, Bro. Gardener, and all the saints in New Ipswich.
(1LtMs, Lt 18, 1850, 3)
Your sister in hope.
(1LtMs, Lt 18, 1850, 4)
Lt 20, 1850
Hastings, Br-Sr. January 3, 1850 A letter by James White.
Lt 22, 1850
Hastings, Br. January 10, 1850 A letter by James White.
Lt 24, 1850
Hastings, Br-Sr. Refiled as Lt 18, 1850.
Lt 26, 1850
Loveland, Brother and Sister Paris, Maine November 1, 1850 This letter is published in entirety in 15MR 210-213. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Loveland:
We received your very kind letter here at Paris yesterday, enclosing the ten, for which we thank you.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 1)
We are all enjoying quite good health and have had some sweet seasons of late. How good it is to have a God that we can go to, and tell our wants to Him; and He like a tender parent supplies our wants, and in sickness He is our Physician and will undertake our case and heal us every whit. Should we not rejoice and glorify our God?
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 2)
Since we last wrote you, we have been to Fairhaven to attend a conference there. Brother Bates was present. We had quite an interesting meeting. James baptized two. Both were filled with the Holy Spirit.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 3)
Monday we returned to Dorchester where our dear Brother Nichols and family live. There in the night God gave me a very interesting vision, the most of which you will see in the paper. God shewed me the necessity of getting out a chart. I saw it was needed and that the truth made plain upon tables would effect much and would cause souls to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 4)
Thursday we left Dorchester for Topsham, Maine. Friday, Brother Howland’s family and my little boy went with us to Gorham to spend the Sabbath with our parents. Found them strong in the faith. We had a good season with them. We parted with them Sunday sorrowful, because we were obliged to part, but rejoicing that we were of one faith and that soon we should meet if faithful, never more to part.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 5)
You write of trials. We should be glad to know what they are that we may understand your cases and may know how to sympathize with you. We love you and your little band and should love to see you much, but do not expect to at present. We shall stay here at Paris some little time. James is now getting out a paper here. It is an excellent place to get out the paper.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 6)
Now do write and tell me if there is anything in your place that prevents your rising. God wants His people to rise and get the victory over the powers of darkness. Be free and free indeed, the fountain is full and free. Let us drink and do not let the enemy prevent us from drawing sap and nourishment from Jesus, the living vine. Let us not rest unless we know that our lives are hid with Christ in God. We must have daily the full assurance that we are accepted of Him. If we have, all is well. We then can come to a throne of grace with holy boldness and draw strength and glory from the sanctuary and be triumphant in God. I do long for the mind that was in Christ. Day after day I discover my unlikeness to the meek and lovely Jesus. I want His fashioning hand to be laid upon me, for I would reflect the lovely image of Jesus.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 7)
At times I feel the power of God even in my flesh and yet I am not satisfied. I want to plunge deeper and deeper in the ocean of God’s love and be wholly swallowed up in Him. Be strong in God. Do not sink. My vision comes up before me and the words of the angel even now seem to ring in my ears, “Get ready, get ready, get ready. Time is almost finished, almost finished, almost finished. Cry, cry, for the arm of the Lord to be revealed, for the arm of the Lord to be revealed. Time is almost finished. What you do, ye must do quickly!”
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 8)
Much love to all of your dear band. Much love to your daughter who is not at home. Tell her she will have to wade through deep waters but God is with her and He will strengthen and uphold her and though she passes through deep water they will not overflow her.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 9)
Love to the next oldest. (I cannot remember the names of either.) Tell her for me that she has a part to act in the cause of God, and if she would be saved she must overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of her testimony. Tell her not to hold back and get barrenness to her soul, but take a part in your little social meetings and she will get great strength to her soul and will not be a clog in the meetings. Tell her to be strong and faint not by the way.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 10)
Much love to dear Brother and Sister Heath. I should love to see them much, and talk over the glorious hope that we have and of soon coming into possession of a far more and exceeding eternal weight of glory. Tell them to be valiant for the truth and keep up good courage and all of your little band. It is as the garden of Eden before us and a desolate wilderness behind us. Tell them to press, press their way to the Kingdom.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 11)
James would write some but he is now writing at the same table for the paper. He sends love to Brother and Sister Loveland and your children and all of the band. I have written this in great haste.
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 12)
In hope of the speedy redemption at the voice of [God].
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 13)
Write Often!!! E. G. White
We have received an excellent letter from Brother Rhodes. He is valiant for the truth and God has been making him mighty. Many souls have been brought into the truth through his labors. Today we received an excellent letter from Brother Bates. He is still in Fairhaven. E. G. White
(1LtMs, Lt 26, 1850, 14)
Lt 28, 1850
Church in Brother Hastings’ House Paris, Maine November [27], 1850 This letter is published in entirety in 16MR 206-209.+ See also Annotations. To the Church in Bro. Hastings’ house Dear Friends:
I have neglected writing you for some time. I will now give my reasons. First, I had no time to write for weeks after I received Sister Arabella’s kind and welcome letter, or I should have complied with her request to have answered it within two weeks. I liked the letter very much. We were all interested in the letter and hope my delay will not prevent you from answering this as soon as you read it and I will not wait so long next time.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 1)
James’ and my health is quite good now. Our home is in Paris, at Brother Andrews’, within a few steps of the Post Office and Printing Office. We shall stay here some little time. This is a very kind family, yet quite poor. Everything here is free as far as they have. We do not think it right to be any expense to them while here. I want to see you all very much and dear Sister Gorham.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 2)
Our conference at Topsham was one of deep interest. Twenty-eight were present; all took part in the meeting.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 3)
Sunday the power of God came upon us like a mighty rushing wind. All arose upon their feet and praised God with a loud voice; it was something as it was when the foundation of the house of God was laid. The voice of weeping could not be told from the voice of shouting. It was a triumphant time; all were strengthened and refreshed. I never witnessed such a powerful time before.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 4)
Our next Conference was in Fairhaven. Brother Bates and wife were present. It was quite a good meeting. On our return to Brother Nichols’, the Lord gave me a vision and shewed me that the truth must be made plain upon tables and it would cause many to decide for the truth by the three angels’ messages with the two former being made plain upon tables.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 5)
I also saw it was as necessary for the paper to be published as for the messengers to go, for the messengers need a paper to carry with them, containing present truth to put in the hands of those that hear and then the truth would not fade from the mind, and that the paper would go where the messengers could not go. Other things I saw which will appear in the paper.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 6)
How do you all get along? Are you all striving for eternal life? I want to see you very, very much and think I shall before long. Now is the preparation time and I hope we shall all make sure work for eternity. Time looks very short and what we do we must do quickly.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 7)
Nov. 20, one week ago, Brother Henry Nichols and self went to Topsham. We had just risen from the dinner table Thursday, when one of Bro. Foey’s children came in and said their mother was insensible. We hastened over the river one mile and found our dear Sister Foey dying. My distress was great as I found she did not know me. She continued long in great distress until between three and four o’clock and then breathed her last. She has left a husband and three children to mourn her loss.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 8)
Friday morning, Brother Henry came to Paris for James to shave him to attend the funeral. We had a very solemn interesting time. The Lord did not leave us but let His Spirit rest upon us. Sister Foey’s last days were decidedly her most spiritual and best days. Brother Foey has this to console him that she died a Christian. He bears up well. God gives him grace to endure the affliction. O how good it is to have a hope in God that will sustain in all scenes of trial and affliction. Praise God for a hope, a good hope. What would you, any of you give for your hope?
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 9)
Hold fast the faith. Be strong in God and lean upon His everlasting arm. It will never fail you but will bear you up under every affliction. I hope you will all grow stronger and stronger in the truth. Do not falter but press your way to the kingdom.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 10)
One week ago, last Sabbath, we had a very interesting meeting. Brother Hewit from Dead River was there. He came with a message to the effect that the destruction of the wicked and the sleep of the dead was an abomination within a shut door that a woman Jezebel, a prophetess, had brought in and he believed that I was that woman, Jezebel. We told him of some of his errors in the past, that the 1335 days were ended and numerous errors of his. It had but little effect. His darkness was felt upon the meeting and it dragged.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 11)
I felt that I must say a few words. In the name of Jesus, I got up and in about five minutes the meeting changed. Every one felt it at the same instant. Every countenance was lighted up. The presence of God filled the place. Brother Hewit dropped upon his knees and began to cry and pray. I was taken off in vision and saw much that I cannot write. It had a great effect on Bro. Hewit. He confessed it was of God and was humbled in the dust. He has been writing ever since that meeting and is now writing from the same table renouncing all his errors that he has advanced. I believe God is bringing him up and he is calculated to do good, if God moves through him.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 12)
Much love to dear Sister Gorham. Tell her to be strong. God is with her and He will not leave her. Much love to you all. I hope the children will not get sleepy, but will be interested in the truth and be diligent to make their calling and election sure. Write, be sure and write and do not do as I have done. I love you, all of you. Write.
(1LtMs, Lt 28, 1850, 13)
Lt 30, 1850
Loveland, Brother and Sister Paris, Maine December 13, 1850 Portions of this letter are published in 1MR 31-32; 4MR 270; 5MR 226; 6MR 252; 8MR 223; 9MR 98-99. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Loveland:
We have waited some time for an answer to our last, but as none comes we write again fearing you have not received it. We are all quite well in body and tolerable free in mind. We have trials, I assure you, with all the people of God and we have made up our minds for them, but let come what will we are determined to tread the narrow thorny pathway.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 1)
Our last conference was one of deep interest. Two were dug from beneath the rubbish. The present truth was presented in its clear light and it found way [to] the hearts of the erring. Before the meeting closed all were upon their knees, some were crying for mercy that had been cold hearted and indifferent, others were begging for a closer walk with God and for salvation. It was a powerful time as I ever witnessed; the slaying power of God was in our midst. Shouts of victory filled the dwelling. The saints here seem to be rising and growing in grace and the knowledge of the truth.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 2)
Are you free in Johnson? Does God manifest Himself to you? Are the dead weights shaken off? You, of course, have nothing to do with Terry; do not have him in your house. There is something about that man, black, that he did not confess at the conference. He is unclean, unholy in the sight of God and if you have him in your house you will be unclean because he is a dead body. The power of Satan is very great and Terry will make a complete agent for Satan to work through to destroy you all. He may appear to break down and be humble but it is forever too late for him. God shewed me at the conference that the last ray of light was taken from him and that He would visit him with His judgments. Cut loose entirely from every dead weight and every fornicator.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 3)
O what a time this is! O, how carefully do we need to walk before God! Time is almost finished. O, do, do be free. Make one mighty struggle for victory and you will have it. I warn all of you to ply the oar and every one row his own boat up stream. The wind and tide is against us. Multitudes are going down stream, and we if we enter the port of glory must press our way through the multitudes and row for our life (eternal life) up stream. Will we row? One cannot row another’s boat. We must strive for heaven with all our might. Every one has a part to act and something to do in the cause of God. None of you should keep silent in your meetings. Surely every one who has tasted of the powers of the world to come can say something in honor of the lovely Jesus. Eternal life we are striving for. Shall we get discouraged? No, no. The riches of Eden are before us and we must pass through the strait if we would enter the wide. Let us double our diligence to make our calling and election sure. Victory, victory, will be ours if we endure a little longer. I do beg and pray to be more like Jesus that I may reflect His lovely image. More and more I long to be filled with all the fullness of God. It is our privilege to rejoice in a whole Saviour, One that saves us from all sin. We will not rest unless we know the length and breadth, height and depth of perfect love. I expect you are buffeted by the enemy. Do not yield one inch to him. Let faith be in lively exercise. Let it enter within the second veil and take hold upon the most excellent glory.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 4)
Dear Brother Rhodes was with us in our last conference. It was good to see his face once more and cheering to hear him talk the plain cutting truth of God from the Bible. How plain our position is: We know that we have the truth. Brother Rhodes has now gone in company with Brother John Andrews to the eastern part of the State to hunt up the scattered sheep. We have received two letters from them. God is at work and is bringing souls from the rubbish to the clear light of truth. We have received cheering letters from different places. God is with Israel.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 5)
I had the privilege of being with my oldest boy two weeks. He is a lovely-dispositioned boy. He became so attached to his mother, it was hard to be separated from him; but as our time is all employed in writing and folding and wrapping papers, I am denied the privilege of having his company. My other little one is many hundred miles from me. Sometimes Satan tempts me to complain and think my lot is a hard one, but I will not harbor this temptation. I should not want to live unless I could live to do some good to others. I want all self to die. I have this consolation that God is pleased with my sacrifice, that of offering up my children to Him. Do pray for me. I need much grace to perform my duty faithfully and deliver the straight messages that God lays upon me to deliver.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 6)
I wish I could see you. I have much I should love to say to you [but] I cannot write much. Love to your eldest daughter. Tell her to be of good courage and hope in God and His arm will hold her up and protect her from the tempter’s power. O tell her to have faith and rejoice in God. Much love to the one at home. Tell her to look to Jesus and take up her cross for unless she bears the cross she cannot wear the crown. Love to all the dear saints. Tell them to walk carefully before God, tread in the footsteps of Jesus.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 7)
When I wrote you last I was bound in spirit. I had no liberty. I could not tell the reason I was [not] free before I commenced to write. Perhaps I ought not to have written.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 8)
I hear, by the by, that Mrs. Foster has gone to live with her husband. Was she right? James and self felt that she was wrong. He told me that he could have no communion with her, neither could I; but I told him she must be good for you had perfect confidence in her. I felt that she was in the way when Brother Rhodes was healed. Do, do rid yourselves of every hindrance and go free. God wants you to be free. We love you and hope you come off victorious. Heaven is cheap enough. Look away from this dark, dark earth to the riches of Eden.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 9)
I have got a glimpse of what God is preparing for His children and it has spoiled this world for me. Everything here looks desolate and dreary. The glorious charms of heaven attract my soul above. O what could we poor mortals do without a God? We do not deserve the least of His notice. What can it be that the high and lofty One, He who taketh up the isle as a very little thing, and the nations before Him are as but a drop in the bucket; yet He condescends to us who are as the small dust of the balance? Yes, even the hairs of our head are numbered. O let us humble ourselves before the mighty God of Jacob. Thanks be to God for His goodness to such poor worms. I do love Jesus. He is my all and in all. I do love Him with my whole soul and my very being cries out after the living God. Stem the current a little longer. Press your way to the kingdom.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 10)
James sends love to you all that love God in sincerity and truth. He joins with me in the above. Pray for me.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 11)
In much love.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 12)
E. G. White
Be sure and just as soon as you get this write us all the particulars, how you are. Do not forget to answer this immediately.
(1LtMs, Lt 30, 1850, 13)
Lt 31, 1850
Nichols, Brother and Sister Paris, Maine December 1850 Previously unpublished. See also Annotations.
From a letter of Mary Nichols to Sister Collins, December 12, 1850.
(1LtMs, Lt 31, 1850, 1)
We have received a good letter from Sister Ellen. She is in Paris, Maine. She writes, “The conference there was one of deep interest. Some who had been in great error confessed their errors, and came out clear in the truth. The Spirit of the Lord fell upon a young sister present. She went to several of the children, wept over them, and asked them if they would go to heaven with her, repeating it several times, ‘Will you go with me? I am going to the Kingdom, will you go with me?’ One of them fell upon his knees on the floor, and cried out, ‘I will, I will.’ And such a scene followed as cannot be described—all fell upon their knees, some were crying for mercy, others for a closer walk with God, and some for salvation, full and free. It seemed as though Jesus Himself entered the room, and I could see Him standing at the hearts of the children, and had been waiting for entrance, until His locks were wet with the dew of night; and their hearts were so filled with pride and unbelief, that there was no room for the lovely Jesus. But at last victory was given unto us, and darkness and unbelief fled away; and some were shouting and praising God.”
(1LtMs, Lt 31, 1850, 2)