Howland, Brother and Sister Battle Creek, Michigan July 15, 1856 Portions of this letter are published in 1Bio 341-342. See also Annotations. Dear Bro. and Sister Howland:
No doubt you are wondering why Sister White does not write you, but cares, sickness, and journeying has hindered me. We returned last week from a journey of two weeks. We had a weary journey, but the Lord strengthened us. We started for our journey intending to remain four days at Hastings and then return home, but Sunday as we were going to the Court House, my husband to preach Sister Hutchinson’s funeral sermon, two Brn. met us and said they had come for us 16 miles on foot to get us to go to Bowne, that some were anxious to be baptized, and as they had only heard one (Bro. Frisbie) they wanted a new gift. They went to the Court House and the Lord gave my husband strength and liberty to talk the truth. After [the] meeting closed these two brethren then walked home from that afternoon meeting 16 miles. All their errand was to get us to go to that people. We sent an appointment for that place, then went on our way to Grand Rapids, from Grand Rapids to Bowne. Our meeting on the Sabbath was well filled, although it was in the midst of the hay harvest. We both had liberty.
(1LtMs, Lt 1, 1856, 1)
Perhaps you will have an interest to hear about these Brn. more particularly. They are only a few months in the message, they numbered 17, two strong in the faith. A physician and wife, very smart people, moved away, but before we left there were two more embraced the truth, making their number good. These brethren never heard but one man talk the truth, and they had read our publications, been convinced, and within three months 17 Sabbath keepers were raised up.
(1LtMs, Lt 1, 1856, 2)
They are substantial souls; some of them, or all, used tobacco. One Bro. had just bought two pounds; he read the piece in the Review, he laid aside his tobacco, and has tasted none since. This ought to shame those who profess the third angel’s message, and have professed it for years, yet need to be often exhorted about their tobacco. A number of these Brn. have left off the use of tobacco, and another [also] that has just been converted out from the world from being a profane man to the third angel’s message.
(1LtMs, Lt 1, 1856, 3)
Sabbath noon four were led down into the water and baptized. One sister came to be baptized, a beautiful woman, intelligent, [who] had been a school teacher for years. But for three years [she] has been a cripple, has wheels to her chair and goes round the room on these wheels and does her work in this way. James and her husband carried her into the water and there she was baptized. Not one went in so calm, and was so sweetly blest as that sister.
(1LtMs, Lt 1, 1856, 4)
Sunday two decided for the truth, and three more are thoroughly convinced. Their heart is with us, and we think they will start from that meeting to take a stand for the whole truth, notwithstanding husbands and fathers [who] stand in the way. The two that decided while we were there slept not all night. They were counting the cost and decided, come life or death, to sell all to buy the field. They were hungry souls for the truth and it was good to try to encourage them. But I must write upon something else.
(1LtMs, Lt 1, 1856, 5)
When we returned home found my little Willie sick with sore mouth and canker; he is better now but the summer complaint troubles him some. Henry is quite a large boy, does a great many errands, is a smart boy. Edson is a smart boy making good progress in reading. Henry says he sent you a letter. I would like to have seen it and corrected it some. Poor Clara, yet not poor, sleeps in the cold grave; her loss we deeply feel; it can never be made up; it was so sudden, too. That tumor broke within and she mortified immediately. My children need her care. How can I go at all? It seems to me I must be confined at home constantly. O, do move out here and then I will leave my baby with you; the best little fellow you ever saw, and when I go [I] can feel easy about him. Why don’t you come? Can’t you come? There is work enough here and it is nearly one half higher than in Topsham. It does seem that I must have you here. My health is better than it has been. My husband enjoys better health. Do write me. Why keep silent so long?
(1LtMs, Lt 1, 1856, 6)
Love to all.
(1LtMs, Lt 1, 1856, 7)
Lt 2, 1856
Everts, Br. Refiled as Lt 14, 1857.
Lt 2a, 1856
Loveland, Brother and Sister Battle Creek, Michigan January 24, 1856 Portions of this letter are published in RC 351; 1Bio 335-336; 10MR 21. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Loveland:
We received a letter from Sister Loveland. It was a sad letter, and we felt bad about things in your place.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 1)
But, dear sister, you must not sink down discouraged. The faint-hearted will be made strong; the desponding will be made to hope. God has a tender care for His people. His ear is open unto their cry. I have no fears for God’s cause. He will take care of His own cause. Our duty is to fill our lot and place, live low, humble at the foot of the cross, and live faithful, holy lives before Him. While we do this we shall not be ashamed, but our souls will confide in God with holy boldness.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 2)
God has released us from burdens; He has set us free. Ever since the conference we have been rising. Our meetings have increased in interest every Sabbath. I have been trying with all my heart to shake off the shackles that bound me. And for weeks and months I can say I have been free, and free indeed, and again I have a testimony for the children of God. I am determined to work out what God works in. Salvation I prize above everything else. My eternal interest engrosses my whole attention.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 3)
God has wrought for us in a remarkable manner since the conference. My husband has been much afflicted. Incessant labor has nearly carried him to the grave. But our prayers have ascended to God morning, noon, and night for his restoration. All medicine has been entirely laid aside, and we have brought him in the arms of our faith to our skillful Physician. We have been heard and answered. An entire change has been wrought for him. The disease has left his lungs and made its appearance upon his thighs and limbs in the shape of large red blotches, and we believe without a doubt, if he is careful of the health God has given him, his strength will increase and he will be able to overcome the disease that has fastened upon him.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 4)
Dear Sister, it would be impossible for me to go into a recital of the sufferings I have passed through, the anxiety, and the dread thought that I should be left a widow, my dear children without a father’s care. The scene has changed. God’s hand has mercifully been reached down to our rescue. My husband enjoys good health, and my children are rugged. They never enjoyed so good health before. Little Willie is healthy and very pleasant.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 5)
I never took so much comfort with my family as now. Our family has always been so large. But now we only number eight and I can enjoy the company of my children, they can be more under my own watchcare, and I can better train them in the right way. All of us are united for the blessing of God, and morning, noon, and night His sweet blessing distills upon us like the dew, making our hearts glad and strengthening us to fill our place and glorify our Redeemer.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 6)
Dear Sister, our enemies may triumph. They may speak lying words, and their slandering tongue frame slander, deceit, guile; yet will we not be moved. We know in whom we believe. We have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Jesus knows us, dear sister. A reckoning day is coming and all will be judged according to the deeds that are done in the body. My eye is fixed upon the mark of the prize, and in the strength of God I will make my way straight through here.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 7)
It is true the world is dark. Opposition may wax strong. The trifler and scorner may grow bolder and harder in his iniquity. Yet, for all this, we will not be moved. We have not run as uncertain. No, no. My heart is fixed, trusting in God. We have a whole Saviour. We can rejoice in His rich fulness. I long to be more devoted to God, more consecrated to Him. This world is too dark for me. Jesus said He would go away and prepare mansions for us, that where He is we may be also. [John 14:2.] Praise God for this. My heart leaps with joy at the cheering prospect.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 8)
Religion is made to dwell too much in an iron case. Pure religion and undefiled leads us to a childlike simplicity. We want to pray and talk with humility, having a single eye to the glory of God. There has been too much of a form of godliness without the power. The outpouring of the Spirit of God will lead to a grateful acknowledgement of the same; and while we feel and realize the wondrous love of God, we shall not hold our peace, we shall sacrifice to God with the voice of thanksgiving and make melody to Him with our hearts and voices. Let us plant our feet upon the Rock of ages and then we will have abiding support and consolation. Our soul will repose in God with unshaken confidence.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 9)
Why do we so seldom visit the fountain when it is full and free? Our souls often need to drink at the fountain in order to be refreshed and flourish in the Lord. Salvation we must have. Without vital godliness our religion is vain. A form will be of no advantage to us. We must have the deep workings of the Spirit of God. My whole soul is interested in this last message of mercy to be given to the world. We are to be purified and refined under this message.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 10)
Dear sister, do not be discouraged. God is sifting His people. He will have a clean and holy people. We cannot read the heart of man. God has not placed in man a window, that we can look into his heart and see what is there, but He has opened ways to keep the church pure and clean. A people has arisen, a corrupt people that could not live with the people of God. All their evil passions must be gratified. They had a suitable time to repent if they would, and overcome their wrongs, but no. Self was too dear to die. They nourished it and it grew strong, and they separated from the peculiar, self-denying people of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 11)
I thank God for this way that has been opened to save the church from the frown and wrath of God that must have come upon them if these corrupt individuals had remained with them. Every honest one that may be deceived by this people will have the light in regard to them if every angel has to leave glory to visit them and enlighten their minds. We have nothing to fear in this matter. As we near the judgment, all will manifest their true character and it will be made plain to what company they belong.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 12)
The sieve is going, and let us not say, Stay Thy hand, O God. We know not the heart of man. If God causes the feelings of the heart to be manifested and gives you sight of what is in the heart by the words of the mouth (by the fulness of the heart the mouth speaketh), let it not afflict your soul too much, although your hopes may be cruelly disappointed. But the church must be purged, and will be. “Fret not thyself because of evildoers.” [Psalm 37:1.] God reigns; let the people tremble.
(1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, 13)
Lt 3, 1856
Stevens, Harriet Refiled as Lt 12, 1857.
Lt 4, 1856
Friends at Home Volney, Iowa December 24, 1856 Portions of this letter are published in 1Bio 347-348. See also Annotations. Dear friends at home:
Here we are 14 miles this side of Waukon. We are all quite well. Have had rather a tedious time getting thus far. Yesterday for miles there was no track. Our horses had to plough through snow, very deep, but on we came. O such fare as we have had on this journey. Last Monday we could get no decent food and tasted not a morsel, with the exception of a small apple, from morn until night. We have most of the time kept very comfortable, but it is the bitterest cold weather we ever experienced.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 1)
We introduce our faith at every hotel we enter, and have some two or three invitations to hold meetings on our return. One landlord was the first class of society. A man of sense and influence told us our entertainment should cost us nothing if we would hold meetings there. There seems to be an interest awakened at every place we stop. We think we shall have some meetings in this place next first day.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 2)
Well how are my dear children? Jenny, keep little Willie quite close at home this bitter cold weather. Don’t let my children expose themselves. Watch their clothing. Don’t let them be warm and sweating in the house and when they go out dress them very warm. Keep their stockings patched up warm. Have each of the children learn every day a lesson. Encourage them to learn every way you can.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 3)
Have had some bad dreams about little Willie. O how thankful shall I be to see home, sweet home, again and my dear little boys, Henry, Edson and Willie.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 4)
Children, be good and love the Lord and as Jenny wishes you to mind what she tells you, as you would your mother. Be kind to each other, loving, yielding and don’t be foolish and unsteady. Be sober, read the precious Word of God. Children, be thankful for your comfortable home. We often suffer with cold, [and] cannot keep warm [even] sitting before the stove. Their houses are so cold and your mother suffers with cold in her head and teeth all the time. Wear two dresses all the time.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 5)
Right about here there seems to be a better class of people and better houses than back, but last night we slept in an unfinished chamber, the pipe running through the top of the house, and it was entirely open, a large space, big enough for a couple of cats to jump out of.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 6)
Had a long time, the brethren did, with a Presbyterian minister, dignified enough, I assure you. He had no evidence for first day and if Uriah had been here he would have laughed in his sleeve.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 7)
Pray for us. We are near the scene of conflict. I say pray for us, for God to open the way for our return, or we may be blocked in and remain all winter. Pray for the Lord to give us success.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 8)
In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1856, 9)
Lt 5, 1856
Children Volney, Iowa December 24, 1856 Copied from AY 40-41.
Lt 6, 1856
Cornell, M. E.; Palmer, D.; Kellogg, J. P. NP 1856 Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 237. See also Annotations. To Brethren Cornell, Palmer, and Kellogg:
I was pointed back to the church meeting held at Battle Creek at the time when Brother and Sister Cornell’s case was investigated. I saw that the work commenced well for Brother and Sister Cornell, but it did not go deep enough. The brethren were so rejoiced that Brother and Sister Cornell see where they erred that they did not continue their faithful warning and reproof, and our brother and sister did not continue to reach to the bottom and overcome every wrong. The enemy stepped right in, and Brother Cornell hardly felt satisfied with the course pursued by the brethren when his case was investigated.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 1)
He began to feel jealous of Brother Smith. Hard feelings crept in and he felt a repulsive feeling towards him. I saw these feelings were all wrong. I saw Brother Kellogg conversing with Brother Cornell and he was open-hearted and faithfully told him his feelings. They separated, and Brother Cornell kept turning the matter over and over in his mind. Satan made every word mean a great deal. Jealousy put a bad construction upon his motives, and from that time the work of the enemy was fully commenced to separate these brethren.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 2)
And Brother Cornell began to push Brother Kellogg. He looked back to last summer, and every word or expression was magnified and made the most of. I saw that when the conference was appointed here at Battle Creek, Brethren Kellogg and Palmer should have come, but they did not. They lost much [they] might have had, and had they attended the conference the existing trouble would have been saved.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 3)
I then saw Brother Waggoner did not move right in coming so hastily back to Jackson. The blame rested wholly upon himself, but as he was in difficulty Brethren Palmer and Kellogg should have made the best of it and taken hold to relieve his pressing necessity and not wait for particular feelings to guide them. Necessity is necessity and it must, if possible, find immediate relief.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 4)
I saw that Brother Kellogg had been observing for some time that the cause of God did not rise and progress. I saw that he had looked at Sister Angeline and considered that she was burdening her husband. I saw that when Brother Cornell felt like going to a place to labor and she did not feel reconciled to it, it was hard for her to cheerfully submit to her husband. She thought her feelings must be regarded. She had strong, wilful feelings about the matter. She had a way of her own about it, and at such times, if her wishes were not yielded to, she often had a nervous fit. All this was caused by unsubdued temper, and at such times Brother Cornell would be in doubt whether he had pursued the right course in being decided and moving according to the dictates of his own conscience, or whether he had not better have yielded to her wishes more, on account of her poor health.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 5)
His sympathies were awake at once and he has yielded his sense of duty altogether too much, and it has only fed this willful, unsubdued spirit. It is these things that are a great reason for her poor health. The only way for Angeline to get the victory over this is to govern herself and submit to God, consecrate herself to God, yield up her will and her stubborn spirit, and then these nervous fits would not occur. These things hinder the work of God and throw Brother Cornell into a state of anxiety and care, cripple his usefulness and mar the work of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 6)
These things have caused Brother Kellogg to lose confidence in Angeline, and he knew that Brother Cornell had been influenced by these things. Angeline had affected him and he looked back to the investigation at Battle Creek where the work commenced well and honestly and correctly, but did not go as thorough and deep as it ought to have gone. His confidence in Brother and Sister Cornell was shaken.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 7)
Brother Kellogg had tried to be a faithful and true steward and administer as God had prospered him. He saw no fruit of scarcely anything he had done, and settled it in his mind that he would be doubly assured that the objects of his charity should be worthy before he would impart his means to them. He became discouraged. Unbelief came in, and when Brother Palmer went to Brother Kellogg burdened, Brother Kellogg was tried. It did not look right to him. He looked at his own poor health, and almost every one of his family that could help him were invalids. He looked at his son, who had very nearly lost his life by traveling with the tent and enduring so much exposure, and he looked at Brother Palmer’s family in almost perfect health; he compared the plain manner of his wife’s and children’s clothes to the different course Sister Palmer had taken in dressing herself and children, and he felt that he was misjudged.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 8)
He could not see that he had lost the spirit of sacrifice. He gave way to his feelings, and the temptation of the enemy came in. He yielded, was hasty. He saw this afterwards, was convinced he manifested wrong feelings, and confessed it.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 9)
The proposition of Brethren Palmer and Kellogg was correct, to let this difference of opinion drop. This would have been just right. If Brother Cornell had been standing in the counsel of God how easy could he have been peacemaker and fulfil one duty of his calling. How easy then for the breach to be healed. It should have been Brother Cornell’s study, How can I help the cause of God and prevent an open rupture here? One Holy Ghost meeting would have healed the wound; but instead of healing the difficulty, Brother Cornell made a wide breach.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 10)
Then instead of the Lord’s working, Brother Cornell began to work. He was not then God’s instrument, but going at his own bidding. And, instead of feeling, Who is sufficient for these things? and with prayer and tears going to Brother Kellogg, and like a child entreating him as a father, he felt sufficient for the work. He had a self-dignity and an exalted spirit and he pushed the matter through to cut off one that was more experienced in the cause of God than himself. He was blind to his own weakness, blind to his own heart, and the sweet, melting Spirit of God was not with him.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 11)
As Brother Kellogg was pursued in this matter, he hardly knew what to make of it. He was astonished, and he gave way to his feelings and manifested a wrong spirit. I saw the work against Brother Kellogg was cruel. He had been desponding, had lost his faith and looked upon the dark side too much, and had distrusted God. But his brethren could have come in and comforted him and encouraged him and he would have overcome these feelings and when God should call upon him to aid His children he would have cheerfully assisted.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 12)
I saw that the burden that has been upon him has been almost too much for him. His children have lain near his heart and their eternal interest has been his main study, while others—who have neglected the spiritual interest of their children—are not prepared to sympathize with him in his anguish of spirit if he saw his children going astray and losing their interest in the truth. The course of his son Smith has almost crushed him, and while his heart has been sore stricken his comforters have been like Job’s. The brethren could have soothed him in his anguish, but instead of this the iron entered their hearts and he has been thrust with side and shoulder.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 13)
I saw the course of Brother Dickinson’s family in regard to Smith was most cruel and unnatural. The advice for children to disregard the special wishes of their parents—this cannot be too highly censured. I saw if God had not had a kind regard for Brother Kellogg in this time of severe trial, his mind would have strained; but God’s hand has been beneath him.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 14)
I saw that Brother Cornell had not counseled with his aged brethren as he should have done; he was too independent. Those who have brought up a family and, like Abram, have commanded them after themselves, are almost always better prepared to judge in matters of the church than young preachers. Some of the preachers have got out of their place. They have felt perfectly qualified in church matters when their own hearts were not right. I saw that Brother Cornell must die to self-dignity and must get rid of jealousy, for it is cruel as the grave.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 15)
Said the Angel, “God’s children are as the apple of His eye, and when you touch them to hurt them you touch the apple of God’s eye.” [Zechariah 2:8.] Said the Angel, “The oil and the wine have been hurt. Hurt not the oil and the wine.” [Revelation 6:6.] Said the Angel, “Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father.” [1 Timothy 5:1.] This, I saw, did not mean preachers, but aged men, those that are fathers in experience. This has been overlooked in Brother Kellogg’s case. He has been treated more like a disobedient child than a father.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 16)
I saw that with great trembling should the young preachers receive an accusation against their fellow laborers and the old hoary-headed fathers of the church. I saw there was not that weeping spirit and meek spirit among the preachers there should be. I saw that all that was required of Brother Cornell was to break all down before God, have a humble, childlike spirit, and then will he plant himself firmly in the hearts of his brethren. I saw you must be careful how you stretch out your hand to bring rebels into the camp, lest the Lord destroy you and them together. If God has honest ones among the Messenger Party that have left us, they will find enough to do to come all the way back, confessing humbly their wicked course. We must not meet them halfway. Let them make thorough work themselves, then shall we know that God has wrought for them.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 17)
In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, 18)
Lt 7, 1856
Friends in Mannsville Refiled as Lt 20, 1860.
Lt 8, 1856
Stevens, Harriet Battle Creek, Michigan January 21, 1856 Previously unpublished. See also Annotations. Dear Sister Harriet [Stevens],
I received your letter in due time but have not known what to write you. When your letters arrived, father and mother were far from us at Iowa to visit my only brother. Knew not how to have you direct the things until mother could tell me.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 1)
I am now a cripple. Fell four weeks ago today, laming myself. I injured my ankle bone considerably. I am confined to my crutches, but have reason to praise God that my limb is not broken. I know that the care of the angels was over me, or I should now be suffering with a broken limb.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 2)
There are some things I have seen in vision concerning you [that] I must write. I wrote it to Uriah and will send you a copy.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 3)
Dear Brother Uriah, in my last vision I saw particularly the position you occupy, that it was pleasing to God for you to stand as you do in regard to the paper, that the Lord would strengthen and uphold you if you walked carefully before Him, and He would make you an instrument of good to His children. In order to grow every day in grace and overcome the temptations of Satan, you must have the special help of God and you can shed a holy influence.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 4)
I saw some things that were a detriment to you or a hindrance. I was shown the communication from Harriet to you was like so many clogs to you. They lack the savor. If Harriet was baptized with the Spirit of God, if she was devoted to Him, then her letters would have a good influence, and if she enjoyed salvation, her letters would breathe it. Harriet has a good talent, but the sweet, humble, devoted, childlike spirit is lacking and without this all that talent is no more than the talent of any of the world. She lacks consecration. She lacks religion. God will not accept the thoughts of her mind unless they run in the channel of salvation, purified and refined by His Spirit.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 5)
Unless there is a work done for Harriet, she cannot be saved. A form will be of no advantage to her. If Harriet would spend a portion of her time in praying to God that she spends in writing letters, it would be much more for her benefit and the benefit of others. I saw that multitudinous letters void of the Spirit of God, sent abroad, is a curse to God’s cause and a curse [to] the one that writes them.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 6)
I saw that God had a higher, holier calling and work for you. That you should not spend your precious time in answering such letters. I saw that no station on earth is more important than [the one that] those occupy that are at the head of the paper, and write for it, and expressly who have to do with it. God has placed you there. It is an important work. Brother Uriah, you must be consecrated to God in order to fill your place and exert a holy influence. I knew not at first what to do with the vision but concluded to send it [to] you, Uriah, and also to Harriet.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 7)
Here is a vision written to Roxanna.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 8)
Dear Sister Roxanna. My mind is burdened and distressed. After the vision that was given me for you and Harriet, while you were at Rochester, I begged and prayed that it might have its designed effect upon you and Harriet, but could see no effect of a change. In the last vision given me here at Battle Creek, I saw that there had been no change. There had no more consecration or devotion. I saw that the attachment manifested there in Rochester between your mother, Harriet, and yourself was a curse to you all. This few bundling together to the neglect of others meets the frown of God instead of His approbation. It is acting out the foolish affection manifested by the world for each other. It is not sanctified by God. It does not advance His glory.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 9)
The work of serving God is an individual work and if this was fully realized by you and others of the young, and you would watch strictly over pride and correct wrongs in each other—pride, self-exaltation and a selfish spirit—God would be better pleased. But now the young have joined hands to take the thoughts and affection from Jesus and center them upon each other. They unite in frivolity and pride, and this misapplied affection is only a curse. It should first center in God, be tried, purified and refined by Him, then it will lead to a holy yearning of soul for others that are on the background, not to bundle together but to bring them near to the cross that the same love that animates and strengthens the heart of one may be felt by all.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 10)
The inquiry will be made, What shall I do to be saved? It is not sinners alone that should make this inquiry, but if those that have named the name of Christ could get sight of their own hearts, their love to be like the world, the vanity and pride lurking in the heart, the cry would be raised, What shall I do to be saved?
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 11)
I saw that you were not the same Roxanna now that you were before Harriet came to Rochester. The hope that you possess is not a saving hope. It cannot save you unless you let it purify you and you act it out. I was pointed back to last summer. I saw that your heart was not in the work of God. It was not knit with God’s cause, but only as far as you received full compensation for your labor, so far was your interest. A selfish feeling possessed you to take from the treasury of God, by receiving pay more than your labor deserved, more than you actually earned. You did not realize that you were laboring in the cause of God and you were not willing to make extra efforts unless it was for your own self-advantage. God notices this. Such a principle is not pleasing to Him. Often in the office stories and other things have occupied your time; and your interest that should be fully in the work was not there. The gratitude that should fill your heart for the merciful dealings of God in bringing you from Vermont, and Warren and your mother, all of you, being together and the way being opened before you to obtain a living, and the good health He has blessed you all with, has not called forth from you humility and gratitude. I saw that if God removed these blessings from you now, trials will arise that you have not anticipated that will bring anguish of soul [to] all. All of you, each one of you, have possessed selfishness and feelings of independence that did not become you.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 12)
The union between you and Harriet was all wrong. Her influence has had a tendency to lead your mind directly from God, from your eternal interest. Your mind has been upon story books too much, and your reading these books together fills the mind with things not pertaining to your eternal interest. [In] vain reading and shutting the Spirit of God from you, you have lost your humility and have thought more of your appearance. Oh, you had better been studying your own hearts, how you should show yourselves approved unto God.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 13)
Harriet, I have now written both visions, and I would ask you if you have not been reproved for these very things before in vision, and how could you set the example that you did to Roxanna and read with her. Roxanna is not the girl she was. Vanity fills her heart, and she has no appearance of a Christian about her.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 14)
Last Sabbath she made a good move, came forward to the anxious seat for prayers. May the Lord have mercy upon the fatherless and widow is my earnest prayer.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 15)
Sister Harriet, do you remember the vision about Brother Hastings’ family and the influence of your letters upon them, and your influence upon Arabella? It led her from God and she never, until her sickness, possessed the spirit [that] she should, after her wanderings. It was easier for her to wander than to return from these wanderings. I have seen in vision she was afflicted and her life was the forfeit.
(1LtMs, Lt 8, 1856, 16)
Lt 9, 1856
Below, Sister E. P. Battle Creek, Michigan January 1, 1856 Portions of this letter are published in HP 352; 1Bio 332-334; 3MR 225; 7MR 231. See also Annotations. Dear Sister Below,
We received your kind and welcome letter in due time, containing three dollars, one from Sister Boyers, and two from yourself. Thank you for your donation.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 1)
We have been meaning to write you for some time, but have had many visions to write to individual cases, and have scarcely got through yet.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 2)
My health is quite good except a lame ankle. In coming from Sarah’s to our house, I slipped and fell, wrenching my foot backwards and putting my ankle out of joint. In rising it flew back again, but the bone of my left limb is injured, split, and I am a cripple for the present, cannot bear a pound’s weight upon it. It is more than a week since I was hurt. I can hobble around a little with crutches, but I will not murmur or complain. It was a merciful Providence that saved me from breaking my limb in two places. When I think how my limb twisted and then the whole weight of my body fell upon it, I know that the angels of God must have protected me or I should be suffering with distress from a broken limb.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 3)
Jenny and Clarissa are quite well; Clarissa has not been as well as she is now for eight years. Jenny is much better than she has been since before she had the ague. The children are quite rugged. Edson, you know, has been generally poorly but he is coming up; is quite tough. James enjoys better health than he has for some time back. We praise the Lord for this. For weeks past the Lord has been good and gracious to us, and I long to be more devoted to Him. We have lived at too great a distance from God, and that is why we have had so little strength. We must draw nearer to God.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 4)
This world is too dark for me, it is not my home. Jesus said He would go away and prepare mansions for us, that where He is there we may be also. [John 14:2.] We shall ever dwell with and enjoy the light of His precious countenance. My heart leaps with joy at the cheering prospect. We are almost home. Heaven, sweet heaven, it is our eternal home. I am glad every moment that Jesus lives, and because He lives we shall live also. My soul says, Praise the Lord. There is a fullness in Jesus, a supply for each, for all, and why should we die for bread or starve in foreign lands?
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 5)
I hunger, I thirst, for salvation, for entire conformity to the will of God. We have a good hope through Jesus. It is sure and steadfast and entereth into that within the veil. It yields us consolation in affliction, it gives us joy amid anguish, disperses the gloom around us and causes us to look through it all to immortality and eternal life. It is just what we need. We cannot part with it. Earthly treasures are no inducement to us, for while we have this hope it reaches clear above the treasures of earth that are passing away and takes hold of the immortal inheritance, the treasures that are durable, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fade not away. This hope we will cherish. We will cling closer and closer to it. It will live when everything else dies.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 6)
Our mortal bodies may die, and be laid away in the grave. Yet the blessed hope lives on until the resurrection, when the voice of Jesus calls forth the sleeping dust. We shall then enjoy the fullness of the blessed, glorious hope. We know in whom we have believed. We have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. A rich, a glorious reward is before us; it is the prize for which we run, and if we persevere with courage we shall surely obtain it.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 7)
I cannot express my gratitude to God for what He has done and is still doing for us. For weeks our peace has been like a river. The heavenly dew has distilled upon us morning, noon, and night, and our souls triumph in God. It is easy believing, easy praying. We love God, and yet our souls pant for living water. There is salvation for us, and why do we stay away from the fountain? Why not come and drink that our souls may be refreshed, invigorated, and may flourish in God? Why do we cling so closely to earth? There is something better than earth for us to talk about and think of. We can be in a heavenly frame of mind. Oh let us dwell upon Jesus’ lovely, spotless character, and by beholding we shall become changed to the same image. Be of good courage. Have faith in God.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 8)
We should love to hear from you and Sister Cottrell and of the children as often as possible. I designed writing Sister Cottrell a letter with this but James has other writing I must do, so she must excuse me. Much love to Brother and Sister Cottrell and their children, Willard and his wife. Tell them to go on. The crown is before us. Put all the armor on, like valiant soldiers stand. Much love to Mary and Frank.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 9)
I hope Frank is attending to his eternal interest, and is preparing for the judgment. Tell him I want to meet him in heaven. Tell Mary to be faithful, to watch and pray. That is the life of the Christian. Love to Brother and Sister Boyers and their children. I want to see you all, Brother Harvey and family and all the saints—I cannot number all. Pray for us.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 10)
We are going to ride about thirteen miles today in the country. The brethren think we ought to have a little house put up. We pay now $1.50 per week for rent, and have scarcely any conveniences at that. Have to go a great distance for water; have no good shed for our wood. We put a few boards up at our own expense just to cover our wood. We shall make a beginning; cannot tell how we shall succeed. May the Lord guide us in all our undertakings is my prayer.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 11)
Do write to us. You are very near our hearts. What a nice piece Brother Roswell [Cottrell] wrote! It hit the nail on the head; it will do much good.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 12)
In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, 13)
Lt 10, 1856
Lamson, David NP January 1856 Previously unpublished. See also Annotations. Dear Brother [David Lamson]:
George has requested me to write a few lines in his letter. All are at meeting and so I will improve a few moments now.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1856, 1)
Let me inquire, brother, How are you? Does the present truth look as precious to you as it used to? Or have you lost your first love and has your interest decreased? As you are separated from those of like precious faith, the need of double watchfulness and prayer I suppose you realize. David, you have enjoyed the sweet salvation of God. Do you enjoy this now? Are you awake to the charms of the present truth? Do you see new beauty and glory in His Word? Is Jesus your own dear Saviour, your buckler and shield, your front guard and rereward? Is His praise in your heart and upon your lips? If it is not, awake, awake, stir thyself; arouse the drowsy energies of your soul. Christ is coming—precious news! It is always new. We rejoice in it. It cheers us in gloom and darkness. Almost home! Precious sound! Our home here is a sorrowful one but Jesus has gone to prepare for us a holy and happy home and sorrow will never be known there.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1856, 2)
The Lord has wrought for us in a signal manner. He has heard prayer for my husband and myself. We have often visited the throne of grace. We have earnestly wrestled with God for healing power. Morning, noon, and night we have felt the sweet blessing of God. It has distilled upon us like the dew. We have known here what sweet victory and salvation was since the conference. Our meetings here increase in interest every Sabbath. I sincerely wish you could attend meeting with us here upon the Sabbath. The windows of heaven are often opened and blessings from God are poured upon us. We feel deeply our weakness, our own unworthiness, but the lovingkindness of God to so unworthy a creature as myself has not changed, His love often warms my heart and calls forth from me grateful acknowledgements of the same. I will not hold my peace. The praise of God is in my heart and upon my lips.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1856, 3)
Dear brother, do not yield one particle of the truth. Stand stiffly for the truth and then the truth will make you free. There is a rich fullness in Jesus, a supply for each, for all. Oh come, David, come to salvation’s Fountain and drink that your soul may revive and flourish.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1856, 4)
Oh why do we die for bread or starve in a foreign land? Our Father’s house has rich supplies and bounteous are His hands. Jesus is precious. Let us live close to His bleeding side, and let us not shrink at trials. If you think you have many trials, I would say, Remember Calvary. Remember the King of glory in the garden sweating as it were great drops of blood. Next, see Him condemned, mocked at, spit upon, and then hung upon Calvary’s cross, the nails driven through His tender hands and feet. Hear Him cry in the agony of His soul, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46.] All this untold agony, all this unrealized suffering was for you and me, for our sins, and if we have trials let us remember Him that endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself. Oh for the deep movings of the Spirit of God! I want to earnestly covet the purifying trials that will make me richer in glory.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1856, 5)
Please write me just how you prosper. We all feel interested for you.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1856, 6)
In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1856, 7)
Lt 11, 1856
Sperry, Brother and Sister Battle Creek, Michigan April 1856 Previously unpublished. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Sperry:
While your parents were here I was shown in vision the following concerning them:
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 1)
I saw in vision that God was not displeased with your moving west, that you could have no influence in Panton. I saw that you must move carefully, have all that you possess upon God’s altar, have all your substance there. You have at times thought it was there, but if all had been on God’s altar, you would feel more of a spirit of sacrificing. This you have not had. You know but little [of] what it is to sacrifice for God’s cause and honor Him with your substance. You have had but few blessings from the poor and needy because their hearts were made glad by your generosity.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 2)
I saw that you both naturally loved this world, loved money, and this is, and still will be, a snare to you. You cling to money closely, especially Brother Gardner. I saw that you would have to view these things in altogether a different light before you can be fitted up and prepared for the time of trouble. I saw that in order for you to have heath and the blessing of God you must keep the possessions out of your heart, you must get rid of a covetous spirit. You must have your substance where you can use it for God’s glory in His cause, as well as to use it for your own self-interest.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 3)
I saw that you never have looked at this matter in the true light. I saw that you should not, in going west, let your natural or sympathetic feelings lead you astray. Your son is no more precious in the eyes of the Lord because he is your son, than another young man that loves not the truth of God and keeps not His commandments. I saw that you should not link with him but keep entirely separate, and it will save you trouble and perplexity. Yet be patient, treat him kindly, and win him to the truth if you can.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 4)
Brother Gardner, you must command your words and actions. Let not your quick, hasty temper run away with you or overcome you. You must be a perfect overcomer. God would be better pleased if you both had more of an open-hearted, generous disposition. Here is where you fail; here is your weak point. You have gained some since you embraced the belief of Christ’s coming, but you have not yet come where God wants you to come. You must overcome this lack and be quick to feel and see others’ wants.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 5)
Deny yourselves, and when you bring a gift to the altar let it be the best of the substance. Reserve not the best for yourself and give the poorest away. God will not accept a lame offering. Present not that that will do you or the receiver no special good. Here is an opportunity for you to deny yourself and sacrifice an offering of the best of your substance, offered heartily, willingly. Upon these things you can improve. God despises an offering given grudgingly. You must improve on these things if you expect the approbation of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 6)
I saw that it should not be your object to go west to get rich, but to advance God’s cause and His glory. I saw that a solemn responsibility rests upon you. You are God’s stewards, handling means that He has lent you. It is not your own. You are not your own. You have been bought with a price.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 7)
I saw that Charles entering your family has been a benefit to you all. It has been a blessing to you. I saw that Charles and Rachel Ann both were beloved of God. I saw that Charles was a precious, chosen vessel and he could do good in the cause of God and should be left free from shackles to devote himself fully to the work of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 8)
I saw that you could help the cause by freely having a care for them. Do not wait for them to make their wants known, but be quick to see them and supply their lack. They have felt delicate and embarrassed about receiving much from you, and you felt too much as though you were doing considerable. I saw that all that would have to be done for them (if what you have was upon God’s altar) could be done with pleasure, as though it were to Jesus, and you would scarcely feel at all what you would do to supply their lack. This is one way in which you can help the cause of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 9)
You can safely bestow upon them. They are in no way prodigal of their means, and they must be careful lest their frugality should lead them too far, and they go to extremes and be too close, and their example be injurious to others.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 10)
All should be careful not to make a god of money. While some have needed a reproof about too free use of means, or extravagant use of it upon themselves, others go to the opposite extreme and are so careful of it as not to use it at all, and the cause of God is not advanced by their means. The means is held to be swept away by God’s wrath and does no one good, and they fail of their heavenly treasure, fail of all. God loves to have His children open-hearted, generous, benevolent.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 11)
All have an influence. We should be very careful and in no way encourage selfishness, for this God hates. “God loveth a cheerful giver.” [2 Corinthians 9:7.]
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 12)
As I saw your cases, the angel said, “Cut loose, cut loose. Make decided efforts for thy eternal welfare.” I saw you prized money too highly. Then I saw how paltry it was, how soon swept away. But if it was bestowed upon God’s cause it would increase and it would be durable riches, safe and sure in heaven. A great work must be done for God’s people, for they are getting hold of this world with both hands, and losing their hold of the eternal world. The spirit of sacrifice must revive or some souls will die and it will be those that have and do not.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 13)
(Signed) E. G. W.
Dear Brother and Sister: This is the vision given me for your parents. Have copied it as I wrote it then. I have been very, very sick. Was sick when they were here. Had been sick for months before, with difficulty of lungs, every breath caused me pain. When they were here was attacked with brain fever. Gave up my husband and children, expecting to die, but James sent for brethren and sisters to pray for me. I was anointed and prayed for, and was instantly relieved of pain, yet the difficulty from my lungs was not removed.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 14)
The morning after I was healed, your mother was prayed for and blessed and healed. I was taken off in vision and saw the above. My weakness clung to me for weeks. But a few nights since I dreamed of being in meeting and exhorting all night. In the morning James awoke me thinking I was having a nightmare. I awoke with the forcible impression that I had received strength all through my system.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 15)
When I arose and dressed I knew that a wonderful work had been done for me. My throat and lungs were free. I felt like a new being, and the disease has not returned. The angel of God surely touched me in the night and I was healed. Praise God, praise Him for His wonderful goodness to me. My soul shall triumph in God.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1856, 16)