White, J. E. Olcott, New York September 12, 1866 Portions of this letter are published in 6MR 299. My Dear Son Edson:
Here we are all safe at Brother Lindsey’s. We had some trouble on the sleeping car. The dispatch sent by Brother Aldrich did not affect anything, because of someone’s carelessness. Either the operator at Battle Creek or at Detroit was negligent. We went on board the sleeping car by crowding and pushing and jamming our way through a crowd of people who could get no berths. We found two empty seats and occupied them, but they were taken and every berth was taken. I was sent to the forward car for a berth, but our names were not registered anywhere. I went back to the rear car and awaited the movement of events. It was all hustle and bustle.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 1)
James had endured the journey thus far well, but it was close and stifling in the sleeping car, and it was a long time past nine o’clock before things were in any degree settled. Your father seemed languid. I begged the man who had charge of the sleeping car to find us berths. He was kind. He did for us all he could. Said there were no berths. I told him one double berth I must have, for it was a case of absolute necessity. He finally prevailed upon a gentleman to give up his lower berth to your father. After lying a short time in his berth and resting, he wished to go to the saloon. I helped or steadied him along. He seemed more languid, and while helping him back I saw his face grow very white and he was pitching forward to the floor. I raised and held him and called aloud for help. The manager in the sleeping car kindly, tenderly, and firmly supported your father to his berth. I succeeded in opening a window in his berth and a strong wind blew upon us all night. Willie and I could obtain no berths. We were both thoroughly tired. I made James as comfortable as possible. Poor Willie had to stand up until 10 o’clock, then he sat upon a satchel until 12 o’clock. After that I found an empty seat for him which he occupied. I placed a shawl about him, and partially lay down by the side of your father and relieved my feelings by weeping. Slept a little. He had one short nap. At four o’clock we were aroused to dress. We got along well with him.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 2)
We arrived at Lockport about 6 o’clock a.m. In the depot I prepared Father his breakfast, which he seemed to relish. I then inquired in regard to a conveyance to Olcott. The stage did not leave until 3 o’clock in the afternoon. We obtained an easy hack by paying six dollars. We came the ten miles very comfortably and found the most splendid peaches and an abundance of them. Father enjoys them much. Brother Lindsey went to Lockport to get cans (?), bedstead, and lounge. We waited for his return until past 9 o’clock, then I made up a short bedstead as well as I could for Father. It was poor accommodations for him.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 3)
Brother Lindsey came late, about one o’clock. Your father called me. Said he had not slept, neither could he, upon that bedstead. I got up and put on my dress and tugged in the new bedstead and was going to make an effort to put it up. Brother Lindsey heard me and got up and together we put up the bedstead and made it up and changed him to it. After this move he slept. Of course he cannot find the conveniences here that he would have at home, but we are glad he is here and hope he will greatly improve. We are about to ride out. I hope that this journey will do us both good. I expect that it will. Father said yesterday he felt stronger, especially in the afternoon.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 4)
Now about things at home: I don’t know what to say; will wait and think. I have decided not to visit Father [Harmon] till after the conference, for then I could stay as long as I pleased and could go around by New York on my return home. If I go now I cannot take care of all the fruit I would like to. They have plenty of fruit now and I can do up all the peaches, pears, and elderberries I want.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 5)
Edson, write me all about things at home. How did you succeed at Monterey? I send this to Battle Creek to be forwarded to you.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 6)
Your poor father is nothing but a child.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 7)
There are many things I wish to write about but everything is gone out of my mind. I think the team should be left with Richard Godsmark, put out to pasture. Find out if he will take them and keep them eight weeks, and what his charges will be.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 8)
Tell Anna [that] Willie’s linen jacket was not put in the trunk. Quite a mistake. He needs it. After Sabbath will write you again, but don’t fail to write me immediately.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 9)
Remember and go to our old place and find your rake and short ladder. Pick up all your tools and place them in a safe place. Put up boards to the entrance of the furnace cellar. Cover up the tallow and take care of everything you can.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 10)
In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1866, 11)
Lt 3, 1866
White, J. E. Olcott, New York September 21, 1866 This letter is published in entirety in 20MR 204. Dear Son Edson:
Where you are I know not. I have directed one letter to you at Battle Creek, but have received no answer. Will you please to write and direct to Palermo, New York. We want to hear of your success at Monterey. Are you at Albion? Did you get any peaches? Did you take care of everything in and about the house? I shall not write much till I hear from you.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1866, 1)
Your father is appearing some better. We have killed one wild black squirrel per day. He enjoys it much. We have all the fruit we could desire. I take him somewhere every day, rain or shine. Yesterday I muffled him up in shawls and buffalo and took him to Olcott village, three miles, while the rain was pouring down and running off his hat in a stream. We went to Justus Lampson’s. Took dinner, accompanied by Sister Lindsey and Mary. We went in one chaise, they in another. The front and sides are all open and the rain was directly in our faces. Your father did not get tired; enjoyed the visit, and we returned again in the rain in the afternoon. Today we take dinner at Harmon’s. Shall have him ride to Olcott, although it is cloudy and stormy. It has rained every day since we have been here, yet your father has been out, I believe, somewhere every day.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1866, 2)
I have written this in positive haste, for Brother Lindsey must take it to Lockport. I have sent for Jenny Rogers and her husband to come and live in our house in our absence and take care of the premises and he work at his trade. I don’t know what they will think of the arrangement.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1866, 3)
What did you do with the team? I do not think Brother Aldrich should have our team to use teaming merely for keeping. I wish Richard [Godsmark] to take the team and pasture if he will. It would greatly accommodate me to have him do so.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1866, 4)
Write immediately. Willie enjoys himself well because he can be outdoors. He has been a great help to me in paring peaches and pears. I have been putting up fruit, quite a quantity.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1866, 5)
I will close. Much love to Annie and yourself, my dear boy.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1866, 6)
Your Mother.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1866, 7)
Lt 4, 1866
White, J. E. Olcott, New York September 22, 1866 Portions of this letter are published in 11MR 28. Dear Son Edson:
We received your letter but it was very short. You gave us no particulars concerning how you left matters at home. I wish to learn what you did with the horses and what arrangements you made in regard to the corn.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 1)
I am sorry you were disappointed about going to Monterey. Be patient and things will come out all right. My soul is tried to the quick about these strange moves of your father. God only knows how he will come out and how long I must be on the rack. We are now among kind and sympathizing friends. Your father certainly appears better; but I know not what to expect next.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 2)
You shall have all the means necessary for your tuition. But Edson, I hope you will not spend one penny needlessly. I was sorry to read on your list of expenditures fish and dandelion coffee. Neither of these is necessary for students to have, and should not be indulged in by any of you who have so limited means. If you have any drink, pure, cold water is sufficient to satisfy thirst. I hope you will remember your failings, Edson, and not let money, which is so important an item, slip through your hands without due and deliberate consideration. Live as plainly as we have taught and do not on any account become loose in regard to the principles of health reform. I need not tell you, Edson, that I have a thousand fears in regard to you. You are entering a new and untried field and are surrounded with numerous temptations. But Edson, if you are fortified with religious principles you will be shielded in a great degree from Satan’s temptations. A firm hold of God will fortify you against the society of those whose influence is dangerous, and who pollute all they come in contact with.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 3)
My son, I love you with earnest, fervent love such as can dwell only in the heart of a mother. I have been passing through deep waters. Several times I have been nearly overwhelmed but, Edson, should you take a wrong course and imitate the course of the dissolute around you, or should you form wrong habits, turn your heart from God and bar your breast against the influence of the Spirit of God, my cup of misery would overflow. My life already is bitter, but should you prove untrue it would be wormwood and gall to me. If I learn you are seeking to follow Christ and obey His teachings I shall have rest and trust concerning you. Satan is sending his darts thick and fast, and if he can destroy my usefulness entirely by using agents to lead you into dangerous paths, it would quench the little hope I have and make of none effect all my previous labors for you, my dear boy.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 4)
You must not lay to heart the course of your father. He is not himself. Satan holds him in his iron grasp and is determined to drive us all to desperation. You have not been treated as a father should treat a son. Remember what was shown me in Rochester, that Satan has smitten the father that he might destroy the children. Thwart the purposes of Satan.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 5)
Let me know that you are seeking to walk in wisdom’s ways and I will be comforted in my great living sorrow. Be of good courage; a brighter day will dawn. It cannot be as hard for you as for me. But if you are faithful, true to honor and follow the light you have had I will stand by you. I will sympathize with and pray for you and love you with a mother’s tenderest affection.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 6)
You are now my main dependence. You stand manfully by my side, breast the storm with me,—your poor, stricken and afflicted mother. Be true to noble, elevated principles. Do not be persuaded to do one mean act to be registered in the books in heaven. May God impress your heart and may you have no rest until you lay all your burdens and cares upon the Burden-bearer. Seek first the favor of God. Seek the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness and all things shall be added. If I see you fortified with religious principles, I mean to give you every advantage in my power. But first I must know that you will not abuse the privileges granted and that your acquirements will not be used or turned to scatter from Christ. “He that gathereth not with me scattereth.”Luke 11:23. Use the influence you have for good to others. Let your principles appear plain as you have been taught and you will be respected and honored, notwithstanding some may appear to scorn and despise your conscientious scruples. Be in a position where at all times you can say “No” to any pleasant companionable tempter. Never let Satan decoy you into his trap. Don’t spend your evenings in the society of others. Be in your room at an early hour and may God bless you. May angels guard.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 7)
I close, for it is getting too dark to write. Much love to you, my dear boy. Love to Anna and Lucretia.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 8)
From your Mother.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 9)
P.S. I have put up thirty cans of fruit—four of plums; two of pears, whole; two of pears, cut up; twenty-one cans of peaches. Besides this I have a good stock of elderberries. Willie has been a great help to me. He is good and true, the best boy I ever knew.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, 10)
Lt 4a, 1866
White, W. C. Kensington, Connecticut October 1866 Previously unpublished. Dear Willie:
What shall I say to you, my faithful, good boy? I need not tell you that I love you. Do your duty to your father faithfully and you shall not lose your reward. God’s eye is upon you, my dear boy, and He knows every privation that you endure to wait upon your sick father. Stand faithfully at your post and you will never regret it. Angels of God will mark your faithful devotion and will strengthen you to fulfill your part, and then will He ever fulfill His. Honor thy father and mother is the first commandment with promise. Do all you do cheerfully. I believe you will. Love God with all your heart, my dear Willie, and your reward will come at last.
(1LtMs, Lt 4a, 1866, 1)
Your cousins work hard and go very poorly clad. I feel sorry for them, but they love to work. But they do work far beyond their strength. They speak of you and wish they could see you. I should love to have you meet them, for they are good boys and mean to do right.
(1LtMs, Lt 4a, 1866, 2)
Dear Willie, don’t neglect to pray to God for strength to do your duty with cheerfulness. Possess a happy spirit. Be faithful to your father in mother’s absence. I will return as soon as I can and be free; that is, as soon as I feel that God would have me.
(1LtMs, Lt 4a, 1866, 3)
My whole heart is in the work of God. Your father’s afflicted condition is a great drawback to my happiness. Were it not for this, I should feel that I had no trials. Do not, my dear boy, get any bad habits. Ever speak cheerfully. Never fret or complain.
(1LtMs, Lt 4a, 1866, 4)
May God bless my dear, true, loving boy.
(1LtMs, Lt 4a, 1866, 5)
From your affectionate mother.
(1LtMs, Lt 4a, 1866, 6)
Lt 5, 1866
White, J. E. Hubbardsville, New York October 7, 1866 This letter is published in entirety in 2Bio 155. Dear Son Edson:
I am preparing to go to Connecticut. Your father is still very feeble. Willie will remain with him. I think I never was more perplexed in my life to know what is my duty. Your Grandfather Harmon is very low and cannot live long. He feels that he cannot be denied seeing his Ellen once more. He talks of it by day and by night, and here is your father so sick. If I leave him, I fear I shall not see him again. He is too sick to accompany me. Your father feels that it is my duty to go to my father’s dying call. I am worn with anxiety and want of sleep.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1866, 1)
Today, while praying over the matter, duty seemed to demand I should go to your grandfather. I have prepared you comfortable clothing for winter, which I send to you by Elder Loughborough. I hope they will give you as much pleasure in wearing them as I have taken pleasure in making them for you. I have sat up late and arisen early, before anyone was astir, to work upon them. Prayers that you may be clothed with Christ’s righteousness are stitched into these garments.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1866, 2)
Lt 6, 1866
White, J. E. Battle Creek, Michigan December 8, 1866 Portions of this letter are published in 2Bio 156. Dear Son Edson:
Your father seems much improved. He is gaining victories in regard to his eating. We could not ask him to do better than he has been doing. He seems more like himself—interests himself in matters transpiring around him and is more social. I am greatly encouraged in his case. I have been out riding with him almost every day the past week. Have visited Richard [Godsmark], Brother Graves twice, Sister Sawyers, and Eliza Bovee. I shall stand by your father in his efforts to overcome. I know that he has a hard struggle and needs the help of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 1)
Dear Edson, your visit to Battle Creek left rather a disagreeable impression upon my mind. I was glad to see you, as I ever am, but your lack of thoroughness was so evident it left a weight of sadness upon me. I cannot see that you have improved in that matter. I noticed it particularly; but it is so unpleasant to point out your faults, knowing that your father has been so sensitive in regard to them. But still I feel that as a mother it is my duty kindly to set before you these failings, for I fear they are becoming habitual to you, or chronic faults of long standing.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 2)
You seem to be scattered in your acts. You handle tools, but there is scarcely an instance where you think you have time to put them in their place. As a result you waste hours looking for articles which it is impossible to find. Much money is expended upon tools and items which, when once in your possession, are no longer of sufficient value to you for you to afford time to take care of them. You seem to be always in a hurry when we desire to have things done.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 3)
I can explain all this to myself [even] if I do not convince you of it. Let me name one thing. In the first place, you do not have system in what you do. You do not consider the night before what is to be done the next day, or if you leave your considerations until morning, what is to be done in the day before you. You commence to do things just as they present themselves, and often when the day closes there are many things left undone which should have been done.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 4)
In the second place, you do not feel the responsibility resting upon you as a son at your age. You do not realize that your time is ours, and that every moment is due us just as much as though we had employed you by the month or by the day. You seemed on your last visit to show a wonderful lack of interest, which grieved me and left this disagreeable impression on my mind. Your mind was not exercised as to how you could do and what you could do while at home, to tell to the best advantage, that we might feel your absence as little as possible; but you seemed to be all awake to look out for that which would amuse, divert, and please yourself. There did not seem to be any study with you how to economize your time and labor so that we should not have to be paying out means all the time. I have taken up between two and three hundred dollars since our return home. Your dentist bill and items of clothing cost something over fifty dollars, besides means which was handed to you to pay your expenses at Albion.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 5)
Considering these things, Edson, and taking into account that your labors are worth, or should be worth, to us two dollars a day, and we deprive ourselves of your labor and are to great expense on your account, I think you should consider and show that you have some interest in home and the home affairs. You left, and here stand grapes untouched, and many things I shall have to pay for having done, which it was your duty to do, and you left undone to please and gratify yourself by going to town or to the institution. You may think that your time was pretty well filled but, Edson, you would use up an hour here and an hour there, and these short days a few hours lost takes about the whole day. Now these grapes I expect will be chilled and spoiled for bearing next year.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 6)
The cow is here to be attended to, horses to tend, the horses to be harnessed and unharnessed once a day, and Sanford laboring early and late to do these things. You left the horses in bad condition, with at least a load of manure in their stables. We paid Sanford for three or four hours’ work in shoveling out manure in order that the horses’ hind feet might not stand one foot higher than their forefeet. You used the new horse blanket to ride horseback, took no care of it but threw it down and Sanford picked it up from under the horses’ feet.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 7)
You should have tried to see all that needed to be done to relieve me. Here is the carriage all out of order. While you were here and there where it was not necessary for you to be, you could have been getting leathers to fix the carriage curtains with. You could have done this as well as anyone. Now I shall have to do it. The seat needs fixing, the standard of the carriage is all out of order. If you had attended to these things you would have lightened my burdens, but it was evident your interest was not here. Your mind was scattered somewhere where we had no benefit of it.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 8)
You drop things just where it seems handy. I found Sanford’s screwdriver on the ground in the front yard. You probably meant to have taken care of it but never did. The mouse traps Jenny found by the gate on the ground. There was thirty cents carelessly left as of no account. No doubt you intended to bring them in the house some time, but after once out of your hands that is the last thoughts you have of them.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 9)
Lack of thoroughness has been one of your greatest faults. I fear that you will not appreciate your time now in Albion, but will think you can acquire an education easily, or any time you wish, and will not apply yourself closely and make the most of your time while there. Let me tell you, Edson, that in all probability you never will be as favorably situated to acquire knowledge at any future period as now. In the summer we must not, cannot, depend on hire. You must be our dependence. In the winter you can improve your mind. You will not be of sufficient experience or qualified to engage in any business whatever without sinking much until you learn to save the littles, to take care of little things, and educate yourself in thoroughness in all you do. Without this experience your education will not be worth a straw to you. When will you bring your life into harmony with what you well know?
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 10)
I do not write thus because it is a pleasure for me to do so but because I know it to be my duty as your mother. We want you to be a useful young man. If you are so you must reform in many things. Deny yourself of amusements and seek how you can be useful.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 11)
Edson, you need to become a conscientious Christian, then you can or will work from a religious standpoint. But while you are seeking your pleasure or taking a course such as worldlings take, your future life will not give me much encouragement. I do not flatter myself much on your account. God has given you much light. He holds you accountable for the light which you now have and which has already shone upon your pathway. While you refuse to become a Christian, a soldier of Jesus Christ, you are no less than a rebel, and can be nothing else but a rebel to God’s government, for you are in rebellion to His government. God help you to consider seriously the unsafe and dangerous position you occupy, without God or hope in the world. Should sickness come upon you, should your reason be clouded and you go down into the grave without hope, life with you will have been an entire mistake.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 12)
This life at the best and longest is none too good or too long to be spent in seeking to obtain the higher, eternal life, and yet one will chase phantoms all his life, and others will follow his example, and in the end find they have spent their life for naught. They have sown to the flesh and reap what—honors, fame, and wealth? It may be, as far as this world is concerned; but in the end, when they have no more to do with anything that is done under the sun, what have they gained? Corruption. They cannot say with Job, “Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”Job 19:26. He could look forward to the time when he would be resurrected and made immortal and stand before the Judge of both quick and dead.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 13)
Edson, I dare not let you rest in carnal security. Think of your eternal interest. You make many mistakes and errors here, manifest a great lack of thoroughness, and I fear will at last make a final, irreparable mistake and find you have lost everything—lost heaven, lost eternal life. And your final destiny will be with the wicked, as though you had not been.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 14)
Can you afford to blunder along with your mistakes where eternal consequences are involved? Can you afford to sell heaven so cheaply because you will not be earnest, energetic, and thorough enough to secure your soul’s salvation? Will you refuse to become an heir of glory, a joint heir with Jesus Christ to the immortal inheritance, because it requires effort, self-denial, and sacrifice of your wishes and desires thus to become a lawful heir? Is heaven of no consequence to you?
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 15)
You will be judged according to the deeds done in the body. Not only will you be required to render an account for the wrongs you have done but for the good you ought to have done and did not do.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 16)
I will not weary you. Think seriously of these things. I wish to hear from you. Write as often as you can. If you have vacation and your interest can be at home, come home. If not, you can just as well save the expense. If you come home, we shall expect it is to see us and to be interested in your home.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 17)
In much love, from your Mother, who feels the most intense interest for you.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1866, 18)
Lt 7, 1866
White, J. E. Battle Creek, Michigan December 13, 1866 Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 387-388. Dear Edson:
Our old white cow is dead. Brother Sawyer drove her down. It killed her calf. She lived one week. One hundred dollars clean gone.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1866, 1)
Edson, I hope you will not eat much sweet. Your skin is in a bad condition. You must tell Anna to get fruit instead of molasses. I know she is a great lover of sweet, but I don’t want she should encourage you in eating it. Don’t stint yourself on fruit. Apples at one dollar a bushel are not high, and are more beneficial to health. You must manage to bathe as often as twice a week. Don’t neglect this.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1866, 2)
I have purchased me a carpet for nine shillings per yard. Have now a good carpet on my kitchen. We want the lantern and the cover to our steamer. When you come again bring these. Did you take away some pieces of rag carpeting? We looked for them to put around the stove but could not find them. Our expenses are tremendous. Have had to get stovepipe and put the stove out in the room farther. It cost us seventeen dollars for little fixings and pipe. It is money, money to be expended in everything. But this is the least of my troubles.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1866, 3)
Your father is improving. Write to me when you receive this. In much love to you all three.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1866, 4)
Lt 8, 1866
Rebellion in the Ranks Refiled as Ms 1, 1865.
Lt 9, 1866
White, J. E. NP January 1866 Previously unpublished. Dear Son Edson:
I cannot feel relieved in your case. I feel that you have not surrendered your will, your feelings. You are not where the blessing of the Lord can come to your heart. You do not feel right toward your father. And just as long as these feelings are cherished by you, unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and unrest must be the result. I know, Edson, that the only right course for you is to abide by your father’s judgment and show to him that you are not afraid to trust him. Now things are not right. There may be outwardly an appearance of harmony but, after all, the genuine work is not in the heart and there is no real harmony existing. There are crossway feelings and cross purposes.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1866, 1)
I again press home to you the necessity of closely reading the testimony sent to you, and of learning from the past not to take the same course in the future. Edson, your only safe course is to surrender your heart, your will, to God. Let nothing stand in your way. Tell Satan to get behind you. Tell your father you are not afraid to trust him, that you will take his counsel as a father and friend.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1866, 2)
It comes to your father that you are dissatisfied with him, that you feel you have not been dealt with justly. Now, Edson, all this is hurting you more than it hurts him. You are in danger of killing your own reputation and separating yourself from us. You may assent to do this or that, but if it is not an assenting of the heart, if you still are of the same mind, it will appear. You cannot hide your true feelings. Satan’s powerful temptations are upon you. You do not see things aright. I know in regard to the past; I know, for your course has been shown me in the light of eternity that you have made terrible mistakes, and where your dangers lie is written out and presented before you. Do you heed the light given? Your will is strong; your ideas perverted.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1866, 3)
My dear son, your father has been passing through intense suffering of mind. If you would come to him frankly and tell him freely what you will do, the position you will take, and that you will throw your entire interest into the Office and respect his judgment, you may relieve the state of things. There is much at stake. You, my son, are not a close financier, and when I found that you were having the handling of means in buying and settling bills, I felt that this was not your position. Dollars slip away from you here and there, and you are careless in keeping accounts, and losses must occur.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1866, 4)
My dear boy, God can only bless the right. God will lead your feet in the path of peace if you will let Him. You must battle against selfishness. Your straitened circumstances will not be an excuse in a single instance for you to be self-caring and to disregard the cases of others with whom you are connected. God will prosper faithfulness in any one. God will bless the wholehearted, unselfish workers.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1866, 5)
Edson, my dear boy, we met together tonight to make some business arrangements preparatory for leaving. Father designs to go to Michigan. I shall accompany him if he goes.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1866, 6)
Do what you can to free your own soul. Be frank, be humble enough to acknowledge where your mistakes have been, and do all you can to come into harmony with your father. Drop your separate interest; take your music only with the other work in the Office and do seek to work unselfishly, in the fear of God, from right motives. God help you, dear Edson, to make here an entire new start. You have backslidden from God. Now return with all your heart, and do not let Satan manufacture plans and new enterprises for you to engage in. He would have your mind divided on so many other interests that you would fail to give the strength of your mind to the office. I believe Father will accept any concession you may make. But let us all, as a family, humble ourselves before God and start anew at the commencement of this New Year to work in harmony.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1866, 7)
You have professed to believe the truth but your heart has not been sanctified through the truth. Your heart has been proud. You have been in friendship with the world and at enmity with God. You have not complied with the conditions in the Word of God. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate; ... and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.] Pride is an abomination in the sight of God. The friendship of the world is enmity with God.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1866, 1)
I was shown the case of Mr. Hurlbert. He has occupied the place in your affections which was due your husband. Your husband has been unsuspecting, having unlimited confidence in you. His confidence has been misplaced. Mr. Hurlbert has been his greatest enemy. He has come between you and your husband. You have confided to him your troubles. You have received his sympathy, which has led you farther and farther from your husband. Your intimacy with Mr. Hurlbert, the attention he has given you, have been such as are only warranted to be received from your husband. Satan has worked through this man to break up the family relation. Could he have accomplished this entirely he would have exulted. The happiness of both would have been at an end. God is acquainted with his purposes. Angels have recorded your conversations. You have loved this man Hurlbert, while he has been an agent of Satan to poison the happiness of you both. Your sin, Sister Gargett, has been more grievous in the sight of God than that of your husband. Satan would have separated you. This was his purpose. Yet you were not prepared to sever entirely the link which has united you. Your intimacy with Mr. Hurlbert and the attention you have received from him have been an injury to you, an injury to your husband, and a reproach to the cause of God. You, Sister Gargett, do not see yourself as Heaven sees you. When you realize the great work that you must resolutely lay hold of in order to be sanctified through the truth, you will return unto the Lord with hearty repentance and confessions and be converted that He may heal you.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1866, 2)
God would have you both, Brother and Sister Gargett, confess your sins, make thorough work for repentance. Have faith, Sister Gargett, in your husband. Give to him that confidence you have withdrawn. For Christ’s sake, forgive as freely as Christ has forgiven you. You have not realized that your husband needs to forgive you. God would have you renew your covenant to Him and to one another. Confess, forsake, and bury the past and commence anew.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1866, 3)
We are now doing up work for the judgment. It is the work that is resting upon us to set our house in order. Separate from the world. Be not conformed to it. Your life must be in conformity to your profession. Sister Gargett, you have not yet been sanctified through the truth you profess. You need a thorough conversion to the truth. You were shown me as conformed to the world instead of being transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1866, 4)
The work of overcoming may look to you severe; the afflictions which you must cheerfully submit to suffer for Christ’s sake may seem trying; but Christ is your Example. You can both say, we will give all for Christ. Let this be your motto: I can do all things which are required of me through Christ who strengtheneth me. Nothing will be required which is beyond your strength and capacity.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1866, 5)
Lt 11, 1866
White, J. E. NP 1866 Previously unpublished. Dear Edson:
I will write only a few lines. I feel bowed down under a weight of sadness which seems near crushing me. But still my only consolation is in clinging to the Lord. He will not leave me if I do not leave Him.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 1)
Edson, my dear boy, I am anxious on your account. I pray for you fervently and believe that God’s Spirit will operate upon your heart, and if you will listen to its teachings you will give to God your undivided affections and serve Him because you love His service. I cannot endure the thought that you are out of Christ, that you are not a thorough Christian, exemplifying in your life the character of Christ. Should you be now snatched away and lie down in the grave, I could not feel that you were prepared.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 2)
Edson, you must not be indifferent to eternal things. Your salvation is of more consequence to you than any earthly attainments. I don’t want you merely to have a name of being a Christian, like some I might mention in Battle Creek, but I desire you to be a sincere follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. Christ died for you, and after He has so dearly purchased redemption for you by His own blood, how ungrateful and cruel in you not to accept the salvation thus freely given.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 3)
Oh, how anxiously have I looked forward to the time when you would be an ornament to the cause of Christ. How long, Edson, before you will give yourself unreservedly to God? Write me the exercises of your mind. Speak freely, for I am more interested in this important subject than in anything pertaining to your temporal interest or attainments. Write me at Hubbardsville.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 4)
If you have anything to say to your father, where you have not been as tender of him as you should, do your duty and let nothing remain unsaid that ought to be said, that you will be distressed about after it is too late.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 5)
Write me fully. I received your letter with account of your expenses. You are surrounded with temptations but, Edson, be true to correct principles. Take a noble, elevated course and remember that you must not be influenced by others, but occupy a position to influence others to take a straightforward, manly course, and not in any way or manner pursue a course which will reflect discredit on the cause of truth. Let all your course of conduct be to elevate others. Stand free from every wrong influence. Stand for the right and remember that you are a Christian.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 6)
I hope all things are attended to right in Battle Creek, that we shall not have what little we possess there going to destruction. If you can write me any particulars about matters there, do so by all means, for I am troubled and perplexed about matters. Do write to your father. Has he written to you? I want that perfect union should exist between you. I cannot endure to have it otherwise. Poor Father; I do not think he can live.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 7)
I may return to Battle Creek before long. I don’t know what to do. I am perplexed and troubled; but I find comfort in trusting in God.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 8)
Stephen has gone to look at a farm in Ashfield, and we expect him back today.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 9)
In much love, your Mother.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1866, 10)
Lt 12, 1866
Andrews, J. N. Battle Creek, Michigan 1866 Previously unpublished. [J. N. Andrews]:
When we visited New York we were in a position to call forth pity and sympathy. You did not look upon the matter of his [James White’s] affliction in the right light, neither did George or Elder Loughborough. He was not in a condition to help himself out of the low condition into which he had fallen. Then had you all viewed the matter as God would have been pleased to have you, you would have looked upon him with greater pity and more tender compassion, and you would have labored by earnest prayer to lift him out of his state like a man who was helpless, incapable of helping himself, for he was powerless. This work could have been done. He lay powerless in the hands of the church for a time to reveal the true purposes of hearts. Conclusions were made and positions taken that God was displeased with; a train of evils followed.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1866, 1)
You have had much perplexity of mind in regard to this case and have been jealous of yourself, whether the Lord led in many of your feelings, or whether you were influenced by others. You were to some extent, and yet you had a great influence on others to help them to decide that they were correct in their feelings when their feelings were wrong. As the result of the unhappy perplexities caused by the affliction of my husband, men were permitted to move in their own wisdom and judgment that all may be brought to humility and led to understand that their moves should be in God, that they may ever learn to deal with the tenderest compassion with one who shall fall among them under the weight of the burdens he has staggered under for years, and borne for the cause of God and for the advancement of the truth. Whatever should be the condition of such, they are entitled to long, patient compassion and care. God would not let His prospering hand rest upon the works and control the judgment of those who had thus erred in their feelings and course of action.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1866, 2)
You, Brother Andrews, were influenced by others. And you in your turn influenced others. Your feelings and views and fears were natural, but at the same time were incorrect. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” [1 Corinthians 10:12.] This should ever be in the mind and should ever affect our course of action towards the unfortunate and suffering. We should consider that we know not how soon we may be brought into circumstances worse than theirs, and although standing apparently sure, we may fall helpless.
(1LtMs, Lt 12, 1866, 3)
Lt 13, 1866
Concerning “Our Home” Refiled as Ms 5, 1866.
Lt 14, 1866
Peabody, William Refiled as Lt 27, 1859.
Lt 15, 1866
Kellogg, Br-Sr. [J.P.] Refiled as Lt 17a, 1864.
Lt 16, 1866
White, J. E. Kensington, Connecticut October 14, 1866 Portions of this letter are published in 6MR 300; 10MR 28-29. Dear Son Edson:
I received your letter, which I should not excuse for its brevity were it not written under the peculiar circumstances which you mention. I was anxious in regard to the check. I suppose ere this you have received my present of winter underclothing. It was a great satisfaction to think that you will be well clad this cold winter weather. I am anxious to learn all about how you are situated, what progress you make, and how your time is occupied out of school. You know I must feel a deep interest in all these little things.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 1)
Last Sabbath I spoke twice to the church in this place, two hours in the forenoon and two in the afternoon. They are not much advanced on the health reform. They seem to be aroused some, and may make the needful change which health and happiness require.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 2)
Father grows feebler every day. He is very white and his face is pinched. I do not think he will live over a month. He is liable to die any day or any night. We have sent for your aunts Mary and Lizzie to come immediately if they would see Father alive.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 3)
Stephen [Belden] is doing well. He has five smart, intelligent children. I never saw a more industrious, thorough-going boy than Frankie. He is a great worker. So is his brother Charlie. Stephen has a melodeon. Ellen plays upon it quite well.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 4)
Ashfield. I received a letter from you night before last. Yesterday I came to this place; shall spend the Sabbath here. Ashfield is between eighty and one hundred miles from Berlin, Connecticut. Next Sabbath I expect to spend in Abbington, Connecticut, the Sabbath after in New York City, the next at Hubbardsville.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 5)
Yesterday after I left the cars I rode twelve miles in the stage. The scenery was beautiful. The trees with their varied hues, the beautiful evergreens interspersed among them, the green grass, the high and lofty mountains, the high bluffs of rocks—all are interesting to the eye. These things I could enjoy, but I am alone. The strong, manly arm I have ever leaned upon is not now my support. Tears are my meat night and day. My spirit is constantly bowed down by grief. I cannot consent that your father shall go down into the grave. Oh, that God would pity and heal him! Edson, my dear boy, give yourself to God. Wherein you have erred, frankly acknowledge it by confession and humility. Draw nigh to God and do unite with me in pleading with God for his recovery. If we chasten our souls before God and truly repent of all our wrongs, will He not be entreated, for the sake of His dear Son, to heal your father and cause him to think and act rationally?
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 6)
I received a line from Brother Abbey, which you wrote to him requesting a letter returned. I don’t know what to do about said letter. In all probability you have written to Brother Lindsey to have the letter returned to you. I will say when you write anything you do not wish Father to see, put it in an envelope with my name upon the letter, then enclose in an envelope to Ira Abbey. By that means I can get anything you wish without his knowledge.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 7)
Edson, you know my wishes concerning you. Be true, be faithful to the teaching you have received, true to your own conscience. Be free to write all your mind to me, for I will seek wisdom and advise you the best I can. God bless you, Edson. Give your heart to God. Without His blessing you cannot be happy.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 8)
Write me often, direct to Connecticut, as you have done. Your aunts Elizabeth and Mary will be in Connecticut, either this week or next. In love to you, Annie, and Lucretia.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 9)
Your affectionate mother.
(1LtMs, Lt 16, 1866, 10)