White, J. S. Oakland, California March 31, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 23-24; 8MR 29-30. Dear Husband:
Last night I visited Edson. Went to his house at seven and remained until half past nine o'clock. I talked with him plainly but kindly, but his feelings were very strong that he had been misused, [that] no mercy had been shown him when he left the office, although he had acknowledged his wrong. I saw that he was making no headway and we bowed in prayer.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 1)
I felt from the first fastened with entreaty and earnest pleading upon God. Still no break. I prayed over Edson, but his heart seemed unbroken. I then decided to spend the night in prayer, for our help could come from God alone. I had prayed five times and Edson four, he coming a little near the point every time. The last time he broke all to pieces. He made an entire surrender to God and such earnest pleadings and entreaties I have seldom heard. He then prayed again and again, and seemed to be in agony of spirit, confessing his wrongs, broken in spirit, his tears freely mingled with his prayers.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 2)
The room seemed to be lighted up with the presence of God. Edson then prayed for Emma. He got his arm around her and made his prayer to God with his resolves that they would seek God daily and earnestly watch against the temptations of Satan. He put his arms around me and talked and prayed and wept. Salvation indeed had come to that house. He then accompanied [me] home. I did not sleep much last night and feel worn this morning, but very thankful that we broke through the cloud of darkness last night and obtained the victory. I was determined not to give over the struggle till victory came. I never saw Edson so deeply exercised before and so sensible of his danger and weakness. But it did seem that I must succumb to the powers of darkness. I had spent many hours in prayer to God for Edson before I visited him.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 3)
Edson will probably write to you. I hope you will show a readiness to help him and encourage him, for he has had a sore, hard, trying time but tried to brave it through. The Spirit of God filled the room where we were. It was indeed a light place.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 4)
We had a card from you yesterday that was all, stating that you would reach Cheyenne at midnight. We hope to hear more today. Willie is now writing you.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 5)
I enjoy the presence of God and yet my soul is continually drawn out for more of His salvation. I am writing and having freedom in my writing. Precious subjects I am handling. The last I completed, or about completed, yesterday—Jesus healing the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda. It is a great subject, the discourse of Christ, following the healing as He was accused of the Jews of Sabbath breaking.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 6)
We miss you both very much. Mary seems lost without Lucinda.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 7)
Our China John is a treasure. He does just everything with a nicety that is surprising. Mary has to superintend the cooking. Lucinda had no such help as this to do the drudgery. He works for two dollars per week, while trying to learn to cook and talk.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 8)
Yours with love.
(3LtMs, Lt 1, 1876, 9)
Lt 1a, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California March 24, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 23; 8MR 76. Dear Husband:
We received yours which contained the number of pictures to be sent. They are slow in getting them out. We send from Ingelson’s seven each. We sent from Lathrop’s and Dunham’s, six each. You will see that Lathrop has the preference. I thought that mine from Ingelson’s was perfect, but I did not think yours was good. I have just received half dozen from Lathrop’s and Dunham’s of mine. It is the judgment of all that this last is far better than Ingelson’s. What do you think? We have a few of the small size of yours but none yet of mine.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 1)
I send three of Edson’s and three of Emma’s. This is all that is ready except one or two odd ones. We will send more Monday or evening after the Sabbath, if we can. We are all well as usual.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 2)
It takes a little time to get settled down from the excitement of your going. You may be assured we miss you. Especially do we feel the loss of your society when we gather about the fireside evenings. We feel your absence when we sit around the social board. But we shall get more used to this after a while. We have been writing today.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 3)
Mrs. Wright called upon us this afternoon. We had a very pleasant visit of one hour.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 4)
Mary and China John have been cooking today for the Sabbath. It has taken Mary’s time almost entirely today. John flies round quick and cheerful.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 5)
Last night [we] had a meeting to consider the plan of [a] meetinghouse. All moved off well. I was going to give you what was reported to me, for Elder Waggoner said he sent you a letter containing the news of the meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 6)
Willie has his hedge all set today. It looks very nice. He visited several nurseries. He paid, I think, thirty cents each. They are good size.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 7)
The Sabbath is drawing on. I must close this letter now. Write often. We will write again soon.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 8)
In much love.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 9)
Lathrop is as pleased a man as you ever saw with the pictures, especially of you. He says he will sell your negative for five hundred dollars. Beside what we take, it will bring him that much custom. He thinks Ingelson’s a flat affair. He has your picture in the window for show.
(3LtMs, Lt 1a, 1876, 10)
Lt 2, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Husband:
We are usually well. Last Sabbath Elder Loughborough preached in Oakland. Mary and Mrs. Rice from Colorado attended. He preached well, they said. But you will inquire, Who is this Mrs. Rice? Do you remember in Black Hawk, I received a letter from Mrs. Rice requesting me to call on her?
(3LtMs, Lt 2, 1876, 1)
Last Friday, she called on me. She has been in California one year and this is the first she has heard of our being here. She had been boarding in a Catholic family. She seemed quite urgent to board with us. Willie and Mary gave up their room to her. She pays seven dollars per week or twenty-eight dollars per month. She eats only two meals, drinks no tea or coffee, eats no butter or meat. Seems to be a quite intelligent woman. She has kept the Sabbath as well as she could under the circumstances. Her great desire seems to be to attend our meetings. Her husband will locate in California. Her health is better here than in Colorado. Her husband is on his way to the Centennial. She will join him about six weeks.
(3LtMs, Lt 2, 1876, 2)
Elder Waggoner spoke over in the city and feels encouraged in regard to the church there. Their meeting after the discourse was good. The work seems to be deepening. I thought while these brethren were here, I would not attend meeting, but put all my energies on my writings. We are doing all we can slowly but well. We cannot be hurried and yet have the matter come out as it should.
(3LtMs, Lt 2, 1876, 3)
Charles Jones leaves Monday for Michigan. He has the news [that] his wife is in consumption and he is desired to return at once. Perhaps this is best. He may be a help just now to Monterey and Allegan.
(3LtMs, Lt 2, 1876, 4)
I feel anxious to learn how matters stand in regard to Brother Littlejohn. I fully believe that Elder Littlejohn has not been in his right mind. I was shown that there was danger of this. It is a hereditary tendency. This is his danger and this is why I have felt so careful in regard to taking strong measures in his case. His mind is unbalanced. He sees things in an exaggerated light. If this is [it], as I am quite sure it is from what I have seen, he is not as responsible for his course as if he was all right, of sound mind. There is, I know, danger in his case.
(3LtMs, Lt 2, 1876, 5)
We received a few lines from you last Thursday night, nothing Friday night. We had no overland mail last night. Eight hours late. If we get anything from you in the morning mail, will answer it at once. All moves off well. Chinaman excellent. No girl could do the work he does and as well. But Willie being in office makes some more work.
(3LtMs, Lt 2, 1876, 6)
Lt 3, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 4, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 279, 281; 8MR 76; 9MR 28-29; 11MR 201-202. Dear Husband:
Yesterday there was a meeting of the stockholders. I did not attend. I have learned of others but little about the meeting as yet. Willie was elected president of publishing association.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 1)
We had sixteen to dinner. Everything passed off pleasantly. I had a long talk with Brother Chapman. I think it was profitable. We have been having company about every day for some days back, but I try to stick to my writings and do as much each day as I dare. I cannot write but one half of a day each day.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 2)
Mary is doing well. Misses Lucinda. I shall have to board the girls somewhere. There is no one to look after them. Mary, in the office, I upstairs writing, Mary Clough in the office, so you see that they must be left to their own devices. Addie will not study or employ herself about useful matters unless she has someone to urge these things upon her constantly. May, of course, will not. I feel so uneasy when writing in regard them, where they are or what they are doing, I cannot fix my mind on my writings. I must board them somewhere. When I get through my writing, I am too tired to have any care of them. I cannot leave them to go anywhere for there is no one to have any care of them. They will be spoiled with this neglect.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 3)
Mary and Willie are doing well. They are cheerful. Mary is a perfect general in the house. I have no care of household matters. They are very economical in expending means.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 4)
Our house is being lathed. The meetinghouse is started. I have not seen how far they have progressed. The church here is doing well as could be expected. Brethren W. and L. are going to Petaluma next week. Brother Chapman urged Mary and me to come down there and visit and write. We think if matters get in a better condition there, we may do so week after next perhaps, and stay a couple of weeks. Sister Jones might take care of the children that length of time. We might do that family some good to be with them a short time.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 5)
Thursday morning, April 6
I have arisen early, before light, to finish this and get in the office this morning.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 6)
Last evening the two Marys went with me to Brooklyn for a few flower roots for our garden. Sister Grover gave us as many as we could carry. It is the first time I have been anywhere except to call once on Mrs. Wright. We set out our flowers by moonlight and with the aid of a lamp.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 7)
We were very glad to receive [the] postal that you had arrived safe at your journey’s end. We have not forgotten to pray for you. Every day we asked our heavenly Father to guard you, bless and strengthen you.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 8)
I have had much freedom in prayer and sweet communion with God in my waking hours at night and early in the morning. I am gaining some strength, but find that any taxation affects me seriously so that it takes time to recover from it. My trust [is] in God. I have confidence that He will help me in my efforts to get out the truth and light He has given me to [give to] His people. Mary is a good help. I appreciate her. I am glad that you found Mary doing well.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 9)
In reference to Brother Bell—he may move unwisely, but it would not do to separate him from that college. Small matters may arise that need correcting in Brother Bell, but I should not make any move without most positive inconsistencies arise. Excuse me from expressing myself thus freely. You are on the ground and if you converse with Brother Bell yourself, you may learn that there are two sides to the story. There are so many ever ready at Battle Creek to load our guns. We should take nothing as sure until we are most thoroughly convinced ourselves. We believe that God will guide you in judgment.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 10)
We feel anxious to learn how matters stand in Battle Creek. Do not put too much confidence in Brother Brownsberger. He lacks experience. He will work against his own influence. In his management in school, he has some peculiar ways that injure his influence as a teacher very much. I have not conversed with Mary and Willie as to what I have written, but speak of things that I know myself from high authority.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 11)
We want to learn how Allegan matters get along.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 12)
In reference to furnishing [the] new house, please send in your orders as to what furniture you want and your wishes shall be complied with. It is your house and of course you have the right to say how it shall be furnished. I have no ambition or anxiety about the matter.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 13)
Please write when you can find time in reference to this matter. The plastering will commence next week. The house looks very nice and grand. We have had the well cleaned out. It works splendidly. Water good and we can, by pumping, force the water through the hose to water the entire garden.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 14)
Edson seems determined to do his best to get right. We shall try to help him to make thorough work. He has plenty of business, but think he shall discharge Pratt because he does not do his part. He is crowded with work.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 15)
In regard to our pictures, how many shall we order. Dunham gave me mine as well as yours, one dozen each. This is liberal, I think. Everyone thinks [that] these last from Dunham’s are perfect. What is your judgment? Lucinda’s are not yet finished. No orders, he says, were left for him, but one dozen will be finished in a short time.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 16)
I think of nothing more interesting to write you now.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 17)
In much love to yourself and Lucinda, I remain,
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 18)
Yours affectionately.
(3LtMs, Lt 3, 1876, 19)
Lt 4, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 7, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 277-278; 9MR 29. Dear Husband:
I arise before the family to get a few lines to the mail this morning. We remain usually well. We were glad to receive your few lines last evening stating that you had received a letter from me.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 1)
I am writing some every day but cannot confine myself to writing more than one-half a day.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 2)
Yesterday Mary Clough, the little girls, and I visited Sister Babcock. We had quite a walk. She lives on Twenty-eighth Street, west of Market. We only made her a call to find out where she lived. We next called on Sister Bohin, a German family. We had an excellent visit there. She is intelligent and a woman of fine taste. She understands sacred things and is a most devoted believer. She gave me many precious plants for my garden. They have quite a large lot of land, well cultivated, devoted to flowers and shrubs and trees. A large house, well furnished. The best Bible I ever looked into lies on their center table. Costs twenty dollars. She was very glad to receive us. I shall visit all my sisters and become acquainted with them.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 3)
We came home and I set out my things in my garden of [the] new house by moonlight and by the aid of lamplight. The two Marys tried to have me wait till morning, but I would not listen to them. We had a beautiful shower last night. I was glad then I persevered in setting out my plants.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 4)
The front yard is not yet prepared, but directly back of the new house a little strip is made ready for use. Set out some things.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 5)
I shall attend meeting tomorrow, but shall let Waggoner and Loughborough do the work while they are here. I shun every responsibility I can, and all the work aside from my writing that I can. We are all doing well. I shall, I think, spend the commencement of the Sabbath with Edson and Emma. They are doing well in seeking to serve the Lord. I want to help them all I can.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 6)
Willie and Mary do well. They are just as economical in their table preparations as ourselves, only more so. I am happily disappointed here. We have the third form of testimony off. I prepared the testimony for Cassidy. Brother Waggoner copied it for printers. He takes it in the pages to use in their labor to Petaluma. I feel like carrying matters right through in California. Whatever I do have to say or do about things will be to call things by their right name, and give this murmuring spirit no quarters. I have matter prepared for part of the fourth form [of] testimony, and part of the first form, which will be put in Signs as wanted.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 7)
The precious subjects open to my mind well. I trust in God and He helps me to write. I am some twenty-four pages ahead of Mary. She does well with my copy. It will take a clear sense of duty to call me from this work to camp meetings. I mean to finish my writings, on one book at any rate, before I go anywhere. I see no light in my attending camp meetings. You and I decided this before you left. You must [not] allow the conference to press me out of the path of duty. The east will not see me for one year unless I feel that God calls me to go. He has given me my work. I will do it if I can be left free.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 8)
I would enjoy attending the camp meetings if God said Go. I have no light as yet to go. The pillar of fire is here yet, when it moves I would move also. I want to follow it. I have no will of mine own; I want to do God’s will. At present His will is to tarry in California and make the most of my time in writing. I shall be doing more for the cause in this than in going across the plains to attend camp meetings. I hope you will keep well.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 9)
In much love.
(3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, 10)
Lt 4a, 1876
White, J. S. NP April 8, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 104; 7MR 279-280. Dear Husband:
In Willie’s letter you inquire in regard to your property, horse and wagon. Both [are] in good condition, especially [the] horse, who exhibited his balky propensities yesterday morning before Mary Clough. He was disposed to go every way but the one he should go. Willie will sell him for what he can get. The Tribune men have used him to carry their forms back and forth; paid three dollars each week. He has been used in drawing lumber and for different purposes, so that he has paid his way. But I am going to watch for an opportunity and interest others to get me a good team, not so very expensive, but manageable, that Mary and I can use to ride out where and when we please.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 1)
Dr. Kellogg spoke at the hall on [the] health question last night. Quite a full house. Mary and Sister Rice were present. They said he talked well. He spoke on Sabbath. Those who attended said [they] had a very good meeting. I did not go.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 2)
Brother Jones has decided to stay in Oakland and be at home.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 3)
In regard to publishing my book here, what do you think of it? The manuscript could at once be put in the hands of the printers. Will you please inform us in reference to this.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 4)
I have liberty in writing and I plead with God daily for counsel and that I may be imbued with His spirit. I then believe that I shall have help and strength and grace to do the will of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 5)
I am glad you are so free and happy. I never had such an opportunity to write in my life and I mean to make the most of it. I do not think it advisable to go east at all this summer. It would just break me up and I see no positive necessity for it. But if I feel that God would have me go, I shall gladly pick up and come along, because I want to do just what would please my heavenly Father.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 6)
I am not intruded upon by anyone. I am not called away from my work by anyone. Brethren W. and L. do not lay any burdens upon me or trouble me with any perplexities. I am left free and undisturbed. My ideas seem clear. My health is generally good, and I am seeking the Lord for perfect health in eyesight and for clearness of mind. I feel that Jesus is very precious to me and very near to me. At times, my mind is in perfect peace, and I can say with joyfulness, I know that my Redeemer liveth. Our work and the truth we are trying to get before the people never seemed as precious as now.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 7)
How will it do to read my manuscript to Elders Waggoner and Loughborough? If there is any wording of doctrinal points not so clear as might be, he might discern it. (W., I mean). We might [place] the matter in the tract Redemption in the printer’s hands at once, if needed, two forms can be struck off. Thus we can have plates prepared [and] sent at once to Battle Creek for you to print for camp meetings. Write or telegraph. Shall we go ahead?
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 8)
In love.
(3LtMs, Lt 4a, 1876, 9)
Lt 5, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 11, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in TDG 110; CTr 242; 3Bio 26-27; 7MR 280-281. Dear Husband:
I had written you quite a lengthy letter last night, but the ink was spilled upon it, making an unsightly blotch and I will not send it.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 1)
We received your few words last night on a postal card—“Battle Creek, April 11. No letters from you for two days. James White.”
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 2)
This lengthy letter was written by yourself. Thank you, for we know you were living.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 3)
No letter from James White previous to this since April 6, 1876. We were very thankful to receive a few lines in reference to yourself from Sister Hall, April 9.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 4)
I have been anxiously waiting for something to answer. We were glad of the four pages she wrote and thus hearing of you through her. We have not as yet learned any special news from Battle Creek of your meeting. We read in the Review last night some things which gave some understanding of what was being done. We were glad to read things were so encouraging. Particulars may come in regard [to] Allegan matters in time.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 5)
We remain usually well.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 6)
Mary White has too great a pressure of work in the office reading proof and preparing matters for paper. We are hoping that the Lord will favor us with help in that department, as He has favored us with help in the household department.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 7)
Our China Shew is better help than we could get in hiring a girl. No girl would be found east or west that could or would do the work he does so well and so cheerfully.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 8)
Yesterday, Brother Chittenden took a number of us out on the water in his boat—Sister Chittenden, Waggoner, Loughborough, and wife, Mary Clough, Edson, Emma, Frank, Willie Jones, Brother O. B. Jones, Charles Jones, myself and the little girls. We remained on the water and beach all day. Sailed out of the Golden Gate upon the ocean. There was no wind to take us out of the harbor. Charlie employed a steam tug to take us out. One of his friends managed the steamboat. Mary and Emma were seasick. I was not sick at all. The waves ran high and we were tossed up and down so very grandly. I was highly elevated in my feelings, but had no words to say to anyone. It was grand. The spray dashing over us, the watchful captain giving his orders, the ready hands to obey. The wind was blowing strong and I never enjoyed anything as much in my life.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 9)
I was today to write upon Christ walking on the sea and stilling the tempest. Oh, how this scene was impressed upon my mind. Brother Chittenden says Sister White looks just happy, but she does not say a word to anyone. I was filled with awe with my own thoughts. Everything seemed so grand in that ocean, the waves running so high. The majesty of God and His works occupied my thoughts. He holds the winds in His hands, He controls the waters. Finite beings, mere specks upon the broad deep waters of the Pacific, were we in the sight of God, yet angels of heaven were sent from His excellent glory to guard that little sailboat that was careening over the waves. Oh, the wonderful works of God! So much above our comprehension! He at one glance beholds the highest heavens and the midst of the sea.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 10)
How vividly before my mind was the boat with the disciples buffeting the waves. The night was dark and tempestuous. Their Master was absent. The sea was strong, the winds contrary. Had Jesus, their Saviour, been with them, they would have felt safe. All through the long and tedious night they bend to their oars, forcing their way against wind and waves. They are beset with danger and horror. These were strong men accustomed to hardships and peril and not easily intimidated with danger.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 11)
They had expected to take their Saviour on board the ship at a certain point designated, but how without Him could they even reach that spot? All in vain, the wind was against them. The strength of the rowers was exhausted and yet the merciless storm had not abated, but was lashing the waves into a fury as though to engulf the boat and themselves. Oh, how they longed for Jesus. In the hour of their greatest peril, when they had given up all for lost amid the lightning flashes in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus is revealed to them walking upon the water. Oh, then Jesus had not forgotten them. His watchful eye of tender sympathy and pitying love had watched them all through that fearful storm. In their greatest need He is close by them.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 12)
He had told them where to meet Him. They were doing their utmost to obey Him and take Him on board, but a trial of their faith was necessary. And at the very point when despair was taking the place of hope, when they felt that they were utterly deserted, the eye of the world’s Redeemer was watching them with a compassion that was as tender as a mother watching over a suffering child, and this love is infinite. The disciples were at first affrighted, but above the roaring of the angry tempest is heard the words the disciples longed most to hear, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”Matthew 14:27. Their confidence is restored. Jesus; it is Jesus! was spoken from one to the other; be not afraid, it is Jesus, the Master.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 13)
Jesus said to winds and waves, to the troubled waters, Peace, be still. [Mark 4:39.] Oh, how many times have we in our experience been in a similar position as were these disciples. How many times has Christ revealed Himself to us and turned our sorrow into joy. Oh, powerful Redeemer, gracious and compassionate Saviour, able with Thy infinite power to calm all tempests, able to revive all hearts. He is our Redeemer. We may trust Him in the storm as well as the sunshine.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 14)
Can you wonder that I was silent and happy with these grand themes of contemplation? I am glad I went upon the water. I can write better than before.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 15)
We have felt some anxious in regard to your health on account of the change of climate at this season of the year. It must be trying to your system, but we hope you will take the best of care of yourself, that your health may not suffer. I hope that this journey will be indeed to you a season of rest rather than toil. I shall press through my work as fast as possible. We pray every day and many times through the day that God would guide you in judgment, [and] impart to you heavenly wisdom. We believe that He will do for us the things we ask of Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 16)
God is our only hope, in Him must we trust.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 17)
Mary Clough was very sick the first part of the boat ride, but after dinner, on our return, she enjoyed the ride very much indeed.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 18)
Brethren Waggoner and Loughborough go to Petaluma to be over next Sabbath. They intend to work and set things in order. I have no special news to write you. Brother Charles Jones is waiting to hear whether Orin is to go to Battle Creek. If he is called there, he will send his tools in a box with Charles’ tools. Please write definitely about some of these things. Orin is waiting in sincere suspense. Meanwhile the meetinghouse is going forward.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 19)
I will write every morning; will you do the same? Love to yourself and Mary Chase and all friends.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 20)
Willie just received a letter with copy for Signs. Review came at same time.
(3LtMs, Lt 5, 1876, 21)
Lt 6, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 13, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 27-28; 7MR 278; 10MR 33-34. Dear Husband:
Your letter dated April 6, we received last night. This is the first letter I have had from you since April 6.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 1)
We are all quite well and cheerful. We feel every day a most earnest desire for a more sacred nearness to God. This is my prayer, when I lie down, when I awake in the night, and when I arise in the morning, Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 2)
I sleep alone. This seems to be Mary’s preference as well as mine. I can have a better opportunity for reflection and prayer. I prize my [being] all to myself unless graced with your presence. I want to share my bed only with you. Lucinda is an exception. She seems to be a part of myself as I can make no other one. Mary is doing well, is devoted to the work. We are doing all we can every day. I fear sometimes I do too much, for I love the work and nothing is of sufficient interest to draw me from the work.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 3)
I was very, very glad to hear that you were cheerful and happy, and that Sister Mary is so well and enjoying a little of life’s blessings. This is her due.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 4)
Willie and Mary are closely confined to their work. They have a whole interest in it. Elder Waggoner says last night [they] had good meeting—for the city, very good. Our children attended the meeting last night; have nothing special reported.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 5)
Our home moves forward slowly. Workmen [are] divided between our house and the meetinghouse. We are ready for plastering. Carpenters cannot do much until the plastering is done. Every little space is improved in shelves, cupboards or drawers. I think we will have a very convenient house. Our hedge is growing nicely. The things we have set out in rosebushes and a few choice shrubs are doing well. As soon as we get our house finished, the grass will be sown and premises arranged in good order.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 6)
Everyone is talking about this corner being the best location in the city. But all these things are secondary with me, the prosperity of the cause of God is dearer to me than the richest estate, the most convenient houses and the most expensive furniture.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 7)
My heart thirsts for the living God. I want to be a living channel of light to the world while I remain in it; and [when] my probation here closes, my warfare is ended, I shall have left a bright track heavenward. I love Jesus. I know this, and if I am permitted to dwell in His presence, O bliss, bliss indeed. I am striving for this. My prayer is for you, several times in the day, that God would put beneath you His everlasting arms and guide you in judgment. Sometimes I feel a very strong assurance that my prayers are considered graciously in heaven and will be answered.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 8)
I hope you will not let a thought depress you. Be of good courage. Stay your heart upon God. I am trying to do this daily. As I lay off article after article of precious matter, I feel my heart leap with hope and joy that this long-delayed work will soon be accomplished. Much love to yourself, Sister Mary and all interested friends.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 9)
Your Ellen.
P.S. It is most glorious weather. Strawberries in market, peas, new potatoes, asparagus, etc.
(3LtMs, Lt 6, 1876, 10)
Lt 7, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 14, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 105; 3Bio 28; 7MR 278. Dear Husband:
The Sabbath is drawing on. I will write you a few lines so as not to miss one day. If there is no line from me to you, be assured the fault is not mine.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 1)
I have not much news to write. We are well as usual, but when Sabbath comes it seems quite lonely. I thought some of going over to the city tomorrow, but finally decided I would not go and speak anywhere, but give my time and strength to my writings.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 2)
I think Brother Fay’s ardor is cooled considerable in regard to his mines. The stones from the mines have been tested and the decision made that there is valuable metal in the mines, but the process of getting the valuables from the stone would be next to impossible. It will have to remain where it is. I have not heard the last decision in reference to the matter, but we hear no more excitement of the matter.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 3)
Edson’s little book is now out. I will send you one. Edson is about to make a sale of his home for seventeen hundred fifty. I wish he could keep it, for it is a very snug little home, but perhaps it is best it should go.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 4)
Brother Kellogg was here today. Just saw him a moment. He urged me [to] come to Santa Clara, but I do not comply with any of their requests, but I think I shall have to have some change for a few days. My head seems numb, although my writing does not average more than half a day.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 5)
I was so glad to hear you were feeling so free. I hope nothing will arise to disturb your peace and bring upon you perplexity.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 6)
I intended to send this tonight but I decided to wait until the mail came in to see if anything came from you, but no letter came from you to me.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 7)
I have had a very depressed state of feelings today, unaccountably sad. I could not explain why I felt so exceedingly sad.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 8)
We bowed before God at the commencement of the Sabbath. I commenced to pray and my heart went out after God. I wept and prayed and I felt the consolation of the Spirit of God. Jesus seemed so precious, so very precious to me. I laid all my burdens upon my Saviour and I was relieved. The clouds were swept away and the Sun of Righteousness beamed upon me. I would give more for one such evidence of the love of God than all the treasures of the world.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 9)
It seems to me my writings are important and I so feeble, so unable to do the work with justice. I have pled with God to be imbued with His Holy Spirit, to be connected with heaven, that this work may be done right. I can never do this work without the special blessing of God. I feel encouraged. There was a sweet, subdued spirit in our circle especially with Frank. He prayed earnestly and with weeping for the blessing of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 10)
Oh, how my heart yearns for the salvation of God. I shall cling to the mighty One. He will help me. I feel the assurance that I shall have help. I shall not be left to myself. I hope I shall never forget my weakness and where to go for my strength.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 11)
I imagine you all bowed before God at the commencement of the Sabbath, having a good season of prayer.
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 12)
Love to yourself and friends,
(3LtMs, Lt 7, 1876, 13)
Ellen.
Lt 8, 1876
White, J. S. To Brooklyn, California April 16, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 105; 3Bio 28-29; 5MR 194; 7MR 284. Dear Husband:
We have an appointment in the city tonight. The cars are so crowded Sunday at about six o’clock, it is next to impossible to find a seat or even standing room or a hold on the platform. We step on board the train at Market Street and ride to Brooklyn, wait half an hour at Brooklyn and thus secure our seats for the return from Brooklyn.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 1)
I have written quite a number of pages today. Mary is hard after me. She gets so enthusiastic over some subjects [that] she brings in the manuscript after she has copied [it] to read it to me. She showed me today quite a heavy pile of manuscripts she had prepared. Quite proudly she viewed it.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 2)
I am pleased with Sister Rice. She feels very glad of the chance to board with us, where she can live health reform.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 3)
Willie, his Mary, and Mary Clough accompany me to the city tonight. I think that we had better not get any furniture for [the] new house till you are here to select it. If we can get a good, nice family without small children, in the house who will pay us sixty dollars each month, why not rent it and remain where we are while our family is so small? We have more rooms than we use now, and we do not need the larger house until you return.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 4)
It will be expensive to furnish the new house, [and will] take our time and quite a pile of money. I do not wish my mind diverted from my work to even go and select furniture; but I only suggest. If you have anything settled, let us know. If we move in the new house and rent the one we are now living in, who will have the rent? If we remain where we are and rent the new, I know who will have the rent. We shall have it. And I think it will come exceedingly convenient. We will do exactly as you say. So advise or direct us and we will do as you say. Mary Clough looks at this matter just as we do.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 5)
We are having an indescribable concert. Nine are singing—Dutch, or German or French, I cannot tell which. The voices are just splendid, quite entertaining. I think it is a Sunday excursion company.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 6)
I am feeling very free and peaceful. I feel the precious love of Christ in my heart. It humbles me in my own sight while Jesus is exalted before me. Oh, how I do long for that social and mysterious connection with Jesus that elevates us above the temporal things of life. It is my anxiety to be right with God, to have His spirit continually witnessing with me that I am indeed a child of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 7)
I shall strive to bring out these matters, so precious, to the acceptance of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 8)
Well, I cannot write you very much news when I shut myself in my chamber day after day writing, and then when I write you every day; but you must be content with what you can get. We now take the boat.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 9)
On the boat, El Capitan crowded with passengers. Tobacco smoke, rum and pork is the flavor in this company. Oh, my prayer is, Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men.
(3LtMs, Lt 8, 1876, 10)
Lt 9, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 18, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 105-106; 3Bio 28-29; 9MR 31. Dear Husband:
I failed to get a letter to you Monday morning. We went to the city Sunday night. I spoke to quite a large congregation of outsiders with acceptance, taking up the subject of the loaves and fishes with which Jesus by His miraculous power fed about ten thousand people, five thousand men and women and five thousand children, with these, that were continually collecting after the Saviour had blessed the small portion of food; Christ walking on the sea; and the Jews requiring a sign that He was the Son of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 1)
The neighbor next to the church near the public garden was there. Cragg, I believe his name is. They all listened with wide open eyes, and some open mouths. Mary says she feels provoked that she has written out that subject before she heard me speak upon it. She will now insert some living points she heard that night. She seemed deeply interested. Brother Diggin’s family were a number of them out.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 2)
I tarried over night by Brother and Sister Chittenden’s request. I slept with her and baby. Did not close my eyes till between two and three o’clock. I was not sick, but sleep departed from my eyes and slumber from my eyelids. I had slept alone for more than three weeks. The change made me nervous.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 3)
In the morning I took the streetcar for Sister Rowland’s. Called at Harrison Street to Brother Wilson’s. There left my satchel, then called on Sister James and next went to Sister Rowland’s. She has been very sick from a fall. She has had one of the most severe attacks of erysipelas. She is now better. She has had to keep her bed. She was glad to see me. We conversed together and then united in prayer. She is cheerful. We had a good season of prayer. I then took dinner at Brother Wilson’s and took the cars for the boat. Reached home about four. I knew Mary would not want copy, for she was not feeling very well that day.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 4)
I have great freedom in speaking to the people. And all are urgent for me to speak. Our church in Oakland, some of them, felt quite jealous over my going to San Francisco both Sabbath and first day evening to speak, but I tell them when they have a decent place of worship I will feel better courage to speak in Oakland.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 5)
I have heard nothing yet from Loughborough and Waggoner. Hope to hear today some news.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 6)
We received your letters, Lucinda, and one from you last evening and was very glad to hear from you; but so very sad it made me feel to read that you were so sick. I fear that eastern climate will not be favorable to your physical health, [even] if it is for your spiritual strength. We have beautiful, sunshiny weather here.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 7)
We miss you both very, very much, but we are so buried up in our writing we have no time to be lonesome while thus engaged; but when gathered about the fireside, then there is a great miss. We have very precious seasons of prayer. The Lord indeed seems very nigh. I see many subjects to write out, which must be done with the greatest care. I want this summer, the whole of it, to do this work in. I must stop a day or two in the week and go somewhere or my head will break down. I begrudge every moment that I feel compelled to rest. These intensely interesting subjects weary me far more to write them out than to speak upon them.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 8)
I feel that it would not be advisable for me to break off now and go east. Mary does not feel inclined to go. Says she just despises the eastern climate, but this would not prevent me if I could feel that it was my duty to go. I would feel pleased to meet my brethren and sisters in camp meeting. It is just such work as I enjoy. Much better than the confinement of writing. But this will break up my work and defeat the plans of getting out my books, for I cannot do—both travel and write. Now seems to be my golden opportunity. Mary is with me, the best copyist for me I can ever have. Another such chance may never be mine.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 9)
It is not advisable for me to think of going east this summer. I will in the fear of God and in His strength, do my very best to write out these precious subjects, and next year if the Lord spares my life, will attend camp meeting. I want something to show what we have done this year in writing.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 10)
May God give you my dear husband, strength of body and vigor of mind. I must close at once to get [this] in [the] mail.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 11)
Love to all.
(3LtMs, Lt 9, 1876, 12)
Lt 10, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 19, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Husband:
I wrote you a long letter yesterday. Part of it I should have sent Monday morning from the city, but found it would not be taken from the box till afternoon; therefore did not send it, but wrote my Tuesday letter and sent both together.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 1)
We are all well and hope to be so that we may do the work to acceptance, but this writing cannot be hurried. I dreamed last night of someone sending for me to come to their rescue. I said No, but the matter was urged with persistency. Your testimony, said they, must be borne and the people receive it before God will come into their midst and do His work. The call I expect every day from Petaluma. I told Brother Chapman if things were straightened out there, I would come; if not, I would not bear my testimony among them.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 2)
We received a line from Brother Waggoner last night. Will send in this to you. We think that there must be patient but thorough labor in California if the truth shall prevail here.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 3)
Received letter from Cornell, but he makes no definite confession of anything. He acknowledges the testimony is true and mourns as usual. I will send you letter if I can find it.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 4)
Willie and Mary are very busy and make good time on the work. Loughborough and Annie [have] gone to Petaluma. We hope things may get straightened out then, if they are not dead and past a resurrection. But I have hope for them.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 5)
Willie says he wants the note from Waggoner, so cannot send it. I will copy.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 6)
“Dear Willie. We find the church here much in the condition of a distressed nest of hornets. All is moving well as could be expected. Week ago, last Sabbath, Brother Chapman made some reference to testimonies. Cassidy flared up, considering it a personal insult. After some words had passed, left angry. Now they see that they have not gained by petting this unruly spirit. We expect several will go overboard but we cannot help it. The whole church was dying and something will now be saved.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 7)
“We had much freedom Sabbath. I visited long and late at Cassidy’s Sabbath eve, and our talk so prostrated him he could not go to meeting. He is the picture of misery itself. We have hope of her.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 8)
“Yesterday’s, April 16, meeting was good. Resolution passed requiring Cassidy to make satisfaction to the church, or they will take steps to cast him off. Committee will report his case. Tuesday evening we expect final action. All works well. You will soon hear further.”
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 9)
I expect to do a big day’s work today, but I cannot rush off my work. As much as I should be pleased to see my sister Caroline, I would give it up for this writing.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 10)
I mean nothing shall draw me from it but a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Mary and I are getting off writing as fast as possible.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 11)
Sister Rice is doing up sewing for me. She is a good dressmaker.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 12)
Mary has a cold. She has no flannel. I get her some this morning for she is cold.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 13)
Dear husband, be careful and not overdo. I will be careful and I want you to be. May God bless you, guide you in judgment is my prayer daily.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 14)
I have written this while all are talking like blackbirds around me. Willie has letter commenced. Will soon send it not finished. Edson appears well. He and Willie are in harmony.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 15)
Your Ellen.
Edson sells his home today, I expect for $1,750. He will then be free, except five hundred which he will meet easily as he has a great supply of work. He is having Emma and Gus to set music. I wish Mary also could have the opportunity of setting music and having a chance to earn means.
(3LtMs, Lt 10, 1876, 16)
Ellen.
Lt 11, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 20, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 2Bio 443; 7MR 230, 280; 9MR 31-32. Dear Husband:
I received two letters from you last night and one from Lucinda. We were all very sorry to hear of your sickness and we hope the next letter will contain news of your complete recovery.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 1)
We are all usually well.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 2)
I continue to write half of each day. Have freedom in writing and enjoy it. I am decided to continue my writing and let nothing take me away. Shall take a day now and then for a change, ride or go to Healdsburg, not for their good but my own.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 3)
The first coat of plastering is on the new house. Brother Jones thinks in four weeks it will be done. I am not troubled with visitors or with solicitations to go here or there. I was asked by Brother Kellogg to visit Santa Clara but said No.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 4)
The weather is just beautiful. The grass sown is up and doing finely. The hedge is all doing well. The shrubs are looking well. The front of our house, on 11th and Castro, is not yet arranged. When the building is finished we shall arrange it at once. Everything in office moves off quietly and prosperously.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 5)
I cannot make any move eastward without clear evidence of duty. God has given me my work and I desire to do it.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 6)
You are happy and never so free. Thank the Lord for this. I am so glad you feel thus. I am happy and free and I thank the Lord for this. You are in the line of duty. God blesses you. I am in the line of my duty and God blesses me. It may never be as well as now for me to write. Golden opportunity, precious privilege, which I shall certainly improve. Should I leave now to go east, I should go on your light, not on mine. You have precious help for camp meeting; make the most of it. I do not intend to even go to the California camp meeting. I told Brother Chapman I would not go without there was a radical change in the churches throughout California. I would not do such injustice to myself or my husband by going. I attend but few meetings, and I know of no place in the world where I can do as much writing and be unmolested or less intruded upon than in Oakland, California.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 7)
I take great pleasure in writing out these precious subjects and should feel I were doing wrong to break off to attend meetings anywhere or in any place, only as a change and blessing to myself.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 8)
I wish I had some news to write you, but remaining so secluded and shut up to my writing, I get but little news. We think we have the presence of the Lord and His light is shining upon us. I am very free in speaking and in praying, never more so. I am very free also in writing.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 9)
I miss you and would love to be with you if this was the will of God, but He knoweth all things and will direct my path.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 10)
I am perfectly willing and very anxious to do the will of God. I have no wish or will of my own in this matter, but as yet see no duty east.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 11)
We pray for you every day and believe the Lord will be with you and strengthen you and be a light to your path.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 12)
Love to yourself and dear friends.
(3LtMs, Lt 11, 1876, 13)
Lt 12, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 21, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 106; 8MR 77. Dear Husband:
We are all as well as usual. Matters move off in the office as well as could be expected.
(3LtMs, Lt 12, 1876, 1)
All are cheerful and happy. Mary has quite a hard cold, but she is improving upon it.
(3LtMs, Lt 12, 1876, 2)
We have here a picture that Dunham has taken from one of yours, but you will see it is not as perfect as the first. It is such a pity the negative was broken. I fear you will never get as good a one.
(3LtMs, Lt 12, 1876, 3)
I asked him what he would print me one hundred of mine for and mount them on paper. We should prepare book sheet for my life. He said he would print large for twenty dollars per hundred, small ten dollars per hundred. What [do you] think of having one hundred prepared for my book? Rather expensive is it not? I wish I could see you and talk with you.
(3LtMs, Lt 12, 1876, 4)
I have just completed quite a lengthy article of several miracles; makes fifty pages. We have prepared about one hundred and fifty pages since you left. We feel the best of satisfaction in what we have prepared.
(3LtMs, Lt 12, 1876, 5)
We saw the meetinghouse today. It looks noble and good. It will be a better house than the one in San Francisco. One man came from Santa Clara to work on meetinghouse. Willie boards him; Griffith is his name.
(3LtMs, Lt 12, 1876, 6)
The little children are doing well. They are some care to me, but I cannot have all that care of them they ought to have. This worries me considerable. I have just got the picture Dunham has made. I do not like it. Shall not order any till you see it and send your opinion of it. [Remainder missing.]
(3LtMs, Lt 12, 1876, 7)
Lt 13, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 24, 1876 This letter is published in entirety in 14MR 335-338. Dear Husband:
Mary has just been reading to me two articles—one on the loaves and fishes, Christ walking on the water and stating to His hearers He was the Bread of life which caused some of His disciples to turn from Him. This takes fifty pages and comprises many subjects. I do think it the most precious matter I have ever written. Mary is just [as] enthusiastic over it. She thinks it is of the highest value. I am perfectly satisfied with it.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 1)
The other article was upon Christ going through the cornfield plucking the ears of corn and healing the withered hand—12 pages. If I can, with Mary’s help get out these subjects of such intense interest, I could say, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace.” [Luke 2:29.] These writings are all I can see now. Mary’s interest does not decrease at all. She is just as ardent and anxious as I am that this work shall be done now, before we leave California. Interesting subjects are continually opening to my mind. These subjects I speak upon which fastens them in Mary’s mind.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 2)
I believe that the Lord is with us and His Spirit will impress our hearts. Mary is only just after me. I have not subjects prepared ahead. My heart and mind are in this work, and the Lord will sustain me in doing this work. I believe the Lord will give me health; I have asked Him, and He will answer my prayer. I love the Lord. I love His cause. I love His people. I feel great peace and calmness of mind. There seems to be nothing to confuse and distract my mind, and with so much hard thinking my mind could not be perplexed with anything without being overtaxed.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 3)
I have not the least care of anything in the house. Mary White is a good general. Shew is first rate. Shew gets meals now very well with some oversight. We have not had a particle of meat in the house since you left and long before you left. We have had salmon a few times. It has been rather high. We had green peas today. There are a plenty of strawberries in market. We have had none yet, too high—twenty-five or thirty cents a box. We had new beets and new potatoes. You need not be concerned in regard to Willie’s and Mary’s economy. They are just right in these matters. I think they do splendidly. Everything seems to move off smoothly and well. All the house is well taken care of.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 4)
I generally choose to take care of my own room, for I dare not have a hand touch my writings or run any risk of having them mislaid.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 5)
The children go to Sister Jones’ to read every day. This is a great relief to me.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 6)
Frank and George are doing well. Frank does not eat butter or sugar and his face is better.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 7)
We are as regular as clock work. We arise at five. The bell for prayers rings at six. We have prayers before breakfast. We breakfast [at] quarter after six. There is seldom any variation in our time.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 8)
If my eyes did not ache, I would copy this, but if you will excuse this bad scribbling, I will do better next time. I have written this by twilight and lamplight, after my day’s work of writing is done. Mary, Willie and myself are now seated at the table writing. Mary Clough is sewing. Frank is gone for the mail. George is in the office. Sister Rice is in her room. Shew has gone to bed. We are getting used to being alone so that we do not feel lonesome as we did. I have written to Adelia Van Horn. No answer yet.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 9)
M. E. C. has written me a confession of his crimes. He has in act broken the seventh commandment more than once. He writes very penitent and humble. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” [Jeremiah 13:23.] I have not hope of this poor sinner. His wickedness is dyed in the wool, I think.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 10)
My mind has been exercised for some days in regard to Frankie Patten. I see no reason why she should not come. She can certainly be a help if she will, but she will not be babied here. We have to all do our part and she will have to do hers.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 11)
I dreamed night before last that a number of good families came from the east—clean, noble-looking families. They were unpacking their goods and we were saying this is what California needs, the eastern element introduced here more thoroughly.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 12)
This will have a saving influence upon California if only those come who have a mind to work and lift when the load moves hard. But those who will be affected with the weak prejudice of California against eastern men had not better come here. But I think the very best thing for California, according to the dream, is have more instead of less from the east.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 13)
I must stop. Good night. Be of good courage and be just as cheerful and happy as you can. I will do the same. If you fall at your post of duty engaged in doing your work, we will not murmur. If I fall, it will be well.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 14)
But I anticipate no such results. Go forward in faith and hope. I will do the same. If God’s blessing rests upon us, we can but be happy.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 15)
In much love and hope.
(3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, 16)
Lt 14, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 25, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 107; 7MR 283-284. Dear Husband:
Last night I received [a] long letter from Elder Canright urging my attending the camp meetings; also a letter from Brother Rogers of Missouri; also one from Brother Colcord.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 1)
But this is no more than I might expect. They urge me strongly but I dare not move on their light or obey their call. My work is here at present. I see no light anywhere else and I desire very earnestly to follow the light. If I thought it were my duty to go to these meetings, I would go if my book was never completed, but I feel that now is my time. God has provided me just the help I have longed for so much and prayed for so earnestly. Already Mary has been here five months and the time has gone without accomplishing very much on my work. We are now making excellent time and preparing matter as fast as possible. My mind is on this work and I do not want it withdrawn.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 2)
Should I follow my own pleasure or inclination, I should certainly attend the camp meetings. I love the labor connected with the camp meetings much better than I love writing. I enjoy traveling, but I feel that now is my time and opportunity to get out this long-neglected work. I desire the prayers of all my brethren that God would help me in the work rather than urgent appeals to attend camp meetings.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 3)
When Lucinda left, the matter was all considered, that it was best for me to remain. I see no reason to change the decision. Nothing now has occurred to alter my plans.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 4)
It is well understood I cannot attend all the camp meetings, and I will hasten my work as diligently as possible. And if I can feel that the Lord directs my course east to attend the Michigan and New England camp meetings and late western ones, I will do so. This is the best I can do as I now view matters.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 5)
All is quiet here. Nothing to draw me from my work. My mind is not perplexed with harassing matters of the church or of any kind of difficulties. I am as free from every outside care as I can possibly be anywhere.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 6)
In regard to the new house, I leave that with you. I do not want my mind diverted with buying and selecting furniture or in fitting up the house. I think it would be well to rent it if this meets your mind. If good tenants can be obtained, we can get sixty dollars per month, which is better than having the house furnished, and if we attend the eastern camp meetings leave the house but half occupied, furniture to become defaced, carpets worn and we perhaps spend the winter east, as your calculations look that way.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 7)
In purchasing a house and getting horse, carriage, etc., we certainly should have some income from the house and while you are so happy east I shall never ask you to cross the plains again. If you say stay east, thus it shall be, but I think it would be not wise to furnish a house here with expensive furniture to lie idle and to stand unused by us through a dusty California summer and receive nothing on the interest on your money invested. You are not here to furnish your own house, therefore this is an objection.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 8)
Mary and Willie have plenty of room here. All is settled. To pull up and arrange the carpets and furniture in the new house would take time that none of us have. And again you say you do not want anything of the furniture in the new house [that] you have in this. So you see perplexities would occur in selecting and fitting up [a] house. If we can get a good tenant would it not be best to rent for sixty dollars? I await your answer before making any move.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 9)
Received letter from Sister Chapman urging me to come and Mary, and visit them and speak next Sabbath. I have not given them any encouragement I should go. Cassidy is disfellowshipped.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 10)
In regard to pictures, I had not disposed of any. I laid out one set for each [of] the names you mentioned. Willie, unbeknown to me, got one dozen each for himself. Had he not done this, we could have more of yours. The new picture, I do not like; what do you think of it?
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 11)
You speak of matters of interest in Oakland about the time of your leaving. I know but little of this except in Edson’s case. Elders Waggoner and Loughborough and others attended meetings. I was sick and could not attend any meetings. Waggoner said he wrote you the doings of things. I cannot have much news to write, for I go nowhere and see no one. Except [for] the boat ride, I have been very much at home. Only called on two or three of the sisters after writing all day.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 12)
I cannot merely portion my writing to one-half the day, as some of the time my head troubles me and then I have to rest, lie down, stop thinking, and take my time for writing when I can do so comfortably. I cannot rush business. This work must be done carefully, slowly and accurately. The subjects we have prepared are well gotten up. They please me.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 13)
I am getting over my nervousness, and I sleep quite well every night except after speaking. I then feel so intensely myself, [that] rest and sleep are out of the question. My subjects are to me of living reality and I make the people feel them. Last Sabbath many felt. Frank Dewitt is a poor, miserable rascal. His soul was seized with such terror he made to Sister Willis some humiliating confessions after my discourse Sabbath. But he is too rough a stick to expect to make anything of.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 14)
In haste.
(3LtMs, Lt 14, 1876, 15)
Lt 15, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 27, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 8MR 77; 9MR 33. Dear Husband:
I dare not trust to others to write, because if I should there might be a failure.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 1)
We are all well, cheerful and happy. We are busy as can be writing and we are trying to get through, but do not know when this will be. We hope in six weeks.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 2)
I received a letter from Brother Rust, to whom I sent the letter for Brother Cornell. He read it to him and he acknowledged that I read the same to him before he left Michigan. Then he asked him how could he, Cornell, deceive them all so by coming as he did to labor when the testimony said he was wholly unfit to labor. He had commenced laboring in a new place.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 3)
It is bed time. We have been, Mary and I, writing all day. This evening, Sister Chittenden and Emma came in. We all went in the office and helped them fold and Mary helped wrap. Now brethren have come in committee to consult in regard to meetinghouse, how it shall be heated. Brother Bilhey wants there should be a furnace in [it]. They are talking over the matter now.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 4)
Brethren Waggoner and Loughborough returned today to finish up the work that was not completed in Shaw’s case, Mrs. Hollis’ and the Baker girl’s case. They were placed under censure. Sister Willis and one or two others did not agree with [the] decision. I have talked with her, Sister Willis. She feels bad. She sees she has made a mistake.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 5)
Brethren report a better state of things in Santa Rosa. Brother Waggoner has written to you in regard to these churches and says he will write tomorrow again.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 6)
We have just completed twenty pages of the parable of the sower. This was rather a trying subject to write upon, but Mary and I have read it over this afternoon and we pronounce it excellent, excellent. She says the subjects grow better and better, every one. She is just happy over this work.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 7)
Our committee has gone and I will finish this in morning. Mail three hours late tonight. Just received your last letter dated April 20. I am glad you are so happy. I am free and happy too, so we will work on, hoping in God, believing in Him and looking constantly for greater light and blessings. I long for clearness of mind and to be imbued with the Spirit of God. We humbly trust in God and walk tremblingly before Him. Never was there a time when I felt more the need of divine aid. The accounts of the conversion of French brethren is truly cheering. May the good work go on. Pray ye, says Christ, to the Lord of the harvest that He may send laborers into His vineyard, for the harvest is great and the laborers are few. [Luke 10:2.] A great work is to be done and a short time to do it in.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 8)
I want my book ready for the eastern camp meetings. What arrangement can be made in reference to this matter? Please write. Willie thinks he would like to have the privilege of setting the type, getting it stereotyped, and sending the plates to Battle Creek after a few thousand are printed off here. He will probably write you in reference to this matter.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 9)
In regard to my small picture, I did sit once again, but the picture was not good. Will try it again. Mary and Willie did not get good pictures but they will try it again. Signs is now off for this week and they may get time today.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 10)
The second coat of plastering is commenced to be put on our house today.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 11)
We are all usually well and cheerful.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 12)
Love to you and all friends.
(3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, 13)
Lt 16, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 28, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Husband:
I expect you will get wearied with my letters. There is such a sameness in them. I thought I would let Willie write but fear he will not get around. We are all well and I feel grateful to God for His merciful kindness to all, especially for His tender care of me.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 1)
Yesterday, I wrote sixteen pages for my book, beside writing nine pages [of] letters. I wrote three of the four pages sent to you, four pages in answer to an earnest invitation to go to Petaluma and two pages to Lucinda.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 2)
I answered Sister Chapman’s letter that I was pressed with writing which made it very difficult for me to come. Aside from this, I felt no duty to go to Petaluma or to any other church in California until they were in a condition to respond to my labors. When with them before, I labored most earnestly. I carried the burden on my soul day and night, and then prompted by the Spirit of God bore a testimony in regard to their condition as a church. They had evidence that the Spirit of the Lord was upon me, but afterward had generally concluded if I had not come in and labored at Petaluma as I did, they would have been in a better condition and numbers would have added to their church.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 3)
The very man the Spirit of God pressed me to reprove as a stumbling block to the church, they had sustained by making him a superintendent of their Sabbath school, a leader in their meetings. When they should see the darkness they had been in and their real need of help, God would send it to them and not before. They had a work to do to stand up and sustain the right testimony, as faithful Joshuas. The burden was now upon them. God had brought them to the point to do the very work they should have done and did not do one year ago. I did not propose to force my way in churches. Christ could not do many mighty works because of the unbelief of the people in certain localities. If He was affected by the unbelief which hedged up His way, such poor frail creatures as His servants could not meet the moral darkness existing among our own people. My way must be fully prepared for me before I should work anywhere.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 4)
I have written this so you can know my mind in reference to laboring from place to place. Brethren Loughborough and Waggoner sustain me in my position. They think the work should be left on them. They intended to spend the Sabbath in San Francisco and Oakland, but Brother Waggoner received a telegram that Brother Myer’s daughter was dead and wished him to attend the funeral. He left yesterday noon.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 5)
I received your one page last night in which you speak of ministers in Denmark teaching the truth. This is indeed the work of God. May the good work go on and messengers be raised up everywhere. Brother Colcord writes to know if I am to attend their camp meeting. I have not answered, for I do not think they ought to know if I do not attend.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 6)
You speak of things to keep house with. I would say that there were two spring beds unsold in the chamber of the house on [the] corner. I asked Brother Gaskill where they were, as he had the charge of these things. He could not remember, but thought they were at Institute. I received no money for these and quite a number of other things—footbath, pans, and slop pails, two good slop pails, two pails to carry slops and two receive them, standing by wash stands. My large dish pans, two, I received nothing for; none of the tinware or crocks were paid for, and a great many such things were made no account of. I thought I would mention these things and you could do as you thought best about them. I am sorry you have bought them.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 7)
In regard to your spending means as fast as Edson, etc., I see not the right ring. There are plenty of ways for the means God has lent us to use in His cause which will yield us good returns in the end. If Edson has not made a right use of means, as we well know he has not, [for you] to seek to be even with him and show the least extravagance, or for the sake of show to be using means, is not like the example given us by our Pattern. If we both follow the example of Christ in doing good, humbly, faithfully and earnestly and are not weary in well doing, the gift of heavenly treasures will be ours and immortal life. My great anxiety is to obtain the treasure, that immortal [life], and see Jesus, precious Saviour, whom my soul loveth. If I can perfect Christian character and be counted worthy to be among the white-robed ones around the throne of God, I shall be more than satisfied.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 8)
Dear husband, let us look away from trials and abuses and look to [the] reward that awaits the faithful; talk of this, believe it, and labor for it, and we shall not fail.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 9)
I have a most earnest desire to get the book completed before I go east. I shall not feel free to go until this is done.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 10)
In much love.
(3LtMs, Lt 16, 1876, 11)
Lt 16a, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 28, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 34. Dear Husband:
I have written fifteen pages today. Mary Clough is hard after me. She has copied fifteen pages today—good large day’s work. As soon as dinner is eaten, I go to Mary’s room and she reads me what she has written while I lie on the sofa and rest. Then again at night I go to her room and she reads the rest. She delights in it all as much as myself. Mary is trying her utmost to get these books out. We have so quiet a time. Never have I had such an opportunity in my life before. I will improve it. We have written above two hundred pages since you left, all copied, ready for printers. I eat lightly and sleep quite well and pray much. The Lord will help me in my work.
(3LtMs, Lt 16a, 1876, 1)
Elder Canright has urged my coming to the camp meeting, but I cannot come. This work must be completed first. Mary has been given me of God. I shall then have her employed in the very work she was in the providence of God sent me to do, a work I have found that no one would or could do for me. I am free, cheerful, and happy. You are the same, for which I am truly thankful. Oh, how precious are the truths of God’s Word, so full of power and spirit and life. May the Lord direct your path, is my prayer. Every day our prayers go forth for God to guide you in judgment and lead you by His unerring wisdom.
(3LtMs, Lt 16a, 1876, 2)
Do you hear anything of the Lindsays or Haskells? Please write if you do. I speak to the people tomorrow and Sunday night. My labors Sabbath and Sunday told upon the people with power. Brother Richey’s parents and her sister were there. They were deeply convicted and Brother and Sister Richey thought they had never heard anything so stirring in their lives before. I feel that I am less than nothing, but Jesus is my all—my righteousness, and my wisdom, and my strength.
(3LtMs, Lt 16a, 1876, 3)
I write this line today because I wish to get it in the Office before the Sabbath. I wrote six pages to you this morning, fifteen pages for my book, and these pages this evening. And yet I am not so very tired. Write often.
(3LtMs, Lt 16a, 1876, 4)
In much love.
(3LtMs, Lt 16a, 1876, 5)
Lt 17, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 31, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 8MR 77. Dear Husband:
We are all well, and doing what we can daily. I will not write so long letters; perhaps short ones would be more acceptable.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 1)
I have waited to hear some word to favor or condemn the experience I have been giving in the Signs. What do you think of this matter? I think it is best to pass over much and come as fast as possible to the later events in my life. What do you think of this?
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 2)
I feel very anxious to get out my two books, but if I come east to attend the eastern camp meetings, can get out but one book. Is it worthwhile for me to come so far to attend the eastern camp meetings? I do not want Mary to be where her attention will be diverted by anything from my work. This must be her exclusive business in order to do it justice. If I decide not to come east at all, I would take my writing more moderately and would not confine myself so closely as I now do. But I am in continual fear that something will occur to break me off; therefore I do not feel like being so moderate as I would like to be.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 3)
I think I shall get me a cheap carriage [so] that I can ride out some. It tires me to walk much. My hips become tired. We ought to have some kind of a conveyance that we could ride every day out in the country.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 4)
I do not aspire to anything expensive, but comfortable. Doing the work I am is very confining, and [with] no society in the house to change the current of the thoughts, a ride would vary the monotony. Then I am sorry I said one word about this.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 5)
Mary and Willie do well. Mary is a dear, good child. I am proud of her as a daughter.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 6)
We have the peace of God in our house and in our hearts.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 7)
Elders Waggoner and Loughborough are looking after the church in San Francisco. They both went over this morning. The meeting here was good on the Sabbath. Rather dull, Brother Loughborough reports Sabbath in San Francisco.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 8)
I feel every moment so thankful to God for the precious opportunity to write. If I can take it leisurely, I could without injury to myself, with Mary’s help, do very much writing that ought to have been done years ago, I verily believe the camp meetings would do better without me than with me. I have followed the round of camp meetings now for two years, and I believe it would do the people good to be without me.
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 9)
In much love,
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 10)
I do not think I shall ever get a picture to equal the one Dunham has made for me. He says I had better have the large one put on a small card. What do you think of this plan?
(3LtMs, Lt 17, 1876, 11)
Lt 18, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California April 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 279; 9MR 34. Dear Husband:
I have arisen early to write you. I rested well during the night after speaking to the people. For this I feel very grateful. After speaking I can seldom sleep. I praise the Lord for His goodness to me.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 1)
Last Sabbath, I spoke to the people with great plainness in reference to the reproofs the Lord had sent to ancient Israel which they would not receive in regard to the burning of the roll which Jeremiah gave to Baruch, the Scribe, to be read to the king. I spoke with the demonstration of the Spirit. I made the matter so very plain they could but feel it. We had some strangers in who listened with the most profound attention. Brother Charles Jones followed with appropriate remarks.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 2)
About one dozen bore good testimony to the point. All were prompt and I believe the meeting was a profitable one to the church.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 3)
Sister Willis and I had a long talk. She walked with me from meeting. I feel great sympathy for her, as I understand some of her trials.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 4)
Mary Clough and I walked about two miles Sabbath afternoon. She is good company, ever kind, tender to me, and perfectly companionable.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 5)
Last night I again spoke to the people. This was my text: the words of Christ to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”John 6:67, 68.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 6)
I had perfect freedom. I never felt more sensibly the especial help from God than while speaking. The people sat as if spellbound, wide awake, although the meeting did not close till after nine o’clock. The Spirit of God was upon me. The hall was full. There were nearly as many outsiders as believers. I never saw so many out before. Some came and looked at first a little amused, as if it was sport to hear a woman speak and as if they were to hear some rabble that would be amusing to them, but they soon wore very serious faces and many shed tears. Most I had never seen in the hall before. I do not speak smooth things to the people. I do not say peace to the wicked and I think that many tremble at the word of the Lord.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 7)
I do not love to have you speak so much against California, as though it was no use to labor for them. They have not had the experience with us, and know not our life, as those the other side of the mountains. And yet our most severe and cutting trials that have bruised the soul and worn the flesh, have been experienced by us in connection with those who know us best. The cause in Oakland is in its infancy. The people who need help the most should not be left to perish while those who do not need help as much shall have the labor. Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”Mark 2:17.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 8)
Jesus came to a heartless, thankless people. He wrought for them in His mighty works. He healed the sick; He raised the dead, and yet they cried for a sign to be given them whereby they might believe. Wicked generation, seeking for a sign when God had given them the most powerful evidence of His mission. Jesus did not leave His people in darkness because His love was unrequited and He was unappreciated. If California needs help because of her darkness, may we patiently instruct them as Christ would do if He were here on earth. Personal slights and lack of personal appreciation should not turn us from the work. It is God’s work we are doing, and however hard, however unappreciated, if we do our part, if we sow the good seed, we shall by and by see at last some fruit. This is all Christ saw during His life and ministry on the earth.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 9)
My heart is not discouraged or weaned from the people in California. I feel that God will bear with them more than those who have had our labors, who have known our work, and yet refused to respond to our efforts. How few have even a religious experience in Oakland, how few have had any knowledge of present truth, [having been] converted from the world.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 10)
We will not become weary in well doing. I want to labor where my help is the most needed. If I cannot through the strength given me of God help this people, who can? The enemies of our faith shall not triumph because we give up this field to Satan. No, no. God has been leading out to the establishment of His work in California and His eye is upon the work. There will be many sifted out who will not bear the proving, but others will come in and take their places. There is work to be done here and someone must do it.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 11)
I am not one bit discouraged. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, met with insult, abuse and constant opposition by His own people, notwithstanding He gave them the greatest evidence of His divine character. What then may we poor, finite, failing, sinful mortals expect? I feel like humbling myself before God and without complaint or repining do what little I can and trust in Jesus to make it fruitful.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 12)
This is my work. I must do my work and trust the Lord to do His.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 13)
I feel very cheerful. I rest well nights generally. I have great freedom of spirit, and feel that I am in the way of my duty.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 14)
At present I do not have light to leave my work of writing. I shall never have as favorable opportunity again. If the Lord directs, I may come east about August or before, after my book is written out. I do not want anything to draw me away from my work or divert my mind till it is written out. Meanwhile, I shall continue to do a little something to help them here where I see they need help. My daily cry is to God for help, for strength and heavenly wisdom to move in the light. I fully believe I shall have light. My heart is fixed to lean on the Everlasting Arm as I have never done before.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 15)
I miss you but I am so glad you are free and cheerful and happy. I believe you are in the path of duty and God will sustain and bless you, but do not lean on and depend too much on the approbation of your brethren. If you do, you will surely meet with disappointment. God will shake us from every prop. He alone is our stay, our support, our strength. We will cling to His arm with increasing strength and firmness and never let go.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 16)
I feel that the communication is open between me and God, but I am not confident in my own strength. It is the strength of Jesus alone that can enable me to do, persevere and do my work with acceptance. I am reaching out daily for more of the Spirit of God. I have some very precious hours of meditation which I prize highly.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 17)
I am very earnest that you should be free in God, but not earnest, [that] you should find your support and happiness in relying too confidently upon your brethren. The mighty One will bear you up. His arm will encircle you and me. He will be our strength and our righteousness. If we are unappreciated here, so was Christ. What can we expect better than He received? He did His work. We will do ours with cheerfulness, not looking to ourselves but to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 18)
The breakfast bell rings. I must go down. May the Lord guide you and me is my constant prayer. Jesus will help us. I have the assurance of it daily. In simple, humble faith, will we trust in Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 19)
Much love to yourself and dear friends.
(3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, 20)
Lt 19, 1876
Children Holden Campground June 2, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Children:
We have just received a letter from Walling in which he says that a scheme is on foot with Lou in regard to the children. Be on the watch. I drop a line merely for you to be guarded. Keep them close. If they go to Sister Jones’, tell her to keep them guarded.
(3LtMs, Lt 19, 1876, 1)
I would write more if I had time, but this must go. We are usually well and of good courage.
(3LtMs, Lt 19, 1876, 2)
When Sister Rice shall come east, the children must go to Sister Jones. Walling urges that Aunt Ellen shall bring the children east. His mother is failing and wants to see the children. But I am here and the children are not. Had I received this letter before I left, would have brought them with us, I think, but it is too late now.
(3LtMs, Lt 19, 1876, 3)
Love to all,
(3LtMs, Lt 19, 1876, 4)
Mother.
Lt 20, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 1, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in TDG 130. Dear Husband:
We are all well this morning. Last night, Mr. and Mrs. Wright called. We had a good visit. The conversation ran on bank stock, how many were getting rich from investing their means. Some also were meeting with loss. Thus losses and gains were discussed by Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Sister Rice and Mary.
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 1)
“Now,” Mrs. Wright said, “Mrs. White must say something. She must tell us what she thinks. She has not said a word yet.”
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 2)
“Well,” said I, slowly, “I have been many years investing in bank stock, and met with no loss. It has yielded me back all the principal and heavy interest.”
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 3)
All looked up with surprise. Mary smiled. Mr. Wright asked, “Where have you invested?”
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 4)
“In heavenly stock. I have been sending my treasure before me into heaven. The Owner in this heavenly stock had warned me, Lay not up for yourself treasures upon the earth, and told me the danger I should incur of great losses; but He had counseled me, ‘Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal.’ This investment is certain, and will yield immense profits.”
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 5)
Mrs. Wright remarked, “And it will pay every day as you go along. You may not have to wait the rise and fall of stock. It is sure returns; no danger of losses.”
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 6)
We then bid them good night, and left them this to think of.
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 7)
Praise the name of the Lord for the evidence we have daily of our treasure being laid up in heaven; precious investment. I want the assurance from day to day that Jesus is mine and I am His.
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 8)
I fear in the letter I sent you last, you may think I am complaining, but I did not intend it at all. We get along so nicely. We are doing a great work, and the blessing of the Lord rests upon me. I expect He will do great things for me. He is rich in mercy, rich in power, and has a large treasure of love He will give to those who ask Him, for He has promised it.
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 9)
I have made an entire surrender to God of all I am. He will accept the sacrifice, and I shall be made partaker of His grace and salvation. I will cling; I do cling to the arm that [is] an everlasting support and a continual defense. I will not let go my hold.
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 10)
Yesterday prepared matter from my book for the Signs. Now please tell me, Shall I give a full relation of our experience in the eastern fanaticism and shall I give particulars of cases that were healed? I want to be giving the matter I should. You know my book will not reach many of the First-day Adventists. The paper they will be more likely to see. I want their slang and lies to be met, and I think we cannot do it better than to give the straight chain right through. If this history runs through the next volume, I think it would be well. I think those who are interested in the history would be interested to read all, and would subscribe the more readily for [the] next volume. Please write something in regard to the matter. We want you to state your views freely.
(3LtMs, Lt 20, 1876, 11)
Lt 21, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 5, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 107; 3Bio 31; 8MR 77; 8MR 124. Dear Husband:
We are usually well. Yesterday and day before I had nervous headache. Feel like myself again today.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 1)
Willie, Mary and self and children ride out today for first time since you left. Mary has for a few days worked harder than usual. She is cheerful. Her interest is in the work.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 2)
I have been writing more than usual which was too much for me. I cannot and must not write more than half a day, but I continue to step over the bounds and pay for it. My mind is on my subjects day and night. I have strong confidence in prayer. The Lord hears me and I believe in His salvation. In His strength I trust. In His strength I shall complete my writings. I cling firmly to His hand with unwavering confidence. We are happy in our work and this is our world for the present.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 3)
I shall not go to any place to visit, only for my own good to have a change. I shall have to rest more and I shall not go to any place if I can get along without it. I am now seeking to get a carriage, and if this horse is not so that we can drive him, I shall get one at once that we can drive. I shall ride every day after dinner. My health demands it.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 4)
I would be glad to hear some expression from you in reference to the Signs. How do you like the way we are getting out my life? What do you think of it? We plead with God most earnestly for help and we have it every day. We have the peace of God in our hearts.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 5)
I am confident I am in the way of my duty. Oh, how earnestly have I pled with God to know His will. I have perfect trust and submission to leave Oakland for any point when I can get light. I have felt rather anxious to have light to go if this was my duty, but I get no light yet. I never expect so good an opportunity again of writing. May God help me is my continual cry.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 6)
If I am blessed with health as I have been hitherto, I shall complete my first book in about four weeks. We hope you will continue well and cheerful.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 7)
We all help them in the office Wednesday afternoon and evening, in folding and wrapping. This is a change and not taxing.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 8)
I have important subjects coming in [the] next paper on Jeremiah. My mind was urged to this by the Spirit of God. The view I had sixteen years ago was forcefully impressed on my mind. I saw that important matter was to be seen applicable to the people of God. This was in reference to testimony God had given me to bear in reproving wrong.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 9)
I must close. I am after this going to write postal cards for I do not think you are much interested to have my letters over and over the same things. I try to get others to write, but they will not and then I take up the pen again.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 10)
Yours in love.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 11)
Dunham gave me one dozen of these last pictures of yours. Shall I send them to you? What do you think of them? I told him I did not like them. They did not look natural, but you can use them. If so, let me know.
(3LtMs, Lt 21, 1876, 12)
Lt 22, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 6, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 276, 280; 8MR 124-125. Dear Husband:
I received two letters from you last night. Night before last no mail. We send you letters, one every morning, so if none comes you may know the mail is hindered.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 1)
Night before last, mail hindered because of snow melting or some reason. This has occurred several times. This may be the reason of no letters coming to you some days. For there is not a day passes but letters are sent.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 2)
We are all well. Yesterday [we] spent in the mountains and enjoyed it very much. Sister Rice and I lay down to rest on blankets and buffaloes. When we awoke, for we slept, our children and Addie and Mary were gone. We looked for them and saw them on the high mountain peaks throwing down stones. They enjoyed climbing the mountains where they had a view of the scenery, the ocean, Golden Gate, and towns and villages. They enjoyed this much. Willie came down the mountains with flowers in his coat that Addie and May had tied in so he looked like one immense bouquet.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 3)
We went up beyond Fountain farm about five miles, took our dinner and strawberries and cream, which we were favored with obtaining at a farmhouse close by. We had a real rest. I was satisfied to ride and lie down. I had no disposition to climb. We rode about thirty miles in all.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 4)
Yesterday Mary Clough felt like resting; so did we all last night. Willie and Mary enjoyed the journey very much and especially the children. We are all right this morning.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 5)
Elder Loughborough reports the best meeting in Oakland last Wednesday he has ever been present to. These brethren, ministers, go to Santa Clara next Sabbath.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 6)
I have not heard a word from Petaluma since I wrote them.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 7)
Dr. Kellogg is here at work on meetinghouse. This will be a very fine house.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 8)
The second coat, or finishing coat, is being put on our house on the corner.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 9)
Brother Pierson says he received a letter from his wife. She had an interview with Elder Littlejohn. Her cousin lives on Brother Littlejohn’s farm. Brother Littlejohn stated he was much pleased with the prosperity of the cause and he spoke very affectionately of Brother and Sister White. She said this seemed a great change to his former speeches and feelings. When you want news, send to us.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 10)
Mary is ready for work this morning, feeling first-rate. She had become very tired but the ride did her good. We shall now make calculations for [a] carriage as soon as we can get one to suit us; then we shall work half a day and ride the other half. What think you of this arrangement?
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 11)
I feel relieved in reading your last letter. I shall now feel it my duty to remain here this year and write and shall not attend the camp meeting this season without positive evidence that God requires it of me.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 12)
We are doing well and we have success in all we do in writing. The subjects are clear. I am free. I feel like praying much over these subjects. My soul is free. I hope you will not have the least anxiety in regard to my going from place to place. I tell them all I have nothing for them until they have a radical change in their minds in regard to your work and mine. I shall not throw away my labor any more for any in California. I will not speak to a people who hold me in questioning doubt. I tell them if they have a camp meeting, I shall not attend it. I will not give them [a] chance to say Sister White can labor for us, but Brother White cannot. I will not place you in any wrong light by laboring where your testimony is not appreciated. I tell all, my work is on my book. I have not remained in California to help them but to write.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 13)
When in the mountains we said many times we wished you were with us, because none of us would have enjoyed it as much as yourself.
(3LtMs, Lt 22, 1876, 14)
Lt 23, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 10, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 6MR 303. Dear Husband:
We are all well. My health is improving. I get sweet rest nights and this is a great help to me. I am very careful in my diet and this is an advantage.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 1)
We are making our time tell to good advantage and if we can have this one year, we will show you we have accomplished considerable.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 2)
Mary Clough feels like hanging to the work and showing something done at the end of the year, and I want retirement for one year. I want to recover from all this nervousness, which is a great trouble to me. Quietude of mind, freedom from perplexities, I must have, if I am of any account anywhere.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 3)
I can write now with the help I have, and at the end of the year produce three books. Mary L. C. is all interest, cheerful, perfectly contented and interested in her work. We feel like staying just where we are. I get no light in dreams or in any other way to attend camp meetings. I pray for light. I cannot go upon any other’s light. God will lead me. It will do our people good to be without my labor this season. I feel it, I believe it.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 4)
I dread to engage in active labor again. I dread anything which will confuse and perplex my mind. Subjects, precious Bible subjects [are] upon my mind day and night. I am doing a good work. God blesses me. I am cheerful and my peace is like a river. I will not even attend meeting here or in San Francisco. I am shut up to my work. I dare not leave it, trusting to other and future opportunities. The brethren must give me up. I cannot see as my testimonies or labors east have been either received or appreciated. But this is not the reason I feel as I do. I would go just as quick, but I must write. God has sent me just the help I need.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 5)
You are happy and cheerful. I am the same. The Lord has in His providence arranged matters that we both can work and not get in each other’s way. I accept His providence and will do my work to His acceptance with His divine aid. I have solicitations from the presidents of the several conferences to attend camp meeting, but they do not incline me to go. If I can in dream or anyway see light when I want it so much, I will gladly obey. I know I have no selfish will in this matter, but I feel at peace and rest. Praying for light and guidance, I shall not be left in darkness. God will teach me my duty and make my path plain before me.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 6)
In much love.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 7)
Tell me what you think of the last piece of my life in the Signs. What do you think of the matter we have had in the paper? Should I bring out matters quite fully just where I am in the history? Shall I skip over a large part of experience in reference to fanaticism? State plainly your judgment.
(3LtMs, Lt 23, 1876, 8)
Ellen.
Lt 24, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 11, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 35. Dear Husband:
I received your letter enclosed with business letter to Willie. I am glad you continue free and happy, and that you feel so well satisfied in regard to my remaining in California. And that you are relieved of all burden of my writings. I am as pleased in regard to this as you are.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 1)
I feel grateful every day for the help God has given me. It is all His work. I praise His name for it. I feel like trusting myself, all that I am and are into His hands. He will not leave nor forsake me while I trust in Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 2)
My whole soul is engaged in this work and wherever I can serve the cause best, there I want to be. If I could get any light to break off my writings and go east, I would do so cheerfully, but this light does not come. And I dare not move without clear duty, although the requests of the presidents of several conferences have been very urgent. This is as it always has been and will be; therefore, I take this as no sign from the Lord. I am cheerful and am regaining my health through the blessing of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 3)
My sister Caroline has moved to Baldwin. She would be glad to see you could you go and visit her. I hope you will not work too hard in these meetings during camp meeting season.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 4)
We received your letters in regard to reading over manuscript at camp meeting. Mary thinks it a poor show for her, report meetings, read manuscript, etc. I think this calculation would amount to many other like ones—nothing. There is enough connected with camp meetings to engage all the time and attention. There is no place for my writings to come in. But if I get my writings all in manuscript, my part of the work is done and I shall be relieved.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 5)
New house is being finished up, fire frames set; marble mantles—three cost $120. They are very reasonable. We did not get extravagant ones. In two weeks, house will be ready for use. We all keep extremely busy. I try to not overwork and shall keep right on writing till new light comes.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 6)
Brethren Loughborough and Waggoner are at work, straightening up things in the different churches. The cause and work is one all over the great harvest field.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 7)
The children are quite a care to me, as I have to have the entire charge of them beside my writing. I dare not board them to Brother Jones’, fearing her indulgence will spoil them and then they will come back on my hands and be more difficult to control. I see no place I could put them should I leave them. Poor children, they have little enough care now.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 8)
I send you letter from Brother Chapman, to Brother W. You can get a better idea by reading this letter of the state of things in Petaluma.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 9)
In great haste and love.
(3LtMs, Lt 24, 1876, 10)
Lt 25, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 12, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 34. Dear Husband:
I received your letter in answer to the one I wrote in regard to refusing to go to Petaluma.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 1)
Yesterday morning I sent you a letter written by Brother Chapman to Brother W. also a letter from Mary L. Clough.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 2)
I send off a letter every morning, but I will try to get my letters in hereafter at night. Why I have sent them in the morning is I wanted to get yours at night first before writing.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 3)
My health is good and I am expecting [in] the next four or five weeks, at most, to complete my first book. May the Lord help me to do this work to His acceptance.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 4)
Elders Waggoner and Loughborough have attended meetings in the city during the week. Disfellowshipped old Sister [Hollis]. They could do nothing with her. I think there was some sharp work in her case, but it was necessary.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 5)
I am glad you feel that it is best for me to remain in California and do my writings. But I am sorry the books cannot be ready for eastern camp meeting. We get along in the house very nicely. Shew cooks well now and scrubs floors, washes windows and keeps everything up in general. Will has only paid him two dollars per week till last week. Paid him one-half dollar extra for washing office windows. They will pay him three dollars now. He makes excellent bread and buns. I do not know what they would do without him. He just goes right ahead about his business saying nothing to anyone.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 6)
Sister Rice is good company. She takes now considerable care of the children. She commenced yesterday in this way, letting them stay in her room, teaching them to crochet and make little things which keeps them busy. Sister Rice is sewing for me. She is a dressmaker. She has made me two suits of dresses. I get no time to sew only for the children in the evening, and often my eyes ache and I cannot do this.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 7)
I would not allow anyone to call me from my work. I shall have to have some change. I am trying to get a horse and carriage. Shall succeed, I think, but we want to be sure we get [a] good serviceable team, useful for me and for the office. I think it is due myself to have some of these privileges. What do you think?
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 8)
Brother Diggins brought the money he had of you yesterday. Your note could not be found, but last night it came so we are all right there. We hunted considerable for it, but it came in good time.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 9)
My heart is drawn out after God. I long for His Spirit and I cannot feel at rest until [I] have the witness day by day that Jesus is mine and I am His.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 10)
In regard to my writings, I know that they have been an annoyance to you and I am glad that help has come that you need not have any more perplexing care of them.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 11)
In regard to my independence, I have had no more than I should have in the matter under the circumstances. I do not receive your views or interpretation of my feelings on this matter. I understand myself much better than you understand me. But so it must be and I will say no more in reference to the matter. I am glad you are free and happy and I rejoice that God has blessed me with freedom, with peace, and cheerfulness and courage.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 12)
I love the Lord, I trust in Him, and I know that He helps me. I shall look to God for guidance and shall try to move as He shall lead the way.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 13)
In love.
(3LtMs, Lt 25, 1876, 14)
Lt 25a, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 12, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Husband:
I sent you a letter this morning, but as Sabbath is drawing on, I will write and put it in the office tonight, before the Sabbath.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 1)
I have no news to write you because I do not go anywhere to get news. Last night Mrs. Hollis and Shaw were both disfellowshiped. Brethren Loughborough and Waggoner have labored with Brother Rickey faithfully; result not yet seen.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 2)
Everything moves off in the office about the same, day after day. Brother Jones will give you an account of matters. I will see him and tell him to write you. The meetinghouse will be much better than the one at San Francisco, because Brother Jones has the matter in his own hands. He was stating to me that money he must have, for he was contracting bills of lumber which would have to be paid.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 3)
Brother Diggins brought here your money. Willie has put it in the bank. I have not been over to the city [San Francisco] for some time, or to any meeting. I keep very close, making my time tell. Sister Rice is now taking some charge of the children, which is a great relief to me.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 4)
Brethren Loughborough and Waggoner went to Healdsburg today, to stay over Sabbath and during the week. These churches have not had much labor, and I hope, with proper labor, they will be helped.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 5)
I am writing upon Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. Have it half done.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 6)
Brother Baker drove round here with a nice span of horses for two hundred fifty dollars, nicely matched, far, far, ahead of that team of Mr. Morse. I am going to have some way of conveyance that I may go out, retired, and ride every day or every other day.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 7)
The work of God seems so important to me in every department. I must be connected with Jesus in order to do good to others. I believe there is great blessing for God’s people if they will only come up to their privilege. What is lacking is living faith. Every moment is precious now. I cannot endure the thought of time passing and we not doing as a people the very things God would have us to do. Our time to work will soon be over. May God help us all to work in wisdom. My prayer to God is continually for wisdom and grace to move according to His opening providence. I dare not choose my own course, or follow my own pleasure. God is my Counselor. I must look to Him for guidance. I must cling to my Saviour with firm grasp.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 8)
The Lord is precious to me. The truths in the Life of Christ are truly rich and glorious. Oh, can I get out these precious pearls to the acceptance of my Saviour? I am sustained wonderfully in closely applying myself to my writing. I take two or three days to rest and go visiting in the country, for I cannot, I fear, hold out with such continual application. But my mind is on it and I cannot find rest till I get these things off my mind.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 9)
I am anxious to know what you think of the sketch of my life. If you think I am going too definite, telegraph at once.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 10)
Frank [?] seems very manly and steady. George is just the same; Willie and Mary very busy in the work. We have regular habits—rise early, and retire at nine or half past.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 11)
Well, another week’s work is about done. Another Sabbath will soon be here. Let us pray earnestly for light and for wisdom. God will lead. He will guide.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 12)
In haste and love.
(3LtMs, Lt 25a, 1876, 13)
Lt 26, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 14, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 35. Dear Husband:
We received your letters to myself, Willie, Edson, and Mary. I have read them all over carefully. I think I can probably get my book out in time to attend [the] Minnesota camp meeting, if my health is good so that I can write a portion of each day. I am not willing to leave my writing before the matter for this book is all written, if I do at all.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 1)
Yesterday, I spoke to the people in Oakland with great power—the plainest, the most direct I have ever spoken to them. I expected then they would not respond but deep feeling was in the meeting; and [at] the conference meeting following, there were prompt testimonies borne accepting the testimony given. They said they saw things as they had never seen before. Cochran felt deeply. Said he saw the mistakes of his life. He must have a thorough conversion.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 2)
Brother and Sister Rickey both spoke well, decidedly to the point. Brother Montrose spoke better than I ever heard him. Brother and Sister Kime spoke well. Sister Baker spoke well; also her son. He is pure wheat I think. All the church felt the word spoken. It cut close. I asked them if their unbelief should drive the servants of God from the coast, what reckoning would they give in the days of accounts? I told them their course was like the people who prayed Jesus to depart out of the coast because financial loss was feared if he remained.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 3)
Brethren Kime and Rickey are getting Spirit of Prophecy [volumes] and becoming interested in them. I see many tokens for good in Oakland and San Francisco. In Santa Rosa, Sister Hagar made a most thorough confession to the church, stating how she had felt what she had written you and how wrong it was. She made clean work of the matter. She was very much broken down. When she got through, she said she had not felt as free for three years.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 4)
Mary and I are doing our utmost to get off our writings. We thought we might get my book written in four weeks, and if it is thought best for us to be at the Minnesota camp meeting, [we] will be there. Once we thought we would drop everything just where it is and go to the Kansas meeting. Not that I have any special light, but with the idea that I could write some while attending the meetings. We wrote a dispatch to send, that we would meet you the 22nd of May at Baldwin City; but Mary and I felt so badly about it afterwards, we concluded to wait four weeks. Mary said she would write day and night to complete the book and she hated to go to camp meetings, but if the book was done, she would not say another word against going then. But if we were not to stay here four weeks, she would rather go at once and see her mother, and she would remain at home and write while her mother and I attended camp meeting. But I feel badly about leaving my writing. I have been broken off so many times. I hope to have the work done, or nearly completed, in four weeks. If it is thought best for us to remain here this summer and you feel all right about it, I should prefer to remain, feeling that my books are really more important than what I might do at the camp meetings.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 5)
Mary is thoroughly contented at Oakland, but we decided, taking all things into account, to leave here to be at the Minnesota camp meeting. You say in your letters, Stay, if you feel free in writing; then you throw in remarks to neutralize this statement so just what is for the best all around, I am at loss to determine.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 6)
In haste.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 7)
Do not put in the paper appointments for me, for I may see my duty clear to remain and write. I feel badly, indeed, about crossing the plains. I had rather by all means remain and improve my time in writing. When all is written then my burden is off.
(3LtMs, Lt 26, 1876, 8)
Lt 27, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California May 16, 1876 This letter is published in entirety in 20MR 24-34. Dear Husband:
It grieves me that I have said or written anything to grieve you. Forgive me and I will be cautious not to start any subject to annoy and distress you. We are living in a most solemn time and we cannot afford to have in our old age differences to separate our feelings. I may not view all things as you do, but I do not think it would be my place or duty to try to make you see as I see and feel as I feel. Wherein I have done this, I am sorry.
(3LtMs, Lt 27, 1876, 1)
I want an humble heart, a meek and quiet spirit. Wherein my feelings have been permitted to arise in any instance, it was wrong. Jesus has said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”Matthew 11:29.
(3LtMs, Lt 27, 1876, 2)
I wish that self should be hid in Jesus. I wish self to be crucified. I do not claim infallibility, or even perfection of Christian character. I am not free from mistakes and errors in my life. Had I followed my Saviour more closely, I should not have to mourn so much my unlikeness to His dear image.
(3LtMs, Lt 27, 1876, 3)
Time is short, very short. Life is uncertain. We know not when our probation may close. If we walk humbly before God, He will let us end our labors with joy. No more shall a line be traced by me or expression made in my letters to distress you. Again, I say forgive me, every word or act that has grieved you.
(3LtMs, Lt 27, 1876, 4)
I have earnestly prayed for light in reference to going east and I have now decided my work is here, to write and do those things [that] the Spirit of God shall dictate. I am seeking earnestly for the higher life. Mary and myself are at work as hard as we can. God in His providence has given me my work. I dare not leave it. We will pray that God may sustain you, but I see no light for me east.
(3LtMs, Lt 27, 1876, 5)
Yours in love.
(3LtMs, Lt 27, 1876, 6)
Lt 27a, 1876
White, Mary [?] En Route to Kansas Camp Meeting May 22, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 35. Dear Mary [M. K. White (?)]:
We are all cheerful and comfortably located in the cars. We like our situation very much. I owe Frank one dollar. Please pay him, and charge to me. Ask Sister Rice to cut out a pattern of the basque she fitted for me. Send a copy to Kansas and have one nicely secured at Oakland. You need not send Walks and Homes of Jesus when you send the books I laid out. One of Mary’s pictures got in with mine. I return it.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 1)
I will state, I owed Mr. Lippman $30.70. I paid him $16.75. The money for library is in my bureau drawer in sleeping room.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 2)
I see by Chronicle, Frankie Patten is on the way. Shall meet her at Sacramento. She will be company for you.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 3)
Children, take my room and use it while I am absent. Give Frankie the one you occupy. Send pictures at once for Dunham.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 4)
Two o’clock. Have just taken dinner near Sacramento. Enjoyed it, but was not very sharp. Eat but little. We have both had good sleep. Feel refreshed. We have a splendid porter. He provided tablecloth, washed our dishes, and is very attentive.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 5)
We have beautiful view of mountains covered with snow.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 6)
Send me to Kansas, Mrs. Temples’ powder, about as much as you can put in envelope.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 7)
Mother.
Send envelopes with Willie’s name printed to Kansas.
(3LtMs, Lt 27a, 1876, 8)
Lt 28, 1876
Children Nearing Ogden, Utah May 23, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Children:
Another night has passed. We rested well; are cheerful. Have just breakfasted. We have enjoyed the journey thus far. Nothing of note has occurred.
(3LtMs, Lt 28, 1876, 1)
The porter promises to secure for us berth on next train and take care of our baggage.
(3LtMs, Lt 28, 1876, 2)
We hope that you are all well and happy. We would very much [have] liked to have seen Frankie Patten before we left but the liability of traveling on the Sabbath we felt we must avoid if possible. We have just done nothing but dump and sleep and rest. I slept soundly yesterday afternoon. I think I shall be ready for meeting when I get through. Mary [Clough] relieves me of all care. She takes the burden of notifying the porter as did daughter Mary when we came on one year ago.
(3LtMs, Lt 28, 1876, 3)
Keep up good courage and cling to the Mighty One. He is your tower of strength. Oh, how weak, how inefficient we are without the help of God. Watch unto prayer were the words Jesus gave to His disciples, most applicable to Christians now. Dear children, take time to pray and nothing will be lost in so doing. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”Matthew 7:7. Jesus will be your burden-bearer; do not carry your own burdens or your own perplexities. Jesus loves us. We know He does with an unchangeable love. May every emotion of the soul respond to this matchless love which Christ has revealed in our behalf.
(3LtMs, Lt 28, 1876, 4)
Much love to Sister Rice. Tell her to look up today, tomorrow, and ever. Love to Frankie Patten, yourselves, Frank and George. I would commend you all to God. May the peace of God abide with you.
(3LtMs, Lt 28, 1876, 5)
Mother.
Lt 28a, 1876
Children Near Laramie Plains May 24, 1876 This letter is published in entirety in 14MR 315-317. Dear Children:
We rested well last night. Our quarters are not nearly as good as in the stateroom when we left Oakland. But we are making the best of the situation and are therefore quite comfortable. Our comfortable condition is made by the tone of our feelings within. None can but be happy if they take the happy with them. If we are connected with heaven, the content and peace and happiness of heaven will be ours. Our slights, our neglects, our sorrows and griefs, will not, cannot depress the heart that is borrowing its strength and serenity from heaven.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 1)
I have enjoyed my breakfast this morning. Food good. I have eaten no cake, but little cheese, but little [?]. Love the brown bread; brown turnovers turned out their inward treasury in the oven, leaving nothing but crust for us. But we have plenty that is good beside this.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 2)
I feel that I am right. Praise the Lord for the evidence we have of His care and protection on this journey. Mary [Clough] does all the care-taking and generals matters through excellently. She is very thoughtful of my comfort, kind and attentive.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 3)
Yesterday while waiting for a train, we got off and were looking for a stone or something as a memento. A lady said she had picked up some specimens which she would give me. She gave me freely specimens of moss agate, petrified wood and bits of petrified sage. She said she had come to visit her sister, who lived at the station, and she would stay a week and could get all she wished. I thought it was certainly very kind and liberal of her to thus accommodate a stranger.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 4)
I mean to gather what choice things I can on this journey. I think we are getting along finely and I feel that the Lord is my helper which is the best of all.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 5)
Will you see that the tub setting at corner of house is emptied and put in cellar. See that lath and bits of wood are picked up all about the new house. If it is rented, remove the wood from cellar and place the wood in a safe place, for it is precious. Brother Baker or someone can do this. There is lots of wood. It ought to take care of both the office and first new house built behind the engine house.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 6)
I wish the children had a sunny playhouse right by the office, in a good place that they could take their messes out doors and be happy. I merely suggest this. There was a little house [that] came with some machinery in it [that] I designed to have fixed up for them, but did not get at it. As we do not allow them to associate with other children, we must substitute things to take the place of this.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 7)
I purchased two pairs of white shoes of the man right under the hall where we have meetings. The largest pair I paid one dollar and a half for, the other I paid one dollar and quarter. One has an ink spot on it, the smallest pair. They are so very large I would like to have them exchanged for something some of you in the family want in the shape of shoes. The children have each two pairs apiece of light shoes just as good as these which I purchased of the man under the hall. If they are right size I would keep them, but they are not and I will take them back. He will give something else in place of them. Take Addie’s everyday shoes which are ripping, and take them to this man to get mended. I paid one dollar and a half a piece for the shoes. This [man] has done poor service. He said he would mend them free of charge.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 8)
Did Sister Rice find the silk she wanted? Love to all the family. I hope Sister Rice will be free and happy as she can under the circumstances.
(3LtMs, Lt 28a, 1876, 9)
Mother.
Lt 29, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Kansas City May 25, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 282-283; 11MR 136-137. Dear Children, Willie and Mary:
We arrived at Omaha about 3:30 p.m. We were immediately put on the sleeping car for Kansas City. Had good accommodations; rested well until four. We were then obliged to leave the train. We are waiting at hotel close by depot to take the train at 10 o’clock for nearest station to Malvern, which is Barbondale Avenue. We know not how far the station will leave us from the campground, but we may find definite directions there. We have endured the journey well. I have headache this morning, but this is nothing strange being on the road so long. I have eaten the first warm meal this morning. Mary [Clough] has eaten twice on the road. We have not taken the nearest route, but the best we could take because tickets were not sold through. Others came the same route we have taken because it was the best and cheapest, so we have come the best way. I thought you would be relieved to hear this. We will write you as soon as we can after we get on the ground. We will not write much more now, but will get off another today.
(3LtMs, Lt 29, 1876, 1)
We hope you are all cheerful and happy. Let not care corrode you, son. Be determined to be happy as you pass along. Don’t grow old too fast. Keep young in spirit, keep hopeful if the heavens fall. Don’t let your spirit be fretted, for it will never pay. Ever be calm, composed and have self-control. Carry the happy with you, sing in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, talk in the Spirit. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”Matthew 28:20. Children, Jesus lives. He will be your Saviour and your present helper in every time of need.
(3LtMs, Lt 29, 1876, 2)
In this hotel all are examining our bouquet. It has lost much of its loveliness, yet sufficient remains to be the admiration of all who look upon it. It has kept preserved in water and ice and is very nice after so long a journey.
(3LtMs, Lt 29, 1876, 3)
Tell Sister Rice we preserve a kind remembrance of her and have regretted over and over again that she was not one of our company on the road. We hope to meet her at Battle Creek. She must write us. She can see where the camp meetings are and let us know her intentions in regarding to coming east and when.
(3LtMs, Lt 29, 1876, 4)
Our lunch kept well. We have now two loaves of bread, the buns and brown loaf and fruit cake, oranges and lemons and jelly, butter and cheese. But all these will go well at camp meeting. We have some cherries left. We have eaten all we wanted, and yet we have most of the meat. We have had nothing spoil on our hands. All has kept. Porters have waited on us getting tea, and milk when we wanted it.
(3LtMs, Lt 29, 1876, 5)
Good-by,
(3LtMs, Lt 29, 1876, 6)
Mother.
Lt 30, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Campground, Malvern, Kansas May 28, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 37-38. Dear Children, Willie and Mary:
I have written briefly to Frank in regard to our journey. You can read his letter.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 1)
Sunday after I had spoken we had about forty forward for prayers. This, on Sunday, is a great victory to gain. Generally we have considered Sundays a day almost lost to the church, but I felt determined that it should not be. It resulted well. At six there was another meeting appointed for me to speak to those who should come forward, but the meeting took a different turn from what was anticipated. Your father made appropriate remarks on this occasion. I then spoke a short time with much earnestness. We called them forward and there was a general move. No less than fifty or sixty came forward for prayers. We gave them an opportunity to speak, and quite a large number of testimonies were borne by those who had presented themselves for prayers. There was deep feeling in the meeting and we felt that a decided victory was gained.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 2)
The brethren and sisters who have been assembled are much encouraged by this meeting. There are very many here who have never seen us, and this meeting and hearing us is highly appreciated by them. Your father spoke three times yesterday, and I once at length, and again about thirty minutes.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 3)
Children, I believe it was my duty to attend this meeting. I am coming out all right as far as health is concerned if I rest and do not labor too hard.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 4)
This morning there have been two very excellent meetings. Father spoke last night on baptism. He speaks this forenoon and I this afternoon. There are many good and valuable accessions [that have] been made to the truth since last camp meeting. This conference is really in quite a healthy condition and promises to become a strong conference. There are many excellent people we meet here who are pleased and rejoiced beyond expression at the privilege of meeting with us.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 5)
Notwithstanding, I have had a very trying crisis and suffered extremely with nervous prostration, strangely unexpected and unaccountable to me. But I am now of the opinion that my much writing had brought me in a condition where I should have been very sick had I remained at home. Three days have I suffered with the most distressing headache. I am weak yet improved. Your father and I bowed together yesterday and prayed the Lord to give me strength to speak to the people. I spoke twice after dinner, and felt better than in the morning. Father is now speaking (10 o’clock) on the text “Preach the Word, etc.” [2 Timothy 4:2.] There will be after the discourse three or four ordained.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 6)
Six o’clock. The ordination took place this morning. Four were ordained. Brothers Ayers, Charles Stevens, Brothers Samuel and Sharp. This was a very solemn occasion. The Spirit of the Lord was truly in our midst. There was much feeling on this occasion.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 7)
In the afternoon, your father spoke a short time in regard to fitness for baptism. I followed upon the same subject. There were twenty-nine who presented themselves for baptism. They are at this moment at the water. Your father and I do not go to the water. Your father is writing [a] report of [the] meetings. Several young men came to this meeting unconverted and careless, sought the Lord earnestly and take the baptismal vows.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 8)
I speak this evening, which winds up our labor on this ground with the exception of our morning parting meeting. All whom I have heard, both ministers and people, seem to feel greatly pleased, yea, rejoiced, at the result of this meeting. All say it has been [an] excellent meeting and great strength has been gained to the cause.
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 9)
Love to all,
(3LtMs, Lt 30, 1876, 10)
Mother.
Lt 30a, 1876
White, J. E. NP December 1875 [?] Previously unpublished. Dear Edson:
Here is the testimony written for you last February. I have removed twenty-five pages that was especially for Elder Loughborough, which has not a special reference to you.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 1)
I wish you to read this over carefully and prayerfully and do not, my son, copy the mistakes of your past life. From what the Lord has shown me, the parents’ duty and care exists toward their children as long as they both shall live. Also the children’s obedience, respect, and filial love is binding upon the children to the parents as long as both shall live.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 2)
I do not feel free to have you do as you are doing without a remonstrance. I think you are working too hard. And, as in other days, your religious interest is being sacrificed or swallowed up for the poor return of the profits gained by hard work. This will not pay. You cannot afford to disconnect from God. It has been a fearful venture in the past and very poor pay. It will be still worse in the future because you have greater light, and God has blessed you with a spirit of labor to be a help to others in Sabbath School and meetings. While you make the kingdom of heaven your first business, God will prosper you, but when you sink your eternal interest into your business, grasping for wages brought to you by constant and wearing taxation, it will not pay. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” and the promise is “all these things shall be added.” [Matthew 6:33.] May God help you, my dear children, to work with the greatest interest for the better life.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 3)
In regard to the matters of the Office [Pacific Press], Edson, I believe Father’s voice should control, his judgment be respected, his counsel be sought for, and deference paid to it, as well by his children as those who labor under him who are not connected by the ties of relationship. You have not, you know, in the past succeeded in planning, and your scheming has all proved a failure. God did not, He could not, prosper you in your plans. You should not be persistent to follow your own judgment and carry out your ideas, contrary to the judgment of your father.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 4)
Edson, I believe with your father that your introducing job work in the Office is all wrong. It looks exactly to me as the same piece as that of Aldrich and Walker who desecrated the Office by making it a piece of merchandise. They claimed that they did not take time from business hours, but I saw that there was none too much of them physically or mentally should they put all their powers to the careful performance of the work necessary and important for the upbuilding of the cause. The extra hours devoted to their own personal matters taxed their vigor and detracted from their strength so that the work of God was marred. It did not come out in all its points with that thoroughness and perfection it should. Their minds became diverted and finally they lost all sense of the sacredness of the work. Common and sacred were placed upon a level. This same danger I see with you. I want to warn you before it shall be too late, before you get into a similar deception and blindness which ruined them. I cannot see how you can feel free to introduce job business into the Office on the back of the music work. There is a great volume of work of our own.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 5)
You, my poor boy, are overworking every day. I have no heart to introduce anything more. There is a hymnbook to be printed here in the Office if it can have the entire attention. Father does not object to your music while you are connected with the Office, because it is an elevated business and will be a special help to you. But he does feel opposed to your introducing job printing in the Office, and thus bringing in a set of men coming and going to do little jobs that will really lower the dignity of the Office. I think he is correct. When you once get started on a wrong track, Edson, you have plenty of help. Satan knows that nothing will dishearten us like this, and this has been his special purpose, to cause unhappy differences between you and us. This must not be. We want you to feel right.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 6)
I know that your father has felt a deep interest in you that you should succeed. He has tried to make it as easy for you as he could. You may not see this, but I know it is so. But you see that you are in need of means and you strain every nerve to acquire means, and just as surely as you are a living man the snap will come by and by, no one can tell how soon. I think it has been for your disadvantage to withdraw yourself from Sabbath school and from religious labor. Your mind is the more fully turned in the wrong channel of acquiring, and to get means is becoming an absorbing passion. All the vitality of your being is devoted to getting the highest wages possible.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 7)
I feel sad over some things. I do not desire to control your actions, but I feel it duty to counsel you, nevertheless. I think your hard-earned means should not be spent in needless things. Count up how many dollars you have spent in purchase of birds and cages. Place this under the head of “Needless Use of Means.” Emma had two birds given her; one was enough. These two birds had to have two cages. Then you went still further and purchased another bird, and you are today paying no less than ten percent interest on all this money. Then there are other things I might mention, but will not now, that eat up means.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 8)
I see no reason why Emma should not bear some responsibilities in the labor as well as you, Edson. I think in the place of being a detriment to her health, it would be a real blessing. I feel burdened over this state of things. I cannot see how the blessing of the Lord can rest upon Emma in taking life so very easy and you so very hard. There is an abundance of light work Emma can do if she will task herself to do it. She can, if she takes up her life burdens cheerfully, help Edson and in doing this will help herself more. It is really a subject of remark—all the rest doing all they can to get along, Emma bearing no weight of responsibility, excusing herself from everything unless it is very agreeable or pleasant to her. If anything will carry her to the grave it will be inaction. Useful labor will be a blessing. I cannot see how she can let her husband work early and late and she not feel under obligation to bear her part or even make her own clothing. This does not look right. God will not give a person His blessing of health while it is not used for any good purpose. We love Emma, you know we do, but I feel that you both need to ponder your steps carefully.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 9)
Emma allows her mind to be in the east. She wants to visit her friends and her inclination and her pleasure alone are consulted in this matter. What good could she do, or what good gain? It would be a gratification to her. And Emma has been favored and petted and indulged until she makes herself a subject of thought and consults her own wishes and pleasure irrespective of duty or the good of others. I wrote to you both fully on this point more than one year ago. I presented the matter as it was presented to me, and I can but feel that you both are in danger of disregarding the light God has given you.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 10)
Should Emma go east it would take no less than two hundred dollars to go and come, first-class fare, and to have a little means to go about with after she got home. For this extra draught, Edson must put in extra labor and it may be at the cost of his life in this world and his life in the better world. This would be a dear journey indeed. Edson is ambitious, struggling for a home, wrenching himself one way and another. His interest in the Office will, if it has not already, become a matter of dollars and cents, of working for wages. The enemy will come in and will have strong power upon his mind and so pervert things that Edson will be really deceived, ensnared, and will backslide from God. All his energies now and all his anxiety are to make wages fast to get him a home. Edson, your reaching out to get all the work you can is wrong. It brings perplexity and anxiety upon Father. We shall have to leave Oakland, for your father cannot bear these perplexities. I beg of you to surrender to God and not take matters so much in your own hands to drive through.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 11)
Oh, Edson, your heart should be broken and humbled because of your past life; you should be hating your former course of sin. Don’t imitate the past mistakes. God has given you excellent abilities to glorify Him, but you are turning God’s gifts to serve a selfish purpose. You have received a license to improve your gift, and since that have done less than before and are every day hedging up your own way so that you cannot do anything.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 12)
You have a favorable chance. You earn all that you should earn and that you have strength to earn, and Emma can help you and not injure herself any more than in doing unnecessary things that do no one any good. All in the east get the impression from Emma’s letters that she is not happy, that she is discontented. Well, it need not be so. If Emma would interest herself in the work she can and ought to do without injuring herself, she will forget herself. It is her duty to cultivate cheerfulness. She may look and see how she can be a blessing to others, how she can be useful. She can meditate upon heavenly things and commune with her Saviour. A Christian living daily to glorify God will never be repining. Said Christ, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”Luke 9:23.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 13)
The study of the Word of God has no interest and attraction for Emma. Is this as it should be? Emma loves to read storybooks, but this reading only weakens the mind and does not strengthen it. Oh, look well, children, to see if you are both building on the true foundation, if you are really connecting with the Cornerstone. In Christ there is a refuge from temptation, from fatigue and weariness. In this great fatigue and constant taxation you rob God of the service due Him. There must come a change. Your feelings are now overwrought. Satan is ready to suggest things in a perverted light. Shut out the tempter. Be suspicious of yourselves.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 14)
Edson, your nervous energy is exhausted. A worldly atmosphere has its influence upon you. Your feelings are excited, irritable, and uncomfortable. An adversary is upon your track to discourage you. God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Let not the enemy succeed in distracting your spirit. There is repose for you in Jesus. I point you to Jesus for relief. But I have written, you will say, quite enough. I will stop.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 15)
Your Mother.
(3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, 16)
Lt 31, 1876
White, J. E.; White, Emma Missouri June 7, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 38. (On the cars on our way to Council Bluffs. We have to take this as the most direct route to Iowa.) Dear Children, Edson and Emma:
I feel some anxious to learn in regard to your business matters. Have you sold yet, and if you have, how much did you sell for? And what are your prospects? Are you both well, cheerful in God and enjoying His love? Please write us; direct your letter far enough ahead to reach us at some point of the camp meetings.
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 1)
I hope, children, you will move cautiously and understandingly. Do not allow the enemy to entangle you into branching out into large plans. Keep near the shore. Be ever on the safe side. Why not write for the Signs and cultivate your ability in this direction? We want you to be channels of light. Whatever may be your condition, let your first business be the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Have everything second to this. Do not become careless and neglectful of your religious duties. Be true to the claims of your heavenly Father, let it cost what it may in this world. Seek to view everything in the light of heaven as God sees it. We are anxious to learn how matters are progressing on the Pacific coast.
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 2)
Father is writing. Mary [Clough] has been writing considerably today.
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 3)
I have been very much debilitated by this warm climate. Mary feels it sensibly. For the first week I could scarcely keep my teeth in my mouth, my system was so relaxed. It is a beautiful picture of loveliness that is presented to the eye in the trees covered with green foliage, the waving grain with the sunlight and shadows resting upon it, the cultivated soil, the varied scenery in the high hills covered with verdure and adorned with trees, and the broad, rich valleys under cultivation. All is fresh and green. I suppose you are drying up in Oakland and looking burned and seared. But Oakland is the home of my choice. I think our coming winter will be spent in Oakland if the people of California accept and appreciate our labors. If not, we shall not waste our precious labors in bearing to a stiff-necked people our God-given message for them to trample under their feet. God has given us our work and when those in California despise or are even indifferent to our work, God holds them accountable for this neglect and abuse of Him who has given us our work. But I must stop.
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 4)
God bless you, my dear children. Father is doing a great deal of work. Monday he spoke three times. Sunday, I spoke twice in the afternoon and evening. Spoke four hours to about fifteen hundred people. I had great freedom in addressing the crowd.
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 5)
My heart feels very tender toward you, my dear children. I want you to be free and happy in the truth and fitted to be of use in the cause of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 6)
In much love,
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 7)
Mother.
Send to Battle Creek the package of envelopes with your name printed on them.
(3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, 8)
Lt 31a, 1876
White, W. C. [To Council Bluffs, Iowa] June 7, 1876 This letter is published in entirety in 11MR 137-138. [Willie:]
Now in Iowa. In two hours shall be at Council Bluffs. Tomorrow shall take the cars for Marshalltown, Iowa. Must travel all day tomorrow.
(3LtMs, Lt 31a, 1876, 1)
Dear children, Willie and Mary, I thought as my letter written day before yesterday has not yet been mailed, I would write a word more on the cars.
(3LtMs, Lt 31a, 1876, 2)
Yesterday we arose early and rode three miles over rough road to see the train move grandly out of the depot, leaving us behind. We then went to Brother O’Brien’s and waited till next morning. This was the most distressing day to us we have passed for [a] long time. We were all three debilitated. I very much so.
(3LtMs, Lt 31a, 1876, 3)
It is cooler today and we all feel better. We arose very early, rode to the depot six miles and took the cars [at] half past six and have been riding all day. It is now 5:00 p.m.
(3LtMs, Lt 31a, 1876, 4)
I find when the entire burden of labor rests on your Father and myself, we do not find time and have not strength to write even letters. But Brother Smith will join us in Iowa so that we shall be better able to write we hope.
(3LtMs, Lt 31a, 1876, 5)
We have had very good meetings in Kansas and Missouri, but the best was in Kansas.
(3LtMs, Lt 31a, 1876, 6)
Love to all,
(3LtMs, Lt 31a, 1876, 7)
Mother.
Lt 32, 1876
White, J. E.; White, Emma To Dubuque, Iowa June 14, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in TDG 174; 7MR 285-286. (On the train from Marion to Dubugue.) Dear Children, Edson and Emma:
We have just closed one of the most interesting camp meetings we have ever attended. The Lord gave us a testimony for the people which seemed to be received by them.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 1)
Monday morning I spoke from the words of Christ to Nicodemus. “Ye must be born again.” [John 3:7.] The spirit and power of God rested upon speakers and hearers. All present seemed to be deeply affected. The depth of feeling was more general than is usually seen. As I stood inviting those to come forward who wanted to fully dedicate themselves to God, sinners and backsliders, my heart was deeply affected. I felt indeed that souls were making decisions for eternity. I knew that if the eyes of those present could be opened, we should see angels of God walking through the congregation and although unseen by mortal eyes, the presence was felt.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 2)
Three hundred came forward for prayers. We then gave them opportunity to express their feelings and one hundred and thirty testimonies were borne. Frequently four were on their feet at once, talking and confessing with tears their sins and their departure from God. I never saw it on this wise before. As the result of the meeting, forty-eight were baptized. All went to their homes encouraged and many were signally blessed.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 3)
We are happy in this work. Many times we are disappointed in our expectations but then when we see the Lord working with our efforts, and souls coming to Christ, we forget the weariness, disappointments, and trials which we meet in connection with this work and feel honored of God to be permitted to have a part in it. We have had some very precious seasons of prayer with some who were discouraged and almost in despair. We rejoiced with them as light shone into the darkened chambers of the soul. The Lord has indeed encouraged our hearts and strengthened us for our great work. We do believe fruit will abound to the glory of God as the result of this meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 4)
Let your prayers, my children, go up to heaven in our behalf, that God would bring souls who are in the darkness of error to the knowledge of the truth. Light, precious light is shining on every page of the Word of God. It is the man of our counsel. When we study its pages with a heartfelt desire to learn our duty, angels are close beside us to impress the mind and strengthen the imagination to discern the sacred things revealed in the Word of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 5)
Every thought, word and act, we should bring to the test of God’s revealed will. In all things the inquiry should be, Will this please God? Will it be in accordance with the teachings of His Word? And when there is an indecision of mind in regard to duty, our natural hearts will plead for indulgence to follow inclination. But let us ever take the safe course, however much self-denial it may involve. Let us be determined to run no risks where eternal interests are involved. I feel like urging you to study your Bible with interest and be qualifying yourself for the work of God. But everyone who is entrusted with this work must be faithful soldiers of the cross of Christ. They must be an active, wide-awake Christian.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 6)
Dear son, Edson, guard faithfully your thoughts. Keep every approach to your heart well fortified. You must put up the bars against the approach of Satan. Watchfulness at one point while others are neglected will not avail. The careless neglect of one sentinel will imperil the entire army. The neglect to guard one path to the fortress may prove the loss of the city. I read a narrative which I will write to you.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 7)
“The Romans once nearly lost their capital and their nationality, by a trivial neglect. They were closely besieged by these terrible men, the Gauls. They shut themselves up in their capital, and placed guards every night to prevent a surprise. But there was one point they did not guard. The capital stood upon a rock. On one side this rock was deemed inaccessible. They did not therefore place a guard there. The wily Gauls discovered a path by which it might be scaled, and in the dark nights with silent stealth, they climbed these crags. On they sped unseen. Deep were the slumbers of the Romans, vain the watchfulness of the sentinels. On, on the Gauls urged their way. They reached the summit. Very soon the unguarded Romans will perish! But no. God has a work for that ironhearted people to perform and choosing some birds, the sacred geese kept in their temple, as His instruments, they made unusual cackling. The Roman sentinel wonders, searches on all sides and discovers the foe in season to arouse his companions in arms, and hurl the adventurers down the steeps they had adventurously climbed. None were saved, but it was a very narrow escape from extermination.” One unguarded spot placed them in this peril.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 8)
One duty neglected, one defective point in your character, one act of self-indulgence, may result in a train of circumstances which may prove the ruin of the soul. There are perils before us which we must meet, and our only safety is in God. Let your light so shine before men as to exert a saving influence in the world. You must not feel content to make no special, direct effort to save the souls of others. Gather with Christ and you will be a co-laborer with Him. God bless you, my children.
(3LtMs, Lt 32, 1876, 9)
Mother.
Lt 33, 1876
Children Battle Creek, Michigan July 7, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 42. Dear Children:
We arrived here the evening of the fourth about eleven o’clock. We were just in time to witness the procession of the Birds of Paradise. The leader was represented as an Indian warrior, then followed the continentals, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, dressed as they dressed, powdered hair, short breeches and leggings. Some things were really interesting and some ridiculous, but I cannot write. I have kept on the strain so long I am now finding my level and I am not very intelligent. We cannot, Father, Mary, or myself do anything now. We are debilitated and run down like an old clock.
(3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, 1)
Do write us some news. Tell Frank to write. You can, I should think, state some things of the church and one thing and another.
(3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, 2)
It is excessively hot. Is it cool where you are?
(3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, 3)
Is Sister Rice coming east? When will she come?
(3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, 4)
Are you all well? Mary, do tell me, are you well and happy? Are you worn, perplexed and homesick? Willie, how are you and the business cares agreeing? Do let us have some news if you have to hire a correspondent!
(3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, 5)
I cannot think one bright thought, so good-by.
(3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, 6)
May, dear, please accept this little present from
(3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, 7)
Mother.
Lt 34, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Battle Creek, Michigan Tuesday July 11, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 41-42; 7MR 287. Dear Children, Willie and Mary:
We are now in our own house in the field opposite Judge Graves. Brother Thayer has made many additions and rearranged the house to suit his ideas but this is a very nice location. We tarried here last night and rise this morning to write you a few lines.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 1)
Last Friday we visited your home, Mary. Spent the Sabbath with your family. We were so worn out we ran away from meeting. We took buffalo [robes] and laid them under a tree and I lay down on them the most of the day. We enjoyed the rest much. In the afternoon Oliver and his family came up to your mother’s and we had a sing. Oliver has a very fine family. Mary [Clough] was pleased with George and his wife, and especially with Oliver’s family, but she thought most of your mother. She thought her a woman of solid worth, as she truly is.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 2)
We came back home after sundown. It had been an excessively hot day and we drove very slowly. Some time after dark, about nine o’clock, as we rode, it appeared as if the heavens were illuminated. We turned to see the reason of the brightness and saw a large meteor slowly pass across the heavens and break in pieces, leaving a long trail of brightness burnt into the heavens which did not disappear for hours. This was a remarkable sight. Many have remarked in reference to it.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 3)
But in reference to your home, Mary; your mother is well and good as ever, but disappointed in not receiving letters from you. She says she has heard nothing from you for four weeks. This is too bad. Never leave your mother in anxiety. Write, if only on a postal card. Be prompt to do this duty.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 4)
We fear we shall not meet Sister Rice unless she comes in a day or two. We leave here Thursday for New York. Then on to the Centennial. Shall visit Lucinda at her home, spend one Sabbath; then on to Philadelphia. We found work here to do. Sister Sprague, the teacher in our school, has caused us much labor. She has taken advantage of her position as teacher to encourage the love of young men, and she has nearly ruined the usefulness of two or three. All day Sunday and Monday we were laboring in reference to this matter. Oh, when will young women professing godliness, learn to follow Christ? We have talked very plainly. She, Miss Sprague, will be dismissed. Why, if these things should exist, the school would soon be demoralized.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 5)
Have you yet sent the testimony, all published, which has reference to Battle Creek? If not, send it at once. They need all that there is for them. The devil is not dead yet and his special power seems to be exercised in Battle Creek.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 6)
We will try to do something in reference to my life in the course of a week. But there are so many things to do and to think of, you need not be surprised if we do not furnish matter for [the] paper. Father at one time was fearfully worn. I took the principal burden at our last camp meeting and have felt such a letting down [I] could not trust myself to write even the simplest letter. Yesterday I felt some stronger and I hope to fully recover my worn energies. Be patient with us and we will try to meet your mind soon if we can. Be of good courage, dear children. The Lord will give you strength as your day. Hold fast to God, cling to Him with unwavering trust. I would say your father is real well and strong now. He seems to be in a healthy condition.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 7)
In regard to California, he talks about coming, [but] has a perfect dread of stepping on California soil. What can be done to relieve this matter I know not.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 8)
What about your camp meetings? No appointment appears for California. Are Californians going to give up the idea of camp meeting this season? Unless you have more help than there is now prospect of, I fear camp meeting would not amount to much.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 9)
We never have attended a round of camp meetings with such satisfaction as these last, thus far.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 10)
I must close. Much love to the children. Will write them soon. We think of you all often and want to see you so much.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 11)
We suffer, Mary [Clough] and myself, especially with heat very much. Tuesday: it is cool today; threatens to rain.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 12)
Love to all the members of the family, Frank, George, and yourselves.
(3LtMs, Lt 34, 1876, 13)
Mother.
Lt 35, 1876
Children Wilmington, Delaware July 30, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in UL 225; 3Bio 43; 7MR 287. Dear Children:
Here we are in one of the suburban towns of Philadelphia. We are now about one mile from our boardinghouse in a beautiful grove upon a hill overlooking Wilmington, [Delaware], and several surrounding cities.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 1)
Dr. [J. H.] Kellogg, Will Fairfield, and your father and mother came out here for retirement to spend the hours of the Sabbath. Mary [Clough] was not well and chose to rest in her boarding room. We have been passing very profitably the hours of the Sabbath in conversing upon religious subjects—the life of Christ, health reform, and kindred subjects. John takes a very sensible view of health reform. I find him in a very good, healthful state of mind on these subjects upon which we have conversed. We see the need of more earnest, active effort in reference to the great subjects of health reform. Our Health Institute is sinking for the want of proper physicians and proper workers, interested workers.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 2)
We have sought to make Dr. Kellogg feel it is his duty to go into the Institute, and take hold with Willie Fairfield [and] Brother Sprague, and with zeal and interest bring up the Institute. We have taken our luncheon on the green grass and now [have] conversation again. Important matters are to be considered and decisions made.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 3)
We came in to Philadelphia, Friday morning and found John waiting for us at the depot. We soon took the horse cars, which took us to the depot where we stepped on board the train for Wilmington, twenty-six miles from Philadelphia. Dr. Kellogg had engaged a large room, very pleasant, with five windows, well furnished for your father and mother. Above this was a room for Mary, a cozy little room. We have both these rooms and board for fourteen dollars per week. This is a pleasant family and we feel that we have been fortunate in securing so good a boarding place. Now our business is to visit [the] Centennial grounds every day, see what we can and Mary make reports. We shall take our dinner with us from our landlady.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 4)
The “Way of Life” is to be revised and improved in every way. The charts are to be considered and our pictures for books are to be engraved in New York. There is enough to consider and plan and arrange, and we hope to do this all with exactitude which will leave us no chance for regret. We see much work to be done at Battle Creek. We were called away the Sabbath we designed to spend there. There must be some labor put forth in Battle Creek before matters will stand on the right basis.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 5)
Well, children, how do things move in California? Let us hear from you. We feel anxious to learn how matters stand there.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 6)
We greatly desire to return but feel that we cannot do this unless Father shall feel free to go to Oakland in the fall. I think it would be a terrible mistake to give up the field in California now to the enemy. Right management in the fear of God would give us precious victories. Satan is busily at work in various ways to hinder the progress of the cause of truth upon the Pacific Coast.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 7)
We must individually rally to the standard and by personal efforts in the fear of God press back the opposing forces and gain precious victories.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 8)
Edson, Father’s fears are on your account. His experience in connection with you in Oakland was such he does not wish to ever have it repeated. He would never cross the plains again if we would consent to this decision. I feel that the cause of God needs your father’s help on the Pacific Coast. I deeply regret the past. Your course in setting up a separate interest looks so unlike the work of God and so contrary to the light He has given in reference to you. This very fact is an objection to Father’s resuming his business on the Pacific Coast. I feel but little burden for the people of California, but would be so gratified if we could hold what we have already gained in California. But they may not be ready yet to be helped. We may have to wait some time longer. I would be glad to publish my books on the Pacific Coast, to write them there, and publish them, but I hardly dare say anything very encouraging to Father, fearing he would be disappointed and again have to leave California in discouragement. I dare not risk a second trial.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 9)
Father does not fear because of outside influence outside of our family, but he does dread above everything the disaffected elements in his own family. I wish matters had never occurred as they have in reference to your case, which has altered all our plans and caused us to change all our arrangements. Oh, if you could have borne the test of God, if you would have laid aside your schemes and plans and trusted your father; if you had kept bitterness out of your heart and sealed your lips instead of censuring your father, God would have blessed you.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 10)
But I have said and done all I could say and do, and now I must leave Father and you with the Lord. I do not think that Father has confessions to make to you, but you have entertained wrong feelings toward your father, feelings which should never exist in the heart of a son to his father. The obligation of a son to his father, you have never yet felt. I have seen by conversing with you that you take wrong views of your father. You do not correctly estimate his efforts to help you. His kind offers you have rejected in a manner to show your distrust of your father. All this is wrong. How much real filial love dwells in your breast for your father? I venture to say but very little. How much honor is cherished in your heart for your father? Rather than to question your course or to have your course questioned, you have not hesitated to make statements in reference to your father and Willie that would place them in an unfavorable light before those in California who are easily tempted. The same course was pursued in Battle Creek, and how much evil and resistance of our influence was brought about through your talk in Battle Creek the judgment must reveal.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 11)
I hate to mention these things, but when I consider that there must be an entire transformation with you on these points, I fear and tremble lest you shall deceive your own soul to your own ruin. A wily foe is on your track. You have failed over and over to bear the proving of God. You have not understood the point to which the Lord would bring you. You have overlooked the work necessary to bring you into harmony with the Spirit of God and with heaven.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 12)
Every member of our family God would have sweetly harmonize and blend together. If they cannot have that harmony upon the earth, how can they have it in heaven? If a long eternity is to be passed together, I ask, What is the work to be done preparatory for this sweet union? You have lost confidence in your father, when the greater lack of confidence, I firmly believe, should be in yourself. I want you to come as close as it is possible for a son to his father and to your only living brother. I have the tenderest love and interest for you, and I shall ever feel it my duty to counsel and admonish and warn you. Let your union be firm here below. Do not be blind to your errors and your motives and your feelings, but do see yourself as in the light of eternity and let the happiest union exist between you and your parents.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 13)
Father has given you evidences that he has a desire to help you and Emma. I want these things to have their full weight, and you to recognize these things as evidences of your father’s love and desire to come close to your heart. This estrangement from your father and brother must forever cease. You must work with all your might in the direction to cultivate love and union instead of viewing matters from your standpoint and keeping before your mind’s eye the little grievances you may have experienced. Here is where the trouble is. You do not view the past in a correct light. You justify and excuse your course, which is very faulty, and which has brought upon you much inconvenience and needless suffering.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 14)
Now, my son, look at these things with a subdued, softened heart. Go before God in humility and beg of Him to let you see yourself as you have been and as you are. We are nearing the close of our probation and I feel the need of daily living according to the light the Lord now lets shine upon our pathway. Cherish the light which shines today, for we may never have another day. Do up your work each day as though it were your very last. Leave no word unspoken which ought to be said and let no words be recorded in the angel’s book of records which will be regretted by you in the day of final reckoning. To fail of everlasting life would be a fearful mistake. Oh, my dear boy, I plead with you to deal truly with your own soul, see yourself and do not try to blind your eyes to your own errors. There must be perfect harmony between you and your parents and your brother Willie before you can be perfectly happy and where the blessing of God can attend you.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 15)
What sacrifices have you made for Jesus? Your father paid your passage to the Pacific Coast to help you and that you should help him. You may make yourself a great hindrance instead of a help. If you are, I fear disaster will come to you.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 16)
Your father does not speak one word in disparagement of you. He tries to place you before the people in a high light that I fear will not bear. But I leave these words with you. Do not be offended or discouraged, but go to work in earnest. Remove the obstacles in your way, and in the way of your father, as fast as possible and rub out and begin anew. From this date never let bitterness, or even false independence, come in to separate you from your father or brother. We must be a united family here, if we are united in heaven. May God help you, my dear children, [to] not leave your thoughts centered on yourselves but let your life be characterized by unselfish thoughts and actions, irrespective of your temporal matters. Live for the next world and lay up a treasure above. Jesus has done all for us, given all for us and what have we done for Him?
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 17)
Edson, if you can say or do anything to remove the obstacles from Father’s mind of coming to Oakland, do so. If you have nothing to do in this matter, if you have done all your duty, may you be blessed of God, is my prayer. God has given you, my son, talents to improve, not to pervert or abuse. Do not let your selfish, personal interest come in first and you make it an object to secure temporal advantages first while your talents are wrapped in a napkin and buried in the world. “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,” said one who knows and speaks understandingly, “than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”Psalm 84:10. The humblest service in the cause of God is of more paying interest than the most lucrative employment in our own selfish enterprises. It is too sacred and fearfully important a time now in this period of this world’s history for us to be employed in serving ourselves, caring for self with an intensity that is worthy of a better cause. There is a fearful want of faith and trust in God to do those things for us He has promised, if we will cheerfully walk in the path of devotion and humble obedience.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 18)
Truth, precious truth is to sanctify, subdue, refine, elevate and finally to exalt us to a seat at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven. Shall we grow feeble in spiritual power for want of exercise? Shall we go day after day without a marked and clear experience in the religious life because we permit our minds to be absorbed in worldly business? Here, my dear son, is your danger. Here are the wiles of Satan entangling you. The very powers or organs that you cultivate become strong and you are imperceptibly placing yourself where you will be in a position unfitted to engage in the work of God. The time that you should be giving yourself earnestly to the work, you are really unfitting yourself for the work God would honor you to do in His cause. One pretext after another has arisen to your mind to excuse you from taking hold of the work which you could do at once, while you are waiting till this object is gained or that project is accomplished. It is not the great work you are fitted to do now. But it is the little duties connected with the work of God, the small responsibilities borne with humbleness and fidelity, that will qualify you for higher responsibilities, more important trusts. Purity of motives, unselfish interest you must cultivate.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 19)
Press close to your younger brother, Willie. Let no emulation or strife separate your heart and affections from him. Let no selfish feelings or jealousy find a place in your heart. Empty it of all these things. Cultivate love, confidence and trust. Live up to the Bible standard. Carry out the light God has given you. Show in kindly acts and words and unselfish acts your true interest and affection for Willie. All the advances you make will be reflected back on you. I shall never be satisfied until I see you both, firmly and strongly, lovingly united in the closest bonds of brotherly love. God help you to work to this end. You are older than Willie and you should seek in every way to help him and bind him to your heart. Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 20)
Religion, my son, is not as some take it, head work, theory. It must be practically carried out in all the byways and broadways of life. It must regulate the life as well as to convince the mind. It alone must purify the heart. God requires everyone who professes His name to be good citizens and that the life of strict integrity and pure devotion should leave a bright light to the world.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 21)
But, my dear children, above everything else, you need to encourage a love for your father. His life has been one of cankering care, of perplexity. His kindest efforts have been time and again abused. And if his mind is sometimes overwrought, who should be so blind to these things as his own children? Who should be the first to soothe and by their tender devotion and care to not irritate and cross his track as his own sons? Who should be among the first to be his comfort and show by tender acts their love to him? Here is where you have not felt your duty. You have not honored your father. You have not felt the force of the fifth commandment and sacredly observed it. These defects in your character seek at once to remedy. Take hold of the work understandingly. True Christian courtesy you need to cultivate toward your father before God can approve you or grant the blessing annexed to the faithful obedience of the fourth [fifth] commandment—a promise valuable in itself, worth more than a title to lands or any temporal possessions.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 22)
Edson, dear son, whatever course your father may pursue, it does not change your relation to him. He is your father still.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 23)
Please read the history of Noah. He became intoxicated with wine. Two of his sons saw him in his disgrace, uncovered in his tent. They made a capital of it. Their impure minds seized on this as a pretext to resist his wise counsels and disregard his authority. They severely criticized their father and mocked and derided his misfortune. These two unworthy sons, instead of concealing their father’s disgrace, eagerly told their brothers, who rebuked the disrespect of the reporters and with true, filial love and sympathy laid a garment upon their shoulders, and walked backward and covered their father’s disgrace. Here is an example for all sons as long as time shall last. God rebuked the unfilial conduct of the sons of Noah. Their posterity was affected by this curse which God pronounced upon their parents. God blessed the faithful sons who honored their father, Noah. Their posterity was remembered of God for good in blessings.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 24)
My dear son, you have ever been remiss in your acts of tenderness and affection and kindly, thoughtful care to relieve his anxieties instead of adding to them. You are in the strength of your manhood. Your father has manfully fought the battles of life, and has had a life of toil and care. You are young; but little have you risked, but little have you ventured and sacrificed for the truth. You have not been shattered by paralysis. You should now be to your father what you never have been—a forbearing, _____ [page torn], compassionate son.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 25)
Mother. August 2
Have been on the Centennial ground once. We are on our way today. There is much more of this than we anticipated—representations from all parts of the world—Swedes, Norwegians, Laplanders, and some others are in life size, natural as life in their native dress. It is indeed worth seeing, but this is only an item. The designs of “Way of Life” are now to be presented to the artist, also Law of God charts. This is a large business being carried on by Father just now in Philadelphia.
(3LtMs, Lt 35, 1876, 26)
Mother.
Lt 36, 1876
White, J. E.; White, Emma Columbus, Ohio August 10, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Children, Edson and Emma:
I received letters from you both soon after my letter was sent to you.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 1)
We are now at your Uncle John White’s. We arrived here last night about five o’clock. We found your Uncle John and Aunt Ann absent at Delaware [County, Ohio]. Ann’s father, Mr. Williams died six months ago. His widow, Ann’s stepmother, died while on a visit in Massachusetts. Her body was brought to Delaware in [a] metallic coffin. Your uncle and Aunt Ann were at Delaware to attend the funeral. Young John telegraphed to his father and he returned on the eight o’clock train, so we had quite a little visit after all. Your Uncle John and Aunt Ann were very glad to see us and we had an excellent visit with them Thursday in camp. When we started again on our way, we went in company with your uncle and aunt in the cars for fifteen miles. Then we parted, they going to the funeral of the stepmother and we to camp meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 2)
We change cars to pursue our course to Norwalk. We were to wait four hours at one station, two at another; but by some means the morning train was delayed and we were all ready for the delayed train to pick us up. We expected to get here at eight o’clock at night, but we hired a team from Monrovia to take us five miles to the camp ground. We found a tent all ready for us with board floor and carpet on it, nice bed made upon bedstead, two black stuffed sofa chairs, a very nice new table and washstand. But lo, as soon as we had got well in the tent, it commenced raining and it poured down in torrents. The ground where some of the tents were pitched was in a hollow and in thirty minutes we were surrounded with one foot of water. Our boards in [the] tent overflowed and the carpet is all wet, and here we sit looking at the dismal prospect—not very flattering I assure you. The heavy rain has ceased, but it continues to rain, not so hard. Some have pitched their tents on a rise of ground. They are all right. Well, I have sat right down in the midst of the damp and wet to write you a few lines.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 3)
My dear children, I feel deeply in earnest that you should go forward trusting in God. Do nothing rashly. Do not be discouraged, but press through difficulties. Make it a settled point to control your feelings. Do not feel at liberty to talk out or act out your feelings.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 4)
Make a success of your business. This time go forward in the fear of God, trusting in Him. Do not sacrifice religion to plans and schemes. You have struck off on your own hook, and now do not make a failure but move with the greatest caution. Do not imagine you must have this [or that] and cannot get along in your work without more outlays. Your father is very much in need of means at the present time to carry forward the business he contemplates in charts, lithographing and steel engravings of his and my pictures for our books. We never have seen so hard times everywhere as the present. When the crops come in, times may brighten some. We now regret deeply investing so much means in the different enterprises on the Pacific Coast. We need just that means to do business east, investing in publishing charts. There never was a time when this business could be done at a cheaper figure than now.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 5)
Edson, it is perfectly terrible that Montrose should charge you such exorbitant interest. Our means is invested in Pacific Coast meetinghouses at ten percent while you are charged such prices. I wish we had some of our tied-down means, but we have not.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 6)
Now, dear children, be careful of your means. Do not have many wants and do not keep buying machinery. Work the best you can, if at inconvenience, till times change and money [is] more plentiful. Do not trust to your own strength. Look to God for guidance; trust in Him, make most earnest efforts to keep your souls in the love of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 7)
Dear Edson, I charge you to preserve and cultivate these precious traits of character that will make a life of usefulness. Cherish the tender ties that bind your hearts to the family circle. Do not in your haste to acquire become rash and sacrifice your manhood. Without all due respect and deference to age and position and experience, you will surely meet with great loss. It is natural for the young to start new enterprises, to explore new fields and modes of action. Let this new improvement be to purify your own souls and benefit the moral tone of society. Let your efforts tend to the purification of your own life and the lives of others.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 8)
In this work have Godlike energy. You can go through this world but once. Leave no black and ugly blots or hard and shameful record on the pages of the heavenly record. Go forward, Edson, in your Godlike manhood with heroic and undaunted resolution to bless the world. Make your mark high. Catch the inspiration from the Word of God, which says, “I write unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”1 John 2:14.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 9)
Show yourself a man in the sight of God and of angels, a man who means to make the most of his abilities by living for God, for his fellow men and for truth. Put the armor of righteousness on and wear against all falsity and wickedness in yourself and in others, ready to war the good warfare; the first to engage in a good work, and the last to become weary and discouraged in this battle. Be ready to answer to the call of duty, Here am I, send me. What errand can I do for the Lord? What work can I do to glorify His name? Do not exhaust all your energies in serving yourself merely. Anything done for Christ is great and will be sure to bring a great reward. The Lord will bless your efforts in cherishing a high regard for your father whom God has honored. Because you cannot do a great and marked work, do not sit down in idleness and do nothing for God; neither need you wait until you shall see your works appreciated by others. You are to work for God, looking to Him for strength and grace.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 10)
How easy for you to lead men to do what they would not do if left to themselves! Use your influence in winning souls to Christ to do God’s work. Do not feel that no responsibility rests upon you to save souls. Do not wait for better opportunity. God calls upon you and upon Emma to work just where you are. Now is your time. Those who long to do good, will find plenty of opportunities close at hand. Christ calls for young men to carry the work of truth forward, but first He requires of them to be faithful in that which is least. You are called upon to do your part in resisting worldliness, wickedness, pride, unholy ambition, and to consecrate yourselves without reserve. Keep your spirits humble.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 11)
It will be, it has been, the bane of your life to be looking out for self and hunting for happiness. I want you to see the necessity of the cultivation of the beauty of holiness, the loveliness of a meek and lowly mind, a life of pure and cheerful trust in Jesus, your Saviour; a humble, trustful, happy, confiding life, walking in the path of duty and simple, trusting faith. This path is found only by those who are willing to take the hand of Christ and be led. The sweet graces of tenderness and simplicity of heart are ornaments that are like choice gold.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 12)
Father and Brother Smith are talking in regard to finance, in regard to means. Where the margin is to work upon is the perplexing question. Only eleven hundred in the bank and five hundred of that due to Marsh for paper, [and] the Michigan Conference to be settled with. They are contemplating sending to the insurance companies east for loan of means on interest.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 13)
In this state, Ohio, a good part of the state is flooded. No crops can be expected. Hard times, hard times, is heard everywhere. So, my son, be careful. Work as best you can with as little outgoes [as possible]. I hope you will not fail. I hope you will work carefully, economically, and here your safety depends. You may keep above board.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 14)
I have great interest for you, my children. You have had great light and God has been very compassionate to you, very merciful, and long-suffering. Move in such a way as not to tie your hands fast. Do not bind up your talents in a napkin and hide it in the earth. Move guardedly. God has claims on you. How long shall He search for fruit and find nothing but leaves? God wants you to trust in Him and look to Him with confidence.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 15)
I must close. I leave these lines with you [and] hope they will not be passed by indifferently.
(3LtMs, Lt 36, 1876, 16)
Mother.
Lt 37, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary To Rome, New York August 15, 1876 Previously unpublished. (On the cars from Rochester to Rome, New York.) Dear Children, Willie and Mary:
We left Ohio camp meeting Monday evening. Rode all night. Changed cars at seven in Rochester. It is eight o’clock now. Mary [Clough] sent you yesterday report of meetings in Ohio. The first day we arrived at the ground we found a tent all fitted up for us with food; floor carpeted; sofa, chairs, wash stand and table, but lo! we had scarcely entered our tent when it commenced to rain until the water fell in torrents. Our tent was pitched in a hollow near the stand. The most of the tents were on a high ridge. The rain came from the hills like a waterfall and in a few moments we were surrounded with one foot of water. The water poured under the floor of the tent and over it. The carpet was soaking wet. Our feet were wet. After it ceased to rain, we were taken in a carriage to Brother Davis’ to spend the night.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 1)
It showered occasionally Friday. But our tent was removed to high land and again prepared for us. But I began to be sick. Suffered much pain and Friday night was obliged to leave camp for Brother Davis’ and take treatment. I was sick Thursday night before but was able to speak Friday. Was sick all Friday night. Yet went on the ground Sabbath morning, and in the afternoon spoke to the people with great freedom.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 2)
I felt the power of God upon me in an unusual degree. As I ceased speaking I entreated sinners and backsliders to turn to the Lord. I invited them forward. Between thirty and forty responded. We had a solemn season of prayer for these who had invited our prayers by coming forward.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 3)
Sunday morning found me quite sick with cold. Your father spoke in the forenoon. It was with difficulty from hoarseness [that] I spoke one hour in the afternoon to a large and interested audience upon the subject of Christ riding into Jerusalem.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 4)
Monday morning I spoke to the people about thirty minutes. I felt deeply upon the subject of our brethren using health reform unwisely—some carrying it to extremes while others are going back from the light and advancement they have once made. Any extreme views taken by our people upon the health question will result in reaction, and backsliding will be the consequence.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 5)
It has been a fact in our experience that we have had the best health the more closely we adhered to the principles of health reform in diet and dress. We have marked this in the experience of others. We have seen the beneficial results of a plain, thoroughly hygienic diet when fevers and acute diseases were prevalent. The strict health reformers have seldom succumbed to disease, while those who were careless in their diet and did not adopt health reform but indulged appetite were long afflicted with disease and many have never recovered.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 6)
Our people are a backslidden people upon health reform. It is sad to see that many, instead of standing like a rock, firm to principle, controlling the appetite and following the example of Christ in self-denial, [so] that their influence may help others in this right direction, are encouraging the indulgence of appetite, and their influence is in an opposite direction than that of Jesus Christ. I greatly desire to see our people coming up upon all points of our faith, encouraging by precept and example denial of appetite rather than indulgence.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 7)
We are too near the close of time to become careless of the precious light which heaven has sent us. But history of the children of Israel is being repeated by our people in the gratification of the appetites.
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 8)
Your father spoke in the forenoon. He gave an ordination sermon. Brother Cottrell was ordained. In the afternoon he spoke on [remainder missing].
(3LtMs, Lt 37, 1876, 9)
Lt 38, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Rome, New York August 16, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Willie and Mary:
We are now entertained by an excellent family newly converted to the faith. The appointment was sent by telegram to Rome that Mrs. White would speak to the people August 15. But a fearful cold developed itself in hoarseness so that we decided it would be presumption to attempt to address hundreds of people under the large tent.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 1)
After arriving at Rome we found handbills and advertising that Mrs. White would speak that evening. I felt somewhat anxious but tried to commit my case to the Lord. I found Brethren Canright and Whitney had not the least idea of releasing me from my appointment. About one thousand assembled under the tent—as intelligent looking people as we ever have seen assembled together. I spoke from these words: “Behold, what manner of love” etc. 1 John 3:1. I spoke with freedom for about forty minutes. There was deep feeling in the meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 2)
Up to the present time there has been but very little opposition; but the ire of the ministers of the churches is now arousing as they see their members leaving them. The truth has taken some from every church. One lady died who embraced the truth. She belonged to the Methodist Church. But when that church was asked for, in which to conduct the funeral services, it was refused. The Baptists readily assented. The appointment was given out last night. But this morning comes a blank refusal from the Baptist authorities, refusing their church for the funeral services.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 3)
Thus the spirit of opposition is cropping out. These things show the spirit of opposition working in minds. This can but work against them and confirm those who embrace the truth. But what a work is there to be done to confirm those who have made so marked a change in their faith and who have an entirely new experience to gain. I wish I could have remained a few days and helped Elder Canright but the Vermont meeting needs us there. We know not just what moves to make in the future. Stewart and Butler are having the greatest interest in Ohio. The people come in from sixteen miles round and they have sixteen invitations to pitch tent in as many different localities. We feel like hovering near where God is working and where there are those who will hear and who will receive the truth. This is our earnest prayer—to be where we may be most effectual in bringing souls to the knowledge of the truth.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 4)
Milton Station campground. We rode yesterday afternoon until we came to Potsdam Junction. It was then dark. We then changed cars and were hoping for a sleeper. We were twice disappointed—first in finding an ancient-looking affair attached to a long train of freight. The prospect was not very favorable but we stepped on board, for it was our only chance. All the seats were lengthwise the car. I can give you no just idea of this antique-looking affair. We were disappointed not to find a good sleeper, a fined car of modern build. We thought things did not look promising. I had lodged in a nice house but hard bed. No sleep for me. My hip trouble is such I cannot rest on hard bed. I had sick headache and had felt nearly discouraged in the afternoon. We had no porter. Conductor was porter, but he was a gentleman. And when he stooped down and picked up a little white shoe, turned it over curiously in his hand and exclaimed, “Mercy on me! Got off the train and left this.”“Who?” we asked. “My wife. She has just left and here is my baby’s shoe.” We felt quite assured that man had a tender heart. He kindly assured your father he could make us comfortable.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 5)
We were [not] disappointed to find the best hair mattresses we had seen since we left Oakland—thick, good mattresses. Then in addition to this he gave me fine pillows to lay upon the mattress and I never had an easier bed in my life. I slept excellently well all night. We bought the upper berth that Mary and I might have plenty of opportunity to breathe. Mary has twice recently looked very pale and said she was pressed for breath. I feel some troubled about this matter. But I will close now for Brother Hutchens goes to post office.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 6)
Good-bye dear, precious children. God bless you, my children.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 7)
Mother.
Love to _____ [?], George, and Sister Rice, if she is with you.
(3LtMs, Lt 38, 1876, 8)
Lt 39, 1876
White, W. C. Campground, Milton Junction, Vermont August 17, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 10MR 34. Dear Willie:
Here is a piece I have read to Father. He says tell Willie to put it in just as it is, or you can give it an introduction as you please.
(3LtMs, Lt 39, 1876, 1)
Here we are with tent pitched, board floor, bedsteads and things generally comfortable. But now both of us, [and] Mary [Clough] also, [are] tired. We choose repose and entire rest.
(3LtMs, Lt 39, 1876, 2)
We meet old tried friends that we have been acquainted with for twenty-six years. They greet us with greater confidence and with love than our new friends in California. There is nothing but what they would do for our comfort, and best of all is they accept our testimony and seem to be rejoiced that we have visited them again.
(3LtMs, Lt 39, 1876, 3)
Brother Smith spoke this morning, your father this afternoon. I speak this evening. May God help us at this meeting is our prayer. Oh, that Jesus would come to the feast and gladden our hearts with His sweet, loving presence. I do find rest in Jesus. I find peace in believing and joy in the Holy Spirit. Never did we have so many and so urgent calls for our labor as now. Such earnest entreaties are coming nearly every day from some direction. Truly the harvest is great and the laborers are few. Our petitions must go up in faith to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers.
(3LtMs, Lt 39, 1876, 4)
Your father and mother are worked down. I am looking old and poor for the very reason that there is no rest for us. We work hard. Your father does the work of three men at all these meetings. I never saw a man work so energetically, so constantly as your father. God does give him more than mortal energy. If there is any place that is hard, your father takes it. We pray God that we may have strength to do the work necessary to be done in these special occasions. Write to us often, dear children.
(3LtMs, Lt 39, 1876, 5)
Mother.
Lt 40, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Milton Junction, Vermont August 22, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Children, Willie and Mary:
We have just received and read your very welcome letters. We feel ever glad to hear from you. Your good letters were read with interest.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 1)
Our camp meeting here has not been the most encouraging or successful. The location was wrong to commence with, but we had good outside attendance all the way through. It was much better in this respect than we feared it would be. Very many excellent discourses were preached. But Sunday morning I was taken sick and suffered much for two days. Evening after the Sabbath closed my labors on the ground. It is now Tuesday noon and I am still very weak. We shall take sleeping car tonight for our next meeting. Be at Groveland Wednesday morning.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 2)
I have regretted leaving Oakland. I am not in good health, yet I try to keep up good courage.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 3)
(Private). Children I think your father’s mind is changing and he is looking some to Oakland.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 4)
For two days I have kept my bed; very trying position in a camp meeting when all are desirous to have your labors and cannot have them. Two thousand and half of people were on the ground Sunday, but our people seem to be rather discouraged. Here we met some of the oldest friends of the cause. These we had been acquainted with twenty-six years. Precious souls; we never expect to meet them again in this world and yet how short the time, if they and we are faithful, when we shall meet them nevermore to part.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 5)
I pant for home where the weary shall rest. But we must wait patiently all the days of our appointed time. He that endureth unto the end shall receive the crown of life.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 6)
Your father is worn. He needs rest, very much. Mary [Clough] is suffering from severe cold. She is having a great time sneezing and coughing. She is this moment finishing the copying of the balance of the article she mailed to you this morning. I do not remember what I did write.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 7)
The people have left the ground mostly. Mary is sitting on one bed, I on the other, and we [are] writing. Both our productions will go to Oakland.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 8)
In regard to resuming the history of my life, I have found no time as yet to crowd in the matter. We have both overworked during the first series of camp meetings. Your father has not lost interest in the Signs. He thinks you are getting along well with the paper. He regrets that he cannot do more in writing, but it is impossible.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 9)
Mary, in reporting, has to sit up very much nights because she cannot write days without much interruption. She feels an interest for the Signs. She sat up till midnight to send you the matter she did. I do not want to start out in the paper again until we can continue the narrative. Only keep up good courage, my dear children, and help will come. You only need to do the best you can and trust in the Mighty One. This work is the Lord’s. It is not the work of man. God will work with our efforts. We may not see that we are making much progress but for all that we may be advancing far more than our short human sight can perceive. I see that what we all need is faith, more perfect trust, more thorough consecration. Oh, the times demand that we daily dedicate ourselves to God and that [we] search our hearts daily and with humility of soul, feel our weakness and dependence and cast all our care and burdens upon Jesus. We want a deep and living experience daily in the things of God. We want to be conversant with our heavenly Father. We are not safe in having our minds diverted from Christ for a single instant.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 10)
Children, make God your Friend in all your trials.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 11)
I see the time is exceedingly precious and we want to make right moves, and in the fear of God labor where our work will best glorify the Master. Jesus is ready to help you, children, to enlighten and strengthen and bless you. Only cling to Jesus firmly.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 12)
A package of the Signs came after the people had nearly all left. I wish they had come a little sooner.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 13)
We were glad to see W. C. White had given an article. We hope both of you will do more writing. We know you have heart and soul full and we hope you will not in any way be discouraged.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 14)
Brother Henry Kellogg is here with his family. He received a telegram to come home. His father died very suddenly. His father died with bilious colic. Poor man, backslidden from God. He then remained to attend the deathbed of his sister Alice. She came out and embraced the truth some two or three years ago, but her sister, an unbeliever, ridiculed her and this she could not stand. She backslid. She was coming down with consumption, and when very weak her heart, which she had hardened in resisting the Spirit of God, was softened. She requested baptism. Brother Hutchins thought she could be baptized in a bathtub, but she said, No, take me to the river. She was taken to the stream in a buggy and urged that she might be permitted to walk in herself. Her request was granted. She endured the taxation remarkably. This was her last chance. You remember the catarrhal difficulty in her head. Well, some seven weeks before she died, she was insane, and thus died.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 15)
I have had a talk with Brother Henry Kellogg in reference to his dangers while connected with the work in Battle Creek. I tell him he needs to consecrate himself fully to God, set his heart right and have a practical knowledge of the mystery of godliness. He is, I told him, in danger of seeing the big work to do and overlooking the littles. He will fail to keep up the work thoroughly unless he is faithful in that which is least. If God sees that he is faithful in the duties lying directly in his path, he will be entrusted with greater responsibilities.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 16)
Brother Charlie Stone and his wife will immediately go to Battle Creek to work as the way opens. Brother Hutchins seems good. I think Brother Bourdeau has been making rather of a large spread at considerable expense and but little to show as the result. It needs men of wisdom to manage in these close, hard times or expenses will be run up that will involve the cause in embarrassment.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 17)
We intend remaining on the ground this night and have one day of retirement and rest. We may leave here tomorrow morning or tomorrow night.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 18)
I am glad you have rented the house, for this will bring in a little means. All outgoes and no income is rather discouraging. I think your rent is reasonable and enough. I would be very glad to see you in Oakland, but we may not be there for some time.
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 19)
We have decided to go tonight. So good-by. Love to all friends,
(3LtMs, Lt 40, 1876, 20)
Mother.
Lt 41, 1876
White, J. E.; White, Emma Campground, Groveland, Massachusetts August 24, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 6MR 303-304. Dear Children, Edson and Emma:
We arrived on the ground last night about eight o’clock. I am now able to sit up and although cold, I am sitting writing by a stove with fire just kindled in our stove. I was taken very sick on the Vermont campground—was unable to sit up for two days. The third day I sat up but [was] greatly reduced in flesh and strength. The meeting closed Tuesday morning, yet we remained on the ground until all had left except those who were to do the work of packing up and clearing provision stands and ground. We took down our tent, and all lodged in tent connected with provision stand. We left the ground at seven o’clock, rode one mile and a half to depot. On the train we met Moses White and had quite a visit with him. He had just been visiting his father in New Hampshire. We learned from Moses [that] our train took us very near where his father lives. They were usually well.
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 1)
Our campground in Vermont was very rough under foot, but the grove was very fine. The scenery was delightful—mountains and hills decorated with trees and foliage. It seemed very much like Colorado scenery. This ground is very good—trees are pitch pine, very much like the old Lancaster ground.
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 2)
I slept none last night—lost myself twice only. I am feeling better today than I feared I should considering my wakeful night. We receive but very few letters from you, but we are glad to hear from you whenever we are so happy as to receive a letter. We feel very anxious to have rest. I am worn; your father is worn. We both work too hard. We pray that God will give us strength and wisdom to work discreetly. We dare not follow our own judgment and feel that it would be dangerous to walk in the sparks of our own kindling. God is our hope and strength.
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 3)
We see a very great work to be done in the world and we cannot endure the thought of failing in physical strength now. I look all over the field and I see none who could fill your father’s place. His head to plan and his life of experience to balance the inexperienced is very essential. God has a work for us to do and we need the help, the encouragement and confidence of our people to do this work. We need especially the help and sympathy and unwavering confidence of our dear children. We deserve their love, their tenderest care to relieve us from every unnecessary burden to cheer our hearts. In doing this our children would be staying up our hands as Aaron and Hur stayed up the weary hands of Moses in battle. Our life has been a constant battle and march. When we come where our children are we want them to feel that they will be glorifying God by making extra efforts to speak kind, tender words and to reflect light instead of darkness. We want our children to bear us up with good, cheerful words, by their fervent piety to rejoice our hearts, and with their younger strength to put their shoulders under the loads instead of letting them fall heavily upon us. We cannot endure heavy taxation—we should fall under the load. Children, will you help us? Will you show an example to youth of filial respect and devoted tenderness? It is your duty to fill the responsibility that rests upon you as children to your parents, whom God has especially honored with a responsible work to lead out in His cause.
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 4)
We may come to Oakland. If we do this winter, I want you, Edson and Emma, to be very earnest to redeem the time and show that you know what duties belong to obedient children. These claims we have, as parents, upon you and we want you to receive the blessing of the fifth commandment. Hold your parents in honor. Do not let your feelings control you, but let the principles of pure religion shine forth in words and acts and deeds. I believe that we may be a very happy family if our children will realize their duty to their worn parents, and will be faithful to do their duties lying right in their path. Selfishness must be put away from you, my dear children. You need to cultivate a love to help and honor your parents. Cling to God, dear children and He will never leave nor forsake you. You want the spirit of freedom in your own hearts, freedom in your house, freedom in the church. Plead with God, Edson and Emma, until you know that you are dying to self. No pride, no worldliness, no ungodliness can stand when Christ appeareth. The pure in heart alone shall see God. You will need to both strive earnestly if you keep the victory over the temptations of Satan.
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 5)
You must not yield to temptations, but when tried, reveal the grace of God reigning in your heart, that you are being sanctified by the refining influence of the truth. You want the saving power of God daily. You need to cultivate a love for religious exercises. Let not your talents be buried in the world. Work for Jesus; become efficient laborers for God. Put on the armor, my very dear children, and seek opportunity of being a blessing to others. Jesus lives to be your burden-bearer—your support. Look to Him and live.
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 6)
Brother Haskell is going to Boston and I must close for this time.
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 7)
In much love,
(3LtMs, Lt 41, 1876, 8)
Mother.
Lt 42, 1876
White, J. E.; White, Emma Gorham, Maine August 30, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 46. Dear Children, Edson and Emma:
We are visiting your Aunt Lizzie’s. Mary and I came here yesterday. We found our friends not in the best health but able to be about. Lizzie has had [a] cold but is improving. Eda has had serious difficulty with a diseased tooth, which resulted in affecting the jaw. Her face is still swollen but does not pain her. Large pieces of bone work out from the jaw, otherwise they are in good health.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 1)
It is as dry here, I think, as in California. Feed has been cut short for cattle so that they have to be taken up and fed. Not a drop of rain for five or six weeks.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 2)
We were to remain here until Friday morning, but last night a telegram was brought to me from father (who passed on with Brother Smith to Richmond to prepare for us when we should come), that we must take the twelve o’clock train today, as important reporting was to be done at Richmond by Mary L. Clough. So our visit is cut short. Our friends feel badly to have us go, but the call is imperative.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 3)
Our last meeting was a very victorious one. We had freedom in meeting, in speaking, to the people. Sunday it was estimated that from fifteen to twenty thousand were on the ground. A committee waited on me, after I had spoken Sunday, to go to Haverhill and speak in the City Hall, which rents for fifty dollars an evening. The Temperance Club is favored by having it Monday evening for ten dollars a night. I consented to go. They had a hack in waiting for me at the depot. Your father and I were conducted upon a large, broad platform raised fifteen or twenty feet above the people. They were the first men of Haverhill. We were introduced to ministers, six of them lawyers, doctors, by the president of the Temperance Club. The Queen of England could not have been more honored. I had for several days been afflicted with severe headache and I was nervous, but the Lord helped me to speak. I was never more clear. One thousand people were before me of the finest and most select of the city.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 4)
I was stopped several times with clapping of hands and stomping of feet, I never had a more signal victory. Many of the First-Day Adventists were present. One of their ministers was present. They raised a contribution but we refused to accept it. We donated it to their club.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 5)
The way is opening before us everywhere in the east. And I am beginning to think it must be our duty to bear our testimony and do our work where our efforts will be appreciated.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 6)
Never did I witness such enthusiasm as these noble men leading out in temperance reform manifested over my talk upon temperance. It was new to them. I spoke of Christ’s fast in the wilderness and its object. I spoke against tobacco. I was besieged after the meeting and commended, and I was urged if I came to Haverhill to speak to them again. Here is where Grant has figured largely in his slander of Mrs. White, but the tide is turning in our favor. We know not how to lay out our labors; we see so much to do. I am invited to speak in Boston to the Temperance Club. Shall do so if I am not too much worn.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 7)
Children, come near to God. Connect yourself with heaven that you may be channels of light. Let not precious moments be passing and you make no advance in the Christian experience and warfare. Satan will be busy with his temptations. Be sure to resist him. I want you children to encourage Willie and Mary all you can. Be in harmony with them. Not one word have they written us to your detriment, but I feel on this point particularly that you two brothers must cultivate the tenderest feelings and the closest union for each other. May God bless you children is the prayer of your mother.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 8)
P.S. I arose early to write this.
(3LtMs, Lt 42, 1876, 9)
Lt 43, 1876
White, J. E. Refiled as Lt 51, 1876.
Lt 44, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Richmond, Maine September 2, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 288. Dear Willie and Mary:
We are in camp. Well situated; good board floor; bedsteads well clothed; chairs, table and stove. It has been very dry here. No rain for four or five weeks.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 1)
Last night it commenced raining and it has rained most of the day today. This shower is very refreshing. It will lay the dust.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 2)
It is now noon and the sun is shining cheerily.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 3)
We are having excellent meetings. They are tokens for good. The brethren seem to come to the campground with a mind to work. Every social meeting has been lively. Intelligent testimonies have been borne. There is a young man from Greece who has embraced the Sabbath. He came upon this coast in a vessel—a sailor. He seems to be truly converted to the truth. There are those of other tongues who have accepted the truth and whom we [believe] are capable, promising men.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 4)
I listened this morning to a most intelligent testimony from a Swedish brother. This young man has talent that he can improve in the Master's service; will he consecrate to God all his talents? Brother Law bore an excellent testimony. He stated that Abraham gave tithes of all that he possessed to Melchizedek.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 5)
We are living under the Melchizedek priesthood and he could not see why the same duty was not required of us as we were now living under the Melchizedek priesthood. If it were obligatory upon Abraham to give tithes of all he possessed, it certainly was obligatory upon us. He said I have become deeply interested in this matter and think we are behind our duty. This Brother Law is rich and through the influence of his wife has retained his means hoping she would have a better mind and spirit. These words coming from Brother Law caused joy to many hearts. May God lead our brother, is our prayer, to the full light.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 6)
Sister Stickney of California bore a clear, sharp testimony in reference to the first and second and third angels’ messages. She rejoiced that she had heard and accepted these messages and the testimonies that went with them to reprove wrongs. Old Elder Nason is on the ground. He talks well for an old worn-out soldier. Brother Smith preached under the tent this morning.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 7)
Sunday morning
The day is beautiful, the air cooled and purified by the refreshing showers. It is calm; a gentle breeze is stirring but not enough to disturb the speaking. We expect quite a turnout today. The people are already coming in.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 8)
We had a most solemn interesting meeting yesterday. I commenced speaking at the stand but the wind blew so hard, swaying the trees and rustling the leaves, we thought best to repair to the tent. I spoke from Malachi, third chapter. After speaking above one hour I called those forward who were unconverted, and also the backsliders and those who felt that they had sins upon them that separated them from God. Before our effort closed, sixty-five came forward. Deep feeling pervaded the meeting. There was much weeping, many confessions made, well wet down with tears. Parents were pleading for their children, and youth were soliciting the youth to give their hearts to God. In speaking and entreating sinners, I stood upon my feet about four hours.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 9)
This meeting was, in many respects, a victory. The Spirit of God pervaded the meeting. Mothers confessed that they had neglected the spiritual welfare of their children. They had not instructed them as they should and prayed for them and borne the burden of their souls upon their hearts. Others said they had been indifferent to the condition of their children while they were impenitent and the enemy was gaining the advantage over them. There was a general conviction that, as parents, they had not sensed their great responsibility and had neglected their sacred trust in their duty to their children.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 10)
I had painful reflections as I reviewed our solemn faith, our high calling and yet how many are living in the daily neglect of duty. We are professedly waiting for the Son of God from heaven. We need the regenerating power of God every day as watching, waiting ones that we may serve the living God. We should not now be neglectful of a single duty but should watch with diligence the first dimming of our lamps lest spiritual slumber should paralyze our senses. There are too many content with spasmodic religion, trusting in feeling and emotional impulses. Many have lamps but have not the oil which is the Holy Spirit. The grace of God in the heart is the oil in the vessel with the lamps. A theory of the truth alone will represent the lamp; the grace of God, the oil. The patient, waiting ones, called the wise ones, will be connected with heaven—nourished by the great reservoir of power, faith, love and patience [in] readiness to meet our Lord. Who can comprehend this position for God’s people in the world but not of the world! “The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.... But when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.”1 John 3:1-2. Life! Life! should be manifested in every action. Life, holy life, in every service, in prayer, in exhortation—life shown in deeds and works in diligence and faithful activity.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 11)
Evening
As I come into my tent from a long, protracted effort the sad intelligence meets me [that] Brother Diggins is dead. The faithful standard-bearer in San Francisco has fallen. He has been as a balance wheel to the church. We greatly deplore his loss. Who will supply his place? “Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”Revelation 14:13. Sweetly will this faithful soldier of the cross repose in Jesus until the Archangel’s trump shall sound to call forth the precious sleepers from their dusty beds to a glorious immortality. California has met with a great loss. We know not what they will do without the intelligent, decided counsel of one of the noblest men in the cause of God. His sterling integrity has won the love and affection of all his brethren and sisters. Oh! must the earth hide this precious jewel from our sight? When we visit California again shall we no more meet Father Diggins and receive the cordial greeting and look upon that venerable countenance beaming with kindness and love. And thus it is. One loved one after another closing their probation, laying off their armor and resting in the silent chambers of the tomb till Christ, who holds the keys of death and the grave, shall open the prison houses of these held captive by the king of terrors.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 12)
Sad, sad news to us. We could ever feel that this was one who would not be swerved from principle and we could trust him—he would be found on the side of right. California appears darker than ever since this light has gone out. May God in mercy, pity the lukewarm and half-hearted ones in California, for we greatly fear that they will not know the things which make for this people until the blessings which might have been theirs shall be forever hid from their eyes.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 13)
Dear children, I hope you will walk closely with God. Do not trust to your own strength but trust in God, the Mighty God of Jacob. He will be to you all that you can desire.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 14)
I have just looked out upon the ground. There is quite a good representation of people who are listening to a discourse from Brother Smith. Your father speaks [at] half past one o’clock. I speak at three, and one of us will speak this evening.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 15)
Mary and I visited Aunt Lizzie. She was very glad to see us. All [are] as well as usual. Brother and Sister Stickney, Barbara, and her youngest sister are on the ground. They will remain here till October. They will not be at the camp meeting in California. They seem to be enjoying this meeting. Our testimony is, here in Maine, gratefully received and acted upon. The brethren respond to our efforts.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 16)
A call has come in from Brother Haskell for me to lecture to the Temperance Club in Boston but I do not think I can do this. Their regular meeting is Thursday night. I could not get through to Rome until the Sabbath. I shall decline the invitation. We keep worked down all the time. But since the weather has become cooler we all feel better. We do not hear one word from Edson. Why doesn’t he write? How is he prospering? God bless my children.
(3LtMs, Lt 44, 1876, 17)
Lt 45, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Battle Creek, Michigan October 19, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 35-36. Dear Children Willie and Mary:
It has been a long time since I have written you. I have been in rather a feeble condition since the camp meetings have ended. My head has forbidden my writing anything, which has been an affliction to me.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 1)
A few days since we were invited to Brother Salisbury’s to dinner. Sister McDearmon was present and wished an interview with us. We all went. There I had premonition of a paralytic shock. I became almost blind—was dizzy. The most earnest efforts were made to save me from the terrible calamity of a paralytic stroke. Father prayed earnestly for me and the threatened evil was averted. Weak and dizzy I remained for several days.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 2)
I am not feeling natural yet but I am much improved. I am so grateful to God for His preserving power. He is physician of both soul and body. How can we ever doubt His willingness to bless and save us?
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 3)
We now think we will leave Battle Creek one week from next Monday but we may be delayed one month. Keep up good courage. We will bring help with us and we hope you will be of good courage.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 4)
We have decided to have the printers go on my book and not transport these books across the plains again. Part of the book is here already printed. We shall not have them stereotyped because we shall not wait to have matters of my book so very, very exact, but get out this first edition and get it in market. Then we can take time to get out a more perfect edition on Pacific Coast and have it stereotyped. Then your father’s and my life will be written and printed in the Pacific Printing Office. But we have all used our best judgment and think we had better remain here till December and complete this edition. Meanwhile, we can help the Signs of the Times as much or more here than there. We shall do up the work here so as to be free to stay as long as duty may call in California.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 5)
Mary Clough feels that she cannot break off from this book again. She wants to see it completed. We will therefore do our utmost to accomplish this object and as soon as done, come right along.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 6)
We visited with Sister Kelsey, Oliver, his wife Hannah and child last Sabbath. All cheerful and happy.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 7)
Write us often. In much love,
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 8)
Mother.
We just read your letter, Willie. In regard to almanacs, Father is much pleased with your plan. Go ahead. Sent yours and Mary’s letters to Lucinda. Mary Clough wrote four pages after the same style, inviting her to come and go with us.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 9)
October 19, 1876
I have just received a letter stating she intended to accompany us.
(3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, 10)
Mother.
Lt 46, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Battle Creek, Michigan October 26, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 108; 3Bio 48-50, 53-54. Dear Children:
We have just read Willie’s letter; also one from Elder Loughborough, received at the same time.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 1)
We are in the very worst drive and hurry getting off my volume two, Spirit of Prophecy. Three new forms are already printed. If we remain here four weeks longer we shall have the book completed, and remove from my mind [a] great burden of care. I have to move very cautiously or I should surely break down. We expect Brother King will start for Oakland next Monday. We want to go with him—sometimes think we must. [But] then our work is now arranged for process of completion and we feel that it would not be wisdom to leave it. I have every convenience here. We board with Brother Ings; have no care aside from the work. Father is arranging matters with Institute and with College and Publishing Association so that matters will move right when he leaves.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 2)
I tell you, Will, we ought to be here all the time. This is the great heart of the work, and if the body here is healthy, a healthful current will be diffused through the entire body. Your father’s and my influence is needed here more than in any other place. We are appreciated here. We can do more good when we are appreciated than when we are not. We never had greater influence among our people than at the present time. They all look up to us as father and mother. There is nothing that they would not do for us to help us if they could. We hate to tear away, but we must. I would be perfectly content to remain here all winter and do my writings if we did not think of you on the Pacific Coast, working so long, so patiently, and so courageously to advance the interest of the cause on the Pacific Coast. God bless you, my children. Your father appreciates your efforts on the Signs. He thinks your plans are sound.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 3)
While we are seeking to get off my books, Sister Ings is devoting every evening to my scrapbooks. I have one about completed and several smaller-sized ones half done. We are getting together all the best pieces from exchanges for you to use—mothers’ pieces for books, children’s pieces for small books, youth’s pieces for Sabbath reading. We are working to help you in your work in every way we can. These few weeks will tell if we can make it. I fear if we left immediately the book would be hindered for two months. Mary [Clough] is driving to the uttermost.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 4)
We know not yet just how much help we shall have, but do not be concerned about family arrangements. You can have the chamber if you do not choose to compose our family. We will endeavor to secure a good cook, reliable in every way. Barbara Stickney designs to remain in Oakland this winter and help what and when she can in the office. We shall bring, we think, two or more girls to help in the office. We are talking of having Bert Loughborough learn the bookbinding trade [so] that he may take hold of that business in California in our office. So you see, we are planning and working to do a big business when we shall come, which will be in about four weeks. We tell you these particulars that you may not be in uncertainty.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 5)
I cannot tell whether Lucinda will come or not. She has got it in her head to go to school and qualify herself for a worker in the cause. I leave her to act as she sees fit. Samuel and Mary [Abbey] would come if we said so, but we dare not take responsibilities.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 6)
I will now say good-bye. Do not bring any clothing. We are having pants and vest made at Salisbury’s.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 7)
Love to all,
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 8)
Mother.
We were never so full of business before. Mary sits up until twelve and one o’clock at night. She works tremendously. Sent your letters to Lucinda.
(3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, 9)
Mother.
Lt 47, 1876
White, W. C.; White, Mary Auburn, Maine July 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Children, Willie and Mary:
We are waiting at the depot for the train to come in from Portland which will bring Mary L. Clough from Saco. Mr. [Samuel H.] Foss will meet us with his team and take us to his place, Minot.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 1)
We have called upon Ellen Boothby; took dinner with her at her boarding place. She has got a girl to take her place and will visit her parents with us.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 2)
We have just visited your father's relatives. Our business was to see your Aunt Lizzie [Elizabeth] Tenny. We first went to Newport. A livery team took us up to Aunt Robinson's. We found her still living, cheerful and happy, but feeble. We visited Shepard Robinson. It rained all day Sunday. We could not go eight miles to see Lizzie. Early Monday morning there were signs of breaking away and we started. Shepard Robinson took us with his team to the place provided for Lizzie. We were disappointed she was not there. Was visiting at Skowhegan. We got Mr. Fuller, Mr. Tenny's son-in-law, to take us with his team to John Tenny's at Skowhegan, twenty-five miles. We took a lunch and stopped in the midst of a raspberry patch, and with our lunch in one hand we picked berries with the other and had a very good meal of berries. The bushes were loaded with these nice, sweet raspberries. Our dinner over, we again went on our way. We passed the very place where Father studied at Kentskill.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 3)
I think Father is asleep on the settee. I am keeping off the flies and writing while he sleeps.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 4)
On the very spot where sat the old seminary stands a nice brick building. The old building looks very small. It was moved a short distance for a boarding house. These places all have interest for me. I have heard your father talk so much about them.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 5)
We were much disappointed to find Lizzie’s home so meager and cheap. Her home is described in two little rooms, eight by ten. One of these is a kitchen, the other designed for bedroom. The work is of the cheapest, coarsest kind. There is a little chamber above, the size of a small bedroom, that Abbey Tenny’s daughter has, and Lizzie sleeps in an unfinished open stairway. This is her life legacy, a home such as I have described. Nothing interesting or pleasant, even, in it. I said when I saw it, my sister Lizzie shall never live in such a place as this.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 6)
I felt not a little indignant as I saw your Aunt Lizzie’s home. Mr. Tenny has failed to do his duty by Lizzie and we shall do for her as we have for the rest of the family. Lizzie was so thankful to see us. Her little rooms join a good-sized house of Mrs. Tenny’s son-in-law. His daughter, Mrs. Fuller, is a thin, long-faced woman, and as soon as I looked upon her I knew she was selfish and unsympathizing. Lizzie told me that she paid for every drop of milk she had, and every egg, and every little thing that she received was counted.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 7)
Willie, you know we do not treat even strangers in this way, much less relatives. For twenty-three years, Lizzie has lived with Mr. Tenny and been a faithful mother to his children, and after living with an old man so many years, he dies and leaves her five hundred dollars and the interest yearly on a thousand dollars at six percent, and a home for her lifetime in the rooms I have described. This is too bad, too bad. But this is the way selfish persons act.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 8)
We return here to Lewiston day after tomorrow, Thursday, and go on our way to Philadelphia. The weather is now cool and pleasant to travel. We are all well now and this little journey is doing us good. We think much of you all and shall probably be at Oakland this winter, and do our work.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 9)
Trust in God, children. He will be your helper. But Father says I must close now if I get it on this train.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 10)
Love to Mrs. Dr. Rice and Frank Belden, George and the little girls. Father is cheerful and has physical and mental strength. This letter is not as I would wish but in this depot, all chattering about me, it is as well as I can do and will do better.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 11)
Write us often as possible.
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 12)
In much love,
(3LtMs, Lt 47, 1876, 13)
Mother.
Lt 48, 1876
Van Horn, Brother and Sister NP Circa 1876 This letter is published in entirety in DG 138-140. Elder and Mrs. Van Horn: My Dear Children, ever near and dear to me:
It is with pain I now address you. When you went to your field of labor in Oregon it was with the idea that your wife and yourself would work in the interest of the cause of God. This I was shown was the will of God concerning you.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 1)
But you changed this order of things by your own course. God did not order it thus. Had you both devoted your powers, the ability that God had given you, to do the work with an eye single to His glory, you would have done only that which it was your duty to do. The importance of self-sacrificing labor in this cause and work of God should be ever felt in a higher sense than it is, and if it was felt then there would be a self-sacrificing spirit manifested. The love and pity for souls for whom Christ has died would call the thoughts away from selfish desires and selfish plans.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 2)
The love for Him who died for man will exercise a constraining power over our imagination, our purposes, and all our plans. We shall not plan for our pleasure, to gratify our wishes, but lay ourselves on the altar of God a willing sacrifice for the Lord to use us to His glory. The mind of Jesus Christ must be in us, controlling every thought, every purpose of our lives. This is the attitude in which we should ever keep our souls before God. This we will do if we realize the worth of souls and if the truth as it is in Jesus is stamped upon the soul. This work was given you, to be missionaries for God.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 3)
Now Satan lays his plans to defeat the purpose of God. He helps you to plan for yourselves, which plan he knows will succeed in hedging you both about with difficulties, not only robbing God of the labors of Adelia, but in a large degree of Brother Van Horn also. The care of children will so preoccupy the mind that Christ and His work will be neglected. The strongest earthly affection would be awakened, the mother for her children, which would make the work of God all secondary; and thus Satan would obstruct the path of usefulness the Lord had pointed out.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 4)
Oh, could you both have seen that the truth, the truth of God, the salvation of souls, is something stronger, deeper, and more constraining than even the love of a mother for her sons! No selfishness must come in to mar the work of God. Self-denial may be agonizing to the flesh, but the better portion, religion, must take the helm. Truth and love for Christ must occupy the citadel of the soul. There is God enthroned, there is conscience obeyed, and God would have given you a place in His house better than of sons and of daughters.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 5)
The Lord has given Adelia superior talents. Exercised in the work of winning souls to Jesus they would have been wholly successful. The plain, sweet, elevating manner of teaching would have brought many sons and daughters to Jesus Christ. The light would flash from the throne of God to her mind and be reflected upon others.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 6)
But the enemy took the field and his suggestions were followed. You entered upon a work which God could not and did not approve. A way was contrived by the enemy to strike at you both and block your way. Adelia was a timid soul, feeling pain deeply, easily discouraged. That imagination which, if devoted to and exercised upon the truth, would have become a power for God, was now to be used as a hindrance, easily excited in a wrong direction to forebode evil, to see things in a distorted light, to feel that there is danger when there is none, to distrust God, to distrust her husband.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 7)
She had her own ideas about managing her case. No one would be accepted but her husband. There was but little faith and but little trust in God. Satan could control her feelings so as to make it a necessity for her husband to be with her and for her to feel aggrieved if he was not a present help. Imagination made light sufferings seem at times very earnest and acute. The minds of both were preoccupied in their new experience. The work in the conference was woefully neglected. The minister’s labor was but little after the pulpit effort. Sometimes there was greater neglect than others, and Satan had things very much his own way. Neither of you have a sense of your neglect of duty. The very time you were so fully preoccupied with your own troubles, which you had brought about yourselves, was the time when the right kind of labor would have brought a harvest of souls to Jesus Christ.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 8)
It is really not wise to have children now. Time is short, the perils of the last days are upon us, and the little children will be largely swept off before this. If men and women who can work for God would consider that while they are pleasing themselves in having little children and caring for them, they might be at work teaching the way of salvation to large numbers and bringing many sons and daughters to Christ, great would be their reward in the kingdom of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 9)
Adelia, my heart is pained because you have made a failure, because you have robbed God. You are naturally fearful, borrowing trouble. You could not have rest or peace of mind separated from your children; and the worrying disposition you have closes up the way for your work. And this is not all: the work is greatly neglected.
(3LtMs, Lt 48, 1876, 10)
Lt 49, 1876
White, J. S. NP 1876 Portions of this letter are published in PM 103-104; 6MR 303.
(I will copy that which I wrote to my husband in answer to his letter of suggestions.)
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 1)
Dear Husband:
You suggest that the Pioneer sheet or missionary paper be published in Battle Creek, and urge that it would be a saving of expense. You also state that you and others have thought a paper should be started in New England or in the South, that greater interest will be taken in the paper in the locality where it is published. The South would not have the prejudice which now exists against a paper published in the North. This may all be sometime just prior to the close of the work.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 2)
In regard to Battle Creek, there are not now sufficient men of capability to take care of the work they already have upon them. There is a serious deficiency in the execution of the work now. Aside from Elder Smith, there is not one who is reliable; and Elder Smith does not do all that is required for a church paper. Too many things drift into the paper that should not appear. Although he rejects many articles, yet there should be greater care of his part, and critical selection for the paper to make that paper what it might be.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 3)
The missionary sheet [The True Missionary] if published in Battle Creek will be mainly composed of articles from the Review and Herald, and after the first excitement dies down, the paper will become dry and objectionable; for to answer the purpose for which it was designed, you proposed to make it up largely of selections from the Review.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 4)
While our missionary sheet is not altogether what it might be, I fear it will be in no way improved by moving it from California. God has designated its location. Shall we not wait until He shall give further light on the subject?
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 5)
I have been shown that our brethren East and West should manifest a deep interest in the missionary paper. They should contribute to its columns.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 6)
Brother Waggoner is in danger of being too critical in regard to the communications from his brethren. While he may be at fault in this respect, with the Review there is not the care and caution which there ought to be in regard to matters that go into the paper.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 7)
The missionary sheet should not contain long doctrinal articles. While there ought to be arguments presented to properly represent our faith, the articles should be spicy, original, live and practical, coming from the pens of our brethren from all parts of the field. This paper must never become a dry, stiff paper. It must contain rich thoughts and rich experiences. Our brethren are at fault in not feeling an interest to communicate their experiences in short, interesting letters. All of these communications will not be of a character to put in the paper, because some will write who have not wisdom, piety, or good judgment; and this class will be tried if their articles are not accepted and honored with a place in the paper. Nevertheless, an editor is selected for that very purpose, to decide what shall be proper and what will be unfit for its columns. If he shall become careless in his work, he will allow matter to appear that will hurt the interest of the paper.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 8)
Our people can make the missionary paper published in California the very best paper in the world to serve the object for which it was established; but the interest of our brethren, especially our ministers, in this paper, which is ordained of God to do a special work in bringing souls to the knowledge of the truth, should be deepened and continually growing.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 9)
I know there is a great work to be done, but our great drawback is, Where are our men and our women of ability who will put their talent to use in making the papers we now have what God designed they should be? If you should establish papers at different points, who are the men of judgment, men of wisdom, men of financial ability to carry the enterprises through, making them a success?
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 10)
There is at the present moment a limited amount of funds to keep in successful operation the work already started. The present enterprises greatly need men of energy, or character, men who are wide awake, men of perseverance, of industry; and self-possession, in order to carry forward the work strongly and successfully. There is no surplus of strength or of ability or of sound judgment to be diverted from the work already established. There is no surplus of means to be invested in new enterprises or to make changes that will require means. While the work already started is not perfectly carried on, for want of men and capability, I cannot, as I view these matters, second your propositions—should they be advanced in our General Conference—for the very reasons I have specified.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 11)
If papers are started in new fields it will require means to start, and means to carry them on. It will require something more difficult to obtain and command than means. It will require men of mind, men of deep piety, men of devotion, whose time and attention must be given to the work perseveringly and continuously, that it may prove a success. To establish papers in different localities will necessarily weaken, and it may be, finally supplant the ones already in operation. There is no financial strength to be spared from the papers already established, and from what the Lord has been pleased to show me I speak understandingly when I say there is no talent of ability to be spared from the work already established.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 12)
Both papers need more help in this line, that the papers shall not bear the stamp of one man’s mind and of his peculiar temperament. All have their strong points and their weak points; and all have prejudices and likes and dislikes which will be in danger of cropping out in the paper. There should be several whose judgment should blend together; while one is weak in some points the others will be able to supply the deficiency. This is what God designed should exist in the carrying forward of His work upon the earth. His servants, diverse in temperament, in tastes, in habits, should all blend together and compose a perfect whole. None should feel that he can accomplish the work in making the paper all it should be without the help of another. You cannot do this; Elder Waggoner cannot do it. Elder Andrews cannot do it in his branch of the work. Elder Smith cannot do it; for these papers must not bear the stamp of any one man’s mind. Not one is sufficient of himself. All will not run in the same groove, but all will have the same object in view and all will harmonize in bringing about the best results.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 13)
No one man is to pick the work up in his hands and be so tenacious for his own ways of doing the work that no one can work with him, and he can work with no one unless that one follows the same manner of labor he has trained himself to follow. We cannot all labor in the same armor. Elder Andrews is peculiar in this respect. He is shortening his days because he lifts the burdens all himself. He thinks no one can make a success unless his plans and ideas of carrying forward the work are exactly after his own order. He is not well balanced in this respect, and the work that ought to be more widespread and nearly self-sustaining, is retarded and circumscribed; but it will be difficult to correct this state of things without having an almost fatal influence on Elder Andrews. He believes his ideas and ways the only right way. Is it so? No, no.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 14)
Jesus chose men for His disciples who were diverse in character, that the work should be done with perfection. There is a disposition in men to think they are the only ones who can do the work right and make it a success, when they are most sadly deficient in essential qualities which must be supplied to make the work a success. Thus it is with our beloved Elder Andrews. We must all give room for others to come by our side and work harmoniously with us, that one may supply the deficiency of another and all blend together in perfect harmony. The Review and Herald can be improved, and it ought to be made a much better paper than it is.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 15)
The Signs of the Times may be made more perfect; but take away and divert the interest to a new paper and it will decrease the interest in those already established, and it will be a trial enterprise. It will not be kept alive. It will dwindle out after a time. Let all the talent and all the means be employed in building up our offices now in operation and making the papers now printed a perfect success. Do well what is on hand to do, and God will help if the workers are devoted, God-fearing, self-sacrificing men.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 16)
You must not lift and carry any more burdens than you are now bearing. You should be laying off instead of increasing objects for which you will be solicitous. We are both descending the hill of life. Your hair is already white. Mine is growing gray fast. Our physical powers are weakening. Our mental powers will be enfeebled, I fear, with the physical.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 17)
It may be necessary in Oregon to have cheap facilities for issuing a paper as occasion may require; when meetings are held where opponents attack in papers, they should be met. This will be done when the people are sufficiently awake to take hold of the work. Let us rest where we are until the Lord bids us move to some new enterprise.
(3LtMs, Lt 49, 1876, 18)
Lt 50, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California Spring 1876 Previously unpublished. [James White: (?)]
Last night I awoke troubled and burdened to know what my duty was. I prayed most earnestly to God for two hours. I prayed for the restoration of my failing sight, also that my head might be relieved from congestion and that I might be generally renovated and renewed. I came to the Great Healer and pressed my case to His consideration. I believe I shall receive the things I ask of Him. I look to the Source of health and power to be refitted, cleansed, sanctified, to do His will. I feel great peace and assurance. Light and hope cheer me. I shall know my duty. God will teach me. I am perfectly willing to go East or remain here and write, as the Spirit of God shall direct. I shall still pray earnestly to know the will of God that I may perform it.
(3LtMs, Lt 50, 1876, 1)
I hope you may continue to feel free and happy and cheerful and of the very best courage. God will help you and me if we cast all our care upon Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 50, 1876, 2)
You speak of writing to Emma in regard to the children. Emma works in the office with Edson every day, setting music. She is doing well and works with interest. This will help her and help Edson. So you see she could not have care of the children. She is doing that which will be better for her than to remain in her own house. She is called out from home and is employed. She is trying, with Edson, to be of use. May God bless these children. I believe He will. This must go now. God be with you and bless you.
(3LtMs, Lt 50, 1876, 3)
Lt 51, 1876
White, J. E. Oakland, California January 1876 [?] Previously unpublished. Dear Edson:
I have been able to sleep but two hours the past night. I have been pleading with God in your behalf. I awoke at half past eleven, strangely exercised in mind for you. I was deeply impressed that you are in a critical situation. It seemed forced upon my mind, that which I have felt several times before, that you come up to about so far in your efforts to get free, but you stop short and are not making thorough efforts, thorough work, and you will slide back to your old position. The words our Saviour spoke to Nicodemus are forced upon my mind with a power I cannot throw off: “Ye must be born again.” [John 3:7.] And unless you experience this new birth you will never be qualified to minister in sacred things.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 1)
Your standard of righteousness is too low. There is a necessity for you to make more earnest efforts, more thorough work; in short, be thoroughly converted, or you will have no strength to meet the conflicts and the battles of this life. I know where you should stand and may stand. I fear you only just commence at the work; you do not carry forward the efforts you begin to make, and then you sink back into the old rut.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 2)
Now, Edson, I have been praying for you nearly all night, for I feel that you need help from the only One who can help you. You have not, I fear, felt subdued. You have not fallen upon the Rock and broken yet. Self will be strong in you for the mastery. The old man must be crucified, with his deeds.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 3)
I am fearful that you will not be earnest enough to know Him whom to know aright is life eternal. This will require much prayer and constant watchfulness. Be willing and anxious to make thorough work. Surrender all to God. Fall on the Rock and not be bruised but broken. A thorough work must be done for you which will carry you out of yourself, and beyond yourself, to a power that is able to save you fully. As a family we need to gather light from the Source of light daily and scatter light in the pathway of others. We need the Spirit of God witnessing with our spirit that we are indeed children of God. We need a deep and living experience in the things of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 4)
Come to the foot of the cross, dear son, and humble your heart before God. If you obtain freedom in Christ you must make an effort for it—not one or two efforts and then cease, but a strong, determined, persevering effort that will not be satisfied short of a thorough work. Oh, my son! God wants His salvation to come to your house. He is knocking at the door of your heart for admittance, but you have not cleared away the rubbish sufficiently to let Him in. Open the door and invite Jesus in. I am sure that if you come to God aright He will accept you and bless you. Do not wait for feeling. Come just as you are. Jesus will receive you and refine you from all dross. Now is your time.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 5)
You are not prepared to take hold of the work in the Office and exert a sanctifying influence unless you are consecrated to God and looking to Him and relying upon Him constantly for strength and power to resist the temptations of Satan. I know that unless you feel your need of constant help, and rely upon God’s promised power, you will fail. Satan will have far more power and control over your mind than the Spirit of God. The enemy will suggest [that] you accept and follow his leadings, and unless you are determined to make thorough work I know you will fail.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 6)
The salvation of the soul is no trifling matter. Agonize to enter into the strait gate, for many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. Are not your efforts more like that of the seeker? You have good resolutions but do not carry them out. Can a fountain send forth sweet water and bitter at the same time? Cleanse the fountain and the streams proceeding from it will be pure.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 7)
I speak and write for your good. I want your life, the little time allotted you, to be for some purpose. But it can never be until you lay the foundation right. You must build your structure on Christ. You trust too much in yourself, your efforts. Come, oh come to Jesus, with much prayer and with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Wrestle with God as did Jacob till you prevail. Get your mind off of every living mortal and then let the work be between God and your own soul. Life and death are at stake. I beseech of you to make thorough work for eternity. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and in due time He will lift you up. Do not wait for Him to humble you.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 8)
You want salvation. Jesus wants you to have it. And when you do all that is required on your part He will do all He has promised. We are none of us fitted for the work of God without a daily living experience in the things of God. We connect, I fear, too closely with the world and are content to meet the world’s standard. We do not feel our own weakness and the need of the Spirit of God. Therefore, we make so many failures. God wants us to connect with Him. He wants that we should perfect Christian characters. It will not answer to give to God a divided heart. He has claims to all there is of us. We must not halt between two opinions. If the Lord be God, serve Him. If Baal, then serve him. This half-hearted business of serving God is disgusting in His pure eyes.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 9)
Says the True Witness, “I would thou wert cold or hot; so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.... I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; ... and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”Revelation 3:16-18.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 10)
You want the heavenly anointing; you want pure and undefiled religion before God. In short, fall upon the Rock and be broken before it shall be too late to do this. My soul yearns for you, Edson. Will you meet the mind of God and purify your soul before God and be a Christian in every sense of the word? Will you dally and make halfway work? Do everything thoroughly in regard to your eternal interest. Will you, oh, will you suffer precious time to go to waste while you are chasing shadows? Your plans and your prospects seem right and bright to you, but how do they appear to God? Time is precious and eternity near. We want to make sure work for eternity.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 11)
And when it shall be said, “Give an account of thy stewardship” [Luke 16:2], can you meet your record with joy? How does the matter stand? Every act will be revealed, with the motive that prompted it.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 12)
I dare not encourage your laboring in the Office unless you are connected with God. You want Jesus with you, then your influence will be unto salvation. I pray daily that you may not accept of a false hope. May the scales fall from your eyes to see and to feel your true condition and not rest till you do. Do not try to slip over the matter and make a half-work of this matter. God is not to be trifled with. I do beg of you, for your soul’s sake and for Christ’s sake, to make thorough work that will bear the investigation of the judgment. Build sure now, if you have never done so before. You cannot afford to make a mistake in the matter when eternal interests are involved and where a mistake would prove your ruin. If I know anything about the Spirit of God, you need to take advance steps that you are not taking. I must be true with you. But in love I tell you to dig deep. Let the fallow ground of the heart be broken up. Die to self. When this experience is gained, God can use you in His cause and accept you to do His work.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 13)
Do not justify self and find excuses for your wrongs and mistakes. Will you come to Christ just as you are, all sinful and polluted, and surrender to God, not to please others, to seem right in their eyes, but to meet the mind and purpose of God in having all your powers sanctified to His use? Great light has shone upon you. You have had evidences of His love for you, showing you that He wanted to save you. All this light you are responsible for. How poorly have you followed it! Your own ideas and plans may seem so certain and sure that you may bend all your energies to carry them out, and in doing so you have failed repeatedly. Oh, that you would come so near to God that Satan could not have control of your mind.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 14)
I now leave you in the hands of God. I have written this between the hours of two and five o’clock, after devoting two hours to prayer.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 15)
Your Mother.
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 16)
(No one knows I have written this.)
(3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, 17)
Lt 52, 1876
Cornell, M. E. NP 1876 Portions of this letter are published in TSB 168-171; 3SM 53. Brother [M. E.] Cornell:
In the last vision given me, your case was presented before me. I have been waiting to see if you had a tender, sensitive, or a seared conscience. I have had the following written out for a long time but have thought I would wait till you made some move yourself.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 1)
I was shown that you have not lived up to the light. You have departed far from the light. The Lord has been following you with reproofs and counsel to preserve you from ruining your own soul and from bringing a reproach upon His cause.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 2)
I was shown that you have been retrograding rather than advancing and growing in grace and the knowledge of the truth. You have not had a multitude of cares. You have no excuse why you should not have become thoroughly intelligent in doctrinal and practical subjects combined. But you have been losing what ability you have had in teaching the doctrines which substantiate our faith. You have made girls and women the theme of thought, rather than the Word of God. Your mind has been restless and dissatisfied if it could not be occupied with girls and women. You could not relish the study of the Word of God while your thoughts have been upon subjects which war against the soul. There is no excuse for your life of folly.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 3)
From what has been shown me you are a transgressor of the seventh commandment. How then can your mind be in harmony with the precious Word of God, truths which cut you at every turn? If you had been betrayed into this folly unwittingly it would be more excusable, but you have not. You have been warned. You have been reproved and counseled. You have apparently received the reproof, but not in heart sufficient to die to the carnal mind. You have not set to work to eradicate the evil. You have soon lost the smart of the chastening rod of the Lord, and rush on in as great foolishness as ever, like a fool to the correction of stocks. Your love for self-indulgence has become a warring lust.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 4)
You love the society of girls and women. During a series of meetings you have allowed your mind to plan and contrive how you can get into the society of young girls or women and not betray your true feelings. You will run into temptation when you have not moral power to resist temptation. Your mind is constantly impure because the fountain is never cleansed. You have found no delight in diligent, careful searching of the Scriptures.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 5)
You have not superior genius and have not made great attainments in any department of science or literature. You cannot afford to lose the opportunities you now have of cultivating your mind and refining your manners. You have sinned against great light. God has erected the barriers of testimonies as a wall about you, to guard you from falling under the specious wiles of the enemy, but you break all these down and press over everything to follow your inclination. Your sorrow for your sins is like that of those who anciently rent their garments to express their grief but did not afflict their souls. You have not a correct sense of what sin is. You have not sensed the aggravating character of unchastity of thought and actions. Your mind is carnal and that almost continually. If you really were sorry for your sins, if you really had a true sense of your wrongs, you would exercise that repentance that needeth not to be repented of.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 6)
I desire now to state facts. I have been shown that your life and your labors in the cause of God for some years have been a greater injury to the precious cause of present truth than a benefit. Had you had no part in this work, and been separated entirely from it, you would have saved much heart sorrow to those who love the cause of God, and you would have saved them much hard labor which has been forced upon them to counteract your wrong influence. The labor that has been required to get you right and to keep you from disgracing the cause, had it been spent in converting souls from error to truth—and had the laborers had nothing whatever to do in regard to you—the interest and strength of the cause of present truth would stand better today in California as well as in the East.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 7)
Satan has made you his agent to carry out his mind. The great stir and great excitement you have made in discussions from time to time, and the apparent success you have had, has built you up in your own self-righteousness. Allowing you to labor as you have been permitted to labor when your heart was not right with God has done you great injury. You have not searched your own heart and afflicted your soul before God. You have felt too lightly your terrible mistakes in the past. Everything has been done to save you from utter disgrace and ruin. You have been patiently borne with, and when wholly unfit for the sacred work, in order to save your soul you have been permitted to continue your labors while hearts have groaned and ached under the burden of your foolish, sinful course. Had you been left to yourself long ago, till you gave the evidence that God was indeed with you and that you were a thoroughly reformed man, you might now be of some use in this solemn work. But I saw that we were risking altogether too much in encouraging you to go out to labor to convert sinners to Christ when your way has been polluted before God, your heart all stained with sins. The true servants of God are judged to be like yourself.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 8)
No longer should you mar the work of God with your corrupt, your carnal heart, and thus miserably represent the cause of present truth.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 9)
In order for you to do good you must live a new life that is in harmony with God. Your perverse nature has not been transformed. You are not at peace with God or with yourself. You are in bondage to the great adversary of souls, in subjection to the old man of sin. You are not a free man in Christ. There is needed a spiritual change in you before God can work with you. You may argue that you have success as you labor. So do many who are at war with God have a measure of success. If some do embrace the truth, [because] the arguments you use are so convincing, it is no evidence you are in a state of even acceptance with God.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 10)
You do not believe that you have really deserved the censure of your brethren. You have (I was shown) felt that Elder Loughborough was exacting and hard upon you. You talk this out when you think it will do. You talked it to Elder Butler on your way across the Pacific plains and he felt his sympathy aroused for you. Oh, how little did he discern, how little did he know of your course, your set, willful course in San Francisco with Mrs. Harris, your deceptive course there and the great labor brought upon us to place you in the confidence of the people! The jealousies and surmisings in San Francisco in regard to my husband and myself because we had to speak plainly, the great difficulties under which we have had to labor because of your wicked course! If only it had stopped there—but it did not. You felt for a little time the evil of your course, but not as fully as you should [as to] how you had been deceived by Satan, infatuated; and your eyes never did have the mist fully removed from them. You humbled your heart before God and He accepted your humiliation. You soon became careless again, and allowed your mind to become again filled with vain and impure imaginings. You were a little more cautious, but full of deception. Your mind was active to invent means to gain your object.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 11)
Love of praise has been the mainspring of your life and when stern facts are presented before you, and you know that they are truth, instead of setting resolutely at work to reform, you appeal to your own sympathies, excuse your errors, and flatter yourself that you are misjudged and abused, and you seek to gather sympathy to yourself. It is yourself that is generally the theme of conversation, yesterday, today, and forever. You insinuate yourself into the sympathies of soft and sympathetic women and they become easy victims to your desire for personal conquest, and you have inwardly triumphed at your ability to win personal power over weak and impressible women. You have excused your loose, lax conduct under the plea of great love for the females. The power of great passion has been your apology for vice. Your life has been a shame—nothing in it of which you might glory. You have had great depression if you were not strained up to some excitement and had not some girl or woman to attract you and to listen to your troubles in regard to your wife. Shame, shame should cover you for your course.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 12)
While holding tent meetings, instead of connecting yourself with God that His Spirit may imbue you, it has been your nature to get some girls and women to associate with. This has been your effort on the sly. You have even slipped away secretly to get in the company of girls or women, and then put on appearance of sickness and encouraged them to wait on you. Your sickness has been affected and imaginary in a considerable degree, and you have fallen so readily into these indulgences or luxury of sickness that it has become habit. You draw upon the sympathies of others when, if you would go out of the company of women and go to work like a sensible man, you would have health. You have petted your passions and cultivated them rather than restrained them. You have indulged a fretful, peevish spirit. When your way was crossed [you would] get into a contradiction with others, combating them and revealing your true littleness of soul to them in your impatience and whining and complaining and appealing for sympathy. This course has been demoralizing upon others.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 13)
Are you the man to feel injured? Are you the one to feel that you have been ill-treated when the things we have known have been concealed and excused, while you have been a terrible burden and grievous reproach to the cause of God? These complainings show you almost void of conscience. If your case were fully understood, men of God, as well as men of moral worth, of nerve and muscle and common sense, would hold you in supreme contempt. You have for years been dwarfing your mind intellectually. It is impossible for a man to subject his mind to such dissipation of thought without receiving damage of character. He can have no elevated, ennobling social relation or home influence. Self-gratification is the motive of action. A man disconnected from God, with natural tendencies which you possess, and which have for years been cultivated, is a weak creature indeed, and it takes a most constant and powerful influence to keep him in the path of rectitude and religious duties, to keep his mind elevated in sympathy with the grand, solemn truths for this time, and to develop a character for the higher and immortal life.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 14)
Your course in Napa was shown me. Your influence there has told upon others with fearful results. Souls have been turned from the truth by your course. Your gathering the sympathies of women to yourself has awakened jealousies and hatred in the minds of their husbands, which has led them to despise your name. Your sickness at the young Brother Cummery’s [?], calling for attention from his wife in her feebleness, was simply ridiculous. You were better able to take care of yourself than she was to take care of you. You eat and sit still, full of flesh and without physical exercise. The blood was sluggish. What you needed was work—stern labor that would accelerate the blood in your system. You had fever because you loved to eat rich food. You pampered your appetite, and were too lazy to wait on yourself. I wish I could make you feel how God regards such a course as you pursued at Napa. And yet you professed to be a representative of Jesus Christ. Circumstances and actions were revealed to me which if you desire I can name. Never complain of being misused.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 15)
If you hear of reports in regard to your conduct you need not be surprised. You have hurt the church at Napa so that they may never outgrow it. Your loose example to young girls, in your conversation with them, your levity of conduct, your lazy habits, have all had their influence upon that church. Cummery [?] is aping your course in some things. He is very attentive to one or more girls, growing out of the feelings he had in reference to your being in his house and so closely associated with his wife. You have had no sense of the fitness of things or of real propriety. Your visiting a sister—a grass widow, I believe—sister to Sister Pond, your intimacy with her I saw; and your course, your conversation with several of the sisters, I was made to hear, and your seeking to engage them to yourself. This is more in harmony with Utah than anything I can compare it to.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 16)
My soul is stirred within me. I shall not now give all particulars of this past. But I will not varnish over your case. You are in a fearful state and you need to be entirely transformed. I must say, I never expect that this will take place. I never expect you to do differently from what you have done. I have no hope in your case.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 17)
Things have been opened before me which astonish me, notwithstanding I have from time to time had some things revealed in regard to your character before.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 18)
I was shown, away back, your character in youth. You did not lay the foundation for a virtuous character. You followed inclination, you followed the bent of your own mind. You loved yourself. You were very exacting, very pettish and fretful. Had your morals in your youth been unsullied, you could then, with some hope of ultimate success, have built upon a virtuous character, the graces which Peter specifies. “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”2 Peter 1:5-8.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 19)
Like the wall the mason is building, one brick is added to another and thus the wall goes up proportional and firm. Peter’s ladder of eight rounds is the true sanctification we must all attain. We cannot be sanctified by a mere profession of faith. We must work. We must act for ourselves. We must build. If we add, God will multiply His grace unto us.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 20)
Your youth was not pure. Your life was lax and loose and immoral. The cornerstone which holds the entire building together was rotten and decaying; therefore, anything built upon this foundation is not durable.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 21)
How hard for vicious habits of youth to be overcome! Familiarity with self-indulgence and acquaintance with sin has such a polluting influence upon the principles that it is a difficult matter to overcome the stamp of character received in youth.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 22)
Your mind has been cast in an inferior mold which has given form to your entire life. But if, since you professed the truth, you had educated the mind to bring into exercise the powers which God has given you in a manner to do the greatest amount of good and to glorify God, you would not be dwarfed in mind and barren in soul as you now are. You might have cultivated your faculties and restrained your self-love, your self-esteem, your impatience, your babyish fretfulness, and by working in the opposite direction you might have strengthened and developed energies of soul, a noble character which would qualify you to be indeed a minister of righteousness. You have not cared to study of late, and you have less ability to present subjects forcibly before the people than you had years ago. You are far from being an able workman. You are dwarfing every year instead of expanding. Your mind would strengthen and expand by exercise. But you have strengthened the animal propensities and the Lord has departed from you.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 23)
Each of our varied faculties has its distinct purpose in God’s wise economy. Let these powers be perverted or turned out of the proper direction and the ends for which they are designed are defeated. You have an ill-balanced mind. Your attainments might have been now much greater than they are, but your life has been wasted in whining, complaining, and petting yourself, indulging but not denying yourself, until God despises your course. You are not naturally endowed with very great intellectual powers or genius, but the faculties you do possess, properly cultivated, would have carried forward from strength to strength until you would have so educated and trained your powers to bear the strongest test. Now you have but little experience, but little moral power. You have indulged and compromised with your animal propensities until they have become a warring lust and your faculties have been perverted. In order for you to be of any special use you have to do a great deal of hard thinking and hard studying, and earnest praying and diligent watching thereunto. Your supreme love of M. E. Cornell has led to indulgence which has made your life a fearful mistake, for you have done little else but serve yourself while you have professed to be laboring for God.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 24)
These are straight things to say to you, but I cannot withhold them. And I expect they will arouse you for a few days and then you will go on just as before as soon as the first impression wears away. I have no confidence in you as a Christian. God forbid I should acknowledge you as a servant of Jesus Christ when you serve yourself, your carnal mind, rather than the law of God. I should not be sorry to learn that you had given up the truth any day because you are more of a stumbling block to sinners than a faithful watchman.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 25)
I have been shown you in different attitudes with women which I will not now relate. I wait for you to empty your soul and make, if it is possible, thorough confession. You have insinuated yourself into the affection and thoughts of others, and how many minds you have corrupted you have but little idea, and care less. God has marked your course. He never forgets. You have not been sanctified by the truth you have preached to others. The truth in the heart is diffusive, sanctifying the life. It takes hold upon the affections and is carried out in every department of life. You profess the truth but do not live it. To be sanctified through the truth is to have its influence pervade the entire being, controlling the affections and the external conduct.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 26)
There are those—and you belong to that class—who seem to think that religion consists merely in emotions and beliefs. You can talk upon the most solemn, affecting truths of the gospel sometimes with real earnestness, and dwell upon the decline of religion, the evils existing in the different religious bodies, and show considerable intelligence, while the everyday duties of life requiring action are not considered among the weightier matters of the law. You do not act in harmony with your preaching. You are more like a spoiled child, fretful and irritated and speaking and acting just as you happen to feel.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 27)
You ought to be intelligent upon the reasons of our faith, but many subjects you have no interest in and will not touch some of these subjects that are of vital importance to our faith and present position.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 28)
You might now be an able workman if you had cultivated the intellect as thoroughly as you have the acquaintance of young ladies and married women. If the time you have spent in writing letters to these had been devoted to the close searching of the Scriptures with earnest prayer, oh, what an amount of good you might have done! What a laborer you might now be! The time you have spent in foolish chit-chat, in levity and nonsense, is a disgrace to you. If you had only spent a portion of this time in laboring with your hands and in becoming thorough master of the doctrinal as well as practical subjects, you could do a great amount of good.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 29)
Your life has been much of it squandered. You have at times labored hard, and then have fallen under temptation and done more injury than ten men could counteract, because an evil deed seems to do so great an amount of positive harm, for our enemies will seize upon it and as far as possible extend it and make that wrong a powerful influence against not only the doer but the cause which the man represents. Oh, if you had only talked and fretted and complained less and spent your time and strength in prayer, what advantages you might have gained! But you have opened wide the door of your heart and invited Satan in to tempt and bind you with fetters of darkness.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 30)
You have had set before you time and again the strong tendencies of your nature which you are prone to indulge. You have been guarded by warnings of the strong points in your character which need to be repressed and the weak points which need to be strengthened by exercise. You have put on the appearance of a martyr, complained of aches and pain and infirmities that were almost wholly in consequence of indulging your appetite, and then not laboring or having physical exercise to quicken the circulation of the blood. You are too thoroughly self-indulgent for your own good. You have made public your home troubles, which should never have been introduced into California, for the purpose of gaining sympathy. The knowledge of your troubles could not spiritualize any mind. You stirred human feelings and aroused human sympathy and made yourself the subject of thought and diverted minds from the truth and away from Jesus. Unhallowed sympathy led the ladies and married women to write you, although they did not know this.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 31)
Oh, how little have you cared to look into the mirror, the law of God, and there discern the defects in your moral character! “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was, but whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”James 1:22-27.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 32)
If it is wrong to be a hearer of the Word and not a doer, how much more grievous in the sight of God to be a teacher of the Word and not a doer of the same! How little have you grieved over your wrongs! Until you view sin as it is, all your knowledge of the truth, all your efforts to proclaim the truth will result only in injury to the cause of God, even if you make a great stir and the minds of the people are excited. Your being under the control of Satan in a very great degree, you will lack that wisdom which cometh from above and you will be left to yourself to make moves that will eventually result in more harm than all the apparent good you have done. Your unconsecrated heart, your unsanctified life, will be so developed as to reproach the cause of God in the end.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 33)
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. You have not searched carefully to find out whether the scriptural doctrine of natural depravity applies to your case. You remain in willing ignorance of your guilt and of your danger of making shipwreck of faith. You are professedly keeping the commandments of God while you are continually violating them. You know you have brought reproach upon the cause of God. You know that the only course for you to pursue is to humble yourself before God and walk in integrity before Him. Let that disagreeable expression pass from your countenance. It is the sign of an unhappy mind, a fretful, dissatisfied spirit impressed or mirrored upon the face. It is the deformity of your soul revealed in your countenance.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 34)
Get the fountain pure. Let the image of God shine into your heart and make all pure and peaceful and glorious within, and the reflection will be seen in your face. God is not with you. That is the reason of your unhappiness. Eat plain, wholesome food, and not in large quantities, and you will not have so much groaning to do in regard to yourself. Work, work is better for you than preaching until your heart is cleansed, purified, sanctified. Tax your physical powers to real weariness. Tax the muscles and become so weary you can have peaceful rest. Mortify self, crucify the carnal mind, forget self in caring for others, seek to do others good.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 35)
God wants laborers in His cause who are devoted, self-sacrificing workmen. But much as He needs laborers for this time, He can afford to do without you. He can spare you until you show that you are a converted man. You must have a pure, lowly, loving, obedient heart that will abhor evil and seek and practice the good because you love the right. Have you been born again? Has your old life of sin and disobedience and transgression been given up? I answer, No, no, no.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 36)
The Lord’s teaching shows that He cannot use at all in His service the natural ruling disposition of men, for they are sold under sin and must be renewed, sanctified, and fitted for the service of their Redeemer. When Christ describes the life of good men, He commends some excellencies but states that their lives are not perfect. But their salvation is in sensing their sins. You have been so many times warned and you have so many times disregarded the light and gone directly contrary to the special light Heaven has sent you that you set darkness for light and light for darkness. You have harbored motives and purposes, and when you knew you would be censured if you spoke or made known your feelings and purposes, you have concealed them from your brethren and done slyly what you would not have them to know. Did you remember that an eye was ever open and taking cognizance of all your actions? “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thoughts afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”Psalm 139:1-4.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 37)
Now think, Elder Cornell, would you want Elder White to witness some of your foolishness, your words, your deportment? Well, then, think the holy Lord, the dear Redeemer, the pure angels, have looked upon you and seen your sin. Your wrongs were not hid from heaven, although covered from the sight of men. The Searcher of hearts is acquainted with all your acts which you suppose are hid from mortal sight. I could speak more definitely of circumstances but was bid to keep silent, for unless you emptied your soul of these things and felt yourself compunctions of conscience, your case was hopeless and soon it would be said in heaven, Let him alone, for he is joined to his idols. If you fail to make clean and thorough work, I shall be free to speak publicly and no longer cover up your wrongs and sins as we have tried to do.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 38)
You realize instability of feeling and action. You are sometimes on the mountain, then you are all down, just as circumstances are. When you can get the minds of the people diverted to yourself, you are forgetful of your wrongs and flatter yourself that you are not so bad after all. You dread the result of an examination of yourself by the only correct standard. But you have no time to lose.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 39)
I do not expect this will do you any more good than former testimonies I have sent you, but I will leave no word unspoken to bring you to the truth, for my soul will then be clear of your blood. You need to make most diligent work of repentance before God and confession of your wrongs to others, and realize the influence of the truth on your own heart and life. You have acknowledged time and again your weakness and your sins and then gone and done the same thing, or nearly as bad, over again.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 40)
You seem bewitched to get in the society of women. If you had a practical knowledge of the truth, if you felt its sanctifying influence upon your life, you would be able to point sinners to Christ and souls would be converted. If you would only be converted like Peter, Christ could then pardon and work with you, but prayer that goes up from a heart cherishing iniquity will not be heard and strength will not be given from heaven. God’s Spirit will not fall into a vessel corrupted and fouled with sinful indulgences.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 41)
Now I have but a word to say in regard to your wife. In her very best condition she was all selfishness and was not a help and blessing to the cause of God. And after trampling underfoot the blood of the covenant and connecting herself for years with demons, she has not improved her light or connected herself any more closely with heaven [so] that her influence will be more saving than it was before she embraced spiritualism. If her place was then at home for her own and the good of the cause of God, it certainly is so now. If you go to preach, with her as your companion, may God pity His people! You know the light that has been given. Heed it, and in no case introduce Angeline to the notice of the people of God. If she was Satan’s agent before she went into spiritualism, she has certainly been more so since she openly connected herself with spiritualism after she had had light and truth. If she comes out of this horrible deception, it will not be in a corner. She will have a work of retraction that she has not realized if she rids herself of the influence of demons.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 42)
Satan would be highly exultant to have you—unconsecrated, unsanctified—go to preach to the people, and connected with Angeline, form a link with the enemy stronger than you have ever yet had. With your brethren strong in faith and moral power all around you, you have not had sufficient moral force or connection with heaven to keep yourself from hurting the cause of God. With your present plans and present surroundings, you will make a failure sooner or later. I beg of you to desist. Tarry in Jerusalem till God will give evidence in some way that you are accepted of Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 43)
God weighs our characters, our conduct, our motives in the balances of infinite truth. There is nothing so grievous in the sight of God as to have one who professes to represent Him and yet be living in self-indulgence. God is weighing motives, character. To be wanting before God is no trifling matter.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 44)
Be careful how you treat this message. I send it to you in hopes that it may have a deeper weight with you than those I have repeatedly given you before.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 45)
But my hope is not strong and bright, but very trembling. May God pity you is my prayer.
(3LtMs, Lt 52, 1876, 46)
Lt 53, 1876
Cornell, M. E. NP 1876 Portions of this letter are published in TSB 171-172. Brother [M. E.] Cornell:
I feel that it is my duty to write you and revive before your mind some things which the Lord has been pleased to reveal to me of your dangers which have wrecked your happiness in the past, brought great trials upon your fellow-laborers, and wounded the precious cause of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 1)
You have but a faint sense of the anxiety we have felt on your account, and you know not the many prayers offered in your behalf and the earnest pleading with God to give wisdom that we may move understandingly in your case in giving you good advice and yet not discourage you. We have felt at times that it would be far better for the cause of truth on this coast if you had no part to act in it. You may labor for a time all right, but then again you forget the past reproofs God has given you and do not feel your need of constant grace to overcome the errors which have marked your life. You exhibit such great weakness, all unseen to yourself, that we have constant fear that you will do more harm than your efforts will be productive of good.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 2)
We have questioned whether it would not be better for you to go East; then I have thought of your taking your wrongs and weaknesses with you, which would not help the matter but merely shift the burden from this coast to the East and you would be a greater perplexity to the brethren there than to those engaged in labor on this coast. I do not think your influence was what it might be in Napa. You made public your family troubles, for I met it everywhere I went. I think you are doing the same here. You divert the minds of those interested in the truth and gather sympathy to yourself, and you have been reproved for this as a wrong you should correct.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 3)
The reason why you have so little of the Spirit and power of God is not because of physical weakness but because your heart is not right with God. You suffer your mind to center upon yourself.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 4)
Unless you are constantly feeling your weakness and the necessity of entire dependence upon God, you are no blessing to His cause. You talk of your trials, and of your feebleness, and draw minds to you to pity and sympathize with you, when you are not a proper subject for this sympathy.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 5)
Your heart is surely not right with God. Unless you are engaged in storing up knowledge, gaining an experience daily in divine things, feeling a continual growing strength of love for your Saviour and for those out of the truth, your mind and thoughts will be upon forbidden subjects that uproot spirituality and make you weak in moral power.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 6)
God has shown me your case so fully [that] I dare not let you go on in deception as to your true condition. I greatly fear that you will fail of everlasting life, that after you have preached to others upon the binding claims of God’s law, you will fail to carry out in your own life the holy principles of the law of God, and will make shipwreck of faith. You are so much swallowed up in yourself that unless you are consecrated to God and have a living daily faith in God and obtain His grace and power you will be a hindrance to the advancement of the truth. I cannot see the cause of God marred and suffer through your inefficiency or through your blind mistakes. You must be a daily converted man or you are unfit for the sacred work in which you are engaged. I know more of your peculiar temperament and of your dangers than others can.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 7)
Your trouble with the sisters has come in consequence of your drawing upon their sympathies. You relate your trials and enlist their pity for you whom they think a great sufferer. You then yield to your feelings [and] put on an appearance as though you were enduring almost martyrdom. You lead them out to give you care and attention which is not really proper and bring yourself into a position where you are easily tempted. You should have learned by your trials in the past to shun anything which has the least appearance of familiarity with the sisters, married or unmarried. Let your affections center upon God. Rely upon Him for support rather than on human sympathy.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 8)
You are very weak in this direction. But the cause of God must not be marred with your weakness and indiscretion. This is your danger, and you are overcome and then a wound is brought upon the cause of God that can never be fully healed. My observation of your course while in Napa in making your family matters public, in giving up to your feelings, and in encouraging the sympathies of others for yourself, your complaining and giving up to your poor feelings since you have been in Oakland, is a most perfect part of the picture which was presented before me in vision, representing your character.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 9)
I was shown that when you first felt the power of the truth in your heart you searched the Scriptures earnestly and were getting on the armor of righteousness. But of late years, especially since the separation from your wife, you have not devoted as much time to the study of the Word and earnest prayer. You have not natural abilities that will make you a laborer in the gospel field without closely searching the Scriptures. You have turned your mind in the channel of becoming a debater, but as far as strength of arguments is concerned, presenting all points of present truth with clear reason to sustain every point before opponents, you are very deficient. Assertions will never answer for proof. You too often have sought to engage in discussion, for here was the work you loved. When there is no special excitement and opposing influence to meet, you cannot always be depended on as a laborer. You do not enter into practical Bible subjects. Your interest flags and you do not feel liberty because you are not stimulated with the excitement of opposition. You have not a strong hold upon God and do not draw strength from Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 10)
If an opposing influence should arise, your combative spirit would strengthen for the occasion, your zeal would lead you to forget your poor feelings and your troubles, and you would feel quite strong and would rise above depression and infirmities to which you now yield. When there is an effort to be made to calmly present the truth in an intelligent, forcible manner before the people, sowing the gospel seed, relying upon God to help you, you often fail, for you have not an experience in this work which you might have.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 11)
I was shown that you are ever inclined to gather sympathy to yourself, and to center your mind upon yourself and to talk of your labors wearing you, of your weariness, and of your being taxed. You complain of suffering with sickness. All this is brought in unnecessarily to excuse the absence of the love of God in the heart, and is time worse than thrown away.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 12)
Under some circumstances you could manifest earnestness, but you cannot exert the right influence until you have the living principle within you to labor whether you feel like it or not. Feeling should be no criterion for Christians. You never can do justice to the cause of God until you cease to be controlled by feeling and cease to move by impulse.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 13)
I was shown that upon many points you are very weak. I have fears that you will never see and feel the sinfulness of this weakness so that you will not continually be falling back under temptation and trial. God will be to all who seek and cling to Him a tower of strength.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 14)
If you labor with another and see that your fellow-laborer is more acceptable with the people than yourself, your courage is gone. You are shorn of your strength. There is not a deep principle underlying the springs of action that you can draw upon in an emergency. There is not a reserve power to carry you over the points of temptation where Satan assails you. You fall under his power nearly every time you are assailed.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 15)
You lack moral power, humility, and faith in God under all circumstances. In the desk you need to cultivate a solemn, dignified deportment in keeping with the important message you bear, which is testing the world.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 16)
You suffer yourself to be overcome with discouragements when you do not have liberty before the people. This should drive you to close searching of heart and earnest prayer to learn the cause, to ascertain if the trouble does not rest with yourself. If you would plead with God in humility, He would appear for your salvation. But you are not naturally devotional and you allow your thoughts to wander from God upon forbidden things, and then you have not confidence to come before God. You cannot pray in faith, for your heart is not right with God.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 17)
You cannot be a laborer that can be depended upon under discouragements as well as in prosperity until you cease to talk and think so much upon yourself and cease to draw the sympathies of others to yourself. You can be happy only in consecration to God, and you lack this greatly and have lacked it all your life. If you could see how much harm you do in your listless, complaining ways, you would change your course at once. You would forget self in doing others good. I saw your disposition to complain, and feel that you are working hard and deserve sympathy, hurts your influence. You frequently do not work as hard as you should. Your brethren who have much less physical strength perform a greater amount of labor than yourself. They work with a cheerful heart, feeling that they are workers with Christ. God sustains them. In regard to your physical strength I saw that you have a good capital of health but your own peculiar temperament, your love of appetite and inclination to indolence, are your greatest enemies. Your labors in the cause of God have been no greater than those of your brethren who stand in the front of the work. Should they pursue the same course you do, the cause of God would indeed languish. From what God has been pleased to show me in reference to your case, much of the time you do far less labor than some of your brethren who do not have the health and strength which you have. If your heart were right with God you would cease your complaining, and the gratitude of your heart would be expressed in words of praise and glory to God for His mercies to you.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 18)
You are frequently inclined to shun taxing labor and responsibilities under a plea of inability. Your brethren who have labored in connection with you could not depend on you when there was real need of your help, for you were imagining yourself in need of rest and would plead poor feelings and leave a double burden upon your fellow laborer who needed rest and care even more than yourself, but because they did not keep constantly complaining, you have thought them stronger than you.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 19)
You love to be petted and to be waited upon and sympathized with. You love to have the sisters doing offices for you which you should do for yourself. While feeble sisters are pitying you and sympathizing with you, they are frequently suffering with pain and weariness which you have never experienced. These things displease God and make you weak and inefficient. You are deluding yourself with the idea that you are indeed a great sufferer when you are not. Your brethren have labored right on under greater mental and physical suffering than yourself, and no one but God knows how hard times they pressed against their infirmities to do good in the great work they loved so well.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 20)
You said last night that doctors could not tell what ailed you. True, they could not tell what ailed you. No earthly physician could prescribe intelligently for your disease, because you have no real disease. He who made man out of the dust of the ground understands your case. Your imagination is diseased. Your thoughts are morally diseased. You are sound as far as physical strength is concerned.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 21)
You are not a real Bible student. This deficiency is bad for you, and unless you correct it, it will destroy your usefulness. You idle away much precious time upon unimportant things while things of great importance are neglected. If you would grow in the knowledge of Bible truth, that you may become a thorough workman that needeth not to be ashamed, you must from the Scriptures furnish yourself for all good works that you may become an able preacher of righteousness.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 22)
Your thoughts are not in obedience to Christ. Purify the fountain and the stream will be pure. You will certainly lose heaven unless you are a thoroughly converted man upon these weak points in your character. I saw that you talked much of your troubles and [of] how hard you have labored. This was in nine cases out of ten a delusion. You have allowed your imagination to dwell upon these things, while Satan has held his magnifying glass before you until it has seemed a reality to you that you were excessively taxed and were passing through trials of a most grievous character. Many of your trials and afflictions you have brought upon yourself through your own wrong course. Then cease to talk of your trials and your weariness and your infirmities. Remember the grace of God does not abide with any soul unless they make special and earnest efforts for it.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 23)
You have a daily and hourly warfare before you to overcome your besetments and to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord; you have no time to lose, not a moment.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 24)
With you the seed of truth fell not on the best of soil, and this truth will not grow successfully without careful culture. The truth is of heavenly origin and is opposed to the heart’s natural disposition. It is only by earnest and diligent toil that you will bring all your powers into subjection to the Spirit of Christ. You have a special work to keep under your body lest while you have preached to others you yourself should be a castaway.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 25)
When you are repining and complaining of sickness and overwork, and that you are exhausting your strength, just bear in mind you are deceived. It is in doing these things you ought not, and suffering your imagination to run as it will, that places you in a condition of almost inefficiency and will finally bring upon you permanent disease. You should give others an example of faith and confidence in God which you do not. In your life, in your words and deportment, you do not rightly represent the religion of Christ.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 26)
You do not prize your Bible as you should. Its sacred and rich promises do not inspire you with hope and faith and courage. In your hours of thoughtful meditation you may dig down into the deep mines of truth. You may gather comfort, hope, and joy—precious wealth indeed with which to enrich your soul. You need to educate your mind to run in the right channel, to draw from God’s Word the comfort and encouragement which you now seek to draw from your brethren and sisters by appealing to their sympathies. A familiar acquaintance with practical Bible truths will arm the soul with weapons to meet the strongest opposition of opponents. If used constantly, and not left to rust, it will be like a sharp two-edged sword. Use will keep the sword of the Spirit ever polished. You leave the Word of God, which is full of exceeding great and precious promises to the faithful soul. I warn you not to hew out for yourself broken cisterns which hold no water.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 27)
The intellect and affections you must bring under the influence and control of the Spirit of God. Your mind is so constituted that it will be constantly employed either for good or for evil. You have the power to train the mind and control its workings and to give direction to the current of your thoughts. Others cannot do this for you—you must do this for yourself. But to do this will call forth effort and toil. This work cannot be done by giving loose rein to the imagination. The thoughts must be resolutely and perseveringly brought into subjection to the Spirit of Christ. You have not had such control over your thoughts that you could confine them easily with any satisfaction upon proper subjects of meditation. Unless the mind and thoughts are preoccupied with meditation upon Bible truth, trifles will occupy the mind and the current of thoughts will be frequently upon forbidden subjects, which will surely bear their evil fruit and lead to wrong actions. In close searching of the Scriptures with an attentive mind, the soul becomes imbued with the Spirit which attends the Word of inspiration.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 28)
You need to arouse, my brother, from mental indolence in regard to becoming thoroughly furnished to all good works. In searching the Scriptures you need to regulate your mind to think habitually, carefully, and intelligently upon Bible subjects. You ought now to be a giant in the truth; but your mind is dwarfed. Let your mind dwell upon the atonement, the sufferings of Christ, the character of God, the special providences of God, [and] upon eternal life. Here are subjects for thought and study which may be continued through eternity. You would not blush to take these meditations with you into the eternal world.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 29)
You may study with profit your own depravity, and your unworthiness of the rich gift of the grace of God. You may dwell upon the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. In this theme angels, pure angels of God, always find enough to interest them and call forth profound thought and the deepest admiration for the plan devised by Jesus Christ for the redemption of depraved man.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 30)
God wants you to employ your own powers rather than to seize upon and be benefited with the products of others’ exertions. You kindle your torch by others’ fire too much. There is a sacred fire of God’s own kindling. Use that fire. You will be more benefited by the exertion of your own mind than by the thoughts borrowed from others. Your reasoning powers are not large because you have not exercised them as you might. This faculty will be greatly strengthened and enlarged by use and cannot be strong without exercise.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 31)
I was shown that you carry your whining and complaining even into the meetings. You spend precious time in preliminaries, excuses, and apologies that are entirely unnecessary. These delays before coming to the subject of your discourse hurts your influence as a speaker. The people become weary and you lose precious time in explaining your unfitness to labor. You do obtain sympathy from some in these unnecessary apologies but you disgust others. There are those who, when interested in the truth, will esteem you as Christ’s ambassador and will be constantly pitying poor Brother Cornell. They will pet your ailments and wait upon you, when you are frequently far better able to wait upon them. I was shown that had you improved your advantages and been a persevering learner in the school of Christ, you would have now had a symmetrical character and have attained the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus. Had you continued to grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth you would now be an able workman in this important time. You could have been a polished instrument in the hands of God to be used to His glory. But you have not made progress as you should. Your reasoning is not deep and clear and conclusive. You have too superficial a knowledge of the truth because you have not applied yourself closely to the study of the Word that you might be thoroughly furnished to all good works.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 32)
Your mind, as well as that of others who are preaching present truth, is not as clear as it would be should you feel the importance of physical exercise and not let one day pass without some exercise in useful labor. You need to use the muscles. Your poor feelings would not get the victory over your judgment and your will if you combined physical exercise with your mental efforts. You should rise above your feelings, resist depressing influences, call willpower to your aid and with an eye single to the glory of God press your way through discouragements, resisting indolence.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 33)
Your face has an expression of distress. The tones of your voice even have a distressing, depressing whine which is becoming habitual. Joy and peace and happiness in your heart will be reflected in your countenance. You will not then go around as a cloud of darkness but as a sunbeam.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 34)
The more constantly your hands and heart are employed in good works the less you will think of yourself. You will forget your poor feelings. Every muscle in your body should be brought into active exertion every day if you want health. You should be regular in your meals and eat only the plainest food and should not taste anything between your meals, not even fruit. When it is not possible for you to obtain physical exercise in good works by benefiting others, you should be extra careful not to eat largely, but restrict your diet. Your system is burdened frequently by too much food when you exercise so little. It is impossible for men and women to have health while they eat their usual allowance and do not exert their muscles. Indolence makes a slothful mind.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 35)
You complain a great deal, Brother Cornell. Does it do anyone any good? Why then keep it up? I saw that you should cease these fretting, whining complaints and talk faith, hope, courage, and you will have faith, hope, and courage. You need to pray a great deal more than you have done, and pray in faith for strength to overcome your weaknesses of character. Refuse to talk in regard to your wife or your troubles. If you engage in manual labor some portion of each day and devote some time to the study of the Scriptures you will have greater moral power. God has given you good machinery in your body to be put to use, not to rust with inaction.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 36)
Your sickness is more imaginary than real. You have not labored with cheerfulness except when under the pressure of excitement, when you were flattered by praise. You need to see where you have failed in order to correct these errors and perfect Christian character. This grumbling has become second nature with you, and is certainly against you. You will not always feel the same. You will frequently have poor feelings, but if you are controlled by feeling and have not moral power to resist and bear up above your feelings, you are unfitted to overcome the perils of these last days, and must be overcome by the temptations of Satan.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 37)
We must learn to walk by faith. Feeling is no criterion. Satan knows how to overcome you because you depend so much upon feeling and do not see the necessity of exercising faith. All he has to do is to play upon your feelings and he can gain the victory and you [will] be disappointed and discouraged. Without faith it is impossible to please God. You want to know what intelligent faith is, that when the battle goes hard you may not look at the things which are seen and lose your courage and Satan gain the victory.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 38)
I saw that you have much to learn in the Christian warfare, much experience to gain in order to outgeneral the enemy and bring victory to the cause of truth. When everything of importance is pending in relation to the success of truth, you are frequently where God cannot especially bless you and the cause of truth is dishonored, when if you had been the man of God and faith you should have been, victories would have been gained for the precious cause of truth.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 39)
You so frequently allow your mind to be engrossed in yourself, and talk and draw sympathy to yourself, that the influence you exert is sickly and tastes so strongly of M. E. Cornell that the work is spoiled. The influence of those who have had your labors—unless they can have a new conversion—will not be healthy in the cause of God. You ought to see this. You ought to feel this. If you cannot make a radical change upon the points where you have failed so many times, the cause of God would be in a more healthy condition without than with your labors. The cause is in constant danger of being marred through your course of action.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 40)
You were represented to me like a man carrying a lantern in a dark night. He has the light but he keeps his body between the light and the people following him. Thus is it often the case with you. You have the truth, you seek to lead the people, but your own individual self stands between the light and the people [so] that the light does not benefit them by shining upon their pathway. Please, in the name of my Master, stand aside and let the light come to the people. Let self be hid behind Jesus. Let the truth shine forth in its divine clearness and not become clouded with your dark body.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 41)
Much of your poor feelings will disappear if you will live in accordance with the laws of God, established in your being. You should eat regularly of simple, healthful food. And when you do not have physical exercise every day you should eat sparingly and not become dissipated by overeating or eating between meals.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 42)
You can bear much physical exercise in useful labor and your health positively demands it. If you become weary in laboring, it will not hurt you but will do you good. You do not love taxing labor. If you and the ministers who preach to the people would combine physical labor with their mental efforts, their minds would be more vigorous, their thoughts more clear, there would be double energy in their preaching, and their physical health would be confirmed. They could bear deprivations and hardships without murmuring and without falling under them. Our ministers should become intelligent upon the point of exercising their muscles as well as their brains. They lose much in point of usefulness and success because they do not use every part of the living machinery of the body. It is this humoring and petting self and shunning physical exercise that frequently makes men inefficient to bear and to endure trials and toil in the Christian warfare. They are not willing to go without the camp, and cannot endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 43)
I feel in my very soul that you have reached a crisis in your life’s history. You have dwelt upon the thought that you were not well but feeble and exhausted and nervously shattered, until this has become a fixed thing with you. Others have, through this undue sympathy, helped you forward or confirmed the idea until you have held to this view of your case with singular firmness, considering it is a delusion of the mind. You have, as the result of your ideas, become weak and inefficient, a slave to circumstances. You have not faith and confidence in yourself or in God to face stubborn difficulties, and firmly press through them undaunted and with unwearied energies. You faint in heart at little obstacles and discouragements. Your ailments and poor feelings are more in consequence of your own thoughts and of your diet and lack of physical exercise than of settled disease. Your system becomes clogged, your liver inactive and the impurities are not thrown off from your system till nature—which is still strong—makes her voice heard in remonstrance by pains and aches that she may rid the system of accumulated impurities that are warring against health and life. Right living, proper abstinence, with proper exercise of every muscle in the body, will save you these miserable attacks.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 44)
You can do more for yourself than anyone can do for you. God will not work a miracle to keep you or any of His children in health while you are pursuing a course which will result in sickness. Oh, how much has this self-indulgence, in more ways than one, robbed the cause of God of days of labor. Who will be accountable for this loss of God-given probationary time? How many sinners have gone down to their graves in darkness who might have been warned, if ministers had preserved health by strictly living in accordance with the light God has given them in regard to the treatment of their own bodies!
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 45)
Brother Cornell, you are not having the greatest trials that ever came to mortals. God has been in His providence removing obstacles out of your path and has been testing and proving you to see if you will perfect Christian character and be pure in thought, in words and actions, and fitted for a pure and holy heaven. You have no excuse why you should not make a success of overcoming, yet I must say I fear you will fail. Your own lustful passions, I fear, will prove your overthrow. You have a work before you to do. Will you do it?
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 46)
You are naturally impulsive. When your combativeness is raised you have a fund of sharp bits and side thrusts to meet an opponent, and frequently resort to criticism unbecoming a minister who is bearing the last message of mercy to men. There is power in the truth with a right hold on God furnished with polished weapons from God’s Word. We need never resort to unfair means, relating little stories to place the opponent in a light to appear ridiculous.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 47)
Upon these occasions you are like a roaring torrent. You may overwhelm your opponent, but vainly we listen for the loving, powerful voice of God to be heard in it all. Let the circumstances change, let the excitement pass away, and you frequently resemble a stagnant pool.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 48)
An accidental occasion will raise you upon the pinnacle, calling out all your powers, but the force is soon spent and you fall back into a lifeless state until again aroused by some excitement. You become uneasy and tired of a long, calm, steady pull in laboring to convince the understanding of the people by strong arguments adduced from the Word of God. Such minds as these accomplish but little. They lose more in their listless, lifeless state than they gain in the pitch of excitement.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 49)
You need to cultivate steady, uniform, unyielding energy. You cannot gain this without an entire surrender to God. The influence of the Spirit of God will have a direct power to call the force of the intellect and the affections into the most healthful state of action. God calls for the whole heart, the strength and might; and the grace of God is sufficient for you that you may meet the mind of the Spirit of God. Divine power will work with your human efforts and you may stand forth a successful workman in His cause. Let the Spirit of Christ clothe you with righteousness and stimulate you by its mighty life-giving force, and you may make a success in winning souls to Christ.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 50)
Economize your moments by studying the Word, in earnest prayer, in faithful labor by firesides, and in physical, useful labor, and we shall not hear this complaining of ill health and nervous prostration. You will not have time to think of yourself.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 51)
Assert your Godlike manhood. Free yourself from the fetters of Satan which hold you in the veriest bondage. Put away the carnal mind which is at enmity with God. Overcome your childish whining; put it away forever. You can but die. It would be much better for you to die in real wear and service in God’s cause than in shunning burdens and responsibilities and dying in imagination.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 52)
Angels of God are not attracted to your presence while you have so much self in all you do and while you have so little faith. You do not rightly represent Jesus Christ. You profess to be His ambassador and keep up a continual whining and murmuring. Put it away. Put it away. Angels are disgusted with this. You may be a cheerful, happy Christian, bearing a countenance that attests that the Sun of Righteousness sheds His bright beams upon your heart and that the Lord is the health of your countenance.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 53)
A cheerful Christian, whose cheerfulness does not consist in light and trifling conversation but flows from inward peace of mind, will carry sunshine with him everywhere. You are not thus, Brother Cornell. You do not serve God with delight, but more like a spoiled, petted child. You serve Him at will and let it alone at your pleasure. You shirk taxing burdens. You fail to manifest the love of Christ and the power of divine truth in the heart [so] that you can accept trials and afflictions joyfully. You do not make melody to God in your heart. Your greatest satisfaction is in being praised and to feel that you are estimated.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 54)
A gloomy and dejected Christian is out of place anywhere. If the Word of God dwells in you and abounds, you will know how to shed the reflection of His glory upon the work—so sacred and so holy—in which you are engaged.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 55)
One who teaches the truth to others must have plenty of material and power to use that material to advantage. The Word of God is that material. It thoroughly furnishes the minister of Christ to all good works. But if the builder cannot use the material provided for him in the Word of God, and builds with wood and stubble, his labor is all lost, for his works will be burned.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 56)
You cannot, without a different experience, build up a church of living characters, for you have not the love of Christ in the soul as it is your privilege to have. When the undying love of Christ possesses the soul and affections, it will be seen; it will be felt. The love of Christ then constraineth the possessor.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 57)
The soul all aglow with love to God and love for souls will never come to a standstill in his resources. At the very point of exhaustion, his power, as it lies in God, is invariably renewed to carry through the effort at any cost. It is not eloquence or oratory but the love of Christ in the heart—revealed in the countenance, in the words, and in the actions—that convicts the unbelieving. The love of God which constraineth the ministers of Christ will have tireless persistency and perseverance, that no obstacles can daunt or overcome.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 58)
Those who bear a part in this great work must submit their necks to the yoke of Christ, and learn of Him who was meek and lowly of heart. If you follow the Lord in humility, bearing the yoke of Christ cheerfully, forgetful of self and reaching by faith to take the work God gives you with thankfulness that He considers you fit for any work, you will surely make progress and there need be no limit to your attainments.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 59)
There are many dangers to encounter, many difficulties to overcome. But One mighty to save and strong to deliver has pledged His word that He will never forsake us. “Lo, I am with you alway;”“Fear thou not,” says Christ, “for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God.” [Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:10.] Take hold of these promises, rise up in the strength of God, and He will help you.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 60)
*****
Much of your precious time is occupied in writing private letters to the married and unmarried sisters. Considering your weakness in regard to this matter, I believe it to be positively wrong. You encourage the sisters to write to you, and young sisters have asked my advice in regard to the propriety of writing to Elder Cornell. “He said that these letters from me were a comfort to him.” I was asked by some of our most influential brethren of this matter. They said that they did not feel that it was as it should be—young ladies and married sisters receiving letters and answering letters from you. It resulted in no good. Its tendency was not good. Its influence could not be beneficial in any way. It was opening a door of temptation for them and for you.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 61)
I agree perfectly with this view of the matter. You should keep just as far from danger as you can. Your babyish spirit reaching out for sympathy and help from others is not right. I was shown that while your time is engaged in so much letter writing you neglect other duties which are very important. I designed to have written this to you long ago, when my mind was refreshed by the advice asked. I felt sorry, Brother Cornell, that you should not have a clearer sense of the propriety and fitness of things than to be writing letters all over, especially to the sisters.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 62)
This propensity to gather encouragement and sympathy from the sisters is a snare of Satan. I beg of you to study your Bible and devote to prayer, humble, earnest prayer, the time you spend in letter writing. Wrestle with God as did Jacob until you prevail. We want you to be a free man in God, to consecrate yourself wholly to Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 63)
It is so hard for you to preserve consecration to God. You need to make earnest efforts in this direction.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 64)
I have no hesitancy in saying I have many doubts of your being in the way of your duty in devoting so much time to your specimens. Why were not you laboring at Cloverdale or some of these many places where the truth has not been preached? Had you gone to work in the fear of God I believe He would have sustained you. God help you to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 65)
You need to guard your weak points, that the cause of God should not be made to suffer for your weakness and your indiscretion. The work of God for this time is a most solemn and important one. Men of thought as well as men of action are needed for this time. Ease is not to be thought of. Every additional ray of light you receive from God will be obtained only through earnest prayer and close application to the study of the Word. You should dig after knowledge as men search for hidden gold. You lack resolution, manly strength of purpose, and moral power.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 66)
Since I visited Napa I have felt a constant burden for your case. It was evident that you had called forth the sympathy of the people for M. E. Cornell. I tried to find out what you had been doing so long in Napa, and I could not see that you had done them good. You had worked at your specimens, and when your attention is on these things you had no mind for anything else. I feel it my duty to say that I believe your time was as good as lost. While you were professing to be a blessing to the people in Napa, you were really doing them harm. But it suited your inclination to pet yourself and have the sympathy of the friends in Napa. There was work enough to be done in many places.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 67)
If the burden of the work had been upon you, you could not have been held in Napa; but you have not felt the weight of the cause of God. Cloverdale might have been entered, and you could have been giving a course of lectures there, and there are other places you might have visited. But it was your pleasure to remain in Napa, and I believe your time was lost. You excuse your conscience, that you needed rest; but the rest you have taken did not build you up in health. Had you been at work for God you would have received strength to have done the work so important to be done. You allowed Sister Cummery, who was a sick woman, to be anxious for you, and to wait on you when you were not half as sick as you thought. I judge from your temperament and the many times you have been in a similar condition, drawing upon others for sympathy, thinking yourself very sick when you might have borne above it. Had you put yourself into the work you would have thrown it off.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 68)
God will not sustain you in giving your mind—under an excuse of resting—to gathering large collections of specimens. This has been a snare to you. Your time has been nearly lost—yes, I fear worse than lost. You are of that kind of mind that you cannot give your mind so fully to this work of specimen collection and yet be all free to study the Word of God, feel the burden of the work, and be qualifying your mind for action at any moment in the cause and work of God. Like a child you were shown me, all engrossed in the business of hunting curiosities. You could endure taxation and weariness in this direction, but when you were needed to put forth the same amount of exertion to hunt up the precious souls for whom Christ has died, the precious pearls that will finally shine in the courts of the Lord, you were easily discouraged. The heavenly cabinet of glory is not yet furnished and adorned. If you put your soul into this work as zealously as you have done in the specimen business, you would see many more gathered to Christ than you have seen. There is none too much of you if the entire strength of your being is put forth with the greatest earnestness in the work. Your divided, lifeless efforts in the cause of God have not been acceptable to Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 69)
God can give you rest in Him while you are engaged in doing His work, but He will not give you strength from His divine presence to serve your pleasure and to follow your inclination while you do not feel the solemn work of God weighing down your soul.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 70)
You are frequently tempted of the devil and the devil knows where and how to tempt you. He sows his seed on ground that has been prepared for him beforehand. He touches chords in you that will respond to the touch.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 71)
If you had put your faculties to as vigorous and persevering use, and directed them to a given object to do all the good possible for you to do to save souls, as you have worked to gather your specimens, you would have seen a glorious success as the result. If you will not put your energies into the work, and rise above your feelings and indisposition of body, you cannot think of having the joy and grace and strength that will come to the devoted, disinterested laborer who is working for the glory of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 72)
You cannot expect your mind to be all prepared, furnished, and disciplined to take hold of a work so important, so deep and broad as the present truth, when you have not taken the pains to qualify that mind for the effort before you. Your work will not and cannot show to advantage beside that of those who have employed their time and their powers for the purpose of engaging in work to the very best advantage, that they may not be found unprepared when their work must be proved. The work of cultivation you have neglected. When you should have been setting a high price upon your moments, as though they were precious gold, you have idled them away and have nothing to show for it. You have not increased your stock and power of thought that your soul might be invigorated, prepared for action at any moment. We hold grand and elevated truths, which if contemplated and studied will awaken and lead forth the mind from the narrow boundaries of worldly, selfish thoughts into the vastness of the Infinite. It is impossible for the thoughts to be brought into contact with the elevated, ennobling themes of truth for this time without being influenced by them.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 73)
I have written this letter to you without reading the testimony given to you as published in Testimony No. 22. I have this morning been able to borrow the Testimony, and I find the very things I have written you here plainly stated. Have you taken heed to the cautions given in that Testimony? Have you made yourself familiar with all points of the subjects brought before you? I beg of you to read that Testimony prayerfully and see where you have failed to follow it.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 74)
When you meet the mind of the Spirit of God you will be a truly converted man. In place of using your time in things not essential, you will be cultivating your intellect and storing your mind with useful knowledge, that with this material you may build for God’s glory.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 75)
With you, Brother Cornell, your religion has consisted mostly in controversy. You have taken a course to provoke discussion and to hurry an issue upon the objectionable features of our faith. A work is before you to qualify yourself as a teacher, not merely upon one branch of the work but in all branches of the work. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.... And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”2 Timothy 2:15, 24, 25.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 76)
Oh, my brother, unless you do come into a more close relation to God, you will be separated farther and farther from Him, will have less and less of His Spirit, and will be overcome by the enemy of truth. May God help you to work for daily consecration to God. Throw your entire interest into the work. Stand up like a man for God and for the truth, and He will sustain you.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 77)
You stand before the people before you pray or preach, telling how feeble you are, and yet are, as you stand before them, a perfect representative of health. This is against you and against the cause of truth. All that God requires of you is to do the best you can and not make your weakness disgusting to the people.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 78)
Please return after reading.
(3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, 79)
Lt 54, 1876
Cornell, M. E. NP 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Brother [M. E.] Cornell:
I feel that at this time I should speak and that it would be sin in me not to speak. Your case has been very largely shown me in vision. And the close acquaintance with you for the time while we were in Napa, and also since we have been in Oakland, is a most perfect picture of what was presented before me. I was shown that you were inclined to gather sympathy to yourself, to center your mind upon yourself and talk much in regard to yourself, to make your case a specialty. In new places you were really gaining the attention of the people to encourage their sympathies for you, when at the same time you did not in reality earn these sympathies or deserve them.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 1)
I saw that upon many points you were very weak. If while laboring with another you saw that you were not more highly estimated than your fellow laborer, your courage was gone. You appealed to your own sympathies and really thought but few men in life had so hard a lot as yourself. I saw that you had great physical strength but your own peculiar temperament and passions were your greatest enemy. I was shown your labors in the cause of God were no more arduous than those of your brethren in general, and in some respects they frequently labored much harder than yourself. You have been inclined to shun the laborious part, leaving others heavily taxed because you failed in time and place to do your part.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 2)
Your plea ever was that you were not well, you felt sick, while at the same time I saw that you were deluding yourself with this deception, for it was not a reality when you said last night that doctors could not tell what ailed you. I said to myself, True enough. No earthly physician could prescribe for you. But He who made man, the Great Physician, understands your case. Your imagination is diseased. You are sound as far as physical strength is concerned, but your mind is sick. You let it dwell upon yourself and upon things which you should not. Truly you have a diseased mind. It is not natural for you to love devotion. You have but little faith. Your mind and heart are unsanctified. You are not a Bible student. You idle away much precious time that should be used in qualifying yourself as an able workman. I saw that your thoughts were not in obedience to Christ. Purify the fountain and the streams will be pure.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 3)
I saw that your complaining and talking of your troubles and how hard and excessively you labored is in very many cases a delusion of the mind. It had no foundation in truth. At times you have had to labor quite hard but no harder than other ministers who have not more than two-thirds the capital of strength to draw upon that you have.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 4)
I saw that you carry your chronic whining and complaining even into the pulpit. You will spend time in apologies because your unfitness to labor, your exhaustion, making excuses for yourself, that have a tendency to weary and disgust your hearers, while some few who are sympathetic are constantly pitying you and are ready to humor your whims and to pet your ailments.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 5)
I saw that had you continued to grow in the knowledge of the truth you might now be an able workman in the cause of present truth. But I saw that your arguments were not as thorough and conclusive as they might be, for you were superficial. You do not love thorough application.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 6)
I saw that you needed physical exercise which you were not inclined to take if there was work in it. Every poor feeling you would cherish and make it an excuse for not engaging in labor that was not exactly pleasing to you, when labor—physical exercise in useful labor—would have been of more advantage to you than your whining and talking over your ailments and being waited upon by women. You should have will power and work with an eye single to God’s glory. Your face, I saw, was a transcript of your thoughts. An expression of distress was there pictured, which is becoming habitual. Joy and peace and happiness, when in your heart, will be reflected in your countenance. You will not then go around with a distressed look as though you were a great mental and physical sufferer.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 7)
Our ministers neglect physical exercise altogether too much. No man or woman can have health while the muscles are left without being used. Exercise will occupy your thoughts and mind. Every muscle in your body should be brought into active use each day of your life. Then the blood will be equalized and no one organ will be overtaxed.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 8)
I say to you, Brother Cornell, from the light God has given me, go to work when you have nothing else to do. Give your mind something to do in searching the Scriptures with much prayer. Then give the muscles something to do in manual labor. The time spent in petting yourself and talking over your trials [would] better be spent in studying your Bible, in prayer, and exercise of the physical [powers]. God has given you a good machine in your body and He designed you should put every part of this wonderful machinery to service. Let me tell you, from what God has shown me, your sickness is more imaginary than real. You did not do more than two-thirds the labor you were capable of doing, if you would treat your body right, call to your aid willpower, and labor with cheerfulness. You are dependent upon excitement and approbation to do much. You must see this and obtain the victory or your labors will not be of great service to the cause of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 9)
I was shown that when you first labor in a place you generally create an excitement. When souls begin to take hold of the truth you begin to drop down in your feelings. You do not feel that very much is pending and you allow your mind to dwell upon yourself and begin to draw the sympathies of the people to you. Then the influence you exert is sickly. It tastes strongly of M. E. Cornell. If you were not converted upon these points, you would do far better to leave entirely the work of the ministry and labor with your hands, for God will not accept your labor and you do verily nothing. When you think you are laboring hard you are like a man carrying a lantern, but the light shines not to others for your own body comes directly between the light and the people. You thrust yourself in and make yourself a specialty, rather than the truth and Jesus Christ.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 10)
This grumbling has become second nature. You have poor feelings, sometimes have a cold, sometimes the system is clogged; the pores are not opened because physical exercise has been shunned. You do not love to bear burdens or responsibilities. Nature is yet strong and is constantly making efforts to set you right. You will have fever and ague or catarrh or some infirmity which all might have been saved if you had lived just in accordance with the laws of health. You frequently eat fruit between meals. This is a tax upon the stomach.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 11)
While having so little exercise, if you eat irregularly and of food that is not very simple and plain, God would have to work a miracle daily to keep you well. You lay a great burden upon the system, which tax is felt upon the mind. Your thoughts cannot be clear. Your lack of clear thought brings discouragements. The most close and spare diet would correct your system and keep your mind clear without all this fretting and whining.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 12)
Put it away, Brother Cornell, not for a week but forever. You can but die, and it would be better for you to die in real wear and service than in imagination. I saw that angels will not be attracted to your presence. God will not send help to you while you are having no faith. You insult the cause of God. You do not correctly represent Christ when you keep up this murmuring and complaining. Put it away forever.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 13)
Stand up in your Godlike manhood and bear your troubles. You are not having the greatest trials that ever come to mortals. Your trials are not worth mentioning. You are a very selfish man in talking and dwelling so much upon yourself. Drop that whine out of the tone of your voice. Lay hold on faith. Seize the promises of God. Put away the carnal mind which is at enmity with God. You may be a cheerful and happy man if you will train your thoughts and your feelings in the right channel. An ambassador of Jesus Christ should be a cheerful man, bearing a countenance that attests that the Sun of Righteousness shines upon him, and that the Lord is the health of his countenance.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 14)
A cheerful Christian, whose cheerfulness does not consist in light and trifling conversation, but whose cheerfulness flows from the inward peace of mind, will carry sunshine with him everywhere. You are not thus, Brother Cornell. You do not serve God with delight. You act like a pettish child who wishes to shirk every task and burden rather than to manifest the love of Christ and the power of His truth in the heart to make you joyful and to accept affliction joyfully, looking up, trusting in God.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 15)
A gloomy and dejected Christian is out of place anywhere. If the Word of God dwells in you richly and abounds, you will know how to cast the light of His glory upon the work in which you are engaged and upon all with whom you are associated.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 16)
One who teaches the truth must have material, and power to use that material to the very best advantage. The Word of God thoroughly furnishes us to all good works, but if the builder has not and does not try to use the material with which God has furnished him, he cannot build up a church of living character. The trouble with you is you have not the love of Christ in the heart as is your privilege. It is the undying love of Christ in the soul, possessing the heart and affections, which educates both minister and people. “The love of Christ constraineth us,” said the apostle. [2 Corinthians 5:14.] The soul all aglow with love to God and his fellow men never comes to a standstill in his resources. At the very point of exhaustion his power, as it lies in God, is invariably renewed. It is not the power of eloquence but the love of Christ in the soul revealed in the countenance and words that melt their way to the heart of the sinner. The love of God in the soul will have tireless persistency and perseverance that no obstacles can overcome. The power of example will do more in bringing souls to Christ than can any preaching that is not backed up by example.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 17)
Those who put themselves in front of this work must take the yoke of Christ and learn of Him. The mystery of the ministry of Christ is in drawing souls to Christ and fashioning lives after the divine Model.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 18)
If you follow the Lord in humility, bearing His yoke, and are forgetful of self, reaching by faith to take the work He gives you, there will scarcely be a limit to your attainments.
(3LtMs, Lt 54, 1876, 19)
Lt 55, 1876
Cornell, M. E. NP 1876 Previously unpublished. [M. E. Cornell?:]
[First eight pages are missing.] I fear and sorrow lest I shall be compelled to expose your sinful course. I cannot see the cause of God imperiled by your corrupt doings. You cannot serve Jesus at one moment and Satan the next. I have waited patiently for you to have the spirit of confession. You have led out in nothing. You have made some acknowledgments in general terms, but specified nothing. When your wrongs have been reproved you have admitted you were wrong, that is all. Matters have been set before you which you dared not deny, and you admitted it was so. This was no confession on your part. There are definite acts and actual sins for you to confess. God has been waiting for you to confess these wrongs and defiling sins, but you have not done this. You have tried to appease your conscience without making thorough confessions, and you have fallen again and again under temptation, and you have no strength to withstand temptation. You have hardened your heart. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”Proverbs 29:1. I have seen actual occurrences. I have heard words you have uttered to girls and women. But I will not confess, for you to merely admit these things. I want you to lead out and make confessions yourself.
(3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, 1)
You have through imagination been in a feverish state, your base passions aroused, clamoring for indulgence. You could not have a calm mind. You could not delight in the study of the Scriptures.
(3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, 2)
Your actions were not at all in harmony with God’s Word. Your thoughts were impure, your soul stained with sin. If you still intend to go on as if nothing particular had happened, thus living a life, I shall speak plainly and expose you. God knows we have borne until forbearance ceases to be a virtue. It is crime now to be silent longer. I want to hear from you before I shall do anything.
(3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, 3)
No one would be more rejoiced to see you a thoroughly converted man than myself. I have waited, hoping and praying to see you feeling under conviction of sin. If, like Paul, you could from the heart say, “sin revived and I died” [Romans 7:9], there would be some hope for you; but as the case now stands there is nothing to build hopes upon. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”Proverbs 28:13, 14. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”1 John 1:9.
(3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, 4)
You have lightly passed over the most revolting, disgusting acts, and then have looked round with an injured, innocent air saying, “What have I done that I should not have the confidence of my brethren?” Your conscience is seared, your imagination grossly corrupt. Did you imagine that your going into a new field would cleanse you from the stains of sin which have slimed your path in another state? Did you think that God could accept your labors any sooner in Texas than Colorado or Michigan? Does distance cover or blot out sin? God does not connect with you, although some may receive the theory of the truth by your repeating it. I entreat you to make thorough work before it shall be forever too late. “Repent and do your first works.” [Revelation 2:5.]
(3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, 5)
I have simply no confidence in you. I abhor, I detest your mean, corrupt, contemptible course. God abhors it, although you may flatter yourself that He makes exceptions with some and you come in this number. I can see for you only the retributive justice of God. Your talents you have abused. If you get a good opportunity, where you think you will not be watched or detected, you will carry on the same work of corrupting others’ minds and bodies. May God have pity upon you! There is only one possible chance for you: that is to be born gain, to be transformed, to be thoroughly converted. Then when you show forth in your reformed life the fruits of righteousness we may indulge with trembling hope that you can be trusted. But your case is a very hard one.
(3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, 6)
[The first part is missing.] ... can give him. Dear sister, Jesus is your helper. Jesus requires that we surrender ourselves unreservedly to Him. Will you tell me just how you do feel? I want to know whether you are indeed wholly the Lord’s. You are precious in His sight, and while you lie there a patient sufferer, how precious to know that Jesus is yours and that His grace will sustain you in your affliction. Something more is required of us all than an intellectual consent that Jesus is the Son of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 57, 1876, 1)
I had a long conversation with Mary upon some of these points. She believed intellectually that Christ came into the world to save sinners. The Pharisees felt no need of a Saviour. Said Christ, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] It is those who feel their need of a Saviour, those who will by faith give the full consent of their hearts to receive Christ because they have personal need of Him. If we do not do this we cannot believe in Jesus in a saving sense.
(3LtMs, Lt 57, 1876, 2)
All our rebellion against God’s plans arises from the fact that salvation is a free gift. Only believe in the merits of the blood of Christ and cling to Jesus as your Saviour. If your mind is convinced in regard to the doctrine, accept that which you do see, receive every ray of light which Heaven has given you. You have nought to do with whether others accept or not. You must believe for yourself and not make others your criterion. You cannot purchase salvation. When you accept Christ it will be under the sense of your inability to save yourself by your own righteousness. Said I, Dear sister, I am acquainted somewhat with your righteousness and your standard of goodness and both are pitiful indeed. They are no better than any poor sinner’s. When you can from the heart sing “Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee....
In my hand no price I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling” then you have learned the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
(3LtMs, Lt 57, 1876, 3)
I told her sin was not man’s misfortune but his guilt. Man was not a sinner because of circumstances, or his education or his temperament, but from deliberate choice. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”John 3:19, 20. We must meet God in the judgment. What excuse can you there offer why you have not given Him your heart, your best and holiest affections? You put a plaster on your conscience by greedily presenting before those who converse with you, professors who have fallen into sin and disgraced themselves and the church.
(3LtMs, Lt 57, 1876, 4)
I said, Mary, I tell you frankly that it is with great satisfaction you present these marked cases before me as though they were an excuse for your neglect to act upon that which you admit is truth and light. Will you dare to offer any such excuse to your Maker, the Judge of all the world? You are reasoning on Satan’s side of the question. He was an apostate. He fell from his holy state of purity, he became an accuser of those who believed in and accepted Christ.
(3LtMs, Lt 57, 1876, 5)
There is a jubilee among the evil angels when such arguments are used for not believing in Jesus Christ. There are shouts of joy among impenitent sinners on the earth. They will gather like vultures around a case like the one mentioned and feast upon the fact of his yielding to the temptations of the devil. From the lowest haunts of human pollution up to the most fashionable intelligent sinners the story will be repeated, with a thousand exaggerations, to greedy listeners who find no difficulty in believing every word on the most flimsy evidence. It is to them glad tidings of great joy. Now these credulous ones find great difficulty in believing that Christ is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. This message is backed by the Word of the God of truth. What does such a case of apostasy prove? That religion, that belief in Christ, that genuine faith is a dangerous thing to possess? [Remainder missing.]
(3LtMs, Lt 57, 1876, 6)
Lt 58, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California April 6, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 10MR 35-36. Dear Sister Lucinda:
We thank you for your letter. We hope it will be the first of many which we shall hereafter receive. We miss you very much. We are at a loss to know what to do with our children. There is no one to look after them and you know what children are without an eye over them. I am in my room, Mary Clough in her room, Mary White in the office. Addie, you know, has to be drilled to read or to do anything useful. I must say just now they are a great care to me and hinder my work. I am tired after writing, too much so to be troubled with their chatter and to hear them read or to prepare them work. They are worse now than orphans. I shall try to see if Sister Jones will board them; and then I am afraid they would be ruined with indulgence and playing with Bertie. Addie has no reserve or genuine modesty now. What shall I do? I am trying to get my writings off as fast as possible. I make haste slowly.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 1)
Mary White does well. She is a perfect general in the house. But why should she not do this? [We have] a Chinaman to do all the drudgery. Not so when you stood at the post of duty. John does well indeed; cooks now very well with overlooking [supervision]. Everything is kept by him in excellent order. He wears well.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 2)
We have had considerable company since you were here. We had sixteen to dinner day before yesterday. Everything passed off well. I can but feel that it would have been better every way for us, and easier for you, had you stayed with us till you felt that you must go; but then it may all be in the order of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 3)
I have enjoyed much peace of mind and sweet communion with God the last week. I have not been well; for a week back I overlabored—one week ago last Sabbath and Sunday, and in private labor. But I felt such a sweet evidence that God heard me pray for Edson that it paid me for all my burden and labor. He seems so much better than he did. Willie and he have come together by confession and tears. Lucinda, God helped me to pray and hold on to poor, deceived Edson till victory came, light broke in, and Edson surrendered to God. Praise the Lord for His merciful kindness.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 4)
Tell me just how James’ health is. I hope that you will, for me, caution them at Battle Creek not to complain to my husband of one another, and to keep their troubles to themselves.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 5)
Don’t forget that camp meeting matter. Take it, read it yourself and urge its immediate publication. It will be good meat for the people of God and will stir up their pure minds by way of remembrance, and will bring out many more to our camp meetings. See that this is attended to; don’t fail. Write me all the news you hear that will be interesting in relation to the prosperity of the cause of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 6)
Mary Clough wears well. And everything is moving off as well as could be expected. We have accomplished considerable in the last two weeks. We went for your pictures but they said none were ordered. I am sure they were; but there will be some ready for us today. Will send some to you immediately.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 7)
Give my love to Rosetta and Arthur. I would be glad to see them both. Do see that Brother Brownsberger and John Kellogg and others do not stir up my husband’s mind. He complains of Brother Bell, but I hope Brother Bell will never leave that college. If he does, there will be a big vacancy. I hope no one will lay unnecessary burdens on James. In love to all.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 8)
Mary misses you so much. She seems at times to feel lost without you. We all do. Mary does well with my writings.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 9)
We cannot find Mary White’s basque pattern. Did you take it? Neither can we find overskirt pattern. This is Emma’s pattern; can’t find any of them.
(3LtMs, Lt 58, 1876, 10)
Lt 59, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California April 8, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 431-432; 9MR 29-30. Dear Sister Lucinda:
I wrote James this morning; will write you tonight.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 1)
We have just read your letter with great pleasure. My husband writes that an appeal is to be sent to me from the conference, but I shall not be moved from that which I believe to be my duty at this time. I have a special work at this time to write out the things which the Lord has shown me. We progress finely but I cannot write more than half a day.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 2)
I do not feel that it was your duty to leave California when you did. You cannot tell how much we miss you. At a time when you could do the most to help, without drudgery, you left. You see how it is. No eye to look after the children. They are worse than orphans, for I have felt that I must neglect everything to get out these writings. I have not attended meetings for two weeks. While Elders Waggoner and Loughborough are here I let them do the work, and I keep all my strength for one purpose—to write. If you were here, that I could speak to, I should feel perfectly happy. I miss my husband very much indeed. But while he felt so unreconciled to staying I could not urge his remaining in California. But I have not much idea of crossing the plains for one year. Therefore, no appeals or urging from any quarter will have the least influence. I am very firm this time to carry out my own convictions of duty. I have a work to do which has been a great burden to my soul. How great, no one but the Lord knows.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 3)
Again, I want time to have my mind calm and composed. I want to have time to meditate and pray while engaged in this work. I do not want to be wearied myself or be closely connected with our people who will divert my mind. This is a great work, and I feel like crying to God every day for His Spirit to help me to do this work all right. Every other consideration seems of minor consequence to this. Even the camp meetings are a secondary consideration. Had you remained till June, with the care you could have relieved me of, and the help given me, I might have completed one book and considerable on the second, and gone to the camp meetings. As it is, I shall move very slowly, take care of the children more than I have, hear them read, prepare their work, etc., etc., and do what I can. May God give me wisdom and sanctified judgment to fill my place in every particular. I have some precious hours of peace and rest in my Saviour; that is a luxury. Oh Lucinda, I do love Jesus. He is so near, so precious to me. Oh, pray for me, Lucinda. Pray that heavenly wisdom may be given me. I want to make every move in God. I want this work got out right. I must do this work to the acceptance of God.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 4)
I will say a word about the pictures. Tell my husband to be very choice of those he has. The negative of James at Dunham’s is broken. His boys that he employs got into a fight and broke about five hundred dollars worth of negatives for him. He feels very bad about losing the negative. I will send yours with this letter. I intend to write every day to the one who writes me. I will promptly answer every letter you write [even] if I have to sit up late and rise early.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 5)
Mary is just the same. I have been getting matter ready for third form of Testimony. Cassidy’s matter at Petaluma was needed for labor there next week. I put copy in Elder Waggoner’s hand to copy. He just did a miserable job. He did not change anything or improve it at all. I prize Mary more and more every day. Willie and Mary are doing well. Mary gets along with the work, but it is more than she should do, either in the office or in the house. I am tired and must stop right here. I have worked very steadily today. Much love to yourself and my husband.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 6)
Love to Rosetta, Arthur and all inquiring friends.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 7)
I sent to have a shawl knit for me—is it done?
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 8)
Dear Lucinda, take good care of father. Let others think or say what they will. Do see that he does not gather burdens upon himself. I pray for him and I hope that he will remain well, cheerful and happy. But as to my going east, I have not the slightest idea of it.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 9)
In looking over your pictures, I see that they have finished the wrong ones. Will send you two of these and get some of the last as soon as we can.
(3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, 10)
Lt 60, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California April 20, 1876 Previously unpublished. Dear Lucinda:
I write you but a few lines this morning.
(3LtMs, Lt 60, 1876, 1)
I am glad for your good letter and will answer every one you write me. We miss you very much, everywhere, but we are not unhappy. God is with us to bless. We have some most precious seasons of peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. I was so very sorry that James has been, and for ought I know now may be, indisposed. May the Great Healer touch him and make him every whit whole.
(3LtMs, Lt 60, 1876, 2)
I feel free in writing here, and shall not think of attending camp meetings without [knowing it is my] positive duty. Why does not my husband abide by what he told us all when he left, that if we did not go then we had better remain one year? Now I see no good reason that should change this arrangement, so count me out at the camp meetings. Will you write me what you know in regard to Littlejohn and other matters? I want to hear in reference to these things that have perplexed me so much. I feel the deepest interest in the cause of God in California. Their great need makes them more especially objects of labor. Says Christ, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] It is the most needy that need the very help that proper labor will give them.
(3LtMs, Lt 60, 1876, 3)
I have no personal feelings in reference to the people of California. I will labor just as earnestly and ardently for them as any people on the face of the earth. They know but little of our experience. In the East they know much, and yet I have suffered from those who know me much more than from those in California who do not know me.
(3LtMs, Lt 60, 1876, 4)
In love.
(3LtMs, Lt 60, 1876, 5)
Lt 61, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California April 27, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 432; 7MR 282. Dear Lucinda:
Your letters are gratefully received. Please write often as you can, whether I write or not.
(3LtMs, Lt 61, 1876, 1)
I am working to the very extent of my strength, and my prayer is for the Lord to help, strengthen, and bless me in this work. He does do this or I could not do what I have done. My spirit yearns after God, and I dare not trust to myself at all. I am glad my husband is so free. May God continue to bless him is our most earnest daily prayer. We are, Mary and I, doing our uttermost to get my writings completed in the space of six weeks. If we do, is it thought it will pay for us then to come east? If not, we greatly prefer to remain and write the next volume. Please ascertain in reference to this matter. We cannot be at the western camp meetings and get out our work. I know the people need this book at once, and I want my mind relieved and this burden off my mind.
(3LtMs, Lt 61, 1876, 2)
Will you write definitely in reference to the feelings of others in regard to my coming east? Had I better come at all?
(3LtMs, Lt 61, 1876, 3)
Will you send me one of my straw hats by Frank Patten? If you could dry a few peony roots and let her take them in her trunk, and send a few slips of Queen of Prairie and a few choice seeds, as summer greens and pansy seeds. I should like some of these things so much. Send me verbena seeds. See if Sister Chapman has these things.
(3LtMs, Lt 61, 1876, 4)
I must close. In our old place, in the field which we sold, I wish you could send a slip of snowballs and a trumpet vine. These would take but little space and if you could send them I could have something new here which they have not.
(3LtMs, Lt 61, 1876, 5)
Love to all. I will write soon to you again.
(3LtMs, Lt 61, 1876, 6)
He said he would go with me if I would wait for him. I was so glad of his consent to go that I decided to wait. After he returned he decided that he could not come. I then selected Sister Ings to go with me. May was not able to go but James decided at the last it would be harder for him in Battle Creek than to leave and go with me. We finally got started. Oh, what a route we took—Peninsula [Rail]road and the track was rough, the train slow. We had to leave the train at Stillwell and take another train for Peru [Indiana]. We changed cars at quarter of eight and we were left in the woods, not a house or shelter near. After walking and carrying heavy satchels some distance we came to a Dutch hovel. We could not understand their talk. They understood us a little better. There was one square room eight by ten with two beds, table, and cook stove. We waited here one hour and a quarter, then the poor lame Dutchman signaled the train by holding a light in his hand.
(3LtMs, Lt 62, 1876, 1)
[Lansing], Michigan. Mary [Clough] worked early and late. She reported for thirty-two important papers. We had no idea she was getting so much work on her hands, but as soon as the ability of her pen was known by her articles, she was beset by reporters to furnish reports for the various papers in which they were interested until it reached this number. She wrote constantly—reports varying in matter and size to accommodate different papers. She sat up every night too, from two to four o’clock. She had John Kellogg to help her but he had just recovered from a severe illness brought on by overwork.
(3LtMs, Lt 62, 1876, 2)
There were two that we greatly feared would break down. Mary came very near breaking in mind, but she passed through this fearful mental strain and is better than we feared. For three days she ate not the value of one meal. I told her she must rest and I would go to Illinois without her.
(3LtMs, Lt 62, 1876, 3)
Waldron, Illinois. Here we are on the Illinois campground, the last meeting of this season. James left the Michigan campground with Professor Whitford, delegate from the Seventh-Day Baptists. He did not stop at Battle Creek, but went direct to the Seventh-Day Baptist [meeting]. Mary and I spent one day and a half at Battle Creek. I had become worn and took severe cold. They gave me vigorous treatment at the Health Institute. I expected to go alone in company with Elder Canright. About two hours before we left I was so very poorly Mary decided that, tired as she was, she would accompany me and not allow me to go alone with no one to care for me. When we arrived at Chicago we were behind time and did not connect. Stopped at Massasoit House overnight. [Left] in the morning at half past eight; arrived at Kankakee at half past eleven o’clock, in the fog. This morning our labor began. There seems to be an excellent spirit in the meeting. Oh, how different the appearance of the people from what they were when Rosetta and James and I attended the first camp meeting! The class seemed low, poor and untidy, but now what a change! I have not seen on this camp meeting round a more noble, enterprising company together.
(3LtMs, Lt 62, 1876, 4)
James preached this morning; I followed this afternoon. The Lord helped us by His Holy Spirit to move the hearts of the people. After talking very plainly for one hour and a quarter, I invited those who desired salvation and those who had backslidden to come forward. Seventy-five responded. James came on the stand at this point to help me. He talked to the people in regard to faith in a very impressive manner. The subject was made very plain. The Lord gave James a special testimony for the important occasion. We had many testimonies borne from those who came forward. Some were keeping their first Sabbath. Some just made a start and there were many testimonies, well wet down with tears. James then knelt in prayer. He seemed to fasten upon the throne of God and answers came. All through the congregation there was sobbing and groaning and praying with the most intense feeling.
(3LtMs, Lt 62, 1876, 5)
A sister was so blessed that, although naturally reserved and modest, she arose and went from one to another praising the Lord. Her face seemed to be lighted up. This was the most remarkable meeting I was ever in. It was indeed a pentecostal season. Many bore testimony that they never were so blessed in their lives before. This was a new era in their experience. The light of heaven was shining in many [faces].
(3LtMs, Lt 62, 1876, 6)
Lt 63, 1876
White, J. S. Oakland, California March 25, 1876 Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 103; 10MR 34-35. Dear Husband:
I attended meeting in San Francisco today and spoke to the people. Quite a goodly number were out. I addressed individuals—Brethren St. John, Stockton, Chittenden, Edwards, Parker, and Sister Baptist. There was a very tender spirit in the meeting. Brother St. John justified his course of breaking the Sabbath because he was an old man. He has pursued this course of transgression so long that nothing seems to touch him. Brother Diggins talked and wept. He talked excellently. Brother Stockton made a hearty confession. Brother Chittenden talked well, weeping like a child. Brother Edwards talked and confessed the truthfulness of the message I had borne to him. Said he would try to heed it and to become a converted man. Sister Baptist talked and confessed her wrongs quite fully.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 1)
This is just a beginning. Now the way is prepared for Elders Loughborough and Waggoner to go forward with the work. They have meetings appointed for next week and we hope to see a break. I shall not attend any more meetings at present. I have freed my soul. I have labored hard today. They had no preacher in Oakland. Elder Loughborough was at Napa. He returns Monday.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 2)
I received your second letter of some length. I have committed my ways unto God and I trust if I walk humbly before Him He will direct my paths. Thank you for your expressions of interest for me. I am determined to follow the promptings of the Spirit of God; then I shall not go astray.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 3)
I was glad to hear you were having a pleasant journey. All moves well here. I take no more, or as much, interest in household matters as I have done. We miss Lucinda everywhere. But I must say that Mary takes her position nobly, she goes ahead like a general and you would think she has been used to this kind of labor all her life. But my confidential companion is gone; not one now to counsel with, not one to converse with upon matters that everyone cannot understand, and if they did could not help me. But I am glad Lucinda has gone with you, for I feel so much better about you; and again it is her right to see her mother and be at home some. But I miss Lucinda just as I thought I should.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 4)
Mary Clough and I will do all we can to forward the work of my writings. I cannot see any light shining to Michigan for me. This year I feel that my work is writing. I must be secluded, stay right here, and I must not let inclination or persuasion of others shake my resolution to keep close to my work until it is done. God will help me if I trust in Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 5)
We are all well. The little girls are well. I hope you will visit John, Lizzie, and my relatives if you can do so. Be free and happy, and may God bless you is my prayer.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 6)
Yours in love.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 7)
We will be glad to hear from you any time.
(3LtMs, Lt 63, 1876, 8)
Lt 64, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California May 10, 1876 The letter is published in entirety in DG 266-268. Dear Sister Lucinda:
We received your letter last evening. We also received one from James. Lucinda, I have no idea now of exchanging a certainty for an uncertainty. I can write more, and am free. Should I come east, James’ happiness might suddenly change to complaining and fretting. I am thoroughly disgusted with this state of things, and do not mean to place myself where there is the least liability of its occurring. The more I think of the matter the more settled and determined I am, unless God gives me light, to remain where I am. I can never have an opportunity such as God has favored me with at the present. I must work as God should direct. I plead and entreat for light. If it is my duty to attend the camp meetings, I shall know it.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 1)
Mary is now secured. I may lose her if I should go east. Satan has hindered me for long years from doing my writing, and now I must not be drawn off. I can but dread the liability of James’ changeable moods, his strong feelings, his censures, his viewing me in the light he does, and has felt free to tell me his ideas of my being led by a wrong spirit, my restricting his liberty, et cetera. All this is not easy to jump over and place myself voluntarily in a position where he will stand in my way and I in his.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 2)
No, Lucinda, no camp meetings shall I attend this season. God in His providence has given us each our work, and we will do it separately, independently. He is happy; I am happy; but the happiness might be all changed should we meet, I fear. Your judgment I prize, but I must be left free to do my work. I cannot endure the thought of marring the work and cause of God by such depression as I have experienced all unnecessarily. My work is at Oakland. I shall not move east one step unless the Lord says “Go.” Then, without one murmur, I will cheerfully go, not before.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 3)
A great share of my life’s usefulness has been lost. If James had made retraction, it would be different. He has said we must not seek to control each other. I do not own to doing it, but he has, and much more. I never felt as I do now in this matter. I cannot have confidence in James’ judgment in reference to my duty. He seems to want to dictate to me as though I was a child—tells me not to go here, I must come east for fear of Sister Willis’s influence, or fearing that I should go to Petaluma, et cetera. I hope God has not left me to receive my duty through my husband. He will teach me if I trust in Him.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 4)
I am cheerful and happy. My nerves are getting calm. My sleep is sweet. My health is good. I hope I have not written anything wrong, but these are just my feelings, and no one but you knows anything about it. May the Lord help me to do and feel just right. If things had been different, I might feel [it was my] duty to go to camp meetings. As they are, I have no duty. God blesses me in doing my work. If I can get light in [a] dream or in any way, I will cheerfully follow the light. God lives and reigns. I shall answer to His claims, and seek to do His will.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 5)
In love.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 6)
To the Readers of Letters 64, 65, 66, 67, 1876 (Written May 10, 12, 16, 17, 1876)
[In 1973, a collection of approximately 2,000 letters, written between 1860 and 1889, was acquired by the Ellen G. White Estate. Originally addressed to Lucinda Hall, one of Ellen White’s closest friends, the letters were written by such well-known Adventists as James and Ellen White, Kellogg, Loughborough, Amadon, and Haskell. The story of how the collection came to the White Estate was told by Elder Arthur White in the The Review and Herald, August 16, 1973.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 7)
Among the collection were 48 previously unknown Ellen White letters. Most are the newsy-type letters that one friend would write to another. But Ellen considered Lucinda more than just a casual friend. On July 14, 1875, she wrote:
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 8)
“I wish I could see you, Lucinda.... How I have missed you on this journey. Not but that I have friends, but you are nearest and dearest, next to my own family, and I feel no differences than that you belonged to me and my blood flowed in your veins.”—Lt 48, 1875 Manuscript Releases, 781.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 9)
Because of her special closeness to Lucinda, Ellen White poured out her heart to her friend about some family matters in a series of four letters written between May 10 and 17, 1876. Considering the circumstances she was trying to cope with at the time, that was a very human thing for Ellen White to do. But only a day after writing the third letter, she had second thoughts about what she had done. In the last of the series, dated May 17, 1876, Ellen White began by saying:
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 10)
“I am sorry I wrote you the letters I have. Whatever may have been my feelings, I need not have troubled you with them. Burn all my letters, and I will relate no matters that perplex me to you.... I will not be guilty of uttering a word again, whatever may be the circumstances. Silence in all things of a disagreeable or perplexing character has ever been a blessing to me. When I have departed from this, I have regretted it so much.”—Lt 67, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 11)
But Lucinda did not destroy the letters as requested. Thus they came into the possession of the White Estate in 1973. The Estate, being uncertain as to how to deal with these four letters, laid them aside, and did not place them in the regular file. Since then, some have suggested that the White Estate should have burned the letters, in harmony with Ellen White’s original request. But others have felt that the letters should be preserved, for two reasons: (1) The situation confronting the White Estate is different from that which faced Lucinda Hall. Lucinda was the one who was asked to burn the letters. Since she did not, the White Estate Board must consider the request in the light of its own situation. Critics might accuse the Estate of destroying not merely these letters, but other correspondence and manuscripts; (2) The account of how Ellen White related to an extremely difficult time in her life could be of help to individuals facing similar circumstances today.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 12)
Because many are aware of the situation in the White family that Ellen White was wrestling with at the time, and with the hope that others facing similar circumstances today may find encouragement from them, the letters, with adequate background to help understand them, are herewith being made available.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 13)
The Setting of the Letters
Anyone who has dealt with stroke victims can identify with Ellen White when she wrote, “I have not lost my love for my husband, but I cannot explain things.”—Lt 67, 1876. A week earlier she had written, “I can but dread the liability of James’ changeable moods.”—Lt 64, 1876. The change in personality exhibited by James White in the years after 1865, during which he experienced several strokes, was very difficult for his wife and associates to understand.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 14)
Before his illness, James White was a dynamic and forceful leader. But after his strokes, he experienced serious personality changes. From time to time he seemed much like his former self, but often he was suspicious and demanding. Such was the situation Ellen White was facing at the time she wrote these four letters to Lucinda.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 15)
Never one to mince words, James White frequently expressed himself forcefully. In his autobiography he wrote about a man who had criticized him:
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 16)
“To see a coarse, hard-hearted man, possessing in his very nature but little more tenderness than a crocodile, and nearly as destitute of moral religious training as a hyena, shedding hypocritical tears for effect, is enough to stir the mirthfulness of the gravest saint.”—Life Incidents (1868), pp. 115, 116.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 17)
The force of James White’s personality was an invaluable asset during the formative years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With his wife’s visions constantly challenging him, Elder White started publications, built institutions, promoted church organization, and spiritually fed the flock. In addition, for 10 years he served as president of the General Conference. (His life story is told by Virgil Robinson in a biography entitled James White, published by the Review and Herald Publishing Association in 1976.)
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 18)
But when that strong personality, altered by a series of strokes, was turned on his family and associates—including his wife—Ellen found her strength and patience stretched nearly to their limits. If one reads only these four letters, he will certainly obtain a distorted picture of the relationship between James and Ellen White. One must keep in mind statements such as the following, written by James about Ellen:
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 19)
“Marriage marks an important era in the lives of men. ‘Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord,’ is the language of wisdom. Proverbs 18:22.... We were married August 30, 1846, and from that hour unto the present she has been my crown of rejoicing.”—Life Sketches of James and Ellen White (1880), pp. 125, 126.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 20)
Even in his illness, James realized at times that his actions were not in harmony with his good intentions. In 1879 he wrote his children:
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 21)
“I wish now to call your attention to a subject of graver importance. Probably, dear children, I may have erred in some sharp things I have written relative to the mistakes of younger heads. It is my nature to retaliate when pressed beyond measure. I wish I was a better man.”—James White to Willie and Mary, February 27, 1879.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 22)
We do not know all that happened after the fourth letter was written, but in less than 10 days Ellen was by her husband’s side at the Kansas camp meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 23)
On May 16, the same day on which the third of the four letters was written to Lucinda, Ellen wrote, in part, to her husband:
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 24)
“It grieves me that I have said or written anything to grieve you. Forgive me and I will be cautious not to start any subject to annoy and distress you.”—Lt 27, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 25)
Unfortunately, James never completely recovered from his illness. He had some good days, but these were intermixed with periods of depression. A comment made by the president of the General Conference two years after James White’s death indicates the charitable interpretation that his close associates placed on his illness-induced actions:
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 26)
“Our dear Brother White thought we were his enemies because we did not see things as he did. I have never laid up anything against that man of God, that noble pioneer who labored so hard for this cause. I attributed it all to disease and infirmity.”—Letter of G. I. Butler to J. N. Andrews, May 25, 1883.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 27)
This overview of the circumstances under which Ellen White wrote the four letters to Lucinda Hall (May 10-17, 1876) is brief, but we believe it provides a needed perspective for readers who examine the only letters that Ellen White requested to be burned.
(3LtMs, Lt 64, 1876, 28)
Ellen G. White Estate August 6, 1987.]
Lt 65, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California May 12, 1876 The letter is published in entirety in DG 268. Dear Sister Lucinda:
I wish you would write some news. Write often.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 1)
I have decided to remain here, and not attend any of the camp meetings. I dare not go east without an assurance that God would have me go. I am perfectly willing to go if the light shines that way. But the Lord knows what is best for me, for James, and the cause of God. My husband is now happy—blessed news. If he will only remain happy, I would be willing to ever remain from him. If my presence is detrimental to his happiness, God forbid I should be connected with him. I will do my work as God leads me. He may do his work as God leads him. We will not get in each other’s way. My heart is fixed, trusting in God. I shall wait for God to open my way before me.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 2)
I do not think my husband really desires my society. He would be glad for me to be present at the camp meetings, but he has such views of me, which he freely has expressed from time to time, that I do not feel happy in his society, and I never can till he views matters entirely differently. He charges a good share of his unhappiness upon me, when he has made it himself by his own lack of self-control. These things exist, and I cannot be in harmony with him till he views things differently. He has said too much for me to feel freedom with him in prayer or to unite with him in labor, therefore as time passes and he removes nothing out of my way, my duty is plain never to place myself where he will be tempted to act out his feelings and talk them out as he has done. I cannot, and will not, be crippled as I have been.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 3)
To the Readers of Letters 64, 65, 66, 67, 1876 (Written May 10, 12, 16, 17, 1876)
[In 1973, a collection of approximately 2,000 letters, written between 1860 and 1889, was acquired by the Ellen G. White Estate. Originally addressed to Lucinda Hall, one of Ellen White’s closest friends, the letters were written by such well-known Adventists as James and Ellen White, Kellogg, Loughborough, Amadon, and Haskell. The story of how the collection came to the White Estate was told by Elder Arthur White in the The Review and Herald, August 16, 1973.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 4)
Among the collection were 48 previously unknown Ellen White letters. Most are the newsy-type letters that one friend would write to another. But Ellen considered Lucinda more than just a casual friend. On July 14, 1875, she wrote:
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 5)
“I wish I could see you, Lucinda.... How I have missed you on this journey. Not but that I have friends, but you are nearest and dearest, next to my own family, and I feel no differences than that you belonged to me and my blood flowed in your veins.”—Lt 48, 1875 Manuscript Releases, 781.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 6)
Because of her special closeness to Lucinda, Ellen White poured out her heart to her friend about some family matters in a series of four letters written between May 10 and 17, 1876. Considering the circumstances she was trying to cope with at the time, that was a very human thing for Ellen White to do. But only a day after writing the third letter, she had second thoughts about what she had done. In the last of the series, dated May 17, 1876, Ellen White began by saying:
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 7)
“I am sorry I wrote you the letters I have. Whatever may have been my feelings, I need not have troubled you with them. Burn all my letters, and I will relate no matters that perplex me to you.... I will not be guilty of uttering a word again, whatever may be the circumstances. Silence in all things of a disagreeable or perplexing character has ever been a blessing to me. When I have departed from this, I have regretted it so much.”—Lt 67, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 8)
But Lucinda did not destroy the letters as requested. Thus they came into the possession of the White Estate in 1973. The Estate, being uncertain as to how to deal with these four letters, laid them aside, and did not place them in the regular file. Since then, some have suggested that the White Estate should have burned the letters, in harmony with Ellen White’s original request. But others have felt that the letters should be preserved, for two reasons: (1) The situation confronting the White Estate is different from that which faced Lucinda Hall. Lucinda was the one who was asked to burn the letters. Since she did not, the White Estate Board must consider the request in the light of its own situation. Critics might accuse the Estate of destroying not merely these letters, but other correspondence and manuscripts; (2) The account of how Ellen White related to an extremely difficult time in her life could be of help to individuals facing similar circumstances today.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 9)
Because many are aware of the situation in the White family that Ellen White was wrestling with at the time, and with the hope that others facing similar circumstances today may find encouragement from them, the letters, with adequate background to help understand them, are herewith being made available.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 10)
The Setting of the Letters
Anyone who has dealt with stroke victims can identify with Ellen White when she wrote, “I have not lost my love for my husband, but I cannot explain things.”—Lt 67, 1876. A week earlier she had written, “I can but dread the liability of James’ changeable moods.”—Lt 64, 1876. The change in personality exhibited by James White in the years after 1865, during which he experienced several strokes, was very difficult for his wife and associates to understand.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 11)
Before his illness, James White was a dynamic and forceful leader. But after his strokes, he experienced serious personality changes. From time to time he seemed much like his former self, but often he was suspicious and demanding. Such was the situation Ellen White was facing at the time she wrote these four letters to Lucinda.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 12)
Never one to mince words, James White frequently expressed himself forcefully. In his autobiography he wrote about a man who had criticized him:
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 13)
“To see a coarse, hard-hearted man, possessing in his very nature but little more tenderness than a crocodile, and nearly as destitute of moral religious training as a hyena, shedding hypocritical tears for effect, is enough to stir the mirthfulness of the gravest saint.”—Life Incidents (1868), pp. 115, 116.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 14)
The force of James White’s personality was an invaluable asset during the formative years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With his wife’s visions constantly challenging him, Elder White started publications, built institutions, promoted church organization, and spiritually fed the flock. In addition, for 10 years he served as president of the General Conference. (His life story is told by Virgil Robinson in a biography entitled James White, published by the Review and Herald Publishing Association in 1976.)
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 15)
But when that strong personality, altered by a series of strokes, was turned on his family and associates—including his wife—Ellen found her strength and patience stretched nearly to their limits. If one reads only these four letters, he will certainly obtain a distorted picture of the relationship between James and Ellen White. One must keep in mind statements such as the following, written by James about Ellen:
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 16)
“Marriage marks an important era in the lives of men. ‘Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord,’ is the language of wisdom. Proverbs 18:22.... We were married August 30, 1846, and from that hour unto the present she has been my crown of rejoicing.”—Life Sketches of James and Ellen White (1880), pp. 125, 126.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 17)
Even in his illness, James realized at times that his actions were not in harmony with his good intentions. In 1879 he wrote his children:
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 18)
“I wish now to call your attention to a subject of graver importance. Probably, dear children, I may have erred in some sharp things I have written relative to the mistakes of younger heads. It is my nature to retaliate when pressed beyond measure. I wish I was a better man.”—James White to Willie and Mary, February 27, 1879.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 19)
We do not know all that happened after the fourth letter was written, but in less than 10 days Ellen was by her husband’s side at the Kansas camp meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 20)
On May 16, the same day on which the third of the four letters was written to Lucinda, Ellen wrote, in part, to her husband:
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 21)
“It grieves me that I have said or written anything to grieve you. Forgive me and I will be cautious not to start any subject to annoy and distress you.”—Lt 27, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 22)
Unfortunately, James never completely recovered from his illness. He had some good days, but these were intermixed with periods of depression. A comment made by the president of the General Conference two years after James White’s death indicates the charitable interpretation that his close associates placed on his illness-induced actions:
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 23)
“Our dear Brother White thought we were his enemies because we did not see things as he did. I have never laid up anything against that man of God, that noble pioneer who labored so hard for this cause. I attributed it all to disease and infirmity.”—Letter of G. I. Butler to J. N. Andrews, May 25, 1883.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 24)
This overview of the circumstances under which Ellen White wrote the four letters to Lucinda Hall (May 10-17, 1876) is brief, but we believe it provides a needed perspective for readers who examine the only letters that Ellen White requested to be burned.
(3LtMs, Lt 65, 1876, 25)
Ellen G. White Estate August 6, 1987.]
Lt 66, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California May 16, 1876 The letter is published in entirety in DG 268-270. Dear Lucinda:
A letter received from my husband last night shows me that he is prepared to dictate to me and take positions more trying than ever before. I have decided to attend no camp meetings this season. I shall remain and write. My husband can labor alone best. I am sure I can.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 1)
He writes [that] Walling wants me to bring the children over the plains to attend the Centennial. But they have crossed the plains for the last time, to pay out fifty dollars. If he wants them, he can come and get them. [The following sentences were written in the margin of the first page of the letter: “This arrangement of Walling’s to have his family go to the Centennial, May does not like. She does not want to see Walling, and is opposed to going east. I shall not go east. I am decided. I get no light to go anywhere. EGW.”] I could send them by Brother Jones, but it would be to have them no more under my charge. I have too much care to prepare these children even for a journey. James did not express his mind in the matter. He takes exceptions to the sketches of life in Signs. Shall stop just here. He only mentions one thing, the putting in of [Israel] Dammon’s name. I think he would be satisfied if he had the entire control of me, soul and body, but this he cannot have. I sometimes think he is not really a sane man, but I don’t know. May God teach and lead and guide. His last letter has fully decided me to remain this side of the mountains.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 2)
He has in his letters to me written harshly in regard to Edson, and then told me that he did not write to call me out. He did not want me to make any references to Edson. I wrote thus—I give you the words, for he has returned the letter: “Will you, please, if you are happy, to be thankful and not agitate disagreeable matters which you feel called upon to write me, to make no reference to them. Please take the same cautions yourself. When you wish to make these statements in reference to your own son, please lay down your pen and stop just there. I think God would be better pleased, and it would do no harm to your own soul. Leave me to be guided by the Lord in reference to Edson, for I still trust in His guiding hand and have confidence He will lead me. The same guiding hand is my trust.”
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 3)
He has felt called upon to press upon me the danger of being drawn in by Edson and deceived by him. He has felt called upon to write in regard to my danger of being deceived by Sister Willis, in regard to my being called to Petaluma, et cetera. I hope [that] when my husband left he did not take God with him and leave us to walk by the light of our own eyes and the wisdom of our own hearts.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 4)
In his last [letter] he repeats [that] he does not want me to make any references to what he writes till “You see things differently. And be assured of this, that none of these things sink me down a hair. I shall be happy to meet you and Mary at the Kansas camp meeting provided that, with the exception of a direct revelation from God, you put me on a level with yourself. I will gladly come to that position and labor with you, but while entrusted with the supervision of the whole work I think it wrong to be second to the private opinions of anyone. The moment I come to this I can be turned by the will of others’ infallibility. When I cannot take this position I can gracefully cast off responsibilities. I shall have no more controversies with my dear wife. She may call it a ‘mouse or a bat’ and have her own way. If she doesn’t like my position in reference to Edson or other matters, will she please [keep] her opinion to herself and let me enjoy mine? Your remarks called me out. And now that you cannot endure my speaking as plainly as you do, I have done.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 5)
“As to your coming to Kansas, I am not the least anxious. Judging from what I can gather from that last page, I think we can better labor apart than together until you can lay down your continual efforts to hold me in condemnation. When you have a message from the Lord for me, I hope I shall be where I shall tremble at His word. But aside from that, you must let me be an equal, or we had better work alone.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 6)
“Don’t be anxious about my dwelling on disagreeables any more. I have them in my heart. But while on the stage of action I shall use the good old head God gave me until He reveals that I am wrong. Your head won’t fit my shoulders. Keep it where it belongs, and I will try to honor God in using my own. I shall be glad to hear from you, but don’t waste your precious time and strength lecturing me on matters of mere opinions.”
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 7)
There is considerable more of the same kind.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 8)
Now, Lucinda, my course is clear. I shall not cross the plains this summer. I would be glad to bear my testimony in the meetings, but this cannot be without worse results than we could gain.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 9)
Will you not write me something in reference to these things? Why do you keep so silent? How is James’ health? I had a dream that troubled me in reference to James.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 10)
What is your mind in reference to the children?
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 11)
In haste.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 12)
To the Readers of Letters 64, 65, 66, 67, 1876 (Written May 10, 12, 16, 17, 1876)
[In 1973, a collection of approximately 2,000 letters, written between 1860 and 1889, was acquired by the Ellen G. White Estate. Originally addressed to Lucinda Hall, one of Ellen White’s closest friends, the letters were written by such well-known Adventists as James and Ellen White, Kellogg, Loughborough, Amadon, and Haskell. The story of how the collection came to the White Estate was told by Elder Arthur White in the The Review and Herald, August 16, 1973.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 13)
Among the collection were 48 previously unknown Ellen White letters. Most are the newsy-type letters that one friend would write to another. But Ellen considered Lucinda more than just a casual friend. On July 14, 1875, she wrote:
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 14)
“I wish I could see you, Lucinda.... How I have missed you on this journey. Not but that I have friends, but you are nearest and dearest, next to my own family, and I feel no differences than that you belonged to me and my blood flowed in your veins.”—Lt 48, 1875 Manuscript Releases, 781.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 15)
Because of her special closeness to Lucinda, Ellen White poured out her heart to her friend about some family matters in a series of four letters written between May 10 and 17, 1876. Considering the circumstances she was trying to cope with at the time, that was a very human thing for Ellen White to do. But only a day after writing the third letter, she had second thoughts about what she had done. In the last of the series, dated May 17, 1876, Ellen White began by saying:
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 16)
“I am sorry I wrote you the letters I have. Whatever may have been my feelings, I need not have troubled you with them. Burn all my letters, and I will relate no matters that perplex me to you.... I will not be guilty of uttering a word again, whatever may be the circumstances. Silence in all things of a disagreeable or perplexing character has ever been a blessing to me. When I have departed from this, I have regretted it so much.”—Lt 67, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 17)
But Lucinda did not destroy the letters as requested. Thus they came into the possession of the White Estate in 1973. The Estate, being uncertain as to how to deal with these four letters, laid them aside, and did not place them in the regular file. Since then, some have suggested that the White Estate should have burned the letters, in harmony with Ellen White’s original request. But others have felt that the letters should be preserved, for two reasons: (1) The situation confronting the White Estate is different from that which faced Lucinda Hall. Lucinda was the one who was asked to burn the letters. Since she did not, the White Estate Board must consider the request in the light of its own situation. Critics might accuse the Estate of destroying not merely these letters, but other correspondence and manuscripts; (2) The account of how Ellen White related to an extremely difficult time in her life could be of help to individuals facing similar circumstances today.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 18)
Because many are aware of the situation in the White family that Ellen White was wrestling with at the time, and with the hope that others facing similar circumstances today may find encouragement from them, the letters, with adequate background to help understand them, are herewith being made available.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 19)
The Setting of the Letters
Anyone who has dealt with stroke victims can identify with Ellen White when she wrote, “I have not lost my love for my husband, but I cannot explain things.”—Lt 67, 1876. A week earlier she had written, “I can but dread the liability of James’ changeable moods.”—Lt 64, 1876. The change in personality exhibited by James White in the years after 1865, during which he experienced several strokes, was very difficult for his wife and associates to understand.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 20)
Before his illness, James White was a dynamic and forceful leader. But after his strokes, he experienced serious personality changes. From time to time he seemed much like his former self, but often he was suspicious and demanding. Such was the situation Ellen White was facing at the time she wrote these four letters to Lucinda.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 21)
Never one to mince words, James White frequently expressed himself forcefully. In his autobiography he wrote about a man who had criticized him:
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 22)
“To see a coarse, hard-hearted man, possessing in his very nature but little more tenderness than a crocodile, and nearly as destitute of moral religious training as a hyena, shedding hypocritical tears for effect, is enough to stir the mirthfulness of the gravest saint.”—Life Incidents (1868), pp. 115, 116.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 23)
The force of James White’s personality was an invaluable asset during the formative years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With his wife’s visions constantly challenging him, Elder White started publications, built institutions, promoted church organization, and spiritually fed the flock. In addition, for 10 years he served as president of the General Conference. (His life story is told by Virgil Robinson in a biography entitled James White, published by the Review and Herald Publishing Association in 1976.)
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 24)
But when that strong personality, altered by a series of strokes, was turned on his family and associates—including his wife—Ellen found her strength and patience stretched nearly to their limits. If one reads only these four letters, he will certainly obtain a distorted picture of the relationship between James and Ellen White. One must keep in mind statements such as the following, written by James about Ellen:
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 25)
“Marriage marks an important era in the lives of men. ‘Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord,’ is the language of wisdom. Proverbs 18:22.... We were married August 30, 1846, and from that hour unto the present she has been my crown of rejoicing.”—Life Sketches of James and Ellen White (1880), pp. 125, 126.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 26)
Even in his illness, James realized at times that his actions were not in harmony with his good intentions. In 1879 he wrote his children:
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 27)
“I wish now to call your attention to a subject of graver importance. Probably, dear children, I may have erred in some sharp things I have written relative to the mistakes of younger heads. It is my nature to retaliate when pressed beyond measure. I wish I was a better man.”—James White to Willie and Mary, February 27, 1879.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 28)
We do not know all that happened after the fourth letter was written, but in less than 10 days Ellen was by her husband’s side at the Kansas camp meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 29)
On May 16, the same day on which the third of the four letters was written to Lucinda, Ellen wrote, in part, to her husband:
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 30)
“It grieves me that I have said or written anything to grieve you. Forgive me and I will be cautious not to start any subject to annoy and distress you.”—Lt 27, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 31)
Unfortunately, James never completely recovered from his illness. He had some good days, but these were intermixed with periods of depression. A comment made by the president of the General Conference two years after James White’s death indicates the charitable interpretation that his close associates placed on his illness-induced actions:
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 32)
“Our dear Brother White thought we were his enemies because we did not see things as he did. I have never laid up anything against that man of God, that noble pioneer who labored so hard for this cause. I attributed it all to disease and infirmity.”—Letter of G. I. Butler to J. N. Andrews, May 25, 1883.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 33)
This overview of the circumstances under which Ellen White wrote the four letters to Lucinda Hall (May 10-17, 1876) is brief, but we believe it provides a needed perspective for readers who examine the only letters that Ellen White requested to be burned.
(3LtMs, Lt 66, 1876, 34)
Ellen G. White Estate August 6, 1987.]
Lt 67, 1876
Hall, Lucinda Oakland, California May 17, 1876 The letter is published in entirety in DG 271-272. Dear Sister Lucinda:
I am sorry I wrote you the letters I have. Whatever may have been my feelings, I need not have troubled you with them. Burn all my letters, and I will relate no matters that perplex me to you. The [Sin-bearer] is my refuge. He has invited me to come to Him for rest when weary and heavy laden. I will not be guilty of uttering a word again, whatever may be the circumstances. Silence in all things of a disagreeable or perplexing character has ever been a blessing to me. When I have departed from this, I have regretted it so much.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 1)
You knew when you left that there was no one I could speak with, however distressed I might be; but this is no excuse. I have written to James a letter of confession. You may read all letters that come from Oakland to him, and remail [them to him] where he is. I know not who to send letters in the care of at Kansas.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 2)
I received last night a letter from James expressing a very [different] tone of feelings. But I dare not cross the plains. It is better for us both to be separated. I have not lost my love for my husband, but I cannot explain things. I shall not attend any of the eastern camp meetings. I shall remain in California and write. The last letters have fully decided me. I regard it the light that I have asked for. I would have come to the Kansas meeting but felt forbidden to start. It is all right. The Lord knows what is best for us all.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 3)
I have no confidence that it was your duty to go east when you did. Had you remained, I might have accomplished much more. But I understand all the circumstances, and have not a word of censure to lay on you or my husband or anyone.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 4)
I am writing frequently twenty pages a day. I have dropped Sketches of Life, but [we] have got off two more forms [of] the testimony. One more form will complete it. Mary Clough is just the same; she works with interest and cheerfulness. Shew proves to be a precious help; I don’t know how we could keep house without him. He makes bread, just excellent pies, buns; and cooks vegetables. All that they have paid him as yet is two dollars each week, till last two weeks, two and [a] half. Shall pay three in two weeks more. Mary [is] teaching him to cook. He is neat; takes care of the whole house.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 5)
Where is Frankie Patten? Is she coming or not? Why do you not say something about these things?
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 6)
Love to all.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 7)
To the Readers of Letters 64, 65, 66, 67, 1876 (Written May 10, 12, 16, 17, 1876)
[In 1973, a collection of approximately 2,000 letters, written between 1860 and 1889, was acquired by the Ellen G. White Estate. Originally addressed to Lucinda Hall, one of Ellen White’s closest friends, the letters were written by such well-known Adventists as James and Ellen White, Kellogg, Loughborough, Amadon, and Haskell. The story of how the collection came to the White Estate was told by Elder Arthur White in the The Review and Herald, August 16, 1973.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 8)
Among the collection were 48 previously unknown Ellen White letters. Most are the newsy-type letters that one friend would write to another. But Ellen considered Lucinda more than just a casual friend. On July 14, 1875, she wrote:
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 9)
“I wish I could see you, Lucinda.... How I have missed you on this journey. Not but that I have friends, but you are nearest and dearest, next to my own family, and I feel no differences than that you belonged to me and my blood flowed in your veins.”—Lt 48, 1875 Manuscript Releases, 781.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 10)
Because of her special closeness to Lucinda, Ellen White poured out her heart to her friend about some family matters in a series of four letters written between May 10 and 17, 1876. Considering the circumstances she was trying to cope with at the time, that was a very human thing for Ellen White to do. But only a day after writing the third letter, she had second thoughts about what she had done. In the last of the series, dated May 17, 1876, Ellen White began by saying:
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 11)
“I am sorry I wrote you the letters I have. Whatever may have been my feelings, I need not have troubled you with them. Burn all my letters, and I will relate no matters that perplex me to you.... I will not be guilty of uttering a word again, whatever may be the circumstances. Silence in all things of a disagreeable or perplexing character has ever been a blessing to me. When I have departed from this, I have regretted it so much.”—Lt 67, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 12)
But Lucinda did not destroy the letters as requested. Thus they came into the possession of the White Estate in 1973. The Estate, being uncertain as to how to deal with these four letters, laid them aside, and did not place them in the regular file. Since then, some have suggested that the White Estate should have burned the letters, in harmony with Ellen White’s original request. But others have felt that the letters should be preserved, for two reasons: (1) The situation confronting the White Estate is different from that which faced Lucinda Hall. Lucinda was the one who was asked to burn the letters. Since she did not, the White Estate Board must consider the request in the light of its own situation. Critics might accuse the Estate of destroying not merely these letters, but other correspondence and manuscripts; (2) The account of how Ellen White related to an extremely difficult time in her life could be of help to individuals facing similar circumstances today.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 13)
Because many are aware of the situation in the White family that Ellen White was wrestling with at the time, and with the hope that others facing similar circumstances today may find encouragement from them, the letters, with adequate background to help understand them, are herewith being made available.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 14)
The Setting of the Letters
Anyone who has dealt with stroke victims can identify with Ellen White when she wrote, “I have not lost my love for my husband, but I cannot explain things.”—Lt 67, 1876. A week earlier she had written, “I can but dread the liability of James’ changeable moods.”—Lt 64, 1876. The change in personality exhibited by James White in the years after 1865, during which he experienced several strokes, was very difficult for his wife and associates to understand.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 15)
Before his illness, James White was a dynamic and forceful leader. But after his strokes, he experienced serious personality changes. From time to time he seemed much like his former self, but often he was suspicious and demanding. Such was the situation Ellen White was facing at the time she wrote these four letters to Lucinda.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 16)
Never one to mince words, James White frequently expressed himself forcefully. In his autobiography he wrote about a man who had criticized him:
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 17)
“To see a coarse, hard-hearted man, possessing in his very nature but little more tenderness than a crocodile, and nearly as destitute of moral religious training as a hyena, shedding hypocritical tears for effect, is enough to stir the mirthfulness of the gravest saint.”—Life Incidents (1868), pp. 115, 116.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 18)
The force of James White’s personality was an invaluable asset during the formative years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With his wife’s visions constantly challenging him, Elder White started publications, built institutions, promoted church organization, and spiritually fed the flock. In addition, for 10 years he served as president of the General Conference. (His life story is told by Virgil Robinson in a biography entitled James White, published by the Review and Herald Publishing Association in 1976.)
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 19)
But when that strong personality, altered by a series of strokes, was turned on his family and associates—including his wife—Ellen found her strength and patience stretched nearly to their limits. If one reads only these four letters, he will certainly obtain a distorted picture of the relationship between James and Ellen White. One must keep in mind statements such as the following, written by James about Ellen:
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 20)
“Marriage marks an important era in the lives of men. ‘Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord,’ is the language of wisdom. Proverbs 18:22.... We were married August 30, 1846, and from that hour unto the present she has been my crown of rejoicing.”—Life Sketches of James and Ellen White (1880), pp. 125, 126.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 21)
Even in his illness, James realized at times that his actions were not in harmony with his good intentions. In 1879 he wrote his children:
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 22)
“I wish now to call your attention to a subject of graver importance. Probably, dear children, I may have erred in some sharp things I have written relative to the mistakes of younger heads. It is my nature to retaliate when pressed beyond measure. I wish I was a better man.”—James White to Willie and Mary, February 27, 1879.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 23)
We do not know all that happened after the fourth letter was written, but in less than 10 days Ellen was by her husband’s side at the Kansas camp meeting.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 24)
On May 16, the same day on which the third of the four letters was written to Lucinda, Ellen wrote, in part, to her husband:
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 25)
“It grieves me that I have said or written anything to grieve you. Forgive me and I will be cautious not to start any subject to annoy and distress you.”—Lt 27, 1876.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 26)
Unfortunately, James never completely recovered from his illness. He had some good days, but these were intermixed with periods of depression. A comment made by the president of the General Conference two years after James White’s death indicates the charitable interpretation that his close associates placed on his illness-induced actions:
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 27)
“Our dear Brother White thought we were his enemies because we did not see things as he did. I have never laid up anything against that man of God, that noble pioneer who labored so hard for this cause. I attributed it all to disease and infirmity.”—Letter of G. I. Butler to J. N. Andrews, May 25, 1883.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 28)
This overview of the circumstances under which Ellen White wrote the four letters to Lucinda Hall (May 10-17, 1876) is brief, but we believe it provides a needed perspective for readers who examine the only letters that Ellen White requested to be burned.
(3LtMs, Lt 67, 1876, 29)