Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

Letter to a Schoolgirl

We held quite a number of meetings in Dallas but could not remain long, as would appear best, on account of the promise to speak to the people in Denison. We left Dallas last Wednesday morning with two heavy wagons, loaded, two two-seated wagons called “hacks,” and our phaeton.... We had our large family tent and pitched it and for two nights occupied it. Fifteen composed our caravan: Elder Kilgore, and his brother Scott, Brother and Sister McDearman, their two children—Hattie and Joseph—their niece Nettie Cole, and grandson Homer Salisbury, Brother More and his son Willie, Brother and Sister (A. G.) Daniells, Sister Davis, Brother and Sister White.... 3MR 299.5

We arrived at home in Denison before Sabbath and were well arranged before sundown. 3MR 300.1

Now, Edith, we do not want you to leave Battle Creek.... Do not be the least bit discouraged. Lighten up on your studies and take things easier. Be of good courage and do not let anything trouble you. You must write me fully in regard to yourself and your purposes; but we will see you in the course of two weeks. We feel a deep interest that you should succeed in your plans in regard to education.... If it is the will of God for you to remain in Battle Creek, He will preserve you. And if it is best for you to take things more moderately, and build up physically as well as mentally, God will bless and make your efforts successful. 3MR 300.2

Now I beseech of you to cast all your care, my dear child, upon Him who careth for you. Do not be of a doubtful mind, but trust the dear Saviour fully, implicitly. He loves to have us trust Him and He will respond to the confidence we give Him.... 3MR 300.3

Dear Edith, may you, my dear child, have strength, fortitude and courage and perfect trust in God. Jesus lives. He will cheer, He will bless, He will give grace. Only trust Him. He loves you and He doth not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. He loves to see us cheerful, hopeful, and happy. 3MR 300.4

And now I will say farewell till we meet you. Do not leave Battle Creek till I shall see you.—Letter 45, 1879, pp. 1-3. (To “Dear Sister Edith Donaldson,” March 22, 1879.) 3MR 300.5