Lt 239a, 1905

White, J. E.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

September 22, 1905

Previously unpublished. +^Note

My dear son Edson,—

I have just read your letter, which was addressed to me at National City and forwarded to me from there. Before this you will have received the letter I sent you from National City, in which I spoke favorably of the plan for the Southern Publishing Company to sell the building in which they are now carrying on work, and buy your property in North Nashville, on which they could put up a building for their own use. From what the brethren connected with the publishing house write, it appears that this is the best thing that they could do. If by so doing, they can save the large expense which they say must be incurred while carrying on the work in the present place, and moreover, get into a better locality for their families, it certainly looks favorable. I do not think there is anything in the light given me about country locations that would forbid this move. Whatever is done should be done at the earliest convenience. A country location will be a good thing for the workers. 20LtMs, Lt 239a, 1905, par. 1

I think I told you this much in my former letter, which you will have received by this time. May the Lord guide you all is my prayer. 20LtMs, Lt 239a, 1905, par. 2

I have already considered what you say in regard to the church recently purchased and the easy access to the city from your North Nashville property. One night we were in a council meeting, and I was seeking to show that if the publishing house remains near the city, it will not seem as if we had forsaken Nashville. I said, Even if some very favorable location should be found farther off, the publishing house should not at present be at a distance from Nashville. If the board decides that it is best, I shall be pleased to see the publishing house buy your property. 20LtMs, Lt 239a, 1905, par. 3

I must close now, in order to get this letter into the mail. Will write again soon. I hope you will not perplex yourself, but will try to rest in peace. The Lord has not forsaken you. He will help you and bless you. Be of good courage in Him. Trust fully in Him. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Look to the Lord constantly, and walk humbly with Him. 20LtMs, Lt 239a, 1905, par. 4

When your business will permit, get away for a time from your old surroundings, and thus help your mind to get out of the old channels. In the night season I am sitting down with you and advising you to go out into a retired place where you can sit down and write your books. 20LtMs, Lt 239a, 1905, par. 5

I have just returned from Southern California. After the Los Angeles camp-meeting, I was taken sick with influenza; and during my stay at Loma Linda, I could not speak in our church at Redlands, as I had hoped to. From Loma Linda we went to San Diego, and while there I spoke several times. On Sabbath I spoke with the power of God upon me for more than an hour. God bless you. 20LtMs, Lt 239a, 1905, par. 6