Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 41, 1874

White, J. S.

Battle Creek, Michigan

July 11, 1874

This letter is published in entirety in 19MR 366-369.

Dear Husband:

I have attended meeting all day today. We had a good meeting. We have felt like urging the brethren and sisters to take hold more earnestly in the cause of God and make earnest and persevering efforts to obtain the blessing of God. I would be glad to see you. I hear nothing from you except a few lines on postal cards. I try to send off a letter each day. I hope you receive them all. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 1

My health is very good for me, except colds. The weather changed suddenly from intense heat to cool, and my throat troubles me. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 2

I hope you are well. God wants you to live and be a blessing to His people. I want you to live, and my prayer is daily going up to God for you that you may be blessed with health and with courage. God will strengthen you to fill your place in the cause and work of God if you will commit yourself and all your cares to Him. God has given you great and precious light for His people and He designs that light shall shine forth to them. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 3

Peavey and Peasley are figuring for me to speak upon temperance in the park. They think no house will be large enough to convene the crowd. They say it shall be fitted up at their own expense. I shall accept of their invitation. They say they will make it one of the greatest meetings they can. Our brethren will have an organ and prepare the singing to go off the best. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 4

I am now suffering some with my lungs on account of cold. I took an electrical bath last night and slept at the institute. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 5

You stand in high repute here among all of any consequence. Nothing would give them greater joy than to see you. They would be very glad to meet you at the camp meeting, and I wish you could be here and attend the eastern camp meetings. If your mind would take a cheerful turn and not linger over the disagreeables, and gather darkness and discouragement to yourself to be reflected upon others, you could do much good. But to endanger health and life, by gathering troubles to yourself because others are wrong, will only make you miserable and the same misery will be reflected upon others. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 6

With your experience and your knowledge and quick foresight you may be a very great help to the cause of God. I want you to live till the work closes up. I want you to be a polished instrument in the hands of God to accomplish much good and yourself see the dear Redeemer coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 7

Uriah and Harriet are your warm and firm friends. There is nothing standing between you, not a thing. Brethren Lindsay and Gaskill do not seem to be just free. They seem rather perplexed and disheartened, but they have unbounded confidence in you. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 8

Willie and I will go this week, I think, to visit Brother Littlejohn. I wish you were here to go with us. I am seeking for a thorough fitness for the work, that I may act my part in the cause of God with acceptance to Him. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 9

I received your card from Bloomfield. Was glad that you were going on that journey for recreation. I hope you will do more of this than you have done. I feel a great desire to see you and to mingle my prayers with yours. The Lord is good! Praise His holy name! I have felt great comfort and assurance in prayer this morning. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 10

I was suffering with cold, sick at the stomach. I arose at about three o’clock and dressed and then prayed. I felt that the Lord indeed drew me near to Himself and my spirit was lightened. I prize these tokens of His love more than language can express. I felt a sweet assurance while praying for you. I believe God hears my prayer and will send His help, His strength, and His joy to your heart. Only look up. Don’t look at the dark and boisterous waves but look up in faith and confidence and hope. Our heavenly Father is acquainted with every purpose of the soul. He will not leave you in darkness. He will give you the light of His divine presence. Let us pray each day in faith, not only for health, but to be imbued with the Spirit of God that we may do the work committed to our trust to His acceptance. This is what I live for. I have no other ambition. I feel my heart go out in great love and tenderness to you. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 11

Have no fears that I will give another [person] preference in my mind to yourself. That is simply impossible. Think not I think others’ minds superior to yours. I know better. I have the highest estimate of your ability, and with the power of God to work with your efforts you can do a great and efficient work. God can mend the broken and worn machinery and make it of essential use to do His work still. Only believe, only be cheerful, only be of good courage. Let the disagreeables go. Turn from these things which cause sadness and which dishearten you. I will ever be true to you, and I want you to have no suspicion or distrust of me that I would say or do the least thing to hurt you or lessen the confidence of your brethren in you. Never, never will I do this. I will sustain and help you all I can. 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 12

In love, 2LtMs, Lt 41, 1874, par. 13

Your Ellen.