Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 24, 1874

White, W. C.; White, J. E. [?]

Santa Rosa, California

May 5, 1874

Portions of this letter are published in UL 139.

Dear Children:

My heart is drawn out after you today. Although I have written you a letter so recently, I cannot get you out of my mind. What a comfort it would be to me could I be with my children as are other mothers. If we could speak with each other without using the pen, how much more gratifying. I am perhaps too anxious in regard to you. The responsibility of parents over their children never ceases. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 1

The Rocky Mountains separate us from you in one sense, and then in another we are drawn nigh to you by the thought that we are one family, with one Father in heaven, whose ears are open to hear your prayers and whose ears also hear ours. Thus through Jesus Christ we are brought together in worship. I love you, my son, but the Saviour who died for you loves as even a mother cannot. A mother may forget her child, but Jesus never. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 2

You may often have trials, but learn the lesson of forbearance and self-control. Let not the course anyone may take provoke you. If they would injure you, the best course for you is not to feel too strongly over the matter, but to pass on, doing your work with thoroughness and fidelity, and with the favor of God you will be happy. Do not permit yourself to be discouraged. Do not permit yourself to be provoked, but let intelligent reason control your actions. Inquire what good would it do to be impatient. It would only gratify the enemy and confirm the opinion of those who would think evil of you. You may, by an even course of conduct, prove the words of evil-minded persons untrue. Do not enter into self-defense, but pass along doing your duty with perseverance. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 3

God help you, my son, to make sure work for eternity. This is your work. No one can do this work for you. Trust wholly in God. Our heavenly Father is mindful of your infirmities. I am thankful that He is acquainted with all our weaknesses and with all our temptations. He knows how to pity us and how to strengthen us if we will flee to Him, the Stronghold, for help. Do not, when your faith is tested, become reckless. Just wait and calmly submit your judgment and your will and your way and be willing to be led. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 4

There is no other way to be saved but that devised by our Redeemer, and of which He has given us a practical illustration in His own life of self-denial and self-sacrifice. You know He submitted to insult, to scorn and mockery, without retaliation. When He was reviled, He reviled not again. “I came not,” says Christ, “to do mine own will, but the will of him who sent me.” [John 6:38.] We must have the mind of Christ. We must walk in His footsteps. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 5

Those who have lived for others’ good and have had an eye single to the glory of God will win eternal life. Those who will not make exertion, but drift with the current, live for self. They will never hear the “Well done” [Matthew 25:21] spoken to them. We have something to do for the salvation of others. Precious souls are to be saved and we have a work to do to win them to Christ. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 6

Remember that hardships and trials are a part of the Christian legacy. Christ, the Majesty of heaven, came to our world to show us how to bear the world’s rebuffs without fainting or without retaliation. Every trial borne wisely will be a blessing to those who have them. They will lift up, but not cast down. Those who are continually seeking to shirk the hard and stony places but are seeking an easier path, a pleasanter way, will ever meet with disappointment and adversity. But if they brace the soul for trial and for duty, march forward bravely in God, they will find the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice will lead to honor and heavenly riches in the future, immortal life. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 7

You will, my son, I am assured, always preserve the strictest integrity. Be true to yourself and to God. Allow nothing to swerve you from right and from duty. You have ability, but it all belongs to God, whose servant you are. Apply your powers rightly and you will increase in knowledge and heavenly wisdom. We may want you to come to this coast. If you are wholly consecrated to God you can be a laborer for Him. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 8

I lay you, my son, at the feet of Jesus. O that He would gather you in His strong arms! I do feel that His everlasting arms are beneath you. Pray much and exercise living faith and you will surely sing the song of victory. 2LtMs, Lt 24, 1874, par. 9

Mother.