Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 11, 1873

White, J. E.

Black Hawk, Colorado

August 9, 1873

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Edson:

Your letter to us was read by your father, mother, and Willie alone. I wrote you a letter directed to Detroit. Did you receive it? Probably it was remailed to you and ere this you may have it. 2LtMs, Lt 11, 1873, par. 1

The way Dr. Kellogg has managed has brought great trial upon your father. He has not been as well since he received those letters from Battle Creek telling of difficulties and troubles there. After reading a letter from Dr. Kellogg last night, and yours, he went to bed but could not sleep. He arose, and although it was damp and cold, he walked the streets until midnight. 2LtMs, Lt 11, 1873, par. 2

In regard to yourself, Edson, your father has done more than he ever gave you encouragement that he would do in freeing you from debt and in paying all your expenses at Trall’s. Now, Edson, your father is not in a condition of health to bear responsibilities, and I am not willing he should take any responsibility in your case or any further responsibility in Dr. Kellogg’s case. Satan has so much control over minds. We cannot tell what to depend on. Should your father place you in any responsible position in the office and set the sum you were to receive, then there would be those ready to be tempted that your father was selfish, giving you more than you earned, or something would arise to bring responsibility and burdens upon him. 2LtMs, Lt 11, 1873, par. 3

I am so sorry that your father placed so much confidence in Brother [Merritt] Kellogg. He was his true friend and did as much for him, to encourage and give him influence, as he has ever done for anyone. Then Dr. Kellogg, with the experience of his gray hairs, permits his mind to be controlled by the enemy, becomes jealous of your father and reports that he is a monomaniac on money matters. Thus the very ones he helps the most are the ones who cause him the most severe trials. Satan may yet succeed in his purpose of killing your father through his brethren to whom he has been the best friend. 2LtMs, Lt 11, 1873, par. 4

I will not now consent for your father to bear any responsibility in your case. Help and talent are needed in the Review office. If you take a right course, you will build up a reputation. But you must, Edson, for the future stand upon your own merits. You can gain the confidence of the Trustees and of those who labor in the office if you are willing to be counseled and led. There is help needed on the Instructor, the Reformer, and the Review. You can, if you are right with God, have a position that is of importance in aiding in the great work. You can show by your labor what you can do, and prove yourself in the office and prove what wages you can earn. 2LtMs, Lt 11, 1873, par. 5

We are here at a distance to be free from care. We are not where we can judge properly of your work or what you can earn. There are those at the office who should be impartial judges. Your father will not stand in your way from your being appointed to any position the Trustees think you capable of filling. They must take this responsibility themselves and your father be left entirely out of the question. 2LtMs, Lt 11, 1873, par. 6

Your mind is generally open to suggestions of the enemy in regard to your father’s course toward you. You may when tempted complain of any course that he may pursue. He is now away out in Colorado, purposely to get rid of all these jealousies and complaints which have nearly cost him his life, and I utterly refuse to have him take the responsibility of anyone’s case at present. He is here for the recovery of his health. He must be free. You are at liberty to pursue any course you and the Trustees think proper you should. You must henceforward stand upon your own merits. [Remainder missing.] 2LtMs, Lt 11, 1873, par. 7