Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 11a, 1871

White, John

Medford, Minnesota

June 29, 1871

Previously unpublished.

Dear Father [John White]:

We feel bad to be away from you at this time of your great feebleness. Although we know that you have faithful attendants about you, still it is not as though they were your own children. We have thought at every tent meeting we would not go to the next, but would return to Battle Creek. But ministerial labor has been so scarce they could scarcely have any meetings unless they had our help. But if Father desires it we will come without further delay. We now intend after this meeting to make a call at Washington [Iowa] and then return to Battle Creek and remain with Father. 2LtMs, Lt 11a, 1871, par. 1

We hope, Father, you will be of good courage. Dear Father, the Lord is good and He will not leave you nor forsake you. If He requires us to be absent from you, He will commission His angels to be with you to comfort and guard you. My health is not good, and I have hoped to return home better in health than when I left Battle Creek. As yet I am no better. 2LtMs, Lt 11a, 1871, par. 2

I hope, Father, you will now lean upon your best and never-failing Friend. He has promised never to leave you nor forsake you. He will comfort you as no human power can. You have often experienced the consolation of His love and His gentle care, and now in your age and feebleness He invites you to repose in Him with that perfect trust a helpless child confides in its earthly friend. No great exercise of faith does He exact. It is simple trust and childlike confidence. Dear Father, be hopeful, be happy in God your Redeemer. 2LtMs, Lt 11a, 1871, par. 3

We feel a deep interest for you and pray for you often. You must not fear for the future that you will lack for care and attention in your helplessness. If there is force enough in Michigan you shall not be neglected, but have all the help and loving, tender care it is possible to give you. We do not feel indifferent to you because it seems to be a necessity to be thus absent from you. May God be to you a present help is our prayer. Your conflicts and fears and warfare are nearly ended; your sorrows and feebleness will soon be over. Be faithful and rely upon God a few days more and all will then be well we trust. 2LtMs, Lt 11a, 1871, par. 4

Your daughter. 2LtMs, Lt 11a, 1871, par. 5