Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 4, 1872

Ball, Brother

Battle Creek, Michigan

April 11, 1872

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother Ball:

Last evening your letter was brought to me from the office. I have sketched it through once and will now attempt to answer your letter. You ask if I did not know at the camp meeting, while pledging your word, how you would be situated and how your time would be employed. 2LtMs, Lt 4, 1872, par. 1

I answer, I did not. If we are both in usual health, we can so work in our time as to make it tell, but if one or both of us are worn and sick, we can do but very little. I have watched over my husband night and day for many weeks. I have not had a night’s rest. He has not been able to exercise his brain in the least perplexing matters for some months. He has been threatened with palsy, and we have spent many hours in humiliation and prayer before God. We have had the most sweet and precious evidences of the loving kindness and tender care of our heavenly Father. My husband has been threatened with paralysis of his right arm and limb. He has been a great sufferer. When I wrote you the last letter, it was with trembling nerves and throbbing brain from weariness and anxiety. 2LtMs, Lt 4, 1872, par. 2

We now realize some relief. We followed the directions laid down in James five, called a few of the brethren, anointed my husband with oil and prayed over him. We had sweet victory and the Lord has, by His power, caused healthy action again to take place in his system. His stomach is strengthened to bear very simple food, and we hope for entire recovery by the blessing of God and a period of rest. 2LtMs, Lt 4, 1872, par. 3

I did not anticipate, when I made you the promise at the camp meeting, that every month after my return to Battle Creek more than two weeks of each month I would, in consequence of hemorrhage, be unable to write a line. Then the Reformer has had to be neglected and my articles for two Reformers selected from How to Live. Many things I might mention but will not. My twin sister’s letters requesting immediate answer were received New Year’s Eve, but I have not written her a word. In Maine is another sister, whose husband is just alive with consumption and she about helpless; yet, although I have the deepest interest, I have not written a word to them. 2LtMs, Lt 4, 1872, par. 4

This is what I expect, that anything I may say would be treated as you have treated this excuse. You are on the wrong track. Could I see you face to face I could explain matters to you. The statements you have sent me I would say decidedly are false. You may be deceived by these statements, but I will say I had no visions at Messer’s or Morse’s. When away alone in prayer to God His blessing came upon me and I was shown some things. But again I say I had no vision at either of these places. I fear not to meet the parties face to face. 2LtMs, Lt 4, 1872, par. 5