Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 13, 1879

White, W. C.; White, Mary

Denison, Texas

February 11, 1879

Previously unpublished.

Dear Children:

I sent my letter so hastily that I fear I have not written the very things I should have written. Elder Kilgore’s Robert and Scott are here packing books, talking, and this confuses me. 3LtMs, Lt 13, 1879, par. 1

I have just read your letter carefully. Willie Cornell read us his shorthand report. As soon as your letter reached us we telegraphed to you to come to Texas, and we expected you and were much disappointed that you did not come. We thought the matter of your going to California was all settled, but you look at matters right, I think, and so does Father. They have in all their letters to us expressed great desire for you to come to California. We have prayed that the Lord would direct. I believe He will guide you in judgment, for I have confidence that you are among those who are doing the will of God; and if you cling to the Lord with all your powers, He will cling to you. He will sustain you and will be to you a present help in every time of need. 3LtMs, Lt 13, 1879, par. 2

I do think, Willie, as matters now stand, that you should go to school. I should not leave for California, for you will have to go to Europe soon. I do think, Willie, that Elder Andrews has not had the very best temperament to labor in a new field. He looks at everything in such an intensified light that it fairly blinds him and the people. He is wearing himself out with too much friction. The influence of such a temperament is not the most happy and agreeable. Such a temperament would make a more telling impression upon the people of England for several reasons. One reason is, he can speak English, and not be liable to mistake in language. He will dare venture swinging out into the work without being crippled because of imperfection of language. Again, his highly strung organization cannot be appreciated in Switzerland as it would be in England. Had Elder Andrews devoted a portion of his time in Old England, he would have seen more fruits of his labor. The truth should be printed before long in England; and when the best place is selected in Switzerland and the people are prepared to co-operate with those who shall help them, the publishing house will be established there. But England should not be passed over, as it has been. It is a sad neglect. Missionaries should have felt the burden. God is displeased with this neglect to send the living preacher to England. 3LtMs, Lt 13, 1879, par. 3

Willie, God has not designed that you should be a jobman, here and there, doing this and that. You must cultivate your speaking talent and also your understanding of the Scriptures. You have talent in this direction. The experience you have been gaining is all an advantage, but there is a higher position for you: to speak the truth as well as to be a business agent. May the Lord guide you, my dear son, and impress your heart with the very work He would have you to do. I look upon you two as missionaries for God. I feel very closely united to you, my dear children, with stronger and higher ties than any earthly relationship. Do not aim low, but high. God will use those who are willing to bear burdens. Keep humble and lowly, and God will make your path plain before your face. 3LtMs, Lt 13, 1879, par. 4

Oh, there are so many whom God would have used to do His work who have been diverted—seduced by ambition, indolence, unbelief, or self-indulgence—from the higher walks of piety. Others are too timid to venture. They are not rebellious, and they have a strong desire to gain the conqueror’s crown; but they do not venture to lift the cross. These will fail where they might win. 3LtMs, Lt 13, 1879, par. 5

I know you will both do your duty if you know it. Events belong to God, and it is not best to have too great anxiety for anything beyond the doing of duty when you have a knowledge of it. You will become abler and more efficient by every encounter with difficulties and every blast of adversity—for these are God’s chosen instruments, His methods of discipline and His own appointed conditions of success and victory. Those who make careful provision for self-indulgence and to shun toils and trials will never be happy, never make a success in life. They wait for conditions which neither heaven nor earth will grant, and they will achieve no great results. They will never have strength or will or power of endurance. 3LtMs, Lt 13, 1879, par. 6

We need never inquire what Christ demands of us in return for His blood which He has shed, and for the mansions which He has prepared for us. We know that He will accept of nothing less than the entire heart. 3LtMs, Lt 13, 1879, par. 7