Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 54, 1884

White, W. C.; White, Mary

Syracuse, New York

August 22, 1884

Previously unpublished.

Dear Willie and Mary:

I have just come from the stand from speaking to a large congregation of most interested listeners. I had freedom in speaking. Last night Elder [S. N.] Haskell left us. This morning at half past five I went into the morning meeting. Before there was a prayer offered, I invited those who had not a living connection with God to come forward, those who had backslidden from God and those who wished to become Christians, to separate themselves from the congregation and thus testify they were seeking the Lord. Nearly the entire congregation came forward, and what a change a few minutes made from stiffness and formality, coldness and hard-heartedness to deep feelings of penitence, confession, and contrition. There seemed to be heart work. We had another meeting of the same kind at nine o’clock. I labored considerably in these meetings, then went into a meeting or the meeting was held in our tent in the outer court. Two small tents are pitched side by side [near] the larger tent. This leaves a court or hall with [a] table for dining [and] for writing for the ministers. 4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, par. 1

They are trying to raise means to cancel the debts in the conference. It is slow work. I talked several times in this meeting, but everything comes by the hardest. My work is now done for today. I am tired. Yesterday [I] was in morning meeting and a meeting of certain ones assembled to raise means. I talked some but had a hard day; inflammation of the eye affected my whole nervous system. I just worked with it all day. It is better today, and I am so grateful that I could speak to the people this day as I have done. I seem to draw the people. It is the Lord. I will praise Him who is the light of my countenance and my God. I will, as soon as I can get time, give a little sketch of my journey and labors. I have been so full of labor and care and traveling [that] I cannot write much, but I mean to write you often, just a little if no more. I think they are indeed poorly provided for [in respect to] the real working element in this meeting. May the Lord work, is my prayer. There is certainly a break here now, and this afternoon God helped me. I know it, I know it! They need the testimony God has given me here as much as in any place I am acquainted with. 4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, par. 2

Monday night I shall go to Worcester, ride all night, reach there in the morning. I am harassed continually about that Volume Four. Do make haste with it and get it off. The people are so anxious for it. I feel deeply in regard to you all in Oakland. 4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, par. 3

Pray with all your might. Pray that God shall work. Just had chance to send this to office. Pray for us. 4LtMs, Lt 54, 1884, par. 4

Mother.