Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 64, 1890

Jones, E. R.

Battle Creek, Michigan

July 4, 1890

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother E. R. Jones:

I have been trying to feel well enough to write you some things to go with this article which was written in St. Helena, but I have not been feeling well and have hoped to feel better. But I dared not wait any longer. I want you to read this, then send it back to me, for I wish to retain a copy after I put it in [a] copy book. Will send to you again. 6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 1

I have been hoping to hear from you. I know that you can be a worker in the Lord’s vineyard if you will not seek to be original and use so exaggerated language. You have been in danger, always, of coloring things. You relate a commonplace incident and use such strong, exaggerated language about small things that this trait has been cultivated by you, rather than repressed. I have had your case vividly presented before me, as in danger. If you will keep closely, now, to the lessons of Christ, you are safe and the flock of God will not be misled. 6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 2

I feel deeply in your case, for I greatly desire that you shall be a calm, levelheaded thinker, but there has been, and still is, danger of your becoming unbalanced in mind and having perverted ideas and following your imaginings. You have a very vivid imagination and it runs at times without a balance wheel. 6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 3

Now, if you labor any in Colorado, be careful what you say. Give the people the Bread of Life, the Word of God in its simplicity. Repeat with your whole heart the message God has given you. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation.” John 5:24. We have a message of peace, of love and mercy from the Prince of peace. 6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 4

Brother Jones, I beg of you feed the flock of God with pure truth. Do not mix in errors, but the truth—plain, simple, easy to be understood. Educate your tongue to bind about your words; make no extravagant expressions, not one word of exaggeration, for it is this that is killing your influence. Your mind is so constituted that you view everything in an extreme light and you need the help of Jesus to overcome this habit. I believe your heart is in the work and that the Lord will not leave you nor forsake you. 6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 5

Will you please to write us. We want to hear how you are getting along. Much love to yourself and wife. 6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 6

The children are well and happy. They seem to enjoy themselves. Mary makes an excellent hand to care for the children. All are with us at the present time. 6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 7