Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 53, 1892

White, J. E.

Preston, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

July 26, 1892

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Edson:

I know you must be in trial, perhaps perplexed and discouraged. But while I feel my heart drawn out to help and cheer you, I have not wisdom to know, unless God shall give it me, what words to trace with my pen to you. I pray for you, knowing that there is One who can help you. There is One who loves you better than I can. Jesus paid the price for your soul with His own most precious blood. You will not find peace or rest until you surrender all to God fully. Then you will heed the counsel, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” Isaiah 50:10, 11. 7LtMs, Lt 53, 1892, par. 1

Edson, I shall plead with you to seek the Lord most earnestly. What will this life be to us if we lose the life which is to come? I know that you are in danger, and the Lord loves you and He wants to save you, but He cannot do this without the consent of your will. Just as long as you withhold yourself from Him, He cannot help you. He calls for you, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] Not a mere nominal coming, but come with heart and soul, just as you are, fully decided. The only way for you is to renounce self, give up your ways, and take what? “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” [Verse 29.] Make no terms with God, but take His yoke, lift His burdens, place every ability on the Lord’s side. Die to self, and let your life be hid with Christ in God. 7LtMs, Lt 53, 1892, par. 2

We may be one with Christ as Christ is one with the Father. Jesus came from the Father to bring man across the gulf which sin had created between God and man, that He might place us within the dominion of mercy and open the way that we might reach the tree of life. He joined Himself to our nature to show us that God would have us be in closest union with Himself. As we cannot be happy without Him, neither can His love be satisfied without us. 7LtMs, Lt 53, 1892, par. 3

He wants you, Edson, although you have disappointed Him. He is bent on reclaiming you, that we shall be an unbroken family in heaven. You have grieved the Spirit of God. Your influence has not been on the Lord’s side. You have been backsliding a long time and have not made straight paths for your feet. Sin lieth at your door in this. But the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save; His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. When you call upon Him, when you seek Him with your whole heart, He will be found of you. Oh, that the Lord would so impress your heart that you may discern all things clearly! 7LtMs, Lt 53, 1892, par. 4

But I will not weary you with long letters. But do heed the counsel of Jesus. Open the door of your heart to Jesus. 7LtMs, Lt 53, 1892, par. 5

Mother.