Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 75, 1892

White, W. C.

Adelaide, South Australia

October 13, 1892

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Willie:

Elder Tenney arrived here Tuesday morning. Elder Daniells met him at the cars and brought him directly to our rented cottage. We were glad to welcome him. His stay was short. We could not go into the mountains. We had a smart shower the morning he arrived. He visited some families in the afternoon and spoke Tuesday evening. He visited the Cyclorama with Emily and May. While visiting the Cyclorama, Elder Daniells drove over to North Adelaide. It is a very pretty place and a healthy location. The more I see of Adelaide, the more pleased I am with it. I was never more pleased with the location and the surroundings. I have been waiting for the terrible heat, but it is yet to come. Yesterday was pleasant, and I was glad, because it seemed so much more cheerful for Elder Tenney. In the morning he requested a special season of prayer in his behalf. We had a very blessed, melting season in prayer. We know the presence of the Lord was with us. 7LtMs, Lt 75, 1892, par. 1

Emily and I rode down to the depot and then parted with Brother Tenney. I fully believe that the presence of the Lord will go before him. We felt to pray most earnestly for our brother, that his perception might be enlarged to take in the important matters that would be necessary in the countries through which he would pass, that he could communicate to the conference all possible knowledge essential for them to act upon in reference to the mission work to be set in operation in these fields as soon as possible. 7LtMs, Lt 75, 1892, par. 2

I was pleased to receive your letter, and will promptly respond. I received two letters from Fannie and a few lines from Marian. I hope they will receive all the advantages possible from the school. I hope the mind and heart will take in treasures of knowledge and grace and the words of Christ will be acted upon, “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” John 12:35. 7LtMs, Lt 75, 1892, par. 3

I think it to be a dangerous thing to the soul to have the light of heaven flashing all about us and not open the mind and heart to receive and be personally benefited therewith. All those who handle sacred things should let every lesson from God be planted as seed in good soil that will produce fruit unto eternal life. Every ray of light from heaven is of inestimable value, to be carefully treasured as jewels of gold and to be personally acted upon. If we handle sacred things and do not feel that it is our privilege to be benefited with the same and improve the light given to the perfecting of Christian character, then every sentence we read, every flash of light from heaven given, [but] kept in the outer court, will just as surely harden the heart and be to our condemnation, proportionate to its importance. Oh that the melting love of Jesus would burn all dross out of our souls and make us meet for the inheritance of light. 7LtMs, Lt 75, 1892, par. 4

Today we designed to ride out to the hills, but this morning it was cold and dark and cloudy and has been raining. We want the sunshine to dry up the ground before we shall go to the hills. Elder Tenney tells me the mail will be in today, Thursday, to North Fitzroy. Open any letters you please that arrive for me, and read them, then send them on afterward without delay. Last night Elder Daniells was out in one of the suburbs and gave a Bible reading with a few gathered in social meeting. 7LtMs, Lt 75, 1892, par. 5

Mother.