Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 138a, 1893

Rasmussen, Annie

Napier, New Zealand

October 2, 1893

Previously unpublished.

Dear Sister Annie Rasmussen:

I received your letter and was glad to hear from you—very glad indeed. I am very grateful to our heavenly Father for His great love wherewith He hath loved us. I am sorry you have been ill. I hope that you are recovered. I wish to say I sympathize with you. I wish I could see you and say some things to you. 8LtMs, Lt 138a, 1893, par. 1

I write this to you for your own private self. I do not think, if Sister Haskell should appear worse or failing, that the particulars should be communicated to Elder Haskell while he is at so great a distance. If she should die and be buried, it would not be essential for him to be present. He has faithfully performed his duty to his wife, and if the Lord has given him work in a distant part of our world, any news of her being worse would only harass him and create in him feelings that he must return at once, and he could not reach the place before it was too late. He might leave an important interest and much be at stake. The cause might be imperiled. 8LtMs, Lt 138a, 1893, par. 2

Now, between you and me and Sister Ings, manage this matter so he shall be relieved of the burden if possible. Keep the news of the varying symptoms from Elder Haskell. When he went on the tour the last time, some from Lancaster, Massachusetts, felt a very great zeal to write every change—they supposed she was not going to live. I think they telegraphed to him while he was in a most distant country, and he telegraphed back; and thus telegrams were traversing sea and land at large, very large, expense, which brought only distress and anxiety to Elder Haskell and not a grain of relief to anyone. I thought those people ought to have a little more wisdom from God and use at least common sense in such matters, under such circumstances. I want not that this matter should be repeated, for there is not heavenly wisdom in it. 8LtMs, Lt 138a, 1893, par. 3

If Sister Haskell dies when he is away, let her be buried in good order. But do not start an alarm clear the other side of the globe when it throws upon the receiver of the news a most perplexing burden that he knows not how to manage. I am only giving you, my sister, words of caution. Communicate the same instruction to those who are caring for Sister Haskell. 8LtMs, Lt 138a, 1893, par. 4

I am so glad you have been so long sustained in bearing the burden you have had to bear. The Lord comfort and strengthen and uphold you by the right hand of His power. Oh, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our griefs and woes to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” The warfare is almost over. Be faithful to the end, and you will receive a crown of life. We will trust in Jesus every moment. We will exercise living faith in His rich promises. It is not the promise we will worship, but He who is behind the promise. He will work for us, and it is God that is true which makes the promise of any value. 8LtMs, Lt 138a, 1893, par. 5

I am unable to write you more now, but keep of good courage—the faithful watch will soon be over, the worn-out body will soon be at rest. The Lord knows all your cares and burdens for the poor soul. Keep looking unto Jesus and He will give you grace according to your day. If Sister Haskell is rational, tell her to trust in Jesus, to look unto Jesus and leave herself in His hands and rest in Him. In much love, 8LtMs, Lt 138a, 1893, par. 6

Your sister. 8LtMs, Lt 138a, 1893, par. 7