Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 202, 1897

White, W. C.

Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

December 2, 1897

Previously unpublished.

Willie:

I wrote in a great hurry yesterday afternoon and yet I was treating on important matters. You know we are all very anxious to get the last message of mercy before the world as fast and far as possible. Now the work has begun in Sydney. Thirty-five are keeping the Sabbath. At the mission home there is a morning prayer at five o’clock in the roomy parlor. Elder Haskell then gives a Bible reading and asks questions to instruct the workers. Then Sister Haskell gives them lessons for one hour. Sister Robinson was very much down, but our going there when we did and talking courage and faith brought her up out of her despondency. She thinks she will never be unbelieving again. These tender souls need gentle dealing, and they have it. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 1

After breakfast there is a going out into the work and no one is left in the house but Brother Haskell. Everyone is at his line of work. Elder Starr says he cannot be grateful enough for this privilege of being united now with the Lord’s honored servant, Elder Haskell. He says he is a rich treasure house of truth. He says he has never had such a privilege before in his life, where he can learn so much. He appreciates this highly. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 2

Elder Wilson has joined the workers in Sydney. He can, we believe, safely do this, but you can see how difficult it would be to follow out your suggestions. If he could have one year’s release from all preaching, it would be much better for him. After careful consideration of the case, he decided that the work in Tasmania in summer would be safe, but we dared not venture it. Queensland is not a very encouraging field to a strong man, but take a man whose throat and vital organs have been hard used, and he has come very near losing his life, and that man should not be placed alone to bear responsibilities in any part of the field. Especially would it be unwise to send him to a new field where he would feel himself embarrassed if he could not preach to them. They want a man who can do full work, and to send him to any field alone, at the present time, would be unwise. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 3

We ventured to advise him to unite with them in Sydney and he could visit and give Bible instruction. He could be a great help in their Sabbath school, and this part of the work is essential. To have the Sabbath school conducted just as it ought to be is of highest importance. It is essential that every stroke now made be correct and educating. Elder Wilson and his wife will be just the kind of laborers essential to bind off the work, that it shall not ravel out. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 4

I suppose I am responsible largely for his being in Sydney, and, if it is necessary, I will be responsible for all above the sum the New South Wales Conference has seen fit to appoint him. If he does the work, which I sincerely hope he can do without injury to himself, he should have the same sum for his labor he has had, or that other laborers have. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 5

I look now upon the work being done in Sydney as just the kind of work that should be done in Melbourne, after the camp meeting closes. It is not wise when there are indications that the Lord is moving upon hearts to allow the interest to diminish in the least. The Lord is at work in Sydney, and just as long as the interest holds good, there should not be a breaking up of meetings, although the camp meeting is at an end. If the people will come to the tent, the meetings should not be cut off, for there are many souls who might hear, and the seed sown spring up and bear fruit. Sometimes it has been the case that they heard only one discourse and they carried the impression with them into other localities and countries. They may have an opportunity to hear in that country again, and the truth finds a lodgment in the heart, and they are converted. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 6

There has been too much preaching the truth and not blending with it the work essential of teaching the truth by personal efforts. The idea has to a large extent entered into the minds of our ministers that they can create that which only cometh down from heaven. A Paul may plant, Apollos water, but God giveth the increase. A variety of gifts are to be brought into exercise. This is the plan of God, and if these gifts are brought into the work, looking unto Jesus, exercising faith in His promises that are full of light and truth and hope, the Lord Jesus gives the increase. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 7

The Holy Spirit will work with consecrated men, and they are not reproved in cherishing superior and largest hopes, because they are God’s entrusted stewards, watching for souls as they that must give an account. The atonement of Jesus Christ has been made for these precious souls that are living in transgression and sin. Our work is to save the perishing. In these large gatherings, many will hear and close applications will be made, or should be made, of the truth. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 8

I was sorry to hear that the camp meeting was to be held at Napier. Why is it not held in a new place? Why was it not held at Christchurch? Our camp meetings should go into new places. Let a new class have the privilege of hearing the truth. Nothing calls them out like a camp meeting. Our own churches are not the ones alone to be benefited. Every effort possible should be made to reach classes that have never heard. Those who do believe the truth are not united as they ought to be. When Christ is not abiding in the heart by faith, there are discord and strife and but little effort made to get near to each other where we can be one in Christ Jesus. As we approach the great center, Christ Jesus will be our Unity, which is as a wheel within a wheel. The nearer we come to Christ, the nearer we come to each other. Those who live in Christ realize the greatest harmony, heart with heart. Discord and strife are not found in that company who are sanctified through the truth. We need faith and love. Let us seek for it. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 9

I am desirous that nothing shall divide the interest now existing in Sydney. The Lord help, the Lord bless you in Melbourne. I must close. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 10

In love, 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 11

Mother.

You know how abruptly the camp meeting closed in Wellington and opportunity was lost, a work, at considerable expense, left incomplete, to ravel out. I wish that work had been followed up. Wrong ideas and plans were made. Two weeks’ more labor would have been of more value than gold or silver. Having these things set before me frequently has led me to write as I have done. Oh, how my heart aches at these things failing. God help us is my prayer. 12LtMs, Lt 202, 1897, par. 12