Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 240, 1899

White, J. E.; White, Emma

July 30, 1899

Portions of this letter are published in 11MR 346.

Dear Children, Edson and Emma White:

I hope you will come to us now as soon as possible, [even] if you do not remain more than two years. After you come you can then learn the way you should go. Elder Haskell and his wife left Cooranbong last evening to go to America. The boat leaves Sydney next Wednesday. I shall miss them very much. I need you to help me now, and tell me what to do in some things. 14LtMs, Lt 240, 1899, par. 1

Edson, do not, I beg of you, write books and get this one and that one to write them for you and then sign your name to them, even if you say these men have helped you. It hurts you as an author. You can write in simplifying the truth, but do not engage any man or woman to write for you. With close application you can read the Scriptures and make the thoughts your own. The Lord will help you if you only take time for careful study. You have ideas; do not employ others to put their fingers and brains into the work. We want you here to plan on books. Come right along as soon as possible and escape the hard winter. I want you to take this matter to the Lord yourself, and pray about it. The Lord will teach all who seek Him earnestly. 14LtMs, Lt 240, 1899, par. 2

Elder Haskell is accompanying Brother Irwin to America. Their first meeting will be in California. 14LtMs, Lt 240, 1899, par. 3

I have not slept since eleven o’clock p.m. I am so tired. 14LtMs, Lt 240, 1899, par. 4

We had excellent meetings through the conference. You will see the report in the Bulletin. I was taken very sick and did not attend meetings for one week. I was then so urged by our brethren to attend the meeting that I ventured, but could not stand. A chair was placed on the rostrum and I was comfortably seated. I spoke very feebly at first. I was showing my sickness decidedly in my countenance, but all were made glad to see strength coming to me. My voice grew stronger, and from that point I was improving. Next day I remained in the meeting, speaking in the afternoon and by request spoke again in the evening in the school chapel. 14LtMs, Lt 240, 1899, par. 5

At the close of the services [visitors were invited] to look at the grounds. All said that they felt like exclaiming, What hath the Lord wrought! The improvements made in every line are a wonderment to everyone. I would not gather my fruit. I allowed our visitors, entertained at our house, to go into the orchard and gather from my loaded trees mandarins and oranges and passion fruit. Brother Haskell, Sister Haskell, and Brother Irwin will tell you in regard to my home. 14LtMs, Lt 240, 1899, par. 6

If you come, you may have a home of your own in which to live and to work. I am not well now. Had an ill turn with my heart and it takes time to recover. I have a wish for that big piece of furniture, with the many drawers, if it could be packed by taking to pieces. I would be so glad of it. I would make two chests of drawers. I have a splendid cabinet worker, Brother Pocock. He would put it all up for me. Everything of this order is very expensive. You know what I mean—that piece of furniture in my room that had to be taken in through the window. All material in wood for making bureaus and other furniture has to come from Oregon and far off places. I must leave these matters to your judgment. Everything has to be cased. The back of the concern, of common, cheap wood, need not be brought. 14LtMs, Lt 240, 1899, par. 7

Mother.