Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 188, 1899

Diary, July 1899

July 1-26, 1899

Previously unpublished.

Saturday, July 1, 1899

This is the Sabbath of the Lord. It is a very pleasant sunshiny day, but clear and cold. I did not attend meeting this day. I wish to consider many things. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 1

Sunday, July 2, 1899

It is again clear and cold. My soul goes out for God, the living God. We are living amid the perils of the last days. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 2

Monday, July 3, 1899

Monday is clear and cold. I did not sleep after two o’clock a.m. My mind is exercised in regard to our people who stand at the head of the work. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 3

Wednesday, July 5, 1899

I awoke at one o’clock a.m. I have a season of searching my own heart, for “the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 1 Peter 4:7-9. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 4

Saturday, July 8, 1899

Sabbath I was indisposed and did not attend meeting. It rained on Friday and on Sabbath. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 5

Sunday, July 9, 1899

Sunday attended meeting at ten o’clock a.m. Talked and read an article upon higher education to a large congregation in the chapel. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 6

Monday, July 10, 1899

I could not sleep past two o’clock. I arose, dressed, and committed myself to God, praying for His Holy Spirit to take possession of me, that soul, body, and spirit may be under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 7

Friday, July 21, 1899

This morning awakened at two o’clock. I could not sleep. I dressed, and lifted up my heart to God for wisdom, grace, and strength. I then trusted the Lord to do for me those things I could not do for myself. I am feeling so great a responsibility. I fear and tremble lest my pen shall not tell all the things that it should trace. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 8

Saturday, July 22, 1899

I am surprised I slept well through the night. I praise the Lord for His mercy and His blessing. Elder Haskell spoke in the forenoon. I spoke in the afternoon, reading from a testimony things which the Lord had revealed to me in reference to the Avondale farm. There was a large congregation. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 9

Sunday, July 23, 1899

The early morning meeting was an excellent meeting it is reported. I did not attend. In the forenoon, also afternoon, there were conference business meetings. I did not attend. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 10

Had an interview with Brother Salisbury, then a long interview with John Wessels. In afternoon attended meeting by request of the people, who desired me to speak. I spoke one hour upon faith, then the exercises changed and the crowd came in. Extra seats were brought in all through the evening. There was a very interesting social meeting after I had occupied the time, and many testimonies were borne. Then, after the change in the program, remarks were made in reference to the separation of Brother Haskell and wife from New South Wales Conference to go to America by special request of Elder Irwin. We shall miss Elder Haskell sorely, and we shall again rejoice that in America they may have his valuable service. The ministers who had best knowledge of Elder Haskell spoke fully and freely. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 11

Wednesday, July 26, 1899

Last night was a night of great trial to me. I could not sleep until eleven o’clock p.m. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 12

I felt oppressed. I felt I had really taken responsibilities which were urged upon me, which I could not avoid; and yet my heart was troubled. I felt that I had not left the burden upon the company present in the council meeting, but had kept it on my soul. Will any one take a position that will press my burdens heavier upon me? 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 13

In the contemplation of the matter I feared my words would be misinterpreted and misstated. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 14

In the night season I obtained sleep. Then instruction was given me in reference to making the Health Home and the medical missionary work just that which God designed it should be. 14LtMs, Ms 188, 1899, par. 15