Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 169, 1901

Diary Fragments [Aug.-Nov.]

California; New York; Massachusetts

August 16, 1901 to November 27, 1901

Portions of this manuscript are published in 4MR 313.

Friday, August 16, 1901

Spoke in tent at Los Angeles to a large audience in regard to the duty of parents to their children. I spoke one hour Friday morning before six. I could but urge on the parents the necessity of education of their children, for this is the very foundation stone of the building of character. 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 1

August 17, 1901

Los Angeles

We had a large audience—the large tent crowded full. I spoke from (Isaiah 58), and what a chapter of reproof, of correction in righteousness, of plainly marking out the way of the Lord! It is not merely profession and zeal in a false faith, but it is practical godliness. It is Bible religion. It is doing justice and mercy and elevating the purest principles of the kingdom of God. [Southern California camp-meeting was appointed for August 8-18, 1901. Sister White attended. Pacific Union Recorder, August 15, 1901, p. 16.] 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 2

September 16, 1901 (?)

St. Helena

This day has been a day of constant labor. I have written much for Willie White to take with him on his journey. The state of our publishing institutions weighs heavily on my mind. 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 3

October 17, 1901

St. Helena

This has been a busy day. I thank the Lord I was able to sleep until half past two o’clock a.m. I commenced writing as soon as possible and wrote twelve pages of calligraph matter to Elder Haskell, Elder Daniells several pages, to Brother Sutherland several pages. I am brain weary. My soul is wading through perplexity in regard to the state of things in our publishing institutions. I am pressed as a cart beneath sheaves. 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 4

W. C. White leaves St. Helena for his tour to Battle Creek. Will be gone four or eight weeks. We have had much conversation together in regard to many things. After dinner we took our large carriage to the accommodation of Willie’s family—himself and wife and three of the younger children, and Sara McEnterfer. We felt sad to have Willie go, but it is a necessity and there is no use to mourn over things that cannot be helped. Brother Ballenger visited me today and we had quite a lengthy talk. 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 5

September 25, 1901

St. Helena

Awoke this morning at one o’clock. I have been pleading with the Lord and committing to Him the keeping of my soul. It is now half past three—two hours more sleep then for several weeks. 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 6

I thank the Lord this morning that I slept more hours than I have done for several weeks, and my heart is peaceful and trustful in God. His presence is very dear to me. I love my Saviour. I had important matters presented to me, that to every man God has committed a special work. 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 7

November 24, 1901

New York City

Could not sleep after half past one o’clock. I am much perplexed. I have much light presented to me. I would be very much relieved could I express the intense interest I have for the people in the cities that have never yet been worked. I have yesterday, Sabbath, had the pleasure of speaking in Trenton. [Sister White and Sara McEnterfer took train Nov. 7 for New York City.—Pacific Union Recorder, November 7, 1901, p. 6.] 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 8

Tuesday, November 26, 1901

South Lancaster, Mass.

This is my seventy-fourth birthday. I thank the Lord for the grace and health He has given me up to this time. At present I am suffering from a severe cold. My throat and mouth are very sore. I aways suffer when speaking in a small crowded hall, as I did at Trenton. Our people there [Trenton] are in great need of a plain, neat, substantial meetinghouse. 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 9

Some may ask, Why does Sister White always use the words, “Plain, neat, and substantial” when speaking of buildings? It is because I wish our buildings to represent the perfection God requires from His people. [This entry from Ms 127, 1901, p. 1.] 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 10

November 27, 1901

South Lancaster, Mass.

Sunday the 24th was a rainy, disagreeable day. I was surprised at the attendance in the hall in New York City. There was a very much larger number than we could reasonably expect. I spoke from 1 John 3. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking His Word. The blessing of the Lord seemed to attend the word spoken. May the Lord bless the hearers. [This entry from Ms 130, 1901, p. 1.] 16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 11