Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 103, 1901

Hindson, J.

St. Helena, California

July 28, 1901

This letter is published in entirety in 10MR 138-139.

Dear Brother Hindson,—

I thought that I had given special direction that Brother Belden was to receive two dollars a week from the Conference and a good-sized box of flour and rice and other groceries every now and then. I have not heard from Brother and Sister Belden since coming to America, till a day or two ago, and I find that they have not received any money nor any groceries. Is this right? Who did you suppose was taking care of Brother and Sister Belden? 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 1

We learn that Brother Nobbs is sick, and has been sick for some time. Brother Belden has been holding meetings whenever he could, and lately he has been acting in Brother Nobbs’ place. He received money from the Conference until he went to Cooranbong. He has received nothing since we left. I would not have had them so neglected for any consideration. Were you on a remote island, unable to get money or provisions, would you not wish your brethren to consider the law of God? 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 2

A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ answered, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” And he answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And He said unto him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 3

My brother, will you look into this matter? It is the duty of the New South 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 4

Wales Conference to assist Brother Belden. I have invested much in the cause and work of God in New South Wales. At one time I gave fourteen hundred dollars toward building meeting-houses and assisting institutions. What I now ask should be done for Brother Belden, who is unable to get any money. He can be an influence for good on Norfolk Island. Brother Nobbs and the believers on the Island urged him to return. He went back, and his influence has been a help. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 5

It is the duty of the New South Wales Conference, for which I have done so much, to take this burden off me, and send Brother Belden no less than two dollars a week. And when the boat goes to the Island, groceries that cannot be obtained there, only at very high rates, should be sent to him. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 6

I lay this burden on the New South Wales Conference. It is a duty they must not neglect. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 7

Brother Belden has made teeth for the people on Norfolk Island and has been paid for them, but he has no money to buy more material, and therefore he cannot make more teeth. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 8

I want you to consider Brother Belden’s case. Do not pass it by. I shall send a copy of this letter to Brother Burden so that if Brother Hindson is not now in New South Wales, Brother Burden will appoint someone to see that Brother Belden is sent two dollars a week and a box of provisions, as is needed. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 9

I will now leave this matter with you and I hope that it will not be neglected. I would send this letter to Brother Irwin, but he may be away. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 10

I hope my brethren will appoint some one who will faithfully attend to this matter. Brother Belden may die at any minute with heart disease. As long as God spares his life, his counsel and influence and experience will be a great blessing to the church on Norfolk Island, and he should receive help from the Conference. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 11

With much love to you, Brother Hindson, and to your dear wife. 16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 12