Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 248, 1903

White, J. E.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

November 13, 1903

Previously unpublished. +^Note

My dear Son Edson,—

I have received your letter in which you speak of your desire to raise means by the sale of The Story of Joseph and asking me to telegraph my endorsement of your plan. I heartily approve of your plan, as stated in your letter, and sent you a telegram, as you requested. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 1

I have a long letter written to you, but shall not be able to send it this week. I did not realize that it is Friday and could hardly believe it when I was told. I shall not be able to get the letter copied today, but will send it to you later. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 2

I have been very, very busy with my writing. I have written much in regard to the misleading theories contained in Living Temple. This book is certainly a strange production to come from the pen of one who has a knowledge of the truth that for so long we have held sacred. The presentation of the errors in this book should be a warning to us not to trust in man and not to make flesh our arm. We cannot place the least dependence on finite men. Let us trust in the Lord. He is too wise to err and too good to do us harm. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 3

I thank God that I was alive to meet this crisis and that He preserves my reason and gives me strength to bear my testimony. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 4

I am perplexed over financial matters. I am at present hiring money from the bank and paying a high rate of interest. But the Lord will surely open the way for the advancement of His work. We must pray and believe and work. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 5

Sunday

I have been unable to write much to you lately. The thought of the seductive theories that have been creeping in among us has weighed upon me so heavily that for weeks I have not slept past one and two o’clock. I have written much in an effort to counteract the influence of these errors. While writing these things I feel very sorrowful. My feelings are so wrought upon that I do not take sufficient breath. Then I get sick. Exhaustion and great distress come upon me. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 6

Willie has spoken to me about the article that you wish, calling for means for the <Southern> publishing house. We will do all we can, though our own work is delayed. Why is it, Edson, that you do not read the collection of matter sent you on the work in the Southern field? We have taken every pains to get this matter together and to place it in your hands; and if you wish an interest awakened in the Southern field, why do you not read and study this matter, and send us your suggestions regarding its publication? We desire to publish it in book form as soon as we can get at it. Please give it attention, even though you have to neglect some other things. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 7

In regard to the appeal for means for the publishing house, I must tell you, my son, that I have not been appointed by God to beg for all the institutions that are established. I will do all in my power to help these institutions, but it is not my duty to take the responsibility of carrying the beggar’s load. I think that I have served my time at this. Do you not think so? 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 8

Recently I borrowed one thousand dollars. I was in great need of this money, and it was a serious question with me whether I should use it myself, or let you have it. I let you have it, and later, I sent you two hundred dollars more that I had borrowed. As a result, I am now hiring money from the bank and paying eight per cent interest. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 9

I am receiving very little from my books. And the cost of publishing my new books is heavy. I am glad that the old debt at the Review and Herald is settled. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 10

Edson, I am convinced that it would not be the proper thing for you to undertake to bring out a new edition of Patriarchs and Prophets. You have your hands full. We will release you from this burden; for it would be a heavy tax on you. I have just learned that a new edition of this book will soon be needed. When this edition is brought out, the necessary changes can be made by Pacific Press. 18LtMs, Lt 248, 1903, par. 11