Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 34, 1903

White, J. E.; White, Emma

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

February 1, 1903

Previously unpublished. +^Note

Dear children Edson and Emma,—

I sent you a short letter a few days ago telling you that I had decided to attend the General Conference. I believe that the Lord will give me words to speak to the people. I told you in my letter that I saw no reason why you should not remain away from the Conference, if you wished to do so on account of your work in Nashville. But I have thought since that I was too quick to respond. Every move that we make at this time means much. Before beginning to build the tower, we must sit down together and count the cost, to see whether we shall be able to finish it. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 1

I am desirous that both of you shall attend the Conference. The work that has been begun at Nashville is important, but it is not yet fully understood by our people generally, and for this reason I do not think that it would be best for you to remain away from the Conference. For many years the Southern work, and the way in which it has been neglected, has been kept before me. I have been instructed in regard to the work that is to be done in the various cities of the South. You know much in regard to the field and can speak intelligently about its needs. You can now do for the field more than ever before, because you are willing to sink self out of sight. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 2

Your silence when accused has given your brethren a confidence in you that otherwise they would not have had. Your effort to control your natural impetuosity has done more to assure your brethren that you have a genuine experience than anything you could have said, however wise or however true. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 3

I do not say that you must come to the Conference. But I do say that this meeting will give you an opportunity to do much for the work in the South by presenting those features of the work that others are not prepared to present. And when you speak of these features, let your brethren see that you are not seeking to condemn them, but to place the facts before the people. We all have infirmities to contend with, and no worker is to look upon himself as superior to his fellow workers. God’s work is to be carried forward in love and harmony. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 4

The Lord will teach us His will and His way, if we are willing to be taught. Your brother and I have as strong reasons to urge as any one for not wishing to attend the Conference. But we desire to move harmoniously and to be in line, and we shall meet with our brethren and sisters at this meeting, that we may know how to take up the work. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 5

At that time the work for two years must be carefully considered and prayerfully taken up—not rashly, but in the fear of God. The Southern work and the publishing work will both receive consideration, and your knowledge of these lines of work will be needed. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 6

The work in which we are engaged is the Lord’s, and if we have success in it, we must take counsel of the Lord. We are His workmen, and we must be taught of Him and led of Him at every step. And we must also counsel together, that we may labor in harmony. We are living in trying times, and we need to realize the importance of united effort. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 7

Now, my son, I do not wish to enforce anything upon you, but I wish you to have a full understanding of what you are working to achieve. Till Jesus comes, our warfare will be an aggressive one. Every true Christian will meet with severe trials. An increasing capacity to enjoy the privileges of the Christian life means an acquaintance with suffering. The Christian is like his Master—a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Those who in heaven share in Christ’s glory must in this world share in His suffering. Yet we are never to forget that it is our privilege to sit together with Christ in heavenly places. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 8

Tuesday, February 3

Today we are having a snowstorm—the first real snowstorm that I have ever seen in California. Yesterday and the day before the sun shone brightly. Today the snow has been falling since eight o’clock this morning. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 9

W. C. [White] is suffering from a severe cold on his lungs. He has taken treatment at the Sanitarium, and I think he will soon be better. We have had no special talk together since his return, but he thinks as I do about your coming to Conference. There are many things to be settled at this meeting, and you will wish to know about them. Then, too, we can talk over our book work together. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 10

I cannot write more today. I slept very little last night, and I am greatly in need of rest. Will write to you again soon. 18LtMs, Lt 34, 1903, par. 11