Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 135, 1905

White, J. E.; White, Emma

“Sanitarium,” Washington, D. C.

May 10, 1905

Portions of this letter are published in Ev 503; PM 394; 5Bio 401. +^Note

Dear Children Edson and Emma,—

I send you from Washington the assurance that the protecting care of our heavenly Father was over us on our long journey. I want you to know of the goodness and love of God. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 1

I stood the trip remarkably well and was stronger when I left the cars at Washington than when I got on board at San Francisco. Every morning and evening I washed myself all over with cold water, and I know that this was a blessing to me. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 2

During the first part of the trip, the train moved very gently and quietly. It was a pleasure to be on something that moved, and yet did not annoy me in moving. I rested more during the journey than it would have been possible for me to rest in my own home; for, had I remained at home, I fear that I would have been troubled by a constant regret that I had not exercised faith by starting out on the journey. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 3

We travelled under the escort of Mr. Phillips, a very pleasant and obliging young man, who did all in his power to make us comfortable. He seemed to watch for opportunities to suggest something for my comfort and convenience. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 4

All the way along through Texas and Louisiana the ground was brilliantly carpeted with wild flowers; and at every stop the train made, some of the men would get out to gather flowers for those inside. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 5

On Sabbath we had a song service. Brother Lawrence, who is a musician, led the singing. All the passengers in the car seemed to enjoy the service greatly, many of them joining in the singing. On Sunday we had another song service, after which Elder Corliss gave a short talk, taking as his text the words, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.] The passengers listened attentively and seemed to enjoy what was said. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 6

On Monday we had more singing, and we all seemed to be drawing closer together. I dared not address the people, fearing that I would strain my vocal organs. I knew that I would have to speak often during the General Conference, and that I must be guarded and get all the rest I could beforehand. There was a larger number of passengers on the car than when we came East last year, but during the whole trip nothing occurred to mar the harmony. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 7

During the trip I gave away several of my books, and those to whom I gave them were very much pleased. I gave a copy of Christ’s Object Lessons to Mr. Phillips, and he seemed to appreciate the gift very highly. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 8

On reaching Welsh, La., we were met by about thirty of our people. I spite of the fact that the train stopped there only a few minutes, several of the sisters pressed into the car bringing me three boxes of beautiful flowers. I shook hands with the few who managed to get in, but how I did wish that the train would stop longer, so that I could have spoken to all who came. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 9

At Atlanta, Brother R. M. Kilgore and several others met us. They were expecting us to spend the day with them, but as matters turned out, we were unable to do this. It was very pleasant indeed to meet these friends along the way, and we were sorry that we could not stop longer at each place. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 10

We reached Washington at ten o’clock Tuesday morning. There was no one there to meet us; for our people had not been notified of our coming, so we went over to the Branch Sanitarium. Here we were given a hearty welcome. This sanitarium is a beautiful place in a very fine location. The building is rented furnished throughout, and the house and its appointments are just what is needed in a place like Washington. It is in the city, within easy access, and yet there is plenty of space on all sides. In front of the building, across the street, is a fine park, in which the patients can walk or sit, enjoying the precious sunshine. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 11

I have a very nice room, and Willie and May occupy one opening out of it. May accompanied me this time, in place of Sara, who for some weeks has been suffering from an affliction of the right eye. At one time she feared that she would lose the sight of this eye. But she placed the case in the hands of the great Physician, and with grieved, sorrowing hearts we prayed most earnestly for healing. As we prayed, we had the assurance that the Spirit of the great Healer was among us. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 12

In order to make it possible for May to leave the children and come with me, Ella White and Dores Robinson, who had been engaged for some time, were united in marriage a day or two before we left home. They will care for the children during May’s absence. The solemn ceremony was performed on Monday evening in the sanitarium chapel. I felt very thankful that by this marriage, which we feel fully authorized to say bears the approval of God, the way was opened for May to accompany me. She can with full confidence leave the children in the care of Dores and Ella; for they are faithful and competent. I thank the Lord for this. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 13

God can work wonders in preparing the way before us. I can but say, Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name, for the love and care that He has shown in opening the way for me to come to this conference. I have nothing but words of encouragement to write regarding my journey across the continent. I had opportunity to give away some of my books and to speak to some of my fellow passengers regarding the love and goodness of God. Those with whom I talked seemed eager for opportunities to hear more. There was one young man on our car with whom I became deeply interested. I made a strong effort to persuade him to give up the use of tobacco, and I have every encouragement to think that my effort was not in vain. I held myself in readiness to speak a word in season and out of season, here a little and there a little. I can but feel that the Lord is in my coming to Washington at this time. I have a message to bear. God helping me, I will stand firm for the right, presenting truth unmixed with the falsities that have been stealthily creeping in. Those who are on the Lord’s side will refuse to be drawn astray by false science, which makes a jingle of the true Word of prophecy. May the Lord give me much of His grace, that in every word and act I may reveal the light of truth. 20LtMs, Lt 135, 1905, par. 14