Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 160, 1908

Hare, Brother and Sister [Metcalfe]

St. Helena, California

May 13, 1908

Previously unpublished.

Mr. Metcalfe Hare
Edgefield, Tennessee

Dear Brother and Sister Hare:

I cannot tell you how glad I was to hear that you were to look over the building at Edgefield, built for a health food factory. This building has been presented to me as having special advantages for the work for which it is designed. The experience you have had will enable you to take in these advantages, and I hope you will give the matter a fair judgment. 23LtMs, Lt 160, 1908, par. 1

I have not felt that the men there who have had good experience in many other lines of work would be able to discern the advantages as I see them. I depend more upon your judgment than upon that of any other man in Nashville, because you have had an experience in this work that others have not. For this reason, Brother Hare, I wish you to write me yourself about this matter. 23LtMs, Lt 160, 1908, par. 2

The proposition was made by some to sell the machinery and building separately, but I said, No; if once the machinery is sold, it will be much harder to dispose of the building. 23LtMs, Lt 160, 1908, par. 3

I have not seen the machinery with my natural eyes, but only through the representations given me. While our brethren were speaking discouragingly of this enterprise, one stood up and spoke of its advantages. Its greatest advantages lay in its being so retired and yet having the cars so close that goods could be shipped with little expense. Thus while having all the advantages of easy transportation, the workers could have all the advantages of retirement, and to them this is a great consideration. No better atmosphere could be obtained in the city of Nashville. 23LtMs, Lt 160, 1908, par. 4

I would have you consider every phase of this enterprise, and enter into the work of building it up on lines which are in harmony with the experience you have had in Cooranbong. I knew that it would not be wise to depend upon the judgment of those who have had no experience in this line of work. You have had an experience that will make your judgment of value. After you have considered the situation, let me know your opinion regarding it. I have a special interest in this location. 23LtMs, Lt 160, 1908, par. 5

I shall certainly encourage you, my brother, in taking hold of this work. 23LtMs, Lt 160, 1908, par. 6

Light has been given me that Edson White, if he will carefully guard his health, may exert an influence that God will bless. But he should not leave Nashville because of discouragement. 23LtMs, Lt 160, 1908, par. 7