Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 76, 1908

Foss, Mary

St. Helena, California

January 1908

Previously unpublished.

Mrs. Mary P. Foss
West Minot, Maine

My dear Sister:

I wish I could see you again, and that I might be in better health than when we last met. I often wonder if we shall ever meet again in this life. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 1

My work in writing continues. My pen is in my hand from early morning until bedtime. I have great reason for thankfulness; for my hand is steady as I write out the many things given me for the people. And I am very pleasantly situated. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 2

I think I have written you of my labors in San Francisco and Oakland. The destruction of San Francisco was almost complete, but the church that my husband and I and a few others built in the city was just outside the burned district and was but little injured. I realize the wickedness of the city of San Francisco and its great need. There are missionary workers from our ranks laboring there constantly, seeking to bring the people to obedience to the Word. Some are being converted to the truth; but many, many are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity. The daily papers are bringing to light the great wickedness that has been carried on in secret for years. And these revelations are but an illustration of the state of many of our cities. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 3

Last August my granddaughter and her husband went to Washington to help in the work there and to obtain further education. He is a builder, and will engage in that line of work, and at the same time will get a fitting for the work of teaching. They will work their way through school. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 4

Ella May White Robinson taught school for one year before her marriage and for one year after. But we needed her husband to help in my work, in reporting my discourses at the camp-meeting and at the different places where I should labor. So, although he is a successful teacher, we feel that we cannot spare him for that work just now. He often speaks in the churches. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 5

W. C. White and his family live a short distance from my house. The office building is close to the house. We have several persons of capability employed there, preparing my writings for publication. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 6

Last June I attended the camp-meeting which was held in St. Helena in a most beautiful location. My family camped on the ground. I enjoyed the time I spent there on that beautiful spot just out of the town. But even this taxation was too much for me. My appetite was not good; and although we had delicious fruits, I could not relish them. I felt much as I did when you visited me at Melrose. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 7

I have not visited Melrose since that time, but would be pleased to do so and to see you again. A portion of the building has been destroyed by fire; but the insurance money received for it helped our workers there to build a nice commodious building in its place. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 8

During the months of November and December, we were away in Southern California, where we visited Los Angeles, Loma Linda, Paradise Valley, Long Beach, Glendale, and other places. It was a long and wearisome journey, and I was worn with continual anxiety. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 9

On one Sabbath I spoke to the church at San Diego. I spoke for one hour. The Lord gave me freedom. No one left the house during the service, and all listened intently. I spoke from the fifteenth chapter of John and the first verse: “I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Husbandman.” I was surprised that I could speak with such strength and that I had such clearness of mind. I feel very grateful to God that He still gives me His testimony to bear to the people. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 10

On another Sabbath I drove with Sara to Riverside, a town nine miles from Loma Linda. The mountain roads were good, and I greatly enjoyed the ride in the bracing air. At Riverside we found a full house. The church there is not large; and if the work is done at Riverside that God designs shall be done, our people there will have to enlarge their borders. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 11

W. C. White and another minister were with me on the rostrum. I thought I would speak for only half an hour, and thus give opportunity for others to speak. I was glad to have them share my appointment. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 12

The singing was excellent. Before we closed the meeting, I said I would like to pray. The Lord gave me the spirit of prayer. Then another hymn was sung, and the meeting was dismissed. Afterward I went the whole length of the church, shaking hands with the people and speaking to them words of encouragement. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 13

My labors in Southern California taxed my strength to utmost. On the cars, on my homeward journey, I had a very precious experience. It was a season of perfect peace and trust and confidence in God. I felt so sensibly the peace of Christ in my heart, and the rest that His presence brings, that for a time I had no desire to sleep. The everlasting arms seemed to be around me, and I had the assurance in my soul that we should be kept from accident and harm. This was a blessed assurance to me. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 14

All night I was restful and happy; and although in the morning we had to change cars, the peace of Christ remained with me. This peace and joy I wish to express, not only in words, but in my life. I realized the fulfilment of the precious promise, “At eventime it shall be light.” [Zechariah 14:7.] “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” [Psalm 91:1.] 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 15

How is Ellen? I wish that I might see her. Perhaps I shall not do this again in this life, but let us, by obedience to the commandments of God, be fitting for a place in the royal family in the city of God. Those who meet in that place will know no more of partings. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 16

“Behold, what manner of love that Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [1 John 3:1-3.] 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 17

It rests with us whether we shall be members of the Lord’s family. Let us strive to be obedient to all the commandments of God. Let us search the Scriptures; for in them we have eternal life. “Every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [Verse 3.] What terrible loss we will experience if we fail of realizing this hope. But let us not talk of failure; but let us seek the Lord with a heart to obey His Word. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 18

I ask you to read the twenty-first chapter of Revelation. This representation of the glories that await the saved should lead every believing soul to seek earnestly for eternal life. I pray that all my relatives may be found among God’s commandment-keeping people and be numbered with the redeemed. 23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 19