Manuscript Release No. 728

Saturday night, April 8, 1876, Oakland, California, Ellen White to Lucinda Hall

Dear Sister Lucinda,

[Lucinda Hall (1839-1929) was for a time employed by Ellen White and came to be one of her best friends.] ... My husband writes that an appeal is to be sent to me from the [General] Conference [Session], but I shall not be moved from that which I believe to be my duty at this time. I have a special work at this time to write out the things which the Lord has shown me. We progress finely, but I cannot write more than half a day.... MR728 12.8

I have felt that I must neglect everything to get out these writings. I have not attended meetings for two weeks. While Elders Waggoner and Loughborough are here, I let them do the work, and I keep all my strength for one purpose—to write.... MR728 12.9

I want time to have my mind calm and composed. I want to have time to meditate and pray while engaged in this work. I do not want to be wearied myself or be closely connected with our people who will divert my mind. This is a great work, and I feel like crying to God every day for His Spirit to help me to do this work all right.... MR728 13.1

Matter at Petaluma was needed for labor there next week. I put copy in Elder Waggoner's hand to copy. He just did a miserable job. He did not change anything or improve it at all. I prize Mary more and more every day.—Letter 59, 1876, pp. 1-3. MR728 13.2