Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

On Sister White's “Daughters”

My dear Emma, there is not a person I could take to my heart as heartily as yourself. Yet I advise you ... to ... move cautiously, weigh every move. You are making a move which will be lasting. Therefore do not move hastily. Do not get entirely swallowed up in this one matter, marriage.—Letter 7, 1869, p. 1 (To Edson White and Emma, June 27, 1869.) 3MR 295.2

Edson, ... I hope that you and Emma will not live merely for yourselves but that you will consecrate yourselves to God and perfect holiness in His name. If you make failures, do not give up in discouragement; try again. Satan will oppose every step of advance that you may make; therefore if you are overcome by the enemy, in humility humble yourself before God, confess your defeat and then distrust yourself, but more firmly trust in God.—Letter 8, 1869, pp. 2, 3. (To J. Edson White, July 6, 1869.) 3MR 295.3

Edson, ... get along with as little as possible and try to make your payments if possible.... Your capital of strength is more valuable than any amount of property. Move cautiously. Make God your counselor.... 3MR 296.1

Keep clear of debt. Hire as little as possible. This hiring a little here and there, little driblets constantly going out for jobs done will keep you embarrassed all the time. Take good care of what you have already and lay out as little work as possible. Do what you can and depend not on hired help.... May you be guided aright is our prayer.—Letter 18, 1870, pp. 5, 6. (To Edson and Emma White, November 9, 1870.) 3MR 296.2

With Christ as your friend, you are rich, have you ever so limited a possession. Without Jesus, you would be poor indeed, if you were worth thousands.... 3MR 296.3

Jesus invites you two children, Edson and Emma, to come to Him just as you are and surrender all to God.... Begin your married life just right.... Be courteous, be tender, be affectionate, respect the feelings of one another every time. Do not be betrayed even once in indulging in a perverse, irritable temper. If you do, you will soon lose respect for one another.... 3MR 296.4

Edson, you may be troubled in the field and become irritated. Don't carry that trouble over the threshold of the door, not for even once. It may cost you an effort to efface all traces of irritation, and wear a smile, but do it, my son, do it, by all means.... 3MR 297.1

God help you to bear with the errors and mistakes of each other.... If a hasty word is spoken, take it [back] by confession as soon as possible, and heal the wound and keep in the sunshine and you will not only be happy yourselves, but be a blessing to others.—Letter 22, 1870, pp. 3-5. (To Edson and Emma White, December 16, 1870.) 3MR 297.2

Dear Husband and Children Three: We hope you will be cheerful and happy while you are in the mountains. This precious opportunity of being all together as you now are may never come to you again.... Lay aside your work, let the writings go. Go over into the park and see all that you can. Get all the pleasure you can out of this little season. I sometimes fear we do not appreciate these precious opportunities and privileges until they pass, and it is too late.... 3MR 297.3

Mary has never had a childhood any more than Willie has had a boyhood. The few days you now have together, improve. Roam about, camp out, ... go to places that you have not seen, rest as you go, and enjoy everything. Then come back to your work fresh and vigorous. 3MR 297.4

Emma, dear child—may God bless our daughter Emma; and may this little season, when you can be with sister and brother and father, be full of pleasure, and devoid of one dark chapter.... 3MR 297.5

Roam all around. Climb the mountain steeps. Ride horseback. Find something new each day to see and enjoy.... Do not spend any anxious thoughts on me. You see how well I will appear after the camp meetings are over.... 3MR 298.1

I know you will all please God ... by seeking to build up your strength, and laying in a good stock of vitality that you can draw upon in time of need.—Letter 1, 1878, pp. 1-4. (To “Dear Husband and Children Three,” vacationing in the Rocky Mountains, August 24, 1878.) 3MR 298.2

Regarding Her Prospective Daughter-in-law—Willie was so anxious that I should have someone to give me treatment, and I have employed her (May Lacey), and she fills the bill nicely. But I soon learned why Willie was anxious for May Lacey. He loved her, and she seems more like Mary White, our buried treasure, than anyone he had met, but I had not the slightest thought when she came to my home; but you will have a new sister in a few months, if her father gives his consent. She is a treasure.... 3MR 298.3

If the Lord will, I shall have a daughter with whom I am well pleased. She is always cheerful, kind, and tenderhearted, willing to do anything she can, and is always satisfied and thankful. She has a large head, blue eyes—she calls them gray, but they are blue—cheeks as red as roses, light complexion. Well, I think I have described her nicely. I told her today that I would like to understand if the matter was settled between her and Willie. She said it was, if her father would consent. I have not any doubt but what he will consent. I am now preparing her wardrobe.... 3MR 298.4

She loves me and I love her.... She is just the one I should choose. I have not seen anyone I have cared to take Mary's place in my family relation before, but this is all right.... 3MR 299.1

Well, we are here fitting up her wardrobe, and we hope she will be prepared for her married life with a real becoming wardrobe, but not expensive or extravagant. You know that is not my besetting sin.—Letter 117, 1895, pp. 2-4. (To Edson and Emma White, January 15, 1895.) 3MR 299.2

If Mary White could be here to thrash around and cook and enjoy the journey then I should enjoy it much better.—Letter 20a, 1879, p. 2. (To Willie and Mary White, May 3, 1879.) 3MR 299.3

I have just read your letters and cried like a child. I would rather have you, Mary, my daughter, than any one else.... I am worn and feel as though I was about one hundred years old.—Letter 20, 1879, pp. 1-2. (To Mary, Mrs. W. C., White, May 20, 1879.) 3MR 299.4