The Fannie Bolton Story

Fannie Bolton to E. G. White, October 10, 1893

In the two packets which I send today, you will find all the matter on the Christie case. I have divided it into three parts,—An Introduction of the matter to the churches it might be necessary to read it to, a personal testimony to Christie, and the general matter bearing on the case. This last portion I have numbered in the way in which it may be divided for the Instructor, or Review. It does not seem that the first three numbers ought to go to the Review. Please write me before the mail goes as to what you think about the matter. Please also tell me whether this division of the matter pleases you, for I have worked at it in some fear lest you would not think my dividing and arranging of it was proper. It seemed to Marian and me as though it ought to be thus classified. I have placed a copy of it in Bro. Starr’s hands to be read at North Fitzroy. Have given Marian a copy, sent you two. One for Napier church and one for yourself, and have another copy [from which] to send general articles from [sic] to America. Will also put copy in the letter book. Should you want Christie to have a copy, Marian can spare hers, as she can copy any part of it from letter book. FBS 15.1

The meetings in the Town Hall continue in interest as before. The people lean forward in their seats to catch every word. Last two Sundays, Bro. Starr has presented the Sabbath, taking it up from the point of view of Christ’s relation to the law, and the relation of the man of sin to the law. I have made report of these sermons for the Prahran journals. The editor will publish from half to three quarters of a column. There is a splendid interest. Two old people sat next to me last week who have been regular attendants for weeks. When Bro. Starr brought out the way the papacy had exalted itself above God, the old man could not refrain from expressing his disgust, and groaned away in a very earnest fashion. The lady who is a real noble looking woman, a Wesleyan, has promised to come to our Sabbath meetings. FBS 15.2

We have such a nice hall now for Sabbath meetings. It is clean, new, well ventilated and nicely furnished. There are a number of side rooms for the little classes. Bro. Baker is superintendent of the Sabbath School, and the lessons we are now studying are very rich in suggestion. My foot is all right again, and so I go to all the meetings again. FBS 15.3

Yesterday I had a tooth drawn. I have been suffering with it for some time. It was badly ulcerated. I am so glad it is out. Am going to have the dentist put one in for me in its place, and do a little other work on my teeth. FBS 15.4

We have had very changeable weather lately. Some days have been hot and windy, and then have come days of rain and wind. But I suppose it will settle down in earnest to Summer very soon. FBS 15.5

The Bible Class lessons are becoming more interesting than they were last term. We are now studying on the life of Christ. Today we have had the temptation in the wilderness, and have had many practical thoughts that have help in them. FBS 15.6

We are expecting Bro. and Sr. Daniells and Ingals to come this week. I suppose you have heard how poorly Bro. Daniells has been. His bowels seem to be in a very weak condition, and he has to take astringents all the time. There will not be room for them at the school and I think that Sr. Isaac is coming over near here, and take a house large enough for them to room with her. It may be that I shall also take a room there, as I do not think the room I have is healthful. But of course I cannot yet tell, for they have not really decided, or have they found a house to suit. FBS 15.7

Marian seems to be in her usual health, and I am feeling very well at present. Though clouds and darkness sometimes encompass, yet the light breaks in again, as we take hold of God’s promises. I am somewhat worried about the missionary meetings at North Fitzroy. Before my ankle was sprained there was quite a good interest, and the people used to come out and fill the room, but now it has dwindled down very much. The young people still come out, but the old folks do not attend. Bro. Baker has had charge of the young people’s meeting but now he has decided to drop the meeting and only carry the responsibilities of this side. This will leave the young folks without anybody. I will try to get over this week, and by that time Bro. Daniells and Sr. Ingals will be here, and something will be done to lift up the trailing banner of missionary effort. The plans we had made for North Fitzroy, were never carried out because of my foot being sprained. Perhaps they were not good plans, or it may have been I was not in the condition to do the work of God. However, I hope that something may be done, not only for the people’s sake, but for the members’ sake; for it is by watering others that we are refreshed. FBS 16.1

Bro. Foster has come back from Tasmania. He looks poorly. His wife is about to give birth to a child. Their situation looks very discouraging. Little Sr. Chandler is also in a very poor situation. The little boys go to the school every day for the bits that are left over on the plates of the students. FBS 16.2

Bro. Currow has gone home. His health seemed poor, and I rather think his finances would not permit him to go on longer. I see very little of Bro. and Sr. Belden, but I am sure that Bro. Belden is growing. Last Sabbath he gave a very good testimony, and seemed all broken up. There were tears in many eyes at what he said. He is greatly enjoying the school. Old Bro. Belden has just gotten over an attack of influenza. He was sick for about two weeks. His wife is now sick with it. Sr. Faulkhead also was very ill for a while. I know you will be glad to know that Bro. Faulkhead is all clear of the Masons. He told me he was so glad, and felt like another man. He offered a very earnest prayer at missionary meeting, and every one says they can feel the difference in him. Has the matter on secret societies yet been published? Several have asked me what you thought of these things. You have asked about Bro. Caldwell. He is doing well. Is very earnest. He has copied several chapters for Marian on Life of Christ. When are you coming to Melbourne? Love to all, Fannie Bolton. FBS 16.3