Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

S. N. Haskell to E. G. White, 1892

FROM S. N. HASKELL
Dear Sister White;-

I meant to have had a copy of those testimonies made and sent you by this boat as you requested, but some how I did not get around so it was done. The truth is I have no settled Stenographer and since there has been some difference of opinion respecting the Image of the beast it is causing some feeling among the brethren and I have done considerable writing on the subject. When I am asked which side I am on I always say that I am on both sides. I believe that both are right. And I mean it to. It seems that some one of our brethren will state some things rather strong perhaps to strongly without explaining themselves fully and then some unconsecrated ones will take it up and the breech will begin to widen and unless there is more of a conciliating spirit it will work bad. I do not mean there is any thing serious. The fact is the Sheriff is after our Brethren and we are fast becoming the off scouring of all things in the eyes of the law where there is a sentiment worked up on the Sunday question sufficient to create a sentiment. Now I can see no sense or propriety about any contention whether our theory in the past has been infallible respecting whether it is because it is the real Image or whether it is just preceding the Image. Both believe in the Image and the difference is about to my mind at least, is the difference between twiddle dee and twiddle dum. If I saw a sheriff after me I never should stop to question whether my theology was just correct as to whether the Sheriff was the result of the Image of the beast or whether it was a precursor of the Image; but I should begin to look around me to see whether I was going to prison or not. For I frankly confess I have no taste that way. I think that if they should persecute me in one city I should flee to another believing that that was scripture and I should look around for an opening some way. MMM 235.1

I am glad that you are writing to brother Smith for as he contends for the old land marks as he calls them there are some of the points which he makes which it seems to me are worthy of consideration. We young heads are so Zealous if there was not some one once and a while to put on the breaks even if they were not all of them Just right the other extreme might be equally if not worse. O sister White if you knew how much your writings which you have sent from Australia are accomplishing in saving divisions on some questions where some are in danger of extremes your affliction would not seem heavy in a foreign land. I have all that I have seen about the Retreat and Physicians copied in a portfolio made for the purpose and carry them wherever I go and read from them when it is necessary. Then where there is a request made for them I have them copied for the Brethren. For then they think they are of some value. When if they were published I do not think they would be read as much. Then all of your letters which you wrote me since your going there I also have copied in another portfolio especially prepared for that purpose and the se I read from almost every where it seems appropriate and I find that it has an effect for good. MMM 235.2

Once and a while the Lord blesses me wonderfully and I feel to especially rejoice in Him. Then as I am about to cut every anchor a feeling which I suppose is the dark shadow of Satan will come over me, Haven’t you tried the same before? and in every effort have you not failed? Have you any more evidence you will not fail again? Such questions and thoughts will come rushing in my mind till I hardly dare to believe at all. But I have no interest but in the Third Angels message and its triumph And I appreciate more and more what you dwelt upon so much in one of your testimonies to me namely the tender mercies and love of Christ. That he came into this world as a healer, restorer, a binder up, in short on that came to save and not to in anywise to destroy. But in the Judgment his words and his life will rise up in judgment to condemn because Mankind did not receive him when he came as he did. O the goodness and mercy of God. He it is that loves and he it is that saves to the uttermost all that come unto him. MMM 236.1

But I must close. As ever in hope,
(Signed, S. N. Haskell)