Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

S. N. Haskell to E. G. White, Apr. 22, 1894

S. N Haskell, Pres.
N. C. McClure, Vice Pres.
E. A. Chapman, Sec.
Mrs. Ella Burden. Cor. Sec.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
S N Haskell
Executive Committee
S. N. Haskell
N. C. McClure
H. A. St. John
K. S. Owen
J. H. Morrison
Wm. Ings
E. E. Andross
Battle Creek Mich., Oakland, Cal., Apr. 22, 1894.
Dear Sister White,- MMM 275.1

I sent you a letter a few days ago, and fearing lest I said something that would lead you to think that that movement of Anna Phillip’s visions was different from what it really was, so that it would cast reflection back upon A. T. Jones and Prof. Prescott I wish to say a few more words. MMM 275.2

Whatever God shows you in reference to the work of reading and presenting Anna Rice’s testimonies, I have not a word to. say; but I do not want anything I say to have the least influence over you. It is true they both believed them, and they presented the matter in a very strong light, and the Influence which they had led the brethren to take everything they said is being almost inspired of God. But you know that there is a great deal involved in this matter. Should as influence new go out strong against them, with the state of mind that our brethren have, it would bring a reaction which would be anything but healthy to the cause. I know what it is to have a reaction set in against a person And I sincerely hope from the bottom of my heart that there will be no move that in any way Will bring many of our brethren to go back on these two brethren. MMM 275.3

I do think that they were looked to as much if not more than ever the people looked to Bro. Butler and myself. But then, can you not in your articles dwell on principles in a way that the honest will see it, and guard both sides of that question? It would be a terrible thing to get the brethren and sisters who are not well balanced in judgment to lose confidence in are Jones or Prescott: and then what is worse, is the effect it might have on the cause. No one but those who possess the wisdom that God gives, and he does give you that wisdom, would know how to manage this matter at the present time. It has been necessary that your Influence uphold Eld. Waggoner and A. T. Jones for these number of years. This was absolutely necessary. The whole country has e been silenced against criticizing then to any extent. That battle has been fought, and the Victory gained. MMM 275.4

I need say no more; only I want to say that nothing I have said or write in this, I want should influence you in the least as to the matter. I felt two months ago, when I wrote asking you to come to America, that your presence was needed. Not simply your testimony, for that you can send; but your actual presence to even the thing up. But as near as I can learn, I am the only one of the leading brethren that feel as I did. I saw in the movement what our brethren did not see, an I think do not see at the present time. So that I do not Know one of them that agrees with me, although they can see that it is a wrong move; and I do not think that there are any two individuals that more deeply regret the move than Brethren Jones and Prescott. I believe they have sincerely repented and done all in their power to retract their Influence according to their judgment. And I sincerely hope from from the depths of my soul that our brethren will not be let loose on those two brethren, and that the influence which you have exerted to hold them up will in no way reflect back upon yourself. Such things will arise and come up in our midst, and if there was ever a time since the message started that we needed counsel and light that we may take right steps, it is just now in the midst of these perils. God can over rule it all for his glory and the advancement of his truth. MMM 275.5

Well, I have written you quite a supplement to the other letter. I trust God will gibe you wisdom and direct you in all your ways. I know he will, for he has dome so for nearly fifty years, and your life and experienced in God’s work has been that which no other person has experienced since the days of our Saviour. Christ is our wisdom and our righteousness, and our sanctification and redemption. He goes before us and fights the battles, and asks us to trust him. The battle is not ours but the Lord’s and the victory is not ours but his. Be of good courage, and remember that failure is never with the Lord, neither is the Lord ever taken by surprise. He sees the end from the beginning; he prepares his agents for a coming conflict, and even for the mistakes of his people, unseen by mortal eyes, but known by him and him alone. He will make the dark things plain, the crooked things straight, and will unfold a depth of grace to meet every emergency and defeat Satan at every point. His ways are not cur ways; his thoughts are not our thoughts; and the wrath of Satan will praise God, and the remainder of it he will restrain. MMM 276.1

Well, I will say no more.
As ever in hope,