Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 13, 1903

Knox, W. T.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

January 13, 1903

Previously unpublished. +^Note

Elder W. T. Knox

Dear Brother,—

I have received a letter from Brother T. S. Whitelock in regard to the Potts’ sanitarium property in Paradise Valley near San Diego. I will send a copy of this letter to you, so that you can read it and decide what to do. I hope that it will be thought advisable to secure this property for sanitarium purposes. Perhaps it would be well for you to communicate with Brother Henry W. Kellogg in regard to the matter. 18LtMs, Lt 13, 1903, par. 1

When properties so suitable for sanitarium work, in places where we desire to build up our medical missionary work, are offered to us for much less than their original cost, we should regard such offers as providential. The Lord has manifestly prepared the way for us at San Diego. <We must be quick to discern when the wheel of providence is turned in our favor. Is not this opportunity an answer to our prayers?> 18LtMs, Lt 13, 1903, par. 2

I am so situated that for some months to come I shall be unable to advance anything to help purchase this place. Scarcely anything has come in from the sale of my books, and about all that I have with which to meet my running expenses is the fifty dollars a month that I receive from the General Conference. 18LtMs, Lt 13, 1903, par. 3

If I could, I would sell my place in Healdsburg, but as yet I have had no opportunity to do so. I am not worrying over my inability to help the brethren at San Diego, because I know that my heavenly Father knows how I am in every possible way trying to advance the work in new fields. 18LtMs, Lt 13, 1903, par. 4

When money does not come in from the sale of my books, I do not have sufficient to pay my workers. Because our brethren do not walk in the counsel of the Lord, much of my time must be devoted to the writing of letters. We have had much of this to do since coming to America. As a result, the preparation of my writings for publication has been delayed. Many of the testimonies have not been issued in a form for general circulation, having been sent only to the ministers and other workers. But I am not discouraged over financial matters. When it seems best for me to sell my present home, I will do so cheerfully. I have been able to hire money at a low rate of interest with which to lift the mortgage on it. The bank offered me money at eight percent, but I secured a loan from my brethren at four percent. 18LtMs, Lt 13, 1903, par. 5

I now wish to know whether you intend to take any steps toward the purchase of the Paradise Valley property. I am greatly surprised that the terms are so favorable—only eight thousand dollars. Can you not write something to the brethren there at once in regard to what you think should be done? I do not desire to have them continually writing to me; for I can say no more than I have said; and money I have not. If Brother H. W. Kellogg would buy this place for us, and wait a little while for the money, I think we could raise the means and return it to him. Just now, other matters seem to demand our first attention. The burning of the Review and Herald office leaves the leading brethren in perplexity as to what should be done next. 18LtMs, Lt 13, 1903, par. 6

Have you found a place yet for holding the General Conference? Many have asked me in reference to this, but I have not heard anything definite. 18LtMs, Lt 13, 1903, par. 7