Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 202, 1903

White, J. E.; White, Emma

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

September 11, 1903

Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 116; LLM 73.

Dear children,—

I have had many matters to write out, and I have been hard at work. My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. We are in no case to be doubtful, but hopeful. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 1

This morning I found your letter under my door. I was glad to hear from you. Yesterday I wrote you a letter on common, everyday topics. This letter will be sent today. I have written a long letter on the subject spoken of in your letter and have given it out to be copied. This will be sent to you soon. Maggie has just told me that the manuscript which you spoke about in your letter has been sent only to W. C. White. No one else has seen it. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 2

It is Satan’s plan to call minds to the study of the color line. If his suggestions are heeded, there will be such diversity of opinion that great confusion will result. No one is capable of defining the proper position of the colored people. Men may advance theories, but I assure you that it will not do for us to follow human theories. The color-line question must be allowed to rest. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 3

I think I have already written that the colored people should not urge that they be placed on an equality with white people. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 4

The cities of the South are to be worked, and for this work the best talent is to be secured, and that without delay. Let white workers labor for the white people, proclaiming the message of present truth in its simplicity. They will find openings through which they may reach the higher class. Every opportunity for reaching this class is to be improved. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 5

Let our colored workers do what they can to keep abreast, working earnestly for their own people. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 6

I know that if we attempt to meet the ideas and preferences of the colored people, we shall find our way blocked completely. The work of proclaiming the truth for this time is not to be hindered by an effort to adjust the position of the negro race. Should we attempt to do this, we should find that barriers like mountains would be raised to hinder the work that God desires to have done. If we move quietly and judiciously, laboring in the way that God has marked out, both white and colored people will be benefited by our labors, unless the colored people place themselves where the Lord cannot work with them. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 7

Medical missionary workers are needed in the Southern field, who can engage in Sanitarium work. Sanitariums are needed, in which successful medical and surgical work can be done. These institutions, conducted in accordance with the will of God, would remove prejudice and call our work into favorable notice. The highest aim of the workers in these institutions is to be the spiritual health of the patients. Successful evangelistic work can be done in connection with medical missionary work. It is as these lines of work are united that we may expect to gather the most precious fruit for the Lord. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 8

From the instruction that the Lord has given me from time to time, I know that there should be workers who make medical evangelistic tours among the towns and villages. Those who do this work will gather a rich harvest of souls, both from the higher and the lower classes. The way for this work is best prepared by the efforts of the faithful canvasser. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 9

Many will be called into the field to labor from house to house, giving Bible readings and praying with those who are interested. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 10

It is of the utmost importance that harmony exist in our institutions. Better for the work to go crippled than for workers who are not fully devoted to be employed. It is unconsecrated, unconverted men who have been spoiling the work of God. The Lord has no use whatever for men who are not wholly consecrated to His service. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 11

The hearts and interests of God’s workers should be one. The workers should be bound up with Christ and should esteem one another highly for their works’ sake. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 12

This is not now the case in the publishing house at Nashville. There should be in this institution perfect unity, perfect confidence, and hearty co-operation. The workers should look upon the work in the different departments as one. They should stand shoulder to shoulder, helping and strengthening one another. When they carry on their work in this spirit, there will be no evil surmisings, no envy, no strife. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 13

Let the workers remember that they will meet with enough prejudice and evil surmising outside. They do not need to cultivate these evils right at the heart of the work. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 14

Simplicity, meekness, lowliness, are of great value in the work of God. Try to unite the workers in the office in confidence and love. If you cannot do this, go straight ahead. Be right yourself, and leave the rest with God. Labor in faith and prayer. Select Christian youth, and train them to be not workers with hearts like iron, but workers who are willing to harmonize. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 15

The gospel of Christ is to be lived, practiced in the daily life. The servants of God are to be cleansed from all coldness, all selfishness. I pray that the Lord will change the hearts of those who, unless they receive more grace, will enter into temptation. I pray that He will soften and subdue every heart. We need to live in close fellowship with God, that we may love one another as Christ has loved us. Thus the world is to know that we are His disciples. Let there be no self-exaltation. Let every one humble his heart before God. Then the blessing will come. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 16

I can write no more now. It is my daily prayer that God will bless you and lead you and guide you. 18LtMs, Lt 202, 1903, par. 17