Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 68, 1909

Haskell, S. N.

Loma Linda, California

April 10, 1909

Previously unpublished.

Elder S. N. Haskell
Box 597
Oakland, California

Dear Brother:

We found much pleasure in meeting our friends in Paradise Valley once more. I was weary in brain and body when I left St. Helena, and it brought encouragement and joy to my heart to see the work at Paradise Valley going forward in progressive lines. We have great hopes for the future of this enterprise. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 1

The day after my arrival I spoke to the patients and helpers, quite a goodly number, assembled in the two large parlors. The Lord gave me a message for them. I had freedom in speaking, and the tender Spirit of the Lord was with me, and the softening influence of God rested upon the hearers. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 2

We could not remain long enough at Paradise Valley to become really rested. On Friday morning, April 9, we left San Diego for a short visit to Loma Linda, where we planned to spend the following Sabbath and Sunday. On Sabbath morning I spoke to the patients and church members gathered under the pepper trees on the sanitarium lawn. There was a large congregation, but my voice was strong, so that it could reach to all. I spoke from the 58th chapter of Isaiah. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 3

From Loma Linda we will pass on to College View, where I expect to speak to the teachers and students at Union College. I pray that the Lord will give me words that will bring help and blessing to those who need help. From College View we go to Nashville, and then to Washington. I am praying that as we visit these different places of interest, the Lord will give me strength to deliver the message He gives me for His people. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 4

I am encouraged in regard to my eyes. The little time I have spent on the cars, in which I could not read or write, has wrought a wonderful change in their condition. I am encouraged to believe that if I am careful not to tax them, I need not suffer with them as I have suffered. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 5

My brother, I would be very pleased to attend the Chico camp-meeting. I had not realized that it was to come off so soon. I hope that you will seek the Lord most earnestly, and that every soul will pray diligently and in faith. Do not allow any kind of selfishness to come in to rule the mind and dishonor God. This would be the saddest thing that could happen. I have had fears, and still have fears, that there will be on the part of some a spirit to stir up strife and dissension. Let the hearts of our leading men be humble; let them seek to become lowly in mind. There needs to be revealed the simplicity of true Christlikeness. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 6

The Lord has favored us in the purchase of the place among the mountains for our school site. We cannot tell what this location will mean to us individually; but the Lord has represented to me the advantages of such places. We can safely say, “For the strength of the hills we bless Thee, O God, our father’s God.” Let us humble heart and soul before the Lord. We have an individual work to do in closing the door to the suggestions of Satan, in humbling our individual selves before God, and in receiving anew the grace of Christ. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 7

Our religious belief is our treasure. It is our inheritance. Let not one thread of selfishness be woven into our religious experience. We are to make the Bible our guidebook, while we contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, given us by Christ in His ministry of the Word. I pray that the Spirit of the great Teacher may abide with all who settle on the Buena Vista estate, that it may become a part of their being through the daily practice of the virtues of Christ. Let each believer constitute himself a guardian of the treasure of truth, which God has committed to His saints. The heavenly character of the truth is to shine forth to the world in clearness and purity. This new property which is coming into our possession is to be regarded by all as a place where the principles of the truth must be faithfully lived out. In all its management are to be revealed the living principles of the Word. These principles are to be seen in the observance of the Sabbath. Let much prayer ascend to the throne of God for that wisdom which heaven alone can bestow. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 8

Do not lose your hold upon the One who has promised to be your strength, your front guard and your rearward. Do not let your heart become discouraged by perplexities. All heaven is pledged to work for your help and your strengthening. Only think of the power that the Lord is waiting to bestow. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 9

Trust not in man nor in the arm of flesh. The Lord is “a God full of compassion and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” “His foundation is in the holy mountain. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.” [Psalm 86:15; 87:1-3.] Read the words of the ninety-first psalm; read them and believe in them. I seemed to be reading these words to you, in accordance with instruction I had received from the Lord. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 10

We must not distrust the Lord. Our prayers are to ascend on high; we must learn to take God at His word. I refer you also to the 105th psalm. The Lord desires that you shall appropriate these words to your own individual experience. The psalmist declares, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Let your faith increase, and not diminish. Thank the Lord for His Word; this is to be your stronghold. “O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” [Psalm 107:1, 2, 8.] 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 11

My brother, look on the bright side of circumstances. Say with the psalmist, “O God, my heart is fixed. I will sing, and give praise, even with my glory.” [Psalm 108:1.] Be of good courage. Talk faith. Do not let the clouds and trials quench your faith. Trials we shall all have as long as time shall last. Satan is working to discourage; but have faith. 24LtMs, Lt 68, 1909, par. 12