Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 3a, 1883

Smith, Uriah

Healdsburg, California

July 31, 1883

Portions of this letter are published in 3MR 318-319.

Dear Brother Smith:

The very sad news of Elder [C. W.] Stone’s sudden death has reached me today. It so overcame me I was unable to sit up much of any through the day. A terrible conviction forced itself upon me that he was not prepared; he had not washed his robes of character and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. But we leave him with the Lord who will judge righteously. 4LtMs, Lt 3a, 1883, par. 1

It is not wise to defer the preparation for eternity one day, no not an hour. This calamity speaks decidedly to every one of us to not neglect a vital connection with God. Satan is watching his chances to secure souls to himself, and unless we have God’s protection, he will break forth in violence, and his angels will be set at work to do some marked mischief. The terrible tornadoes, the railroad disasters, the calamities at sea are because of Satan’s wrath. The Lord does not work a miracle to protect those who are constantly working against Himself and strengthening the powers of darkness. 4LtMs, Lt 3a, 1883, par. 2

And this is only the beginning. Their hearts will not repent because they are fully set in them to do evil and that continually. These disasters, which should make men afraid, are now regarded only by those who fear for their own personal safety, themselves and those connected with them. 4LtMs, Lt 3a, 1883, par. 3

[Unfinished?]