Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 36, 1901

White, Ella

Battle Creek, Michigan

April 25, 1901

Portions of this letter are published in OHC 279; 1MCP 15.

My dear granddaughter,—

I would have written to you ere this, but much sickness and constant labor have prevented me. 16LtMs, Lt 36, 1901, par. 1

Before others are stirring in the house, I am up. I would be pleased, after nearly four weeks’ labor in Battle Creek, if I could return by the most direct route to St. Helena. But appointments have been sent out for me to speak to the people in many places: in Indianapolis, in Des Moines, in Omaha, in Denver, and in College View. I shall attend two camp-meetings, one at Walla Walla and one at Portland. After this I shall attend the camp-meeting in Oakland, and then I shall go to my home in St. Helena to rest, if possible. 16LtMs, Lt 36, 1901, par. 2

I sympathize with you in your disappointment, but my advice to you is not to overtax your mind by too close application to study. Your future good demands that you make haste slowly. And always, my beloved child, stand up for Christ. In word, in spirit, in action, be His witness. He loves you, and He wants to impart to you His rich grace, that you may impart this to others. I encourage you to reach a high standard. Christ has purchased you with His own blood. Then everywhere, at all times and under all circumstances, stand up for Jesus. Remember that thus you will exert the very best influence upon all with whom you associate. Ever be one of the meek and lowly ones. It is your privilege ever to grow in grace, advancing in the knowledge and love of God, if you maintain the sweet communion with Christ it is your privilege to enjoy. In the simplicity of humble faith ask the Lord to open your understanding, that you may discern and appreciate the precious things of His Word. Thus you may grow in grace, grow in simple, trusting faith. Then your light will shine forth to all with whom you associate. Keep your mind fixed upon the Saviour. By beholding Him and communing with Him, you will reflect His meekness and love. 16LtMs, Lt 36, 1901, par. 3

The Lord loves you, and He will bless you if you will draw nigh to Him. Be assured that growth in grace is as important as your ambition to be useful by acquiring an education. We are all desirous that you shall advance, but you must not overtax yourself to do this. There is need of cherishing a peaceful trust in your Saviour. Make haste slowly. Keep the eye single to the glory of God. Watch unto prayer. The Lord would have you thorough in all your endeavors to obtain an education. Lay a sure foundation, and then bring to that foundation gold, silver, and precious stones. Make thorough work in the first essential elements of education, in language and spelling. These are the most important things. 16LtMs, Lt 36, 1901, par. 4

If you desire to be a teacher, you must first be a learner, that your profiting may appear to all. But of one thing be sure, that your love for your Saviour abounds yet more and more, that you may discern and approve the things that are excellent, and be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. Be sure that your spiritual life does not become poor, sickly, inefficient. There are many who have need of the words and example of a Christian. Weakness and indecision provoke the assaults of the enemy, and any one who fails to increase in spiritual growth, in a knowledge of truth and righteousness, will frequently be overcome by the enemy. Be more desirous of practicing the virtues of Christ’s character than of advancing in lines of study. Advancement in learning of the great Teacher will make your mind more fruitful in every good work. Your memory will be strengthened to retain the essential science of education. 16LtMs, Lt 36, 1901, par. 5

Your faith will be tried. Temptations will come. Prepare to meet them by watchfulness and prayer. Faithful waiting upon the Lord will ensure a renewal of fortitude and courage, patience and hope. 16LtMs, Lt 36, 1901, par. 6

Day by day we are all to be trained, disciplined, and educated for usefulness in this life. Only one day at a time—think of this. One day is mine. I will in this one day do my best. I will use my talent of speech to be a blessing to some other one, a helper, a comforter, an example which the Lord my Saviour shall approve. I will exercise myself unto patience, kindness, forbearance, that the Christian virtues may be developed in me today. Every morning dedicate yourself, soul, body, and spirit to God. Establish habits of devotion, and trust more and more in your Saviour. You may believe with all confidence that the Lord Jesus loves you and wishes you to grow up to His stature of character. He wishes you to grow in His love, to increase and strengthen in all the fulness of divine love. Then you will gain a knowledge of the highest value for time and for eternity. 16LtMs, Lt 36, 1901, par. 7