Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 96, 1906

Haskell, Brother and Sister

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

March 11, 1906

Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 403. +^Note

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:

We received the letter Sister Haskell wrote, and I have read it with much pleasure and interest. I have not felt competent to advise you where to locate, but we have asked the Lord to lead you and to guide you in selecting the right place. We want to encourage that simplicity which will lead us to refer all perplexities to God. I am pleased that the way has opened for you to secure the house already furnished. This will do for the present. We are very much pleased with your location. Willie knows where it is. I read your letter to Elder Irwin and Elder Daniells and Willie. I will let others read it. I think if you express your wants, you will have the help needed. You must have a horse and carriage. I pray that the Lord may open the way for you to be provided with this. Tell me the size of your rooms. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 1

We could but smile as you recounted the estimate made by Sister Haskell’s relative of Loma Linda and its advantages—worth half a million dollars. If the institution accomplishes that which we prayerfully hope to see, we shall praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice. It was in the providence of God that Loma Linda was prepared for us. How easily it might have passed into the hands of others. The Lord has favored us wonderfully, and we will praise and glorify His holy name that such property was offered at such a price. We know the Lord has prepared it for us; for otherwise we could not have obtained such a place at so reasonable a figure, and furnished with everything that we need, and more than we need. Thank the Lord, O my soul! 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 2

Brother and Sister Haskell, let us keep constantly looking on the bright side. Let us talk faith and act faith, and we will have faith. The Lord be praised for His care over us in making such ample arrangements. I praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Let every one of us be thankful. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 3

I have worked long and closely at my writing, and I design to attend the dedication at Loma Linda. We are desirous of knowing just when the dedication will take place, so that we can make arrangements to get the work that is essential done before we leave. I am looking forward to that time with genuine interest. Loma Linda is a very sure location. We have not been guilty of failing to appreciate limited advantages; we have been thankful for what we have had; and now without any solicitation on our part, we have come into the possession of a great treasure. We are in this place having our day of favor, and we must treat this great blessing as from God, acting our part faithfully in the fear of the Lord. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 4

To all of us are committed talents, and we are to use these talents as gifts to be improved. They are to be increased by use. By diligent trading we are to work to the point, moving intelligently and creating a strong influence in favor of the truth. We are stewards of His grace. He has paid the price of His own blood that we might have eternal life. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 5

Elders Daniells and Irwin have been with us for several days, and I have had some consultations with them and Willie. You shall have enlightenment on the subjects we are considering, when we have arrived at a decision as to what is best to be done. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 6

Things in Battle Creek are reaching a remarkable pass. We are to do all in our power to rescue souls from error, and we are to “Watch unto prayer.” [1 Peter 4:7.] In all earnestness we are to offer our petitions to God, saying as did Christ of His persecutors, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] The Lord is our trust. He is our defense, and we will not show the least distrust of our powerful keeper. I feel only sadness and grief and distress, which I have felt for months; for I have had long ago the present condition of things presented to me. I am glad you are saved the pain and the distress of soul that must be borne by those who are in the midst of the conflict. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 7

You must not be left alone in your efforts. I am glad that you are just where you are. You are where the Lord would have you. Whatever course those at Battle Creek pursue, my duty is plain; I am to talk the truth, pray the truth, and leave men in the hands of God. When we have acted our part, then we will leave the Lord to take care of the rest. Let us manifest a kind, courteous spirit. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 8

For weeks the Lord has been giving me clear views of the true character of those who have refused light at Battle Creek. And when the Lord bids me to speak, I shall surely speak. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 9

The Lord lives and reigns. Let us be of good courage in Him, for He lives and will do His work in righteousness. Keep your hearts stayed on God. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 10

It is growing dark, and I must close. May the Lord bless you and all the workers, for there is a great work to be done. Watch and pray. I will write again soon. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 11

In love. 21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 12