Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 4, 1876

White, J. S.

Oakland, California

April 7, 1876

Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 277-278; 9MR 29.

Dear Husband:

I arise before the family to get a few lines to the mail this morning. We remain usually well. We were glad to receive your few lines last evening stating that you had received a letter from me. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 1

I am writing some every day but cannot confine myself to writing more than one-half a day. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 2

Yesterday Mary Clough, the little girls, and I visited Sister Babcock. We had quite a walk. She lives on Twenty-eighth Street, west of Market. We only made her a call to find out where she lived. We next called on Sister Bohin, a German family. We had an excellent visit there. She is intelligent and a woman of fine taste. She understands sacred things and is a most devoted believer. She gave me many precious plants for my garden. They have quite a large lot of land, well cultivated, devoted to flowers and shrubs and trees. A large house, well furnished. The best Bible I ever looked into lies on their center table. Costs twenty dollars. She was very glad to receive us. I shall visit all my sisters and become acquainted with them. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 3

We came home and I set out my things in my garden of [the] new house by moonlight and by the aid of lamplight. The two Marys tried to have me wait till morning, but I would not listen to them. We had a beautiful shower last night. I was glad then I persevered in setting out my plants. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 4

The front yard is not yet prepared, but directly back of the new house a little strip is made ready for use. Set out some things. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 5

I shall attend meeting tomorrow, but shall let Waggoner and Loughborough do the work while they are here. I shun every responsibility I can, and all the work aside from my writing that I can. We are all doing well. I shall, I think, spend the commencement of the Sabbath with Edson and Emma. They are doing well in seeking to serve the Lord. I want to help them all I can. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 6

Willie and Mary do well. They are just as economical in their table preparations as ourselves, only more so. I am happily disappointed here. We have the third form of testimony off. I prepared the testimony for Cassidy. Brother Waggoner copied it for printers. He takes it in the pages to use in their labor to Petaluma. I feel like carrying matters right through in California. Whatever I do have to say or do about things will be to call things by their right name, and give this murmuring spirit no quarters. I have matter prepared for part of the fourth form [of] testimony, and part of the first form, which will be put in Signs as wanted. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 7

The precious subjects open to my mind well. I trust in God and He helps me to write. I am some twenty-four pages ahead of Mary. She does well with my copy. It will take a clear sense of duty to call me from this work to camp meetings. I mean to finish my writings, on one book at any rate, before I go anywhere. I see no light in my attending camp meetings. You and I decided this before you left. You must [not] allow the conference to press me out of the path of duty. The east will not see me for one year unless I feel that God calls me to go. He has given me my work. I will do it if I can be left free. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 8

I would enjoy attending the camp meetings if God said Go. I have no light as yet to go. The pillar of fire is here yet, when it moves I would move also. I want to follow it. I have no will of mine own; I want to do God’s will. At present His will is to tarry in California and make the most of my time in writing. I shall be doing more for the cause in this than in going across the plains to attend camp meetings. I hope you will keep well. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 9

In much love. 3LtMs, Lt 4, 1876, par. 10