Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 28, 1889

Gotzian, Sister

Battle Creek, Michigan

March 28, 1889

Portions of this letter are published in WM 326-327.

Dear Sister Gotzian:

I wish I were to return to Oakland with W. C. White, but this does not seem to be in the line of my duty; I must remain here till fall. 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 1

I am quite anxious in regard to Brother and Sister Sawyer. Her health I learn is very poor. These have been staunch friends of the cause of God for many years. They have been self-sacrificing, and I feel deeply for them. 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 2

In regard to Nellie Leland, you know she is a widow with the care of three children, and she is struggling to obtain knowledge that she may engage in the kindergarten work, where she can keep her children with her. Let us not see the poor soul struggle for her life and sacrifice her health to do this. I have thought of the liberal donations that have been made to individuals who have married at Oakland. Would that these friends might use their means and express their sympathies to bless the widow and the fatherless that are deserving of their attention and substantial sympathy. Have not such cases claims upon us? 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 3

I am involved in debt—$8,000 on which I am paying interest. But I will help Nellie $100 if you will do the same. Two hundred dollars would be a great blessing to her just now. Will you do this for Christ’s sake? Will you encourage others to help her to get a start in life? It would be far better to do this than to wait and let Nellie be worn out with anxiety and care and fall in the struggle, leaving her children helpless, motherless, to be cared for by others. 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 4

One hundred dollars from you will not be a large sum, but it will be a great blessing to her. Will you do this? Let us do it as a free gift and not let the horror of debt be upon her who is struggling under such discouragements. If you will do this, please collect in my name from Signs Office $100 for Nellie Leland. Let us both take stock in this matter, and the Lord will bless us. I know she will struggle with all her powers to be self-supporting. Will you look after this matter? 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 5

Ellen G. White.

Brother C. H. Jones: Please pay to the order of Nellie Leland $100 (One Hundred Dollars) as a gift from the Lord who has made me His steward of means. 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 6

Ellen G. White.

Sister Gotzian: Will you please duplicate this and receive a blessing from the Lord for so doing? “He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord.” [Proverbs 19:17.] 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 7

May the Lord bless you is the prayer of your sister. 6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 8