Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 28a, 1893

Hare, Brother and Sister [E.]

Bank’s Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand

July 21, 1893

Previously unpublished.

Mr. and Mrs. E. Hare
Turner St.
Auckland, New Zealand

Dear Brother and Sister:

I have written to brother Christie, who is at Napier, giving him the light which the Lord has given me in reference to his case. I sent the communication to Elder Wilson to read to him. Today I received a letter from Elder Wilson stating that Christie denies everything and tells some of the brethren in Napier that it is all gossip that I have heard, and that there is no truth in it. 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 1

I learn that Bro. Christie expects to go to Auckland, and also to Kaeo. If he succeeds in getting the money he will leave on the Sunday steamer from Napier. His character has been very defective according to the light given me; his word cannot be relied on. He is not honest, yet he has many excellent traits of character. If he were reliable he would be one who could do much good, but he denies everything until the facts are made so plain that he can deny no longer. Then he makes no confession of sin, but regards himself as much misused and ill-treated. The case of Saul in the fifteenth chapter of 1st Samuel seems to be repeated in this young man. 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 2

I thought best to write this to you. Although he may not do harm every place he goes, yet all should understand in reference to his case so as not to be deceived. Why I write to you now is because he will have representations to make to you which I hope you will not heed, but just wait until the truth is made plain. He leaves Napier with a debt of several pounds and no means to pay the same. I am sorry for this poor, self-deceived, misguided young man. If he would only get the truth into his heart, and obtain such views of Jesus Christ and His purity and holiness, his entrusted talents might be improved; but all his good qualities are spoiled, for “there is a dead fly in the ointment.” [Ecclesiastes 10:1.] 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 3

What a canvasser he might make if he were a converted young man; but he is not a Christian, for a Christian will not lie, and steal and bear false witness. He loves to be in the society of the young girls, and he does much harm in his influence over the young, which someone will have to counteract. But the poor young man excuses himself in everything. He says he wishes the young girls would let him alone, for they beset him so that he cannot free himself from their society. This he says was the case with the girls from Auckland; while at the conference he could not get rid of them. 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 4

You had better talk with them to not put temptations in his way to flirt with them. Tell them it is wisdom for them to abstain from the very appearance of evil and give no occasion for any young man to say that the girls would be in his company and he could not get rid of them. Poor young man, the poor young girls. May the Lord let His converting power come to their hearts, and may they be so enamored with Christ Jesus that they will not see in the young men such attractions that it will lead them astray in any respect. 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 5

I wish to say a word in reference to the Maori boy; one is purposing to go to Battle Creek, and be educated to become a Medical Missionary. Please do not say one word in reflection upon Battle Creek, because your children have become homesick, and are disappointed. I have written to Battle Creek in reference to the children, and telling them to make them happy and contented if they possibly can do so. We want no unfavorable report to go forth from Battle Creek. There are always two sides to matters. I shall try to write to your children a kind and encouraging letter. I feel very tender towards any children away from home, in a strange land. But do not let your feelings get wrought up over things that may appear to you to be not just right. Let time decide the matters. 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 6

The matter I wrote in regard to Christie is at Napier, and therefore cannot send it to you as I desire to. 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 7

Much love to parents and children. 8LtMs, Lt 28a, 1893, par. 8