Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 298, 1907
White, J. E.; White, Emma
St. Helena, California
September 26, 1907
Previously unpublished. +Note
Elder J. E. White
Edgefield, Tennessee
Dear Edson and Emma:
I have just sent you a letter, but I do not think I told you in that that I am pleased with your decision to remain in Nashville until your property is disposed of. Do not give the impression that you are discouraged, or are driven out of Nashville. If you should leave at this time, some might interpret the move unfavorably to you. If you think best, you can spend the hottest part of the year away from Nashville. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 1
I believe I shall bear my testimony again in the southern states. I am pained as I see the situation before us. I want to visit Nashville this winter, if my health will permit. I have a message to bear there. I have something written for the workers in the Nashville office, which I will have copied and sent. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 2
We are still working on the book concerning the work in the South. I hope that we shall soon see it in print. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 3
The Sabbath truth is to be brought before the cities of the South; the third angel’s message is to be given with power. “After these things,” John says, “I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations of the earth have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” [Revelation 18:1-4.] 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 4
We are in danger of giving this wonderful message in a tame and unimpressive way, when it should go with power. Every voice should now be raised in giving the note of warning in our cities, at our camp-meetings, and at every opportunity that arises. The Sabbath truth is the great testing truth for the people of this time. We need to equip ourselves for the battle; we need to be transformed in character that we ourselves may stand the test. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 5
Our work is an aggressive one; we have an important work to do as the Lord’s mouthpieces. We are to walk in all simplicity, yet with that confidence that those should have who realize that they are the lights of the world. We are to give unmistakable evidence of a growing spirituality. A spirit of prayer and a spirit of witnessing should rest upon all who bear a part in this solemn work. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 6
At the close of your meetings, opportunity should be given for those who wish to bear testimony for God. A call should be made for the careless and indifferent to give themselves to Christ. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2.] The sweet influence of the Holy Spirit will convict and convert souls. We have earnest work to do, and time is very short. Soon the wails of a world’s sorrow will be heard in the cry, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended; and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.] Now is the time to make our calling and election sure. Thousands of souls can be reached by simple, humble methods of labor. The Lord has a work for men as well as women to do. Through those who are meek and lowly in heart, He will speak words that will rescue souls that are perishing. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 7
Edson, if you are comfortable in the place where you are, and feel that this is where you should be, carry out your convictions. Do not allow yourself to get into a strait place. I understand what this means, and I can tell you that it means loss. Wait on the Lord and seek His guidance. I believe that your decision to remain in Nashville is a wise one. But do not work early and late. Give yourself time to rest. Do not speak unadvisedly; do not lay your burdens on Emma. Seek the Lord, and put your trust in Him. If you will surrender your mind and will to God, He will surely lead you in right ways. Be of good courage in the Lord. I am pleading in your behalf, that God may give you the victory. Heaven is worth everything to us, and individually we are to strive to obtain it. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 8
We are expecting Elder Rogers soon. I shall visit with him when he comes. 22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 9