Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 31, 1876

White, J. E.; White, Emma

Missouri

June 7, 1876

Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 38.

(On the cars on our way to Council Bluffs. We have to take this as the most direct route to Iowa.)

Dear Children, Edson and Emma:

I feel some anxious to learn in regard to your business matters. Have you sold yet, and if you have, how much did you sell for? And what are your prospects? Are you both well, cheerful in God and enjoying His love? Please write us; direct your letter far enough ahead to reach us at some point of the camp meetings. 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 1

I hope, children, you will move cautiously and understandingly. Do not allow the enemy to entangle you into branching out into large plans. Keep near the shore. Be ever on the safe side. Why not write for the Signs and cultivate your ability in this direction? We want you to be channels of light. Whatever may be your condition, let your first business be the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Have everything second to this. Do not become careless and neglectful of your religious duties. Be true to the claims of your heavenly Father, let it cost what it may in this world. Seek to view everything in the light of heaven as God sees it. We are anxious to learn how matters are progressing on the Pacific coast. 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 2

Father is writing. Mary [Clough] has been writing considerably today. 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 3

I have been very much debilitated by this warm climate. Mary feels it sensibly. For the first week I could scarcely keep my teeth in my mouth, my system was so relaxed. It is a beautiful picture of loveliness that is presented to the eye in the trees covered with green foliage, the waving grain with the sunlight and shadows resting upon it, the cultivated soil, the varied scenery in the high hills covered with verdure and adorned with trees, and the broad, rich valleys under cultivation. All is fresh and green. I suppose you are drying up in Oakland and looking burned and seared. But Oakland is the home of my choice. I think our coming winter will be spent in Oakland if the people of California accept and appreciate our labors. If not, we shall not waste our precious labors in bearing to a stiff-necked people our God-given message for them to trample under their feet. God has given us our work and when those in California despise or are even indifferent to our work, God holds them accountable for this neglect and abuse of Him who has given us our work. But I must stop. 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 4

God bless you, my dear children. Father is doing a great deal of work. Monday he spoke three times. Sunday, I spoke twice in the afternoon and evening. Spoke four hours to about fifteen hundred people. I had great freedom in addressing the crowd. 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 5

My heart feels very tender toward you, my dear children. I want you to be free and happy in the truth and fitted to be of use in the cause of God. 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 6

In much love, 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 7

Mother.

Send to Battle Creek the package of envelopes with your name printed on them. 3LtMs, Lt 31, 1876, par. 8