Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 77, 1890

Children

Crystal Springs, St. Helena, California

May 28, 1890

Portions of this letter are published in 2SM 249-250.

Dear children:

Willie’s letter was received yesterday. I am steadily growing stronger. I have become considerably reduced in flesh, for me. As yet have not ventured to take but a limited supply of food: two rolls, or three at most, and drink a little barley tea, or porridge with it; have eaten a little mess of peas several times, but the rolls are best for me and I can take care of them. No milk, no butter, no meat, no acid fruits of any kind; nothing acid passes my lips. My heart is still weak and the doctor says if it were any one beside Sister White he should say no meetings for a period of time, for it would be hazardous, for I feel so intensely in these meetings. He says my heart must not be agitated; now the danger is rheumatism will settle in that weak part. I had the rheumatism all winter in my left arm so that it became nearly helpless. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 1

Last Friday night, [at the] commencement of the Sabbath, I met with the helpers, Dr. Burke being present, in the chapel. I read to them something I had written for St. Helena, Crystal Springs, about two years ago and it was right to the point. I find I was needed on the ground at this time. My words were needed to help Dr. Burke. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 2

I found Brother Baker needed a sharp reprimand for his familiarity with girls and women. Dr. Burke was placing confidence in him as an advisor. His work was to pull others down to uplift himself. I laid the matter plainly before Dr. Burke in letter, and yesterday morning I read to him a letter written by me to Brother Baker. I think now he sees it will not answer to depend too much upon such men. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 3

I attended the board meeting by special request yesterday. The matter of building was discussed and everything was considered. We have no room now for more patients and there are one hundred at Napa who say they shall go where Dr. Burke goes. Rooms must be made for the patrons in order for the patrons to lift the debt resting so heavily upon the institution. The decision was made to put up a main building, inclose it and finish rooms as the means shall come in so that some rooms can be used this winter. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 4

Dr. Burke has written to Sister Howard of Reno, Nevada, for means to help in this enterprise. She told him she would let him have twenty thousand, four per cent interest. He has not received an answer yet. Expects a letter now every day. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 5

Sister Gotzian promised fifteen thousand at low interest. This will go quite a long way in erecting the building. Wayland will be sent for, to look the ground over; the building will be put into his hands. This movement will infuse courage into those who wish the prosperity of the institute. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 6

Dr. Burke stated to me that M. J. Church has urged him to come to Fresno and has told him he does not have confidence in Maxson and his wife to run an institute. Says he shall go no farther in building an institute in Fresno till he sees how this one at St. Helena is coming out. It may be Maxson and his wife will yet be glad to connect with Dr. Burke. Is it best to make any moves in that direction? 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 7

Brother Saunders is here, as he is one of the board. There is to be another meeting today to further calculate what shall be done. Dr. Burke seems anxious to have things settled that they may know what moves to make before I shall leave. Dr. Burke is doing just as well as a man can do and has double work to perform. He lives so abstemiously that he keeps well. He frankly and heartily endorsed all the close, pointed testimony read last Friday night. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 8

Sabbath I made out, by leaning on the desk, to stand and speak one hour. The day was very hot, yet the patients were many of them present and they came from miles around to hear me. The chapel was well filled. I spoke on the love of God, 1 John 3. Sabbath and Sunday were severely taxing on me and last night I had considerable pain in my heart. I have just eaten my breakfast—three rolls, two young onions, and some dutch cheese. I relished my breakfast. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 9

I will say that the doctor is now fully settled to throw his whole interest into the work here and make it a success. He told us in the board meeting yesterday that he had a talk with Mr. Bells’ daughter who refused the water to the institute. She says her father regrets the course he pursued. Elder Rice approached him in such a way that it stirred his combativeness and made him mad. Dr. Burke says the daughter gave him to understand there would be no more contest about the water, that they could have all they wanted. He told them it was a philanthropic institution. No individual was benefited, all was for the good of humanity. So difficulties seem to be removed. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 10

Dear children, I am deeply grateful to God for my reason and for the privilege of breathing while I do live without so great pain. I have but little disturbance of the heart now; my liver is still sore, but I am improving. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 11

I wish you had answered me whether it is best for me to go east, not to attend camp meetings, for this I know I cannot do with safety; but will my presence help the workers and is it safe and I want to see Mary and you and my grandchildren. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 12

The doctor thinks I could journey by private conveyance in the open air, but he seems to think it not just safe to travel on the cars and changing altitude. A high altitude is, he says, dangerous for me now. I want wisdom to know just what to do. Can you advise me? If I could cross the plains without risk, I could get out of Battle Creek to Petoskey and spend some time there. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 13

I think of you all and pray for you all. Oh, if Mary were only improving, how glad it would make my heart. The Lord will let His candle shine about you. He will bless and strengthen and support you, in this your time of trial and distress. The Redeemer is pitiful, full of tender sympathy, and love. Now is the time to commit the keeping of the soul to God as unto a faithful Creator. What a blessed hope we have, that grows stronger and stronger as trials and afflictions increase, now, to show your trust in One who has given His life for you. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 14

Thank God, Mary, the light afflictions which are but for a moment, worketh for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. You know in whom you have believed and are “persuaded that He is able to keep that which you have committed unto Him against that day.” [2 Timothy 1:12.] The trials may be severe, but look to Jesus every moment, not to struggle but to rest in His love. He careth for you. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 15

We know as trials press closer and closer, the hope grows stronger. The beams of the Sun of Righteousness shall shine into your heart with its healing beams. Look beyond the clouds [to] the brightness even the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Thank God that in the tempest of trial the anchor holds. We have an ever living, ever prevailing Intercessor, who is pleading our individual case before the Father. The joys of an eternal reward have been purchased at an infinite cost. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 16

May the Lord comfort and strengthen and bless you is my daily prayer. Oh, when we see the King in His beauty, what a day of gladness that will be! We will rest in the rich promises of God. He will never fail us, but be to us a present help in every time of need. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 17

Accept my heart love. 6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 18