Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 177, 1903

White, J. E.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

August 9, 1903

Portions of this letter are published in TDG 229; Ev 143. +^Note

My dear son Edson,—

It seems difficult to secure means just now. Sister Gotzain is in Portland, Oregon, and I hardly know who to ask for means. Brother Walter Harper suggested that he thought that perhaps I could borrow some money from Sister Stickney, or from her daughter, who married a man of some means. He died, leaving his money to his wife, and she carried on his business. I have written Sister Stickney a letter, asking her to lend me one thousand dollars. It will be some days before I can hear form her. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 1

For six months I have received nothing from the sale of my books, with the exception of one hundred and seventy-five dollars from Australia. I keep hoping that some money will come soon. I have no money in the bank, and my expenses for the past few months have been heavy. I have had my double surrey painted. The carriage that father bought me, which I afterward sold to Dr. Kellogg, and which he sent back to me after we returned to this country, needs repairing. The man at the carriage shop says that the material in the carriage is excellent, much better than could be obtained now. The job will cost something. I should not have had it done had I known how short of means I would be. I hope that you will put your books on the market as soon as you can. I have much that I wish to publish. I have excellent help, but not a sufficient number of workers to enable me to do all that I desire. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 2

August 8

I have every reason to be thankful to God for His great goodness and mercy. I am drawing near my seventy-sixth birthday, and I am still able to wait on myself. I am writing much and hope to leave things in good shape should my life end. My mind is clear, and the Lord instructs me, giving me light on Bible subjects. If He did not do this, I could do nothing. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 3

Upon us there rests the solemn responsibility of presenting the truth to unbelievers in the most forcible manner. How careful we should be not to present the truth in a way that will drive men and women from it. Religious teachers stand where they can do great good or great evil. If every one will now awake to the responsibility resting on him and be determined not to place himself on the judgment seat to criticize and condemn others, but to go to work to preach the gospel as never before to those in darkness, many souls will be turned from iniquity to righteousness. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 4

Faithful stewards are needed. God will work with every one who will be worked. The Holy Spirit will lead many souls to Christ. In His companionship they will be fitted for the courts above. Those who are laborers together with God will become wise in soul-saving. They will learn of the great Teacher, and while they are presenting Bible subjects to those they are trying to help, the grace of Christ will fill their hearts, and the Word of God will unfold before them. While they are sounding the call, “Let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely,” their own thirst will be quenched. [Revelation 22:17.] 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 5

All need now to be faithful with God, gathering up the fragments, that nothing be lost. He calls for diligent, faithful service. There must be no lack of economy; every penny should be carefully treasured. We are to remember the lesson that Christ gave to His disciples after He had fed the multitude with five loaves and two fishes. Every one had been satisfied, and then Christ said to the disciples, “Gather up the fragments; that nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.] 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 6

We are to receive truth from Christ and impart it to the people. Infidelity and all kinds of wickedness are rapidly increasing, and the zeal and earnestness of God’s servants are to increase proportionately. They are faithfully to bring into His treasury their tithes and offerings. When they fail to do this, they rob God of that which He designs should be used to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth. If we withhold from God our service of love, we leave sinners unwarned. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 7

The Lord calls upon us to come to the banquet of truth and then go out into the highways and hedges and compel souls to come in by presenting the great and wonderful offering that Christ has made to the world. We are to present the truth in the way that Christ told His disciples to present it—in simplicity and love. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 8

Yesterday for the first time I rode to Yountville and spoke to the soldiers in the Veteran’s Home. We had an excellent meeting. All present listened with attention to what I said. I will send you a copy of what I have written about the work at Yountville. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 9

I have written to H. W. Kellogg, asking him to lend me two thousand dollars. I will send you a copy of my letter to him. I want money very much, and I hope that Brother Kellogg will be able to let me have some. 18LtMs, Lt 177, 1903, par. 10