Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 102, 1907

Haskell, Brother and Sister

St. Helena, California

March 17, 1907

Portions of this letter are published in 2MR 252-254. +^Note

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:

I have reason to be very thankful to God that He graciously spared my life to act a part in the important meetings in Oakland and San Francisco. I thank Him that He gave me strength and freedom. Although infirmities have been upon me, I have been sustained and greatly blessed. The great Physician has been my Helper, and to His name be the glory. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 1

In my eightieth year, I can go up and down stairs as easily as any of my workers. I build my own fires in the morning, lifting the heavy pieces of wood myself. Then I begin my work of writing. I have sometimes feared that I would have to give up my habit of early rising; but this is my most precious time for seeking the Lord’s help and counsel. In these early hours I have a most sacred sense of the presence of my Saviour. My mind is clear, and faith and hope are suggested by One who is a present help in every time of need. O how I should miss these precious hours spent alone with God. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 2

Every winter for years I have suffered from rheumatic pains, but only once or twice this winter have I felt any approach of them. I have never enjoyed a winter so free from pain. I praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His wonderful keeping power. Verily, the good hand of my God has been upon me. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 3

That which I appreciate above every other thing is the freedom which is given me in writing and speaking. Sometimes, when necessity required haste, I have written between three o’clock and breakfast time as many as fifteen pages of manuscript. Recently I have written considerable on subjects of Old Testament history, and also important matter that has been given me in regard to the special work that must be done at this time. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 4

I have not responded to every call that has come for me to visit different places, because such constant journeying as this would require breaks upon my work of writing. And yet I have responded to the calls to come to Oakland, and the Lord has given me strength for the work. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 5

Later. March 18, ’07. I have just read your letter telling of the meeting in Berkeley. I feel thankful that you were present. May the Lord give His grace, that the work He desires to have done in Oakland and Berkeley may be accomplished. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 6

I shall send a letter to Dr. Sanderson and Brother Brorsen, asking them to stand together. Had Brother Steel been put in again as elder, he would have become a ruling element, and there would be a repetition of what we have had to meet in the past. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 7

How is the work advancing at Loma Linda? The work in Southern California should be guarded, that we do not allow too much responsibility to rest on any one man. This important part of the great field must be worked judiciously. Men of responsibility need to be counselled. Elder Cottrell is a man of broad experience and by virtue of his position is a chief counsellor in regard to the work. Elder Burden is a man of experience, and his knowledge of the field and his judgment are to be consulted. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 8

I would say to the church members at Loma Linda, Lean not on the counsel of any one man, but unite your prayers to the Lord for guidance. Let Him direct the work. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 9

Redlands and Riverside are in need of help. The Lord has shown me that the message is to be preached in these places. In deciding which of these towns shall receive help first, consult the judgment of those men who have been bearing responsibilities in this part of the field. Counsel together with much prayer and intelligent investigation of the situation. The Lord is calling for these places to be worked. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 10

God calls for minute men, men who will be wide-awake to take in the situation. The work is not to be carried on according to one man’s mind and judgment. Bible truth is to be presented to the people under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We cannot spend weeks and months in one place. In San Diego a work is to be accomplished. Laborers should be sent out through that place to proclaim the near return of Christ. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 11

The Lord declares that the end of all things is at hand. Increasing wickedness is seen on every side, and this wickedness must be met in the wisdom of God. The law of God is to be exalted. It was because of transgression that God destroyed the earth with the waters of a flood. It is because of transgression at the present time that He declares, “I will punish the world for their iniquity. The earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” [See Isaiah 26:21.] At that day the slain of the Lord will be from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth. We are to give the warning message. In many places in Southern California the work is to be carried forward diligently. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 12

In haste. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 13

There is another matter about which I wish to speak. Will you see if a position can be found in the sanitarium for Sister E. R. Caro. She can give massage and could be useful in several lines of work. If a place could be found for her in the sanitarium, Sister Margaret Caro could go with her to Loma Linda and take care of the children while the daughter works. It might be possible that both could take part in the work. You know the mother, and could speak for her. Perhaps you, Sister Haskell, could make inquiries and see if such workers are needed, and what the probability is of both or one finding work there. Both these sisters are fully decided not to go back to Australia. 22LtMs, Lt 102, 1907, par. 14