Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 19d, 1874

White, W. C.

Santa Rosa, California

February 24, 1874

Previously unpublished.

My Dear Son Willie:

We are separated far from you, but I do not forget you, as our frequent letters will testify. I thank the Lord for a means of communication with loved ones by pen. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 1

We are still engaged in labor on this coast. There is a great amount of labor to be done. There is necessity for us to be wide awake, with every ability employed for the Master, doing our duty to our fellow men. We are all required to do work for God. The precious golden moments are now to be used in seeking to do good. We should feel now like crowding into our life all the good works we can possibly accomplish. We are not to be exclusive, but to be separate from the spirit and practices of the world. We may let our light shine in the world and yet we not be of the world. The apostle exhorts us to lay up for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that we may lay hold on eternal life. Heaven can be made our storehouse, where we can invest not only our means but our works for God—not to boast, but to imitate the life of our Redeemer. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 2

We may crowd all the good deeds we can into this life. Every man shall be rewarded as his works have been. Satan will try and test you. He will throw every obstacle possible in your way, but you must press on in faith and hope and courage, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Never, never lose heart. As more difficulties arise, brace up and urge your way through them, that you may be sanctified through the truth. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 3

We spent last Sabbath and first day at San Francisco. Our visit was opportune. Stipp and Burton and their families have been making trouble in the church. They are now apparently going out from us because they are not of us, but there is with them such persistency in having their own way and considering themselves unerring, that they will be burdens for the church to carry. They have long been murmurers, complainers. No one was competent to lead the church but themselves. The church are, with few exceptions, in harmony. They were overjoyed to see us. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 4

Your father spoke in the forenoon to an interested congregation. While he was speaking Stipp and Burton came in, not knowing we were there. They meant to have a special time in bearing down upon the church, accusing the responsible men and presenting them and their work in a false light, and seeking to gain the confidence of the church that they were all right and had great wisdom, and that the church would be deluded unless they should follow their ideas and look at Elder Loughborough and Elder and Mrs. White in the light as deceiving the church. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 5

These men had boasted of what they would do, and that they would carry things their own way. They knew not we were in the city. They were greatly surprised to see us, as well as to see the seats well filled with interested hearers. They hardly knew what to do with themselves. They looked guilty and ashamed. We made no reference to them whatever. We bore the testimony the Lord gave us. When your father ceased speaking, I made some remarks, occupying about fifteen minutes. We then had an intermission, and in the afternoon I spoke to the people one hour. The freedom of the Spirit of God was upon me. There was deep feeling in the meeting, for the melting power of God was there. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 6

Your father then made some remarks in regard to the size and progress of the work of God, the three messages, and what was accomplished by them. These remarks were of a character to impress minds with the importance of clinging to the pillars of our faith, keeping the feet in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. The Word of God must be their only guide. Everything must be tested by the law and testimony. If they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no light in them. He remarked that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 7

Yea, it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. To connect the soul with God by earnest prayer is to insure success. Learn to depend implicitly on the teachings of divine truth. Be faithful in earnestly seeking God in much prayer, and you will be led in the right way. If you lean to your own understanding in these days of peril, nothing but disappointment and sorrow will attend your footsteps. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and everything is safe for this life and the life to come. You need light. Follow not the sparks of your own kindling, but seek light from the Sun of Righteousness. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 8

In this large, busy city are many things to draw souls from God. There will be many who claim to have the truth who are in darkness. Take no steps, form no associations, accept no man’s ideas or views, without diligently searching the Scriptures, with much prayer for guidance. Pursue this course day by day and God will guide you by His counsel and afterwards receive you into glory. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 9

We left an appointment for Sunday night. Many outsiders are in then. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 10

Sunday morning Brethren Chittenden and Vincent took us in a large sailboat across the bay. The boat was convenient. It had a stove for cooking in the cabin. We had a very pleasant trip across the bay seven miles to Oakland. We took dinner on the boat. Brother Chittenden prepared the refreshment and we enjoyed it much. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 11

In Oakland we visited Brother Fay [Tay?]. He harnessed his horse to the wagon and interested us by showing us places of interest in Oakland. We found Oakland had received the name of San Francisco’s bedroom. Businessmen situated their families in Oakland, while they did their business in San Francisco. Oakland is indeed the most beautiful place I have yet seen in California. There are shade trees by the sidewalks, of great variety and beauty. The pepper trees are ornamental. The variety of evergreens, nicely trimmed, are beautiful. The hedges of cypress are attractive and these send forth their fragrance into the air like a fragrant bouquet. The beautiful gardens are abundant in roses and pinks in full bloom. Fuchsias trail up above the piazzas all through winter. These cultivated flowers of such an endless variety keep the air perfumed like a fragrant rose geranium. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 12

Brother Fay [Tay?] urged that there be some work done in Oakland. He said that he had no doubt there would yet be a large church raised up in Oakland. We promised to consider the matter, and to consult with our brethren in regard to it. Oakland is a popular place and must have the very best laborers. There are now six keeping the Sabbath here. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 13

We returned in the boat to San Francisco and to our appointment. Sunday evening the place of worship was well filled with attentive hearers. Your father spoke upon the close of time and the personal coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven in the near future. He spoke with great clearness and power. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 14

A very great solemnity rested upon the congregation. He sought to impress upon the minds of the hearers the importance of individual preparation for this event, that none should live for himself, that he cannot meet the expectation of God unless his influence is operating in all directions, manifesting his interest in the salvation of souls. He must show reverence for God and love for Jesus. Eternal life must be the mainspring of his actions. His words, his example, his testimony, his prayers must be diffusing an influence around him to attract, not to repel. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 15

He set before them that a Christian should be of the purest, highest stamp in order to leave for others a bright track heavenward. We live to show others the way to heaven. We are not to live to ourselves. We are a part of the great whole, bound by living cords to society, and we must act our part, for we are responsible for the influence that comes from us. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 16

The question is, Shall that influence be for good or for evil? Let us not put Christ to shame and crucify Him afresh by a perverse life, but let our works testify of our faith, and we may do a great and good work in gathering in sheaves to the Master. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 17

They are the purchase of His blood, and when the ransomed shall be crowned with everlasting joy, we shall with them receive the benediction of “Well done,” and enter into the joy of our Lord. [Matthew 25:21.] 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 18

We have an appointment in Healdsburg next Sabbath. Brother and Sister Barber have been with us a few days. 2LtMs, Lt 19d, 1874, par. 19