Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 18a, 1874

White, W. C.

Napa, California

March 1874

Previously unpublished.

[First part missing.] ... There are in this city about sixty Sabbathkeepers and prospect of an increase of numbers. This company, as far as we have had a chance to become acquainted with them, are the very best of people. The truth has taken from the church the very best workers, and they feel it. I never saw a people that can understand why they believe the truth and who can explain their true position better than many of the believers here in Napa. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 1

The discussion will be broken off for two nights because a theater will be in the hall Friday and Saturday nights. There will be three nights next week that the discussion will be held. We shall remain upon the ground until the discussion closes; then commences the dedication of the meetinghouse. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 2

They have a very neat, tasty, elegant-looking house of worship. There is not a meetinghouse in the city that can compare with this Seventh-day Adventist house. Napa is a very rich valley. The climate is about as Santa Rosa. St. Helena has a church of about forty, eighteen miles from Napa. We shall spend next Sabbath and first day in Napa. One week from next Sabbath we have the dedication of the meetinghouse in Napa. The following Sabbath, two weeks from next Sabbath, we attend quarterly meeting at Woodland or at St. Helena. If we have meetings at St. Helena, we shall defer Woodland meeting to the week following the meeting at St. Helena. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 3

We have just received a letter from Edson. You must not separate from him. You must try to help him, although he may draw off. Press close to him. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 4

Father is more cheerful. I hope that he will not get so down again. He is feeling better in health. There is so much talking around me I hardly know what I write. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 5

In coming to this place we took the entire family. We wanted Lucinda to rest and have an opportunity of change. She is enjoying the journey well. Our children are a recommendation to us. We think them the best children we have seen. We hope to mold their minds [so] that God may accept our efforts. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 6

We hope to be guided aright in regard to our duty. I should love to visit the camp meetings East very much. I feel that it might be in the order of God. But here we are and a great deal to do on this coast. The people are desirous to keep us till after camp meeting. May the Lord direct our course. We hope you will have courage and grace to walk cheerfully yet humbly before God. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 7

In haste, 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 8

Your Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 9

Write us often. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 10

March 26

We attended the discussion last evening. Brother Canright was clear and free. He poured out the truth upon Grant in a very uncomfortable manner to him. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 11

Your Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 18a, 1874, par. 12