Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 19g, 1874

White, W. C.

Oakland, California

May 11, 1874

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Willie:

The tent meetings in Oakland are indeed a success. We have had good attendance from the first. Every Sunday afternoon I speak to a good congregation. There seems to be an increasing interest in Oakland. There are quite a number who are constant hearers. 2LtMs, Lt 19g, 1874, par. 1

The interest is not of a sensational character, but calm, intelligent, and free from excitement. There will be a company raised up here to obey the truth. As I spoke to the people last Sunday afternoon upon the sufferings of Christ, and as I tried to fix their eyes upon Christ, the Lamb slain, our Intercessor, making an atonement for our sins, how cruel seemed to me the unbelief, the indifference, the hardness of heart, that blinds the eyes of so large a number that they do not discern Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Christ crucified, Christ arisen, Christ a living Saviour, Christ our Advocate in the heavenly courts, Christ coming again, is the power and the wisdom of God. It will break the sin-cursed hearts, and while it breaks will win hearts to love Jesus. The cross of Calvary is God’s power and wisdom, His way of saving sinners. The light reflected from the cross of Calvary makes the plan of salvation so simple that children may understand it, so powerful that none but those who are controlled by the power of Satan can and will resist it. 2LtMs, Lt 19g, 1874, par. 2

“The Bread of Life,” said one poor soul, “it is the Bread of Life that I want. I find it in your meetings. They tell me these people are not sound in doctrine, that I will be led away into error. I tell them,” said he, “Don’t talk to me forms and ceremonies of popes and priests. I am starving for the Bread of Life. This people, in their interpretation of Scripture, lift to my parched lips the living water. Do not come in between me and my Saviour. He died for me. I love Him as never before. He is a Prince and a Saviour.” This man was not a learned man, but his face revealed his deep earnestness and sincerity. One such soul saved will pay for all the effort here in Oakland, cost what it will. 2LtMs, Lt 19g, 1874, par. 3