Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 14, 1881

Smith, Uriah

1881

Portions of this letter are published in 2MR 250.

[To Elder Uriah Smith:]

Now Brother Smith, in regard to your letter in reference to Brother St. John’s uniting with you and doing what he can in the work anticipated in connection with the Sunday question, this may be his duty, but I fear he will not accomplish as much as he would should he go to California. In confidence, he will do more separated from his family for a time than to be close by them. His health is not good, and we thought the change of climate would be beneficial to him. He is not naturally an energetic man, and I fear you would not find him that help you anticipate. 3LtMs, Lt 14, 1881, par. 1

Would it not be better to call Elder Waggoner over to Battle Creek for a time? He is all ripe on this matter. Would not yourself and Elder Waggoner do much better together? You have worked together on this question. Elder Waggoner has been rather anxious to come East. I am sorry that circumstances seem to forbid your spending this winter in California. I greatly desire you should spend the cold winters there. Any time you will do this, my good Healdsburg home shall be at your service free of all expense. I wish your wife could go with you and would urge this if I thought it of any use, but I know she would not wish to leave her children. But I am sorry that Elder Smith cannot escape these cold winters. They write me they are having beautiful weather in Healdsburg now, and they express a wish that I were there. 3LtMs, Lt 14, 1881, par. 2

Now in regard to this matter of St. John. You must do as appears to be duty. The Lord direct in all these things, is my earnest prayer. We will not try to walk one step without heavenly counsel. If Jesus leads the way, we are safe in following. I feel so grateful to my heavenly Father that He has given us so precious evidence of His willingness to bless and impart to us wisdom. May the Lord guide you all in Battle Creek in your important decisions. 3LtMs, Lt 14, 1881, par. 3

I have been interrupted again and again while writing. Part of this was written in meeting. 3LtMs, Lt 14, 1881, par. 4