Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 25, 1883

White, W. C.; White, Mary

South Lancaster, Massachusetts

August 29, 1883

Previously unpublished.

Dear Willie and Mary:

I am now pretending to rest in the home of Sister Harris, but the time is short and only tomorrow we travel all day to [the] next camp meeting. I spoke in the last meeting six times, besides two or three times about thirty minutes. The meeting should have commenced one week earlier and this would have given it two weeks. 4LtMs, Lt 25, 1883, par. 1

I never have seen an interest so good among outsiders. They came out in crowds on the week days. Monday forenoon I spoke one hour. I did not think of having any outside congregation in the afternoon, but lo, in the afternoon the tent was filled with outsiders and they came to hear me. I consented to speak in the afternoon and then hurried to the cars. As I appeared at the tent door, there was a large circle of outsiders weeping like children. Some were decked out with flowers, rings and jewelry. My friends in the tent were protesting, and they were clamoring for a chance to speak with me and take me by the hand. I felt badly to leave a people who felt it an honor to speak with me, a people who seemed to devour every word spoken. I did want to labor more in their behalf. The reports were made by outsiders—reporters who make this their business. 4LtMs, Lt 25, 1883, par. 2

The Lord has indeed strengthened me, a weak frail instrument. I have felt very free. Had great clearness and have felt that the barriers were broken down before me. Sunday the tent was packed, and a wall of six tiers densely packed with people standing outside the wall. But there was not a getting up and going out and moving on the outside walls. I spoke one hour and forty minutes, receiving the most earnest attention. 4LtMs, Lt 25, 1883, par. 3

I have not had a thoroughly good night’s sleep since I left Battle Creek. It seems so warm nights, although we have very cool mornings. Have had frost for two mornings past. We feel of good courage, but I have not yet decided to go to the Maine eastern camp meeting. Elder [G. I.] Butler thinks I should go, but I have fears that if I go to Vermont and New York and Nebraska without rest, it will be too much for me. If I go to Maine I will have to have an additional tax of visiting my friends. This will be tremendous tax to me. How I shall arrange the matter I cannot determine. If I feel very weary I cannot consent to travel back to Maine and then to New York. 4LtMs, Lt 25, 1883, par. 4

When I think of all these meetings, it makes my head swim. Well, I am willing to do all I can, but want wisdom to plan and execute just right. I would love to spend the winter here and labor in New England. It may not be best, but I am looking to God for light and duty. Pray for me. 4LtMs, Lt 25, 1883, par. 5

It is going to be a hard matter to get any fruit here [in the] East. I do not think any of our plums that are dried should be sold. 4LtMs, Lt 25, 1883, par. 6

Mother.