Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 118, 1890

Olsen, O. A.

Harbor Springs, Michigan

September 3, 1890

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother Olsen:

I wrote a few lines to you and directed it to Saginaw camp meeting. I again urged you to come [to] this place for to rest and recruit your exhausted energies. We can make you comfortable, and we can pray for you, but the Lord God of Israel alone can make you happy and free you from infirmities. I do think this is the most pure, wholesome atmosphere I was ever in. I want you and W. C. White to know what there is in these places of resort. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 1

We came to Harbor Springs, Emma and myself, this morning, and rode out four miles to Brother Palmer’s. Here we are, located in a blackberry patch. We are surrounded with luscious, ripe blackberries. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 2

I speak to the people tonight. The schoolhouse will be full. I have spoken every Sabbath, and the Lord has blessed me, and I am confident that I was needed here at this time. There are elements here that must be met and the backbone of their influence broken. Brother Parmelee and his wife came here with Mrs. Marks. Brother Parmelee has his eyes opened, to see all was not as he thought it was, and he feels now very bad about this matter of his strange course. They have attended meetings every Sabbath. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 3

Last Sabbath I had some very plain words to speak in reference to what constituted sanctification through the truth. I had [in mind] the discordant Garmire influence, and I laid before them Bible principles. I spoke of those who were ever drawing apart from the body, and [who] flatter themselves that a more correct church will grow from their peculiar ideas and methods; those who were drawing away from the body would bear to be watched. You will find them in the Korah, Dathan, and Abiram party, accusers of the brethren, making capital of the errors of some in the church to build up themselves. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 4

Well, I have the matter written out, and will let you have it after it is edited. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 5

September 4

Last night I spoke in the schoolhouse, one mile and a half from Brother and Sister Palmer’s home. It had rained all the afternoon. They were so anxious for a meeting that I told them I would speak. Brother Palmer and Brother Wood and another brother started off in the rain in different directions and notified their neighbors, and in the evening we climbed into a lumber wagon and rode to the schoolhouse. There were 37 present—I thought a goodly number for such a night. Some men and women walked two miles and some three miles to the meeting. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 6

We opened the meeting with singing, and I prayed, then spoke to them about one hour. There was the best of attention, and I had perfect freedom; spoke with ease. I kept thinking of the parable of our Lord in the call to the supper, “Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled, for those that were bidden and refused shall not taste of my supper.” [Luke 14:23, 24.] 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 7

It rained hard when we climbed into the wagon again and drove to our stopping place, Brother Palmer’s. I gave out an appointment for next Sunday afternoon. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 8

I can come from Petoskey in the cars to Harbor Springs, and then Brother Palmer’s lumber wagon will be waiting for me to take me four miles to his home. This is an excellent, large-souled couple, Brother and Sister Palmer. Everybody is poor around here, but precious souls in the sight of the Lord. They are hungry, starving for food, the Bread of Life. They have but little labor bestowed upon them. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 9

I am so thankful that the truth reaches into all the highways and byways of life. I am anxious that you should look over the field in this section of country and see the many places of resort, and then you will be surprised that years have passed and no decided efforts have been made to reach the many who come from all parts of Michigan and Indiana and other states, to the Assembly, and then the hay fever subjects pour in. I cannot see why these openings should not have attention. I think it is time to have home missions receive some thought, and plans be made to reach the people close in the shadows of our own doors. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 10

Some half dozen good workers ought to have been here as soon as the month of June, and get an intelligent knowledge of the field. I have been shown these places. I have pled that something be done. I have seen it was a mistake, while putting forth so much effort in foreign missions, to leave home missions neglected and unprovided for. I shall begin to bear my testimony for home missions. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 11

We might have had, years ago, a place in Petoskey and Bay View, and workers on the ground, not only to learn to educate themselves, but, in their turn, to educate. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 12

Well, I have said something from time to time, but it has not amounted to anything as yet. I am glad I am on the ground myself. I am glad I can labor a little here, and I mean to do what I can, but [I am] at great disadvantage because nothing has been done as yet to awaken an interest. I think but very few of our people know anything about the advantages to be gained in these places around Lake Michigan. There are men run down. Exhausted vitality keeps them feeble. Here in northern Michigan is a climate preferable to Colorado to which they can go and recuperate with little expense. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 13

Well, I will stop writing now, and say, “Come and see.” [John 1:46.] Had there been something done at the very beginning of June, and onward up to this time, I think good results would have been realized. If men troubled with malaria would spend time here where they could labor safely, taking advantage of the situation, a holding influence might have been gained here which we do not now have. But no more time should be lost. I am troubled over these things. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 14

Elder Parmelee has his eyes opened as to his situation. His wife and he have parted for a time at least. He is in poverty, without means. Mrs. Marks and Mrs. Parmelee are one in spirit. What Mrs. Marks will do I know not, but I am afraid of her. We feared Garmire and this Mrs. Marks would unite to make a strong team to do harm, but the Lord will not permit it. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 15

Yours with respect. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 16

Love to your wife and children. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 17

Petoskey, September 11. Home again. I found important letters from you and W. C. White. I approve of your arrangements—have telegraphed WCW. I will, the Lord helping me, attend the Eastern meetings. 6LtMs, Lt 118, 1890, par. 18