Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 307, 1904

White, J. E.; White, Emma

Los Angeles, California

November 5, 1904

Portions of this letter are published in 4MR 26.

Dear Children,—

We are in Los Angeles for a few days, on our way to San Diego, where I expect to stay for two or three weeks. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 1

For some time Elder Simpson has been holding tent-meetings in a large tent, which is pitched near the business part of the city. On Sabbath morning I spoke in this tent. Notice had been sent to the churches near Los Angeles, and there were about a thousand people present. This was the Sabbath which had been set apart as a day on which a general collection should be taken up in our churches throughout America for the colored work in the South. I think that the contributions taken up after the service this morning amounted to about seventy-five dollars. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 2

Tomorrow afternoon I am to speak again in the tent, and I shall try to present the needs of the work that is being done for the colored people and will give those present an opportunity to help forward this work. I am sure that those who are working for the colored people need all the means that can be sent them. I am glad that money is to be raised by a general contribution; for this gives all the opportunity of receiving the blessing that comes from giving. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 3

On Friday I set out to see the Glendale Sanitarium, which has recently been purchased for twelve thousand dollars. It is a good building, in a very favorable location. It is now being fitted up, and we hope that it will be ready for patients in a few weeks. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 4

As a result of the tent-meetings that have been held in Los Angeles during the past year, nearly a hundred souls have accepted the truth. A good company have taken their stand at Riverside, and small companies have been raised up in other places. In all, about two hundred have decided to obey the truth. Some of the new believers have given substantial help to the tent-meetings by bearing part of the expense of getting out notices and leaflets. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 5

Brother Simpson is doing a good work, and he takes wonderfully with the people. I pray that the Lord will preserve his health. The way in which the work is being done and its results give clear evidence of the presence of the living God. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 6

On our way from St. Helena to Los Angeles, we spent three or four days in the Hanford-Lemoore district, visiting old friends and attending a missionary convention. I spoke several times and tried to impress the hearers with the necessity of working earnestly to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. I spoke especially of the needs of the Southern field, and Willie also took great pains at each meeting to bring this work before the minds of the people. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 7

Our churches in every place need to repent and be converted. There are many who have brought much wood, hay, and stubble to the foundation. They need to be refined, sanctified, purified. If all would humble themselves before the Lord, making it their first work to seek for the purification of His Spirit, a great reformation would follow. If God’s people will seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all things needful will be added unto them. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 8

I have great hope that the work among the colored people will receive substantial help as the result of the contributions taken up yesterday. I am working, praying, and hoping for this, and I shall leave the result with God. 19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 9