White, J. E.
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
December 26, 1902
Previously unpublished.
Dear Son Edson,—
This morning I read your last letter to me. I cannot write much in reply, because I am preparing matters for the book on the Southern field. As soon as I can get to this work, I shall make every letter written, and every appeal made, speak. The experience of the past year shows me that we have to meet in opposition men who claim to be followers of Christ, but who are unconsecrated, who have lent the enemy their talents and their ability, and who are used by him to hinder the work of God. 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 1
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins gift about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; about all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication for all saints.” [Ephesians 6:10-18.] 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 2
Let us watch unto prayer, lest we become adversaries of the truth. You will have as adversaries those who are not walking and working in the truth as it is in Jesus. Be sure, my son, that your mother is not your adversary, but that she will always stand firm for truth and righteousness. 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 3
Representations have been made to me by my brethren that God has instructed me are not all truth. Brother Daniells and Brother Palmer are doing a work that God has not appointed them, and they are hurting their influence. I am wounded and grieved in spirit, but be assured that I shall not leave you to suffer from misrepresentations because you are my son. Neither will I sustain you in any wrong. Truth and righteousness must be made to appear in all their sacredness. The Lord will so order matters that the terrible misrepresentations made will work out for your good and for His glory. Be humble; be patient; speak wisely. 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 4
I ask you, my son, and I ask Brother W. O. Palmer, to leave yourselves in the hands of a wise, kind, heavenly Father. He will work in His own way. Whatever may be said in regard to your work, do not retaliate. Remember that you are working in full view of the heavenly universe. Seek Christ for wisdom to speak wisely, whatever others may say of you. This is your charge: “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:24-26.] 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 5
I ask you to take to yourselves these words of Paul to Timothy: “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:14-17.] 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 6
The Lord has given you precious light on the Scriptures and if you will seek Him, He will give you wisdom and grace. He has a special work for you to do in opening the Scriptures to the people, and He will make the trials that have come to you a means of glorifying His name by using them to perfect in you the work of His grace. He has not given you up to become the sport of your enemies. No, no! 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 7
Do not become stirred up or excited by provoking words. Be calm. And where the evidence is plain that you have made mistakes, admit this. But do not place yourselves in the hands of men who are not led and controlled by the Spirit of the Lord. There are those who employ the methods of the enemy in order to show that the work of certain ones, whom God has chosen to do a special work, is all wrong. They take advantage of every circumstance to dishearten these workers, and to make them appear in a false light. If they could find anything that would prove that these workers are dishonest, they would use this as a means of spoiling the work in the Southern field, under the plea of reconstructing the work and placing it on a safe basis. These men will create confusion and perplexity. God has not given them the work they have undertaken to do in Nashville—the work of tearing down what has already been done, and reorganizing the whole work. 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 8
The Lord will work for you if you will trust in Him. Lean your whole weight on Him, but do not put your confidence or trust in men. 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 9
The Lord lives and reigns. Soon He will arise in majesty to shake terribly the earth. A special message is now to be borne—a message that will pierce the spiritual darkness, and conflict and convert souls. “Haste thee; flee for thy life,” is the call to be given to those dwelling in sin. [Genesis 19:22, 17.] We must now be terribly in earnest. We have not a moment to spend in criticism and accusation. Let men fall on their knees in prayer. And let them beware how they place their words and their plans in the place of God’s words and God’s plans. Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their lives and lay hold on the hope set before them in the gospel. Far less labor is to be given to those who know the truth, and far more to those who are without God and without hope. 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 10
Let us not forget that God is in earnest with us. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily; therefore the hearts of the sons of men are fully set in them to do evil.” [Ecclesiastes 8:11.] But God will not always keep silence. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” [Proverbs 29:1.] The Lord will be true to His Word. 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 11
There are thousands in America perishing in their sins. There are many, many cities unwarned. And looking afar off to some distant field, men are indifferently passing by most needy fields close to them. Christ says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages; and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor; other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.” [John 4:35-38.] 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 12
When will the people of God awake to the responsibility resting on them? When will they become inspired with His Spirit, and give the message of warning to those right in their sight that are ready to hear? 17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 13