Burden, Brother and Sister [J. A.]
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
February 9, 1904
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Burden,—
[In Australia] 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 1
I had written some things to you, but I cannot now find them without considerable research. I will write you a few lines. We have had a most beautiful month in January. I am joyfully surprised December was remarkably pleasant, and we thought January would set in [in] full earnest; but we had the most beautiful, gentle showers a portion of two days, and the whole month was very, very fine and much like summer. I wish you could have been here with us. We would have gone with you to the top of Howell Mountain. We made that trip one week ago, and it was beautiful. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 2
We had secured a sanitarium in San Diego, or rather away from the city five miles. Paradise is the name of the location. We shall have a sanitarium fitted up as soon as we can obtain means. I have written Brother Irwin concerning the particulars, and he will let you know all in regard to it. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 3
They have had in Baltimore a sample fire [such] as will be from time to time until the last days of this earth’s history. It is stated that the largest marble and stone buildings melted down as snow. Fire engines were useless to stop the fire that was raging. Fireproof these buildings were pronounced to be, but they are described as melting away as snow. This is the most perfect sample of what we are to expect in the future in our large cities. I have given the warnings [of] just such representations [as] here presented before me, [that] the end of the world is come upon us, and we shall see strange things. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 4
We have no time now, Brother Burden, to lose. We have a work to do for the Master; and if you cannot take hold with your brethren, go somewhere and lay hold. But you must never think you can do this work after your individual ideas, because they are not all perfect, and you will have to learn as all others. We must blend together. “Take My yoke upon you,” says Christ, “for I am meek and lowly of heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] Rest will only come in perfect submission to Christ. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 5
The Lord bless and strengthen you in wearing the yoke of Christ. There is much Christian faith that is not in exercise. The saving faith must be kept in motion. The believing ones must know how to confide in Jesus Christ, His atoning blood. The Lord would have you in a very different position from what you are today, and your lesson will have been learned only under the yoke of Christ. Thus I am conversing with you in the night seasons and seeking to encourage you. Have a correct view of matters. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 6
But the call is, Letters must go. I will begin early next mail. I have deep interest for you and pray the Lord bless you and let you see everything in a true light. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 7
I am sorry I cannot get this copied. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 8
In much love to Brother and Sister Burden. 19LtMs, Lt 64, 1904, par. 9