Foss, Mary
St. Helena, California
September 30, 1907
Portions of this letter are published in LDE 23; 10MR 150.
Mrs. Mary P. Foss
West Minot, Maine
My Dear Sister:
I have commenced many letters to you; but in the midst of my writing, I have been called off to attend to matters pertaining to the work in some part of the field, and I would forget that I had not completed your letter. This time I will try to finish my letter and send it off to you. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 1
Until a few weeks ago I was in perplexity to know who to secure as cook for my family. Those whom I had had before this were excellent help, but they were obliged to leave. We have now secured a Brother and Sister Mason to fill this place. Brother Mason is my bookkeeper, and his wife does the cooking. We are close by the food factory and can provide ourselves with all our health foods. This makes the work in the cooking line quite light. Sara McEnterfer, whom you have seen, oversees matters about the home. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 2
Dores Robinson, who married W. C. White’s eldest daughter, is helping on my book work and is also doing some work in ministerial lines. He goes with me when I leave home and reports my talks. Mabel and her husband Wilfred Workman are now in Washington, connected with the school at Takoma Park. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 3
And now I must do just what I told you in the first part of my letter I have had to do so many times when writing to you. A large packet of letters from Australia and other places has been handed to me, which I must read. All of these will have to be answered. You will remember that I labored in Australia almost ten years. The work there is advancing, and especially is this so in Avondale, where our school is established. We have also a health retreat there, and a larger sanitarium nearer to Sydney. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 4
Evening. I have just replied to one of the letters received in today’s mail, one that could not be delayed. My reply will go in the morning mail. I am now writing to you by lamplight. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 5
I received in the Australian mail a letter from Vina Belden who is still living on Norfolk Island. She writes that she has had an ill turn, but is improving. Her trouble was heart difficulty. I wish for many reasons that she could leave the island; but the people there do not want her to leave, and she herself wants to remain. Indeed, I do not think anyone could persuade her to go. She desires to be buried beside her husband. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 6
We know that the Lord is coming very soon. The world is fast becoming as it was in the days of Noah. It is given over to selfish indulgence. Eating and drinking are carried to excess. Men are drinking the poisonous liquor that makes them mad. The terrible reports we hear of murders and robberies, of railway accidents and deeds of violence, tell the story that the end of all things is at hand. Now, just now, we need to be preparing for the Lord’s second coming. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 7
I have often desired to visit you, but there is so much to do. I am kept very busy answering the many letters that come to me. I am writing early and late. One of the workers I had in Australia has come here to help with my copying. We are also trying to get out a number of new books. There is a great deal of manuscript that I must examine before it can go to the press. W. C. White works with me and bears heavy responsibilities. He is trying to do the work his father would have done if he had lived. Just as soon as these new books are issued, you shall have a copy. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 8
Our office building is quite near to the house. It is a two-story building, containing eight rooms—four below and four above. Another room is now being added, which will serve as a library; and a vault has been built, where my manuscripts and documents of value can be kept. This will be fireproof. Fires are becoming very frequent, and we must make these writings secure. We are thankful that so far we have been protected from any serious accident. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 9
At Mountain View, where our printing office is located, and where the Signs of the Times is issued, the fire destroyed buildings and books valued at about $200,000. The insurance on the buildings covered this amount. My books were not insured, and this was a loss to me of about $5,000. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 10
Mary, it has come to me through some source, I do not know how, that my twin sister and I were born in [1826]. I have it stated in my published books that the date was [1827]. Will you tell me which is the correct date. When you or Ellen reply to this letter, I shall consider the question settled. If the date is as I have stated, [1827], in next November I shall enter my eighty-first year. I expected, because of the injuries I received to my hip and limbs, to be a cripple in my old age, but there are none of my workers who can go up and down stairs more readily than I. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 11
I am very desirous to hear from you, and from your daughter and her husband and John and his family. Sometimes it seems that I cannot give up the idea of seeing my relatives again. But the Lord is good, and greatly to be praised. If we will keep the commandments of God, we will be prepared to meet Him at His coming. Farewell, until we meet where partings shall be no more. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 12
Your sister. 22LtMs, Lt 308, 1907, par. 13