White, J. E.; White, Emma
St. Helena, California
September 21, 1907
Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 358-359; 4MR 92-93; 9MR 93. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
Elder J. E. White
Edgefield, Tennessee
Dear Children Edson and Emma:
I am thankful to be able to report that my health is improving, though I am not yet able to meet regularly with my family for worship. We received your message stating that you would remain in Tennessee over the winter. Now that the hot weather is over, this may be a wise thing for you to do. I have had no certainty as to your movements. When I learn more from you, I shall be able to respond. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 1
In about five weeks’ time I am expected to meet the physicians and ministers and leading workers who shall gather at Los Angeles for the medical convention. I trust that my health will permit me to do this. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 2
I am still busy reading over the matter that is being prepared for the press. Thus far no additional book to that you have seen has gone to the printers. I have not yet had time to look over all that Sister Stuttle collected on the Youth’s Life of Christ. I see a large work opening before us in Southern California; but means is needed in order to carry it forward. I shall be glad when we have some more books in the market and can hope for means to come in. I am now paying eight per cent on one thousand dollars that I have drawn from the bank. When some more of my books are in circulation, I hope this debt can be canceled. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 3
On Sabbath afternoon I was called to have an interview with Brother Robert Pratt’s wife. She has some heart difficulty and is apparently an invalid. She was at the sanitarium for some time; then the physician under whose care she was thought her sufficiently well to return to her home; but her home duties and the care of her children soon brought on the difficulty again. In their perplexity, the family sought the Lord in her behalf; and Sister Pratt was greatly blessed. She said that she was healed, and that she felt it her duty to go to her Uncle Pratt, who is afflicted with partial paralysis, and tell him that the Lord would heal him also, if he would surrender himself to God. The following day she went to his home, about a mile from here. The uncle is not an open professor, but he has always tried to act according to Bible principles. He was greatly moved by what she told him. But after returning home, Sister Pratt was again troubled with fever and heart difficulty. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 4
On Sabbath she sent for me to come to her. I had some conversation with her on the subject of faith. I told her some of my own experiences at times when I would leave home to answer some call to speak when I was in a state of such feebleness that I had hardly strength to speak the names of my associates. I told her how at such times, when I would try to speak, putting my trust in God, the power of God would come upon me, and I would be healed of my infirmity. After a little I prayed with Sister Pratt, and several others who were present also prayed. Then I returned to my home. I was very weary and could not sleep for hours; but I did not regret my visit to this dear soul. I believe the Lord will raise her up to care for her husband and her children. Brother Pratt and his mother are excellent people. They are firm as a rock to principle. Brother Pratt and his wife are not in very favorable surroundings. Their home is so hemmed in that they do not get plenty of sunshine and fresh air. The Lord understands how to care for this case, and I believe He will. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 5
The wickedness that is being revealed in the cities of San Francisco and Oakland shows that the world is fast becoming as it was before the flood. The union men who have struck for higher wages, by their destruction of property, and their attempts to destroy life, are plainly showing to what a pass men will come who are determined to carry out their own plans regardless of others. Many of the police will not come out and act their part. They are discouraged. What the end will be, the human mind cannot determine. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 6
The Lord is bringing the perplexities of these social problems to our notice, that we may see the evil of seeking to carry out our own way and will. This is an evil that has appeared again and again in our work, and which is appearing now. The natural man needs to be converted; the Spirit of God is needed to operate upon human hearts. Many of our church members are becoming weak because, instead of depending upon God, they are self-sufficient. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 7
I am instructed to say to our churches, Study the testimonies. They are written for our admonition and encouragement upon whom the ends of the world are come. If God’s people will not study these messages that are sent to them from time to time, they are guilty of rejecting light. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, God is sending instruction to His people. Heed the instruction; follow the light. The Lord has a controversy with His people, because in the past they have not heeded His instruction and followed His guidance. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 8
I have been reading volume six of the Testimonies, and I find in this little book instruction that will help us to meet many perplexing questions. How many have read the article “Evangelistic Work” in this volume? I advise that these directions and warnings and cautions be read to our people at some time when they are gathered together. By far too small a portion of our people are in possession of these books. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 9
By His Holy Spirit, God has spoken to me, His messenger, from time to time; and I am bidden to give the word to the people. What His servants shall teach has been clearly outlined. If fewer words of human wisdom and more of the words of Christ were spoken, if there were fewer sermons and more social meetings, we would find a different atmosphere pervade our churches and our camp-meetings. Seasons of prayer should be held for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Then let the leader of the meeting, by a few appropriate remarks, open the way for the church members to bear witness to their love for God. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 10
Teach the truth in its simplicity; open to the understanding of the people the precious words of Christ. These are as the waters of salvation to thirsting souls. The last warning message is to be given to the world. Give the third angel’s message; show that the signs that predict Christ’s second coming are rapidly being fulfilled. Repeat the message of (Revelation 18:1-4): “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” We are not half awake to our duties and responsibilities. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 11
Edson, do not enter into controversy with any soul that lives. Give to the people the truth that God has given to you. You are not prepared to meet the agencies set in operation by the enemy to discourage and to make of none effect the Word of God. I am praying for you that the Lord may give you light and guide you to the place where you can best glorify Him. 22LtMs, Lt 292, 1907, par. 12