MR No. 1212—Beginning the Work at Washington, D. C.; Counsel on Home Life

(Written May 10, 1904, from Carroll House, Takoma Park, D. C., to “Dear Brother [Iram] James.”)

I have just read your letter to Willie. Thank you for writing. You will not be surprised when I tell you that I miss you all very much. Separation does not mean forgetting.16MR 185.1

I am glad to hear that you have bought a horse, and that you are pleased with him. I hope that he will work as well in the buggy as he does on the farm.16MR 185.2

Could you not try the Hiserman boy on the farm? I am anxious that he shall be helped. But do as your judgment says in regard to this.16MR 185.3

It seems very much like home here, with open ground all around us, and the cherry trees in full bloom behind the house. But we cannot look forward to having sweet corn and tomatoes from the place as we could were we at home. But we will not wish ourselves at home. We must feel grateful for this pleasant place. Still, it is well that no others came with us. They would miss the conveniences and comforts of home.16MR 185.4

The work on our buildings [According to the Review and Herald, April 28, 1904, the “Buildings” included “The sanitarium, training-school, and General Conference offices in Washington, D. C.”] will soon begin in earnest. It has taken till the end of last week to get all the business arrangements completed, leaving nothing at loose ends. We hope that now steady advancement will be made. Four good horses have been purchased to do the teaming and the necessary work on the land to prepare it for the buildings.16MR 185.5

I pray that the Lord will help in every line of work, in every business transaction, that the principles of Christ may be carried out. There must be no unfair dealing. God's workers are to do to others as they would be done by. It has been most painful to see those who profess to believe present truth following in their business transactions a course directly opposed to the directions that the Lord gave Moses to give to the children of Israel. We are to carry out these principles. We are to be representatives of truth and righteousness. We are called to be sons and daughters of God, to live the Christ-life.16MR 186.1

May the Lord bless you abundantly, my brother, in your home. The charge I have to give you is: Do not load yourself down with so many burdens that you will fail to do your duty to your children. I do not write these words as a reproach, but as a reminder. If anything must be neglected, let it be the care of inanimate things. Keep your own soul fresh and pure and uplifted. If you give your children the attention they need, some things may have to be neglected. Then let them be. Your children are building characters for time and for eternity, and you must make no mistakes in dealing with them. Be assured that I will not censure you for anything left undone on the farm.16MR 186.2

May the peace of God abide in your home. May His blessing rest upon your little flock. They are lambs of His fold, and must be nurtured and cherished. Do not overwork. Do not strain every nerve and muscle to try to do everything that there is to do on the farm, but get help.16MR 186.3

May the Lord abundantly bless you and your wife and children.—Letter 159, 1904.16MR 187.1

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

September 2, 1986.

Entire Letter.