Haskell, Brother and Sister
St. Helena, California
December 13, 1906
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 327; 6Bio 112-113.
Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
This afternoon I am leaving my home for Oakland. I have received an invitation from Elder Simpson to speak to the church on Sabbath, and I feel that it is my duty to go. I am deeply convinced that it is time that there should be among the Lord’s people very decided changes. The spirit of domineering should be broken. 21LtMs, Lt 380, 1906, par. 1
Yesterday I sent quite a lengthy letter to Brother Simpson and sent a copy of the letter to you. You will see that I have written to him that the work in Oakland must be carried forward so long as the interest continues there. Some suitable place must be provided where meetings can be held. Let Elder Simpson conduct the evening services, but we need Brother and Sister Haskell’s help in carrying on an education in Bible lines during the day time. This is in harmony with the light that has been given me. 21LtMs, Lt 380, 1906, par. 2
I am sorry that I gave my consent to your leaving. A mistake has been made, and I feel that I am partially to blame. Precious golden opportunities have been lost that, had they been improved, might have advanced the work decidedly. You both would have been doing the very work that God has given you to do. But we will not now mourn over the past. Let us move intelligently in the future. If you will both unite with Elder Simpson, a more thorough work will be accomplished; for the work is larger than one man can successfully handle. The work in Oakland must not be cut short. For years I have pleaded that an earnest effort be put forth in this city, and now that this is being done, let us go straight forward in right lines. There is to be no variableness, neither shadow of turning in the presentation of truth to the people in Oakland. 21LtMs, Lt 380, 1906, par. 3
“I will make a way,” saith the Lord, “and a straight path. Let My messengers walk in My way, not after man’s devisings.” 21LtMs, Lt 380, 1906, par. 4
The Lord is good. I am glad that you have not gone a great distance. 21LtMs, Lt 380, 1906, par. 5
I have sent to Elder Reaser a copy of the letters I wrote to Brother Simpson. Tomorrow I expect to have a conversation with Brother Simpson and shall endeavor to lay these things clearly before him. I hope I may soon see you again. I would be glad to meet you either at Oakland or in my home, just as you choose. If I see that I can do good and am needed in Oakland, I may remain for a time. May the Lord help us all to look less at men for guidance and more to Him. 21LtMs, Lt 380, 1906, par. 6