W-80-1890
Battle Creek, Mich., March 7, 1890
Dear Willie:
I received your letter this noon and O, how glad I was to get it. I am so thankful that you are with your dear family and that Mary is no worse. I called to see Rheba*The original publication had the spelling “Reba.” this morning. She thinks she feels better every day. She says she is certainly growing stronger. She says her appetite is good, her courage good and she has, she says, everything she wants in the line of food. 1888 590.1
I took her a shawl and my woolen knit slippers and bought her a pair of warm, soft kid shoes, lined with flannel. She has plenty of company, is not lonesome at all. She is taken out to ride in the wheelchair every pleasant day. She enjoys her rides. 1888 590.2
It has been quite cold, but sunny. The evenings are very pleasant. There is some ice now, which is causing great rejoicing. 1888 590.3
Last Sabbath, I spoke in forenoon upon Christ's riding into Jerusalem. It made a solemn impression upon the full house. In the afternoon I spoke about one hour and I said just as straight things as God ever gave me to speak, then called them forward. The front seats back to the post were all occupied. Then the side seats, many of them, were filled. A number of backsliders came forward, some making a start for the first time. Leon Smith came forward, Robert Sawyer and many youth. We then prayed and then those who came forward bore their testimony. Robert Sawyer has started again to try, not, he says, in his own strength, but in the strength of Jesus, to be a Christian. This meeting made a very decided impression. 1888 590.4
From this time I went into the morning meetings. I had a talk with Larson, then with Porter, but their minds are cloudy. The Lord gave me great strength, freedom and power to speak in the morning meetings. 1888 591.1
Tuesday morning, I saw as I was making an illustration very pointed, Larson on the broad grin. I said, “What is it, Bro. Larson? Have (I) spoken anything that is improper?” I asked twice the reason of such demonstrations. He finally said it was because he appreciated the illustration. 1888 591.2
“Very well,” I said, “If it fits you, take it and I hope all will do this.” 1888 591.3
Next morning he was not present. Wednesday, Thursday, he was present. The Lord gave me great clearness and power in speaking. What was my surprise to receive a letter from Larson in which he asks me (to) set him right before the people, because of my sharp rebuke—that is, confess I had wronged him. This matter sunk my heart like lead. What to say to these men, how to treat their strong spirits was a difficult problem to solve. I knew not what to do. I (left) it all to Jesus and in the morning I arose and wrote eight pages to Brother Larson, but could not use it. This morning, Friday, when I arose to speak I then told the class, yes, a roomful, of the words that I had spoken two mornings before and I think I never spoke more decidedly than on that occasion. 1888 591.4
I have just received a good letter from Brother Watt. He says he was one who came full of opposition to the meeting, but he takes the testimony which I bore and he wants to confess to Elder Waggoner and to the class the first opportunity. I am sure the Spirit of the Lord is at work. What the strong spirits will do, I cannot tell. 1888 591.5
Larson called to see me a few minutes ago. I was altogether too busy to see him. What he wants to say I know not, but I feel that they want to get me to say something they can make a handle of and I want to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. The Lord greatly blessed me upon the Sabbath and I have been blessed every time I have spoken. My trust is in the Lord God of Israel. 1888 591.6
I shall speak every morning now. The first morning there were but very few in the morning meeting. Now the room is well filled. 1888 592.1
We had to come to just the same decision as in your letter in regard to appointments. John and J. E. Waggoner searched the matter up and your plans are all right. I will come too, then. 1888 592.2
Edson has gone to Indiana, will be away two weeks. I do not know as I can tell you any news. Brother Olsen came back from the east. He had very cheering reports of which he will, I think, write soon. 1888 592.3
I had an interview with Brother S. H. Lane. He is of good courage, but they have, he says, only two ministers left in New York State. 1888 592.4
I have just received a letter from A. T. Jones in response to the letter you sent him. You have a copy of the same. He says he has sent one to you. I am quite tired and will close. 1888 592.5
Mother
Re-copied from handwritten original
March 24, 1987