Lt 187, 1900

White, J. E.; White, Emma

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

February 27, 1900

Previously unpublished.

Dear Children:

I will now try to write a few lines to you in response to your letter dated January 6th. I am in perfect harmony with your expressed convictions in reference to your not remaining in Battle Creek. Should I ever visit America I would not make my home in Battle Creek. I agree with you that it would be wise to choose as healthy a location as possible, away in some distant location from Battle Creek. If Nashville is the best place, locate there. I think you would be able to do a good work in that place in the interest of both white and black. I think your reasoning is correct. Battle Creek is not a healthful place for either you or Emma, soul or body. There is too heavy a fog of spiritual malaria, deeply set. You should preach the Word. Light will shine into the mind as you open the Scriptures to hungry souls.15LtMs, Lt 187, 1900, par. 1

I am pleased to hear you express yourself in the line of overcoming faultfinding and criticism. These are the devil’s manufactured weapons for the express purpose of lending them to the church. It is not best to borrow them. We are to keep our own heart clean and sweet and pure, as a temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, your own heart first. Take heed to thyself and then to the doctrine. You may have the Spirit of God abiding in your heart by faith. God’s Word will be a message to your soul. Open the windows of your soul heavenward and let the Sun of Righteousness in.15LtMs, Lt 187, 1900, par. 2

Now in regard to money matters, we are very much perplexed. What think you of Willie’s letter? Does this meet your mind? I have many books to bring out, and I want you to read carefully that which has been stated. We want to help all we can, and I know of no books that will do more good than Christ Our Saviour and Gospel Primer.15LtMs, Lt 187, 1900, par. 3