Washington, D. C., Monday, December 22, 1890

This day was devoted in the early morning, at half-past four o'clock, to prayer for the Lord to bless me and give me physical strength and mental clearness, and clear spiritual discernment. I believe the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” I shall take the Lord Jesus at His word.MR1033 48.2

I wrote ten pages of important matter. About ten o'clock I went to the dentist and had my teeth examined and one tooth filled, which caused me no pain. I had an impression taken for a new set of teeth.MR1033 48.3

When I returned I found letters awaiting me. One from Edson stated that my account at the office had swelled to the enormous sum of $7,000. [The cost of illustrations, typesetting, and making plates was all charged against Mrs. White's account.] This is, much of it, in publishing Volume IV—Great Controversy—and Patriarchs and Prophets....MR1033 48.4

In the evening I walked to the place of meeting and spoke in a large hall to about 100 people. Oh, how my heart yearns to see the people of God coming up to their high calling! I greatly desire that we should have an increase of faith and stand as valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ. I spoke from John 14:1-4.—Manuscript 53, 1890, 3-5 (Diary 16, pp. 415, 417).MR1033 48.5