Chapter 1—“The Long Letter Given Out to Be Copied”

The “long letter” referred to on September 11 is a 14-page testimony bearing the date of September 14, 1903 (Letter 203, 1903), and opens:CUW 2.1

“To Those in Positions of Responsibility in the Nashville Publishing House.”

“Dear Brethren: I am charged with a message to you from the Lord. Seek Him earnestly while He may be found. He is acquainted with the spirit that you reveal in your purposes and plans, et cetera....

“Harmony and unity are to prevail amongst those in charge of the publishing work in Nashville. These men are to conduct themselves in all humility....

“Some who have been handling sacred things have lost a sense of their sacredness, and treat them as common matters. Unless they change, the Lord will remove them from His work....

“No harsh words are to be spoken by a Christian to anyone, old or young. Such words are prompted by the enemy. My brethren, do not be so coldly proper toward those with whom you meet in service and worship that you freeze the souls that are in need of the warmth of the love of Christ....

“May the Lord give you all a determination to do His will, and may He greatly bless and strengthen you is my prayer.”—Letter 203, 1903.

This testimony was sent to Elder G. I. Butler, chairman of the board and president of the Southern Union. Copy was sent to J. E. White, who had pioneered the publishing work in the Southern states. This communication is quite different from the “family letter,” telling “about my household and place,” a “letter on common, everyday topics.” Copies of this family letter were sent to friends and relatives:CUW 2.2

J. E. White and wife, Mrs. E. W. Farnsworth, Mrs. Nellie Druillard, S. T. Belden, Mrs. Lucinda Hall, Mrs. Mary Foss, Mrs. G. A. Irwin, J. A. Burden and wife.

This letter on “common and everyday topics” discusses:CUW 3.1

Willie’s absence and travels.

Writing letters in regard to young people going to Battle Creek to take the nurse’s course.

The hot weather and what the paper said was its cause.

Her health and ability to go up and down stairs easily.

Illness of her farmer, Iram James, and the successful treatment with the electric battery.

Food from the orchard and garden.

Canning applesauce and drying corn.

The grapes ripening and the sale of them.

The prune crop—gathering and drying the prunes.

“A word or two more”—the scarcity of money.

The meals in her home—happy for the abundant harvest.

Practicing economy to advance the cause of truth.

The need of the power of the spirit.

Canaan is in sight. We must have a place there.

Come and see us—join our forces.