WRITING LETTERS by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1879

WRITING LETTERS.

By Eliza H. Morton

As those connected with V. M. societies have many letters to write, a few words upon this subject through the columns of the REVIEW may not be out of place.

It requires considerable skill to open and conduct a correspondence with strangers. It is not well to be too hasty in regard to introducing doctrinal points into letters. It is generally the better plan to let tracts and papers do the doctrinal teaching until questions are asked by the readers; then, explanations can be made and earnest appeals written. Letters should be stamped with the individual character of the writer. Thoughts should be penned as they would fall from the lips in conversation. The studied elegance of a rhetorical essay is not appropriate for epistolary writing. Neatness and correctness should be cultivated, and combined with a natural, simple, free and easy style.

The first great thing to be accomplished is to gain the respect and confidence of the individual with whom a correspondence is opened. Having gained this ground, it is easy to find avenues that lead to the heart. Character is often strikingly revealed by letters, especially when addressed to those whom the writers regard as friends. The true feelings of the soul will creep into the words written, and often an unguarded sentence will reveal whole chapters of the inner life. The true missionary will watch for these opportunities, and be inspired by them to write tender, sympathizing, loving words that cannot fail to touch the heart and melt it to tenderness. The highest results cannot be accomplished unless God's Spirit accompanies the effort.

There is danger of becoming discouraged in this branch of the missionary work, for the reason that many letters are sent forth and few answers received. It is often the case that individuals begin the work with much zeal, but after mailing some twenty or forty letters and receiving only a few encouraging answers, their interest abates, and they cease to labor. This is unwise, as I shall endeavor to show. Many letters sent out by V. M. workers are addressed to a class of people who are not accustomed to writing letters. Many kind-hearted, honest people are oppressed with household cares, and are averse to handling the pen, and therefore neglect to answer the letters they receive. The following extract expresses the feelings of many mothers:—

“I received your kind letter a long, long time ago, and I hope you will pardon me for neglecting to answer it. It is so great a task for me to write that I never write a letter unless I am obliged to; but I do enjoy receiving them. I wish I could have one every day.”

It is often the case that these busy, tired

mothers read and re-read and derive much benefit from the letters they receive, although they feel incompetent to answer them. Several instances of this kind have come to my notice of late.

Letters that are not kindly received at first, sometimes work out good results in time.

Dear sisters, God knows that it tries your patience to work on day by day and see no fruit, but eternity will reveal marvelous things. Perhaps you may not be permitted to gather many sheaves in this life, but remember that unselfish deeds will be rewarded in the hereafter. The lines you pen in weakness may melt many hearts to tenderness. Continue to sow the seeds of kindness, and water the soil with tears and prayers, and God will give the increase.

ELIZA H. MORTON.

Allen's Corner, Me.