The plan of teaching agriculture to the colored people is a good one. . . . If you can secure a man who is fitted to become an intelligent director, such a school as you propose would be a great blessing to the colored race. . . . I shall be glad if by your counsel you can set in operation a work that needs to be done.
But to take hold of this work yourself would not be wise. You have not the necessary qualifications for a business man. You are not adapted for financiering. . . . To take an evangelist out of the field in order to bear the responsibility you speak of would not be wise. You would not be a success. . . .
Your work is appointed you by God. Ministry as an evangelist is your calling, and in no case should you trifle with your moral responsibilities. --Letter 90, 1899, p. 6, Andrews University copy. (To A. F. Ballenger, June 6, 1899.) White Estate Washington, D. C. May 28, 1981