Death of Elder James White
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for the right, unaffected by any influence with which they may come
in contact?”
With tears he expressed his anxiety for our institutions at Battle
Creek. Said he: “My life has been given to the upbuilding of these
institutions. It seems like death to leave them. They are as my children,
and I cannot separate my interest from them. These institutions are
the Lord’s instrumentalities to do a specific work. Satan seeks to
hinder and defeat every means by which the Lord is working for the
salvation of men. If the great adversary can mould these institutions
according to the world’s standard, his object is gained. It is my greatest
anxiety to have the right man in the right place. If those who stand
in responsible positions are weak in moral power and vacillating in
principle, inclined to lead toward the world, there are enough who will
be led. Evil influences must not prevail. I would rather die than live to
see these institutions mismanaged, or turned aside from the purpose
for which they were brought into existence.
“In my relations to this cause I have been longest and most closely
connected with the publishing work. Three times have I fallen, stricken
with paralysis, through my devotion to this branch of the cause. Now
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that God has given me renewed physical and mental strength, I feel
that I can serve His cause as I have never been able to serve it before.
I must see the publishing work prosper. It is interwoven with my very
existence. If I forget the interests of this work, let my right hand forget
her cunning.”
We had an appointment to attend a tent meeting at Charlotte, Sab-
bath and Sunday, July 23 and 24. We decided to travel by private
conveyance. On the way, my husband seemed cheerful, yet a feeling
of solemnity rested upon him. He repeatedly praised the Lord for
mercies and blessings received, and freely expressed his own feelings
concerning the past and future: “The Lord is good, and greatly to be
praised. He is a present help in time of need. The future seems cloudy
and uncertain, but the Lord would not have us distressed over these
things. When trouble comes, He will give us grace to endure it. What
the Lord has been to us, and what He has done for us, should make us
so grateful that we would never murmur or complain.
“It has seemed hard to me that my motives should be misjudged,
and that my best efforts to help, encourage, and strengthen my brethren
should again and again be turned against me. But I should have