Chapter 58—Last Sickness
For over two years prior to the accident that hastened her death,
Mrs. White was freer from suffering and from common ailments than
during any other like period in her lifetime. Once her strength failed
decidedly, but soon she rallied, and was again able to get about with
comparative ease. Her attendant usually took her out driving every
pleasant day, and this afforded restful change. She was ordinarily able
to go from her upper room to her carriage unaided. But her frame was
becoming more and more bowed with the weight of years, and her
friends could not hope for long continuance of life.
In the spring of 1914, Mrs. White had the pleasure of meeting once
more her son, Elder James Edson White, who spent some weeks in her
home. Not long after his return, his mother suffered great weakness
from a complication of difficulties, and as the result, largely gave up
reading. In the months that followed, she often had others read to her.
The cessation of her ordinary activities, however, did not lead to
diminished interest in the progress of the cause of God throughout
the world. The pages of the Review and Herald and of other denomi-
national papers were as precious to her as ever, and she continued to
enjoy letters from old-time friends, and often recounted with animation
the experiences of former days.
In the course of a conversation held December 2, 1914, she referred
to an incident that occurred many years before. A certain brother
had expressed discouragement over the prospect of the extended and
difficult work that would need to be done before the world could be
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prepared for the second advent of Christ. Another brother, one of large
faith, turned to him, his face white with strong emotion, and said: “My
brother, do you permit such a prospect to bring discouragement? Do
you not know that God would have us press the battle to the gate? Do
you not know He would have us labor on, and on, and on, knowing
that victory lies ahead?”
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