46
The Retirement Years
Battle Creek, Michigan. Later, they occupied the house next door.
Across the street was the home of James White’s parents, deacon John
White and his wife. James and Ellen were most attentive to the needs
of these Godly people, all four of whom accepted the Adventist faith.
]
My children are as well as usual. Father and Mother are living
with us, and they seem so contented and happy. They take care of
their room, but eat with us. You don’t know what a weight of care
is removed from me, since I can watch over these two aged children.
Mother does just as I wish her to, follows every suggestion I make.
I dress her up neat as wax, comb her hair, and she looks like a nice,
venerable old lady. Father also tries to please us in every way. We fix
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him up and he looks real nice.
I would give my love to all your family, especially your parents. Let
us hear from you often. Don’t sink down in despondency and doubt.
Look up, be of good cheer, and God will lead us on to victory.—
Letter
27, 1861
(To Lucinda Hall).
Help for a Former Brother-in-law
Dear Brother and Sister [Stephen] Belden,
[
Stephen Belden married Sarah Harmon, Ellen White’s sister.
Frank E. Belden, the well-known hymn writer, was their son. Sarah
died in 1868. Stephen was living with his third wife on Norfolk Island,
Northeast of Australia, when these letters were written.
]
Be assured that I do not forget you. I pray for you, that the Lord
will open up ways whereby you will be enabled to do good on Norfolk
Island. I shall try to send you some money now and then. All that I
have sent you since coming to this country has been hired on interest,
but while I live, I will care for you. May the Lord give you peace and
comfort. He is our only Hope and our only Helper. I shall be glad to
hear from you as often as you can write, and I will write to you as often
as I can. When it is not possible for me to write I will communicate to
you through others. In this mail I will send you copies of letters I have
written to the brethren in Australia. -
Letter 146, 1902
.
I gave Stephen Belden several hundred dollars. I could not let him
and his wife suffer for food and clothing. I paid their expenses to and
from Norfolk Island.—
Letter 258, 1903
(To Lucinda Hall).
I am sending you with this copies of letters in which you may be
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