“I’d Like To Ask Sister White ...”

Ellen G. White

Copyright © 2018, Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.

Table of Contents

Information about this Book

Our Visits

Turn Back the Clock

Chapter 1—Tell Me About the Olden Days

Chapter 2—How Did You Answer God’s Call?

Chapter 3—Tell Me About the Visions

Chapter 4—What was Your Home Like?

Chapter 5—Tell Me About Your Boys

Chapter 6—Did You Have Vacations?

Chapter 7—Could I Read Some of the Letters You Wrote to Your Children?

Chapter 8—Did You Write to Your Grandchildren?

Chapter 9—Tell Me Some Travel Stories

Chapter 10—Tell Me More About Your Travels

Chapter 11—What Should I Eat?

Chapter 12—Tell Me About Bible Study and Prayer

Chapter 13—Some More Questions I’d Like to Ask

Information about this Book

Overview

This eBook is provided by the Ellen G. White Estate. It is included in the larger free Online Books collection on the Ellen G. White Estate Web site.

About the Author

Ellen G. White (1827-1915) is considered the most widely translated American author, her works having been published in more than 160 languages. She wrote more than 100,000 pages on a wide variety of spiritual and practical topics. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she exalted Jesus and pointed to the Scriptures as the basis of one’s faith.

Further Links

A Brief Biography of Ellen G. White

About the Ellen G. White Estate

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Further Information

For more information about the author, publishers, or how you can support this service, please contact the Ellen G. White Estate at mail@whiteestate.org. We are thankful for your interest and feedback and wish you God’s blessing as you read.

The Questions You Might Ask Answered From Statements
Selected From the Writings of
Ellen G. White
A Companion Volume to His Messenger
Illustrated by Thomas Dunbebin
Review and Herald Publishing Association
Washington, D.C.

Copyright © 2000, Review and Herald Publishing Association

Copyright © 1965 by the
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.

Our Visits

Dear Friends,

In a page or two you will be visiting with Sister White in her Battle Creek home on Wood Street, where you will ask many questions about her life and her work. But before beginning your visit, let’s have a few words of explanation.

Through the years the Whites lived in several homes in Battle Creek, also in California, and other places. James White, Sister White’s husband, died in 1881. After that Mrs. White continued to travel widely in the United States. She also spent about eleven years in Western Europe and Australia. In your imaginary visit with her, you will span some of these years and go with her on many of her journeys. We hope that your visit with the Lord’s messenger will help you to love Jesus more and establish your faith in God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy writings.

Your questions to Sister White, which appear in a different style of type, will be answered in her words and hers alone, taken from her diaries, letters, articles, and books. When she wrote in her diary she was often tired or in a hurry, and those entries were not always written in complete sentences. To keep the message of this book in easily understood language some words or sentences have been omitted, but only when the real meaning of the statements could be fully preserved. The sources of all of Sister White’s answers are listed at the close of the book.

You will enjoy reading what Sister White has to say, also the brief historical sketches we have prepared at the beginning of each chapter.

The Trustees of the White Estate [4]

Turn Back the Clock

It isn’t easy to make some things go backward, especially time. But find an imaginary calendar, and start turning it back. You will go back to the years before you were born, then past the second world war, and keep going back even to the times before your mother and father were born. Past the first world war you will go and keep going, past 1900 and into the 1800’s, past the years when your grandparents were children, and then back some more. Finally, just before Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States and your great-grandparents may have been small children, your journey in reverse will stop. Circle the year 1859.

Now your mind will have to go into reverse. Planes, TV, radio, even electric lights—all must disappear. Cars and buses will vanish, along with paved roads. Skyscrapers, push-button machines, noise of traffic, will cease. You will begin to hear the cloppety-clop of horses as they pull wagons loaded with passengers and farm produce. All the activities of life will slow to a more leisurely pace. Children will have time to roam the hills, wade, swim, and fish. Or they can just lie on the grass watching the clouds slide past. Or, between chores at home, they can walk down to the railroad station to watch that wonderful, noisy, early invention of the age of speed, called in those days “the cars,” come steaming into the station with whistle shrieking and cinders flying.

It is from the cars that you will disembark at Battle Creek, Michigan. In order to meet a certain person living there, you have turned both your calendar and your mind far backward. And when you get off you will probably need to ask the station agent, “Can you tell me where the Whites live?” Since Battle Creek is still quite a small town, he will be able to tell you, “Well, it’s on Wood Street, out in the west end of town. You [5] go right up here to Van Buren Street, turn left, and keep going. You will pass a park on the left and the Adventist printing plant nearby. The Whites are Adventists, you know.”

Indeed you know. The man continues: “In another block or two you will pass the new Adventist meetinghouse on the right and a couple of more blocks will take you to Wood Street. Turn up, away from the river. It’s the frame house on the left, where Champion Street dead-ends into Wood Street, just a block from the corner. You can’t miss it. It’s about a mile. Probably one of the White boys will be out in the yard. They have three, you know. The Whites are busy people. Always somebody coming or going.”

After thanking the man, you start on your way. The walk doesn’t seem long, for Battle Creek is one of those I’m-on-my-way towns, and you sense an atmosphere of progress, of growth. You pass a tall man carrying a satchel. It seems heavy, as though filled with books. Never having met him, you have no way of knowing that this is Elder James White on his way to work at the Review and Herald printing office.

Finally you reach Wood Street. With no difficulty you find the house you are looking for. It has two stories, with a porch in front. It appears to have about six rooms. In back is a barn, then the usual vegetable garden, fruit trees, and finally a wood lot.

Walking up the path toward the front door, you notice a flower garden and in the garden, a lady at work—a lady who appears to be in her early thirties. You ask, “Can you tell me, please, where I can find Sister White? I’d like to visit with her.”

She straightens herself, rubs off some garden soil, then stretches out her right hand. You shake hands, noticing her warm welcoming smile. As you look into her dark gray eyes—and you almost have to look down, for she is only a little over five feet—you know without being told that you have already met Sister White.

She welcomes you into her home. While she changes from her gardening clothes, you are entertained by four-year-old [6] Willie, who reports that his two big brothers, Henry and Edson, are down at the printing office, working with their father. Sister White re-enters the room, bringing you a drink of cool water fresh from the well behind the house. She sees that you are comfortable, then asks concerning your errand.

A little nervous, you say, “Sister White, I’ve heard so much about you. There are so many questions I’ve been wanting to ask, and I thought you could answer them better than anyone else. So I took the cars to Battle Creek, and came to your house, and—would you have time to answer them for me?”

Her smile and motherly manner make you feel completely at home. And so your visit begins—your first visit with Sister White! There will be many other visits with her, too, through the years. [7]

The Olden Days

The Harmon home in Gorham, Maine, was a happy, active place. Eunice and Robert, the parents, were kept busy providing for their six children. Then on a cold November 26, in 1827, the family circle widened to include twin daughters, Ellen and Elizabeth. Big sisters Carolyn, fifteen, and Harriet, thirteen, must have received the two with special joy—tiny, come-to-life dolls for them to mother. John, Mary, and Sarah probably took turns rocking the cradles of these small new sisters. Little Robert, hardly more than a baby, must have had a job keeping himself from feeling jealous of these two “intruders” who demanded so much of mother’s time and attention.

The Harmons taught their children to love God. They faithfully attended the Methodist church. When they heard the stirring news of Jesus’ soon return, they accepted that message, though their new faith brought ridicule from some of the people of Portland, where they had moved when the twins were small. It even caused separation from their church.

In Portland young Ellen was baptized. There she learned the joy of walking with Jesus, and it was there that God first spoke to her in vision. [8]

Chapter 1—Tell Me About the Olden Days

Sister White, Please Tell Me About Your Life When You Were A Girl.

I was born at Gorham, Maine, November 26, 1827. While I was but a child, my parents removed from Gorham to Portland, Maine. Here, at the age of nine years, an accident happened to me which was to affect my whole life. In company with my twin sister and one of our schoolmates, I was crossing a common in the city of Portland when a girl about thirteen years of age, becoming angry at some trifle, threw a stone that hit me on the nose. I was stunned by the blow and fell senseless to the ground.

When consciousness returned, I found myself in a merchant’s store. A kind stranger offered to take me home in his carriage, but I, not realizing my weakness, told him that I preferred to walk. But after walking only a few rods I grew faint and dizzy. My twin sister and my schoolmate carried me home. I noticed nothing, but lay in a stupor for three weeks.

When I again aroused to consciousness, it seemed to me that I had been asleep. I did not remember the accident, and was ignorant of the cause of my illness. A great cradle had been made for me, and in it I lay for many weeks. [9] I gained strength very slowly. As I became able to join in play with my young friends, I was forced to learn the bitter lesson that our personal appearance often makes a difference in the treatment we receive from our companions.¹

Were You Able To Go Back To School?

For two years I could not breathe through my nose, and was able to attend school but little. It seemed impossible for me to study. The same girl who was the cause of my misfortune, was appointed monitor by our teacher, and it was among her duties to assist me in my writing and other lessons. She always seemed sincerely sorry for the great injury she had done me, although I was careful not to remind her of it. She seemed sad and thoughtful as she saw me laboring to get an education.

My hand trembled so that I made but little progress in writing, and could get no farther than the simple copies in coarse hand. The letters in the page would run together, great drops of perspiration would stand upon my brow, and a faintness and dizziness would seize me. I had a bad cough, and my whole system seemed debilitated.

My teachers advised me to leave school. It was the hardest struggle of my young life to give up the hope of obtaining an education.²

After You Quit School, What Did You Do All Day Long?

Our father was a hatter. It was my task to make the crowns of the hats, that being the easiest part of the work. I also knit stockings at twenty-five cents a pair. My heart was so weak that I was obliged to sit propped up in bed to do this work; but day after day I sat there, happy that my trembling fingers could

¹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 17, 18.

²Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 18, 19.

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do something to bring in a little for the cause I loved so dearly. Twenty-five cents a day was all I could earn.³

What Did You Do With The Money You Earned?

How carefully would I lay aside the precious bits of silver taken in return, which were to be expended for reading matter to enlighten and arouse those who were in darkness! I had ever a little fund in store with which to purchase suitable books.⁴

Were You Strong Enough To Do Housework?

My mother taught me to work. I used to ask my mother, “Why must I always do so much work before I play?” “It is to educate and train your mind for useful labor, and another thing, to keep you out of mischief; and when you get older, you will thank me for it.” When one of my little girls [a granddaughter] said to me, “Why must I knit? Grandmothers knit:” I replied, “Will you tell me how grandmothers learned to knit?” “Why, they began when they were little girls.”⁵

What Church Did You Go To?

My parents, Robert and Eunice Harmon, became members of the Methodist Church. In that church they held prominent connection. They had the joy of seeing their children, eight in number, all converted.⁶

How Did You First Hear About Jesus’ Second Coming?

On my way to school [1836] I had picked up a scrap of paper containing an account of a man in England who was preaching that the earth would be consumed in about thirty years from that time. I took this paper home and read it to the

³Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 47.

⁴Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 47, 48.

⁵Child Guidance, 124.

⁶Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 17.

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family. I was seized with terror; the time seemed so short. I could scarcely sleep for several nights, and prayed continually to be ready when Jesus came.⁷

Did You Really Get To Hear William Miller?

In March, 1840, William Miller visited Portland, Maine, and gave lectures on the second coming of Christ. The Christian church was crowded day and night. Not only was a great interest manifested in the city but the country people flocked in day after day, bringing their lunch baskets, and remaining from morning until the close of the evening meeting.

In company with my friends, I attended these meetings. I was listening to the startling announcement that Christ was coming in 1843, only a few short years in the future.⁸

How Did You Feel When You Heard That Jesus Was Coming So Soon?

A terrible sadness rested on my heart. I could not think of anything I had done to cause me to feel sad; but it seemed to me that I was not good enough to enter heaven, that such a thing would be too much for me to expect.⁹

Can You Remember When You Became A Christian?

My parents went to the Methodist camp meeting at Buxton, Maine [in 1841], taking me with them. There was a great longing in my heart for the Christian’s hope and the peace that comes of believing.

I was much encouraged while listening to a discourse.

Jesus has pledged Himself to listen to the petition and grant the prayer of those who come to Him in faith. It is only

⁷Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 20, 21.

⁸Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 20, 21.

⁹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 21.

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by connecting with Jesus through faith that the sinner becomes a hopeful, believing child of God.

These words comforted me, and gave me a view of what I must do to be saved. As I knelt and prayed, suddenly my burden left me, and my heart was light. It seemed to me that I had no right to feel joyous and happy. But Jesus seemed very near to me.

One of the mothers in Israel came to me and said, “Dear child, have you found Jesus?” I was about to answer, “Yes,” when she exclaimed, “Indeed you have; His peace is with you, I see it in your face.”

I felt that the Saviour had blessed me and pardoned my sins.¹⁰

Does Everyone Find Jesus Just Like That?

A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or trace all the chain of circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. Like the wind, which is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly seen and felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon the human heart. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us.¹¹

How Were You Baptized?

Some of my Methodist sisters tried in vain to convince me that sprinkling was Bible baptism. The Methodist minister consented to immerse the candidates if they preferred that method.

It was a windy day when we, twelve in number, went down

¹⁰Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 22-24.

¹¹Steps to Christ, 57.

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into the sea to be baptized. The waves ran high and dashed upon the shore, but my peace was like a river.

The same day in the afternoon I was received into the church in full membership.¹²

What Did The Methodists Think When You Accepted The Message Of Jesus’ Soon Coming?

One evening my brother Robert and myself went to [Methodist] class meeting. When it came my brother’s turn to bear testimony, he spoke of the necessity for fitness to meet our Saviour when He should come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory....

When I was called upon to speak, I arose and expressed my joy in the tidings of the soon coming of my Redeemer.

I expected that my Methodist brethren and sisters would rejoice with me, but I was disappointed; several sisters groaned and moved their chairs noisily, turning their backs upon me. I could not think what had been said to offend them.

When I had ceased speaking, the elder asked me if it would not be more pleasant to live a long life of usefulness, doing others good, than to have Jesus come speedily and destroy poor sinners. I replied that I longed for the coming of Jesus. Then sin would have an end.

After the meeting closed, I was treated with coldness by those who had formerly been kind and friendly to me.¹³

Did You All Stay In The Methodist Church?

The Adventists held meetings at this time in Beethoven Hall [in Portland, Maine]. My father, with his family, attended

¹²Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 25.

¹³Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 43, 44.

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them quite regularly. The Second Advent was thought to be in the year 1843. The time seemed so short.

Our family were all deeply interested in the Lord’s soon coming. My father had stood as one of the pillars of the Methodist church. He had acted as leader of meetings held in homes at a distance from that city. However, the Methodist minister made us a special visit, to inform us that our faith and Methodism could not agree.

The minister advised us to quietly withdraw from the church, and avoid the publicity of a trial. We answered that we preferred a regular trial.

Not long after, we were notified to be present at a meeting. There were but few present.

My father in his defense received the blessing of God, and we all left with free spirits, happy in the smile of Jesus.

The next Sunday the elder read off our names, seven in number, as discontinued from the church. Many believed, but dared not confess their faith, lest they should be turned out. But some left soon afterward, and joined the company of those who were looking for the Saviour.¹⁴

How About Your Neighbors? Did They Like Your Religion?

Opposition to our faith increased in Portland. One evening as we were engaged in prayer, the window was broken in just above my head, and the glass came down upon me. I continued praying. One man in his blind rage was cursing and swearing while we continued to plead with God. The man’s voice hushed, and he was seen hastening from the place. He could not endure the sound of prayer or the thought of the judgment.

One afternoon we had a season of prayer. While bowed

¹⁴Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 47-53.

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before the Lord two of our most wicked neighbors entered the door, and broke in upon our worship, saying, “Up! and off your knees! For in fifteen minutes the workhouse cart will be after you.” We did not heed, but continued in prayer. In a few moments they entered again, repeating nearly the same words. A number of times we were thus broken in upon by these poor, wicked men.¹⁵

Were These Men Arrested?

The same afternoon an officer was sent to visit us, while some of our neighbors raised their windows to hear the result. Father was away to his work, and mother stepped to the door. He told her that complaints had reached him that we disturbed the peace by noisy praying, and sometimes praying in the night, and he was requested to attend to the matter.

Mother answered that we prayed morning and night, and sometimes at noon, and should continue to do so; that Daniel prayed to his God three times a day.

He said that he had no objection to prayer, and if there was more of it it would make them better. “But,” said he, “they complain of your praying in the night.”

He was told that if any of the family were sick, or were in distress of mind in the night, it was our custom to call upon God for help, and we found relief. He was referred to our near neighbor who used strong drink. His voice was often heard cursing God. Why did not the neighbors send you to him? His curses seem not to disturb the neighbors, while the voice of prayer greatly troubles them.

“Well,” said the officer, “what shall I tell them that you will do?” My mother replied, “Serve God.” The officer left, and we had no further trouble from that quarter.¹⁶

¹⁵Spiritual Gifts 2:79, 80.

¹⁶Spiritual Gifts 2:80, 81.

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Did The Troublemakers Bother You Any More?

In a few days while our family were quietly engaged at evening prayer, some young men, imitating the example of their parents, commenced making a noise around the house. At length they ran for an officer. He came, and the boys told him to listen. Said he, “Is this what you have called me out for? That family is doing what every family ought to do. They are making no disturbance; and if you call me for this purpose again, I will put you in the lockup.” After this we were not molested.¹⁷

Did The Neighbors Ever Feel Differently Toward You?

The neighbors’ fears were often aroused by frequent thunder and lightning that summer. A number had been killed instantly. And if there was an appearance of a thunderstorm, some parents sent their children to our house inviting one of the family to visit them, and stay until the storm was over. The children innocently told the whole story: “for ma says the lightning will not strike a house where the Advent people are.”

One night there was a fearful storm. The heavens presented a continual sheet of lightning. A few rushed from their beds into the street, calling upon God for mercy, saying, “The judgment day has come.” My brother Robert went out of the house and walked to the head of the street, praising the Lord. He said he never prized the hope of the Christian as he did that night, as he saw the terror of those who had no hope in Christ.¹⁸

¹⁷Spiritual Gifts 2:81.

¹⁸Spiritual Gifts 2:81-82.

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Answering God’s Call

God sent Ellen Harmon a companion, helper, and protector in the person of James White, a young Adventist preacher whom she met and to whom she was married.

James White was born in Palmyra, Maine, August 4, 1821. He grew up on a farm, the middle child in a family of nine. His father, Deacon John White, took pride in displaying a pair of silver knee buckles that had been handed down through the generations from the father of Peregrine White, who came to the shores of America on the Mayflower.

James was a feeble child, with poor eyesight, but he longed for an education. In the late teens his health improved, and he went to school at St. Albans and Reedfield, Maine. He wrote, “I wore old clothes, while my classmates wore new, and lived three months on cornmeal pudding prepared by myself, and a few raw apples, while they enjoyed the conveniences and luxuries of the boarding house. With the close of this term, also closed my school studies. I have attended high school, in all, twenty-nine weeks.”

This farm boy became a teacher before he was twenty-one. Through the influence of his godly mother he accepted and began to preach the message of Jesus’ soon coming. In one winter more than a thousand people were won to Christ through his ministry. It was during this work of preaching that he met and, at the age of twenty-five, married Ellen Harmon.

James White became a great church leader. Three times he was elected president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He refused public positions of honor in the world, for he had dedicated his entire strength to the cause of God.

Together James and his wife, Ellen G. White, worked all their lives that many might be saved in the kingdom of God. [18]

Chapter 2—How Did You Answer God’s Call?

Mrs. White, Were You One Of Those Who Were Waiting For Jesus To Come Back In 1843 And 1844?

The time when we hoped to meet Him was close at hand. Worldly business was laid aside for a few weeks. There was no making of “ascension robes” for the great event; our white robes were purity of soul, character cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of our Saviour.¹

Weren’t You Terribly Disappointed When Jesus Didn’t Come?

But the time passed. The disappointment of God’s waiting people was great. We were disappointed, yet did not renounce our faith. Many still clung to the hope that Jesus would not long delay His coming; the word of the Lord was sure, it could not fail. We felt that we had done our duty, we had lived up to our precious faith; we were disappointed, but not discouraged. We must wait with hope and trust.²

What Was The Work That Jesus Called You To Do?

I am instructed that I am the Lord’s messenger; He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to receive His word, and

¹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 56, 57.

²Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 57.

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to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus.

When this work was first given me, I begged the Lord to lay the burden on someone else. The work was so large and broad and deep that I feared I could not do it. But by His Holy Spirit the Lord has enabled me to perform the work which He gave me to do.³

This is my work—to open the Scriptures to others, as God has opened them to me.⁴

What Happened When You First Tried To Speak To The People?

It was not long before the Lord opened the way for me to go with my brother-in-law to my sisters in Poland, thirty miles from my home, and while there I had an opportunity to bear my testimony. For three months my throat and lungs had been so diseased that I could talk but little, and that in a low and husky tone. On this occasion I stood up in meeting and commenced to speak in a whisper. I continued thus for about five minutes, when the soreness left me, my voice became clear and strong, and I spoke with perfect ease and freedom for nearly two hours. When my message was ended, my voice was gone until I again stood before the people. I felt that I was doing the will of God.⁵

When Did You Get Married?

August 30, 1846, I was united in marriage to Elder James White. Elder White had enjoyed a deep experience in the Advent Movement, and his labors in proclaiming the truth had been blessed of God. Our hearts were united in the great work, and together we traveled and labored for the salvation of souls.⁶

³Selected Messages 1:32, 33.

⁴Testimonies for the Church 8:236.

⁵Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 72, 73.

⁶Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 97.

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Mrs. White, Weren’t You Sick A Lot In Those Days?

I was taken very sick. My parents, husband, and sister united in prayer for me; but still I suffered on for three weeks. Our neighbors thought I could not live. Many prayers had been offered to God, yet it pleased the Lord to try our faith. After others had prayed, Brother Henry [Nichols] commenced praying, and with the power of God resting upon him, rose from his knees, came across the room, and laid his hands upon my head, saying, “Sister Ellen, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole,” and fell back prostrated by the power of God. I believed that the work was of God, and the pain left me. My heart was filled with peace.

The next day there was a severe storm, and none of the neighbors came to our house. I was able to be up in the sitting room. And as some saw the windows of my room raised, they supposed I was not living. They knew not that the great Physician had entered the dwelling and had rebuked disease and set me free. The next day we rode thirty-eight miles to Topsham. Inquiries were made of my father, at what time the funeral would be. Father asked, “What funeral?” “Why, the funeral of your daughter.” Father replied that she was healed by the prayer of faith, and was on her way to Topsham.⁷

What Was It Like In The Beginning Days Of Your Work?

My husband with his ax went into the woods to chop. He worked from early morning till dark, to earn about fifty cents a day. He was prevented from sleeping nights, by pain. In the morning I felt grateful to God that He had preserved me through another night, and at night I was thankful that He had kept me through another day.

⁷Spiritual Gifts 2:83-86.

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Our provisions were gone, and my husband went to his employer to get money for provisions. It was a stormy day. He walked three miles and back, passed through the village where he had often lectured, with a bag of provisions on his back. As he entered the house very weary, my heart sunk within me. My first feelings were that God had forsaken us. I said to my husband, Have we come to this? Has the Lord left us? I wept. [22] At this time I was shown that the Lord had been trying us for our good, and to prepare us to labor for others; that He had been stirring up our nest, lest we should settle down in ease; that our work was to labor for souls.

We were resolved to suffer rather than get into debt. I allowed myself and child one pint of milk each day. In the morning before my husband went to his work, he left me nine cents to buy milk for three mornings. It was quite a study with me whether to deny myself and child of milk, or get an apron for him. I gave up the milk, and purchased the cloth for an apron to cover the bare arms of my child.⁸

You Attended Many Meetings In The Years That Followed, Didn’t You? Tell Me About Some Of Them.

Convis, Michigan, Sabbath, April 9, 1859.—Rose early and rode about twelve miles to Convis to meet with the saints there. The ride was refreshing. A little company of Sabbathkeepers were collected in a large schoolhouse. Meeting held until two o’clock. After the meeting closed, a woman came to meeting. Thought it was to be in the afternoon. She had walked a mile. She read the notice in the paper but did not read carefully enough to find out the time of meeting; therefore lost it all. After supper as the hours of holy time were closing, we had prayer. James talked with the children before bowing to pray.⁹

Roosevelt, New York, Sabbath, August 27, 1859.—They have a neat little meetinghouse. It was filled and crowded and many could not get in at all. In the afternoon they were obliged to give it up to the women and infirm and aged men. They drew up the wagons to the windows, and the men filled them full.¹⁰

⁸Spiritual Gifts 2:88, 89.

⁹MS 6, 1859.

¹⁰MS 7, 1859.

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Adams Center, New York, November 5, 1863.—Sabbath morning we looked out of the window and saw a long procession of teams slowly ascending the hills. They kept coming and coming. The schoolhouse could not begin to hold them. They had fitted up the woodshed, stable, and barn with seats, all quite close. The barns were literally packed. Four hundred people were present all through the meeting.¹¹

Did You Go To Camp Meetings Too?

Our camp meeting is closed. We had a profitable meeting.

In the afternoon we had a large concourse of people. I again was blessed with freedom, for which I thank God. After I ceased speaking, many came to us to know when we would speak again. In regard to our campground in Ohio, I wish you could have seen it. It was a beautiful ground of grand old beeches, maples and oaks, horse chestnuts, and many other trees, so high and lofty, towering toward the heavens. You could scarcely see the tops of the trees. I picked up the most wonderful large acorns I ever saw. They are a perfect sight in size. I gathered some as a curiosity. I also gathered a few buckeyes, horse chestnuts.¹²

Did You Ever Hold A Meeting In A Prison?

During my stay in Oregon I visited the prison in Salem. When the time arrived for service we were conducted to the chapel, which was made cheerful by an abundance of light and pure, fresh air. At a signal from the bell two men opened the great iron gates, and the prisoners came flocking in. The doors were securely closed behind them, and for the first time in my life I was in prison walls.

¹¹Letter 7, 1863.

¹²Letter 14, 1870.

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I had expected to see a set of repulsive-looking men, but many of them seemed to be intelligent, and some to be men of ability. They were dressed in the coarse but neat prison uniform, their hair smooth, and their boots brushed. I thought, “To each of these men have been committed gifts, or talents, to be used for the glory of God; but they have despised these gifts of Heaven.” As I looked upon young men from eighteen to twenty and thirty years of age, I thought of their unhappy mothers.

When all the company were assembled Brother Carter read a hymn. All had books, and joined heartily in singing. One, who was an accomplished musician, played the organ. I then opened the meeting by prayer, and again all joined in singing. I spoke from the words of John: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1).

I exalted before them the sacrifice made by the Father in giving His beloved Son for fallen men, that they might become the sons of God.¹³

Did You Sometimes Have Children’s Meetings?

The meetings held in Monterey [Michigan] for the children were, I think, the best of any which we attended. All began to seek the Lord and to inquire, What shall I do to be saved? All those who wanted to be Christians were invited to occupy the front seats, which had been vacated. Here was a cross for the young. If they could take this first step they would gain strength to take the next.

One after another came forward until nearly the whole Sabbath school who were old enough to know what sin was, had filled the vacant seats. We felt like taking these dear

¹³Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 232-234.

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children in the arms of our faith and laying them at the feet of Jesus. We knew that the Lord was working for us to bring these dear children into His fold.

These children wished to be baptized. They each arose and gave their testimony that they wished to be Christians and overcome the enemy and at last stand upon Mount Zion. I believe angels of God bore these testimonies to heaven and that they were recorded in the book of God’s remembrance.

Were They Baptized?

Tuesday ten young females assembled at the water to receive the ordinance of baptism.

One dear child we deeply sympathized with. She decided that she must be baptized. She came with her young companions to the water, but her difficulty returned. She could not look upon the water or see any of her young friends baptized. All had been baptized but her, and she could not be prevailed upon to go into the water. We felt that Satan was opposed to the good work and wished to hinder it, and that she must go forward.

I put the robe upon her and urged her to go into the water. She hesitated. My husband on one side and myself upon the other and her father entreating her, we tried to encourage her along, yet her dread of water caused her to shrink. We persuaded her to move to the edge of the water and have her hands and head wet. She complied. Her head and hands were wet, and then she moved forward while the administrator several times repeated these words, “In the name of the Lord, move forward.” Calmly she went into the water and was buried in the likeness of Christ’s death. Calmly she came up out of the water. We all rejoiced that we had not consented to [26] let the child go. The next morning she came to the house where we tarried. She expressed her joy that we had not left her to her fears. We rejoiced with her that she had obtained so precious a victory.

The next day five young men expressed their desire to be baptized. It was an interesting sight to see these young men, all about the same age and size, as they stood side by side professing their faith in Christ.¹⁴

They Baptized A Lot Of Young People, Didn’t They!

Sabbath, January 1, 1859.—The commencement of another year. My husband went down into the water and buried seven with Christ in baptism; two of them were but children. One prayed earnestly in the water to be kept unspotted from the world. May they live a new life unto God.¹⁵

We have seen the work of God in Battle Creek after a marvelous manner. Brother Hunt’s children have sought the Lord and have been baptized. Dr. Lay’s children have also given their hearts to God, and all have been baptized but Minnie. Nellie Mead has been baptized, also George Wilson’s little girl. The youngest Hearns girl has gone forward in baptism, Marcus Ashley was baptized, also Oliver Pratt and Mary More.¹⁶

When You Were A Girl Were You Afraid To Talk To Your Friends About Your Religion?

I arranged meetings with my young friends, some of whom were considerably older than myself, and a few were married persons. A number of them were vain and thoughtless; my experience sounded to them like an idle tale.

Some of these had met with us from curiosity to hear what I

¹⁴MS 4, 1863.

¹⁵MS 2, 1859.

¹⁶Letter 11, 1867

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had to say; others thought me beside myself. But at every one of our little meetings I continued to exhort and pray for each one separately, until every one had yielded to Jesus. Every one was converted to God.¹⁷

How Did You Find Time To Do Your Writing?

I am very busy with my writing. Early and late, I am writing out the matters that the Lord opens before me.¹⁸

I never enjoyed better health than I do at the present time, and never did more writing. I rise at three in the morning, and do not sleep during the day. I am often up at one o’clock, and when my mind is especially burdened I rise at twelve o’clock to write out matter that has been urged upon my mind. I praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His great mercy toward me.¹⁹

Often I have had but a few hours’ sleep at night. I have written early and late, as fast as my hand could move over the paper. While writing, I have had wonderfully clear conceptions [understanding] of the love and goodness of God. We must never forget that it is our duty to express at all times and in all places our appreciation of the goodness of God. In all that we do or say, we are to honor our Lord. We are to be the Lord’s messengers, winning souls to Christ.²⁰

Many Times You Wrote That You Could Not Sleep At Night. What Did You Think About During Those Long Hours, Especially When You Were Sick?

I am glad when the daylight comes, for the nights are long. But when I cannot sleep I think that One who never slumbers is watching over me for good. Jesus knows all about the pains and griefs we bear.

¹⁷Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 41, 42.

¹⁸Selected Messages 1:56.

¹⁹Counsels on Diet and Foods, 489.

²⁰Letter 357, 1904.

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My prayer on awaking is, Jesus, keep Thy child today. Make me a fruit-bearing branch of the living Vine. Through Christ we can do all things.

He was ever touched, while upon this earth, with the sorrows of children. He often dried their tears.

I am so thankful that I can tell the Lord all my fears. I feel that I am under His wings.

When I wake in the night it seems that Jesus is looking upon me.

My hours of pain have been hours of prayer. My heart goes out to Jesus in loving trust. He knows what is best for me.

The Lord is not pleased to have us fret and worry ourselves out of the arms of Jesus.

What is the path to heaven? Is it a road? No, it is a path that is narrow. Our Captain, Jesus Christ, has hid nothing from us in regard to the battles we are to fight. He opens the map before us and shows us the way. Let us gather every promise. Let us repeat them by day and in the night and be happy.²¹

Did You Get Rich From Writing So Many Books?

Sometimes it has been reported that I am trying to get rich. Some have written to us, inquiring, “Is not Mrs. White worth millions of dollars?” I am glad that I can say, “No.” I do not own in this world any place that is free from debt. Why? Because I see so much missionary work to be done. I receive royalties from the sale of my books; but nearly all is spent in missionary work.

God has helped me. We thank God for His presence, and for what we can now see as the result of the efforts put forth.²²

²¹Selected Messages 2:237-244.

²²Selected Messages 1:103-105.

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The Visions

Each of you has a special angel, your guardian, whose duty it is to guide, to protect, and to influence you in making right choices. How wonderful it would be if you could see that heavenly visitor by your side!

To Ellen White was given a special angel. We cannot know if he was the same bright being who appeared to the prophets of Bible times, but it was his assignment to give to her God’s messages for His children on earth. She came to know him well, for she was given about two thousand visions, some lasting for several hours, others like a brief flash of light. Some were given in the daytime, others during the dark hours of night. She once stated that it was always the same angel who came to her, instructing her in visions, either by night or by day. She spoke of him as “the angel,” “my guide,” “my instructor,” “the young man,” and described him as a beautiful, glorious being.

At the beginning of a vision Sister White at times would cry, “Glory!” Then in softer tones, “Glory! Glory!” Was she seeing the bright beauty of her angel messenger or, perhaps, a group of heavenly beings?

God knew that the church needed special messages to prepare them for the soon coming of Jesus. He chose for His messenger Sister White, who carefully wrote what was told her by that special angel, God’s go-between from heaven to earth. [30]

Chapter 3—Tell Me About the Visions

What Was It Like When You Had A Vision?

When the Lord sees fit to give a vision I am taken into the presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to earthly things. I can see no farther than the angel directs me. My attention is often directed to scenes upon earth.

At times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown what is to take place. Then again I am shown things as they have occurred in the past. After I come out of vision I do not at once remember all that I have seen, and the matter is not so clear before me until I write; then the scene rises before me as was presented in vision, and I can write with freedom.¹

Sister White, Were Others Sometimes With You When You Had Your Visions?

In 1846 my sister, Sister A., Brother Gurney, and myself started in a sailboat to visit a family on West’s Island. It was almost night when we started. We had gone but a short distance when a storm suddenly arose. It thundered and lightened, and the rain came in torrents upon us. It seemed plain that we must be lost, unless God should deliver.

I knelt down in the boat and began to cry to God to deliver

¹Selected Messages 1:36.

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us. And there upon the tossing billows, while the water washed over the top of the boat upon us, I was taken off in vision and saw that sooner would every drop of water in the ocean be dried up than we perish, for my work had but just begun. After I came out of the vision all my fears were gone, and we sang and praised God, and our little boat was to us a floating Bethel.

Brother Gurney had more than he could well do to manage the boat. He tried to anchor, but the anchor dragged. Our little boat was tossed upon the waves and driven by the wind, while it was so dark that we could not see from one end of the boat to the other. Soon the anchor held, and Brother Gurney called for help.

There were but two houses on the island, and it proved that we were near one of them, but not the one where we wished to go. All the family had retired to rest except a little child, who heard the call for help upon the water. Her father soon came to our relief and, in a small boat, took us to the shore. We spent the most of that night in thanksgiving and praise to God for His wonderful goodness to us.²

Is It True That You Really Did Not Breathe While In Vision?

Sometimes while I was in vision my friends would approach me and exclaim, “Why, she does not breathe!” Placing a mirror before my lips, they found that no moisture gathered on the glass. It was while there was no sign of any breathing, that I kept talking of the things that were being presented before me.

These messages were thus given to substantiate the faith of all, that in these last days we might have confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy.³

²Early Writings, 23, 24.

³The Review and Herald, June 14, 1906.

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When Did You First Begin To Write Out What You Saw?

Early in my public labors I was bidden by the Lord, “Write, write the things that are revealed to you.” At the time this message came to me, I could not hold my hand steady. My physical condition made it impossible for me to write. But again came the word, “Write the things that are revealed to you.” I obeyed; and as the result, it was not long before I could write page after page with comparative ease. Who told me what to write? Who steadied my right hand, and made it possible for me to use a pen?—It was the Lord.⁴

You Saw Scenes In Heaven, Didn’t You, And The New Jerusalem?

Angels were all about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate of the city. Jesus laid hold of the pearly gate, swung it back on its glittering hinges, and said to us, “You have washed your robes in My blood, enter in.” We all marched in and felt that we had a perfect right in the city.

Here we saw the tree of life and the throne of God. Out of the throne came a pure river of water, and on either side of the river was the tree of life. On one side of the river was a trunk of a tree, and a trunk on the other side of the river, both of pure, transparent gold. At first I thought I saw two trees. I looked again, and saw that they were united at the top in one tree. So it was the tree of life on either side of the river of life. Its branches bowed to the place where we stood, and the fruit was glorious; it looked like gold mixed with silver. We all went under the tree and sat down to look at the glory of the place.⁵

In the city I saw a temple, which I entered. I passed through a door before I came to the first veil. This veil was raised, and

⁴The Review and Herald, June 14, 1906.

⁵Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 67.

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I passed into the holy place. After viewing the glory of the holy, Jesus raised the second veil, and I passed into the Holy of Holies.

In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was a lovely cherub, with its wings spread out over it. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus stood by the ark, and as the saints’ prayers came up to Him, He would offer up their prayers with the smoke of the incense to His Father.⁶

Did You Hear The Music Of Heaven?

I have seen companies of angels, who stood in a hollow square, every one having a harp of gold. At the end of the harp was an instrument to turn, to set the harp, or change the tunes. Their fingers did not sweep over the strings carelessly, but the fingers must touch different strings to produce different sounds. There is one angel who always leads, first touches the harp, strikes the note, then all join in the rich, perfect music of heaven. It cannot be described. It was melody, heavenly, divine, while from every countenance beamed the image of Jesus, which shone with glory.⁷

What Did You See In Your Very First Vision?

I seemed to be surrounded with light, and to be rising higher and higher from the earth. I saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city which was at the farther end of the path.

Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.

⁶Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 100.

⁷4SG 31.

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The 144,000 were all sealed, and perfectly united. At our happy, holy state, the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground.

Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a man’s hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man. We all gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer, and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire; a rainbow was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels, singing a most lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of man.

Then Jesus’ silver trumpet sounded. Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. In the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.

We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass. We all cried out, “Alleluia! heaven is cheap enough!” and we touched our glorious harps and made heaven’s arches ring.⁸

How Did You Feel When The Lord Told You That You Were To Be His Special Messenger?

How could I, a child in years, go forth from place to place, unfolding to the people the holy truths of God? My heart shrank in terror from the thought. My brother Robert, but two years older than myself, could not accompany me, for he was feeble in health and his timidity was greater than mine. My father had a family to support, and could not leave his business;

⁸Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 64-67.

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but he assured me that if God had called me to labor in other places, He would not fail to open the way for me.⁹

Why Did You Feel Afraid?

One great fear was that if I obeyed the call of duty, and went out declaring myself to be one favored of the Most High with visions and revelations for the people, I might yield to sinful exaltation and be lifted above the station that was right for me to occupy. I had known of such cases, and my heart shrank from the trying ordeal.

I now entreated that if I must go out and relate what the Lord had shown me, I should be preserved from undue exaltation. Said the angel: “Your prayers are heard, and shall be answered. If this evil that you dread threatens you, the hand of God will be stretched out to save you; by affliction [sickness] He will draw you to Himself. Deliver the message faithfully; endure unto the end, and you shall eat the fruit of the tree of life and drink of the water of life.”

After recovering consciousness of earthly things I committed myself to the Lord, ready to do His bidding, whatever that might be.¹⁰

Was Any Sign Given To Show That God Had Called You For A Special Work?

While prayer was offered that the Lord would give me strength and courage to bear the message, the thick darkness rolled back, and a sudden light came upon me. Something that seemed to me like a ball of fire struck me right over the heart. My strength was taken away, and I fell to the floor. I seemed to be in the presence of the angels. One of these holy beings again repeated the words, “Make known to others what I have revealed to you.”

⁹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 69, 70.

¹⁰Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 71, 72.

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Father Pearson, who could not kneel on account of his rheumatism, witnessed this. When I revived he rose from his chair and said, “I have seen a sight such as I never expected to see. A ball of fire came down from heaven, and struck Sister Ellen Harmon right on the heart. I saw it! I saw it! I can never forget it. It has changed my whole being. Sister Ellen, have courage in the Lord. After this night I will never doubt again. We will help you henceforth, and not discourage you.”¹¹

I’d Like To Hear About A Vision In Which You Saw Jesus.

Soon appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. As it drew nearer the earth, we could behold the excellent glory and majesty of Jesus as He rode forth to conquer. The living cloud of majesty and glory came still nearer, and we could clearly behold the lovely person of Jesus. He did not wear a crown of thorns, but a crown of glory rested upon His holy brow. His countenance was as bright as the noonday sun. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and His feet had the appearance of brass. His voice sounded like many musical instruments.

Before entering the city, the saints were arranged in a perfect square, with Jesus in the midst. He stood head and shoulders above the saints and above the angels. His majestic form and lovely countenance could be seen by all in the square.¹²

How About Satan? Did You Ever See Him?

A train of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was on board, that there could not be one left. Then he showed me the conductor, who appeared like a stately, fair person, whom all

¹¹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 71.

¹²Early Writings, 286-288.

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the passengers looked up to. I asked my angel who it was. He said, “It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. The next highest in order to him is the engineer, and other of his agents are employed as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition.” Satan laughs as he sees his plan succeed so well and the whole world taken in his snare.¹³

Does He Always Take The Form Of An Angel Of Light?

I was shown Satan as he once was, a happy, exalted angel. Then I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede. His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his hands and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was so full of evil and satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his snare this smile grows horrible.¹⁴

Oh, That Makes Me Tremble! Do You Think God Will Take Care Of Us?

I have seen the tender love that God has for His people, and it is very great. I saw angels over the saints with their wings spread about them. Each saint had an angel. If the saints were in danger the angels would fly upward to carry the tidings,

¹³Early Writings, 88, 92.

¹⁴Early Writings, 152, 153.

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and the angels in the city would cease to sing. If the saints fixed their eyes upon the prize before them and glorified God by praising Him, then the angels would bear the glad tidings to the city, and the angels in the city would touch their golden harps and sing.¹⁵

Tell Me About The Second Coming Of Jesus.

It was at midnight that God chose to deliver His people. As the wicked were mocking around them, suddenly the sun appeared, and the moon stood still. The wicked looked upon the scene with amazement, while the saints beheld with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Signs and wonders followed in quick succession. The streams ceased to flow. Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith, under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified.

The sky opened and shut. The mountains shook like a reed in the wind and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot and cast out stones upon the land. And as God spoke the day and the hour of Jesus’ coming, He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth. The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upward, listening to the words as they rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder. At the end of every sentence the saints shouted, “Glory!” Their countenances shone with glory as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The wicked could not look upon them.

¹⁵Early Writings, 39, 40.

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Soon appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. When it first appeared in the distance this cloud looked very small. The angel said that it was the sign of the Son of man. As it drew nearer the earth we could behold the glory of Jesus. Holy angels, with bright crowns upon their heads, escorted Him on His way. We could behold Jesus.

The earth shook as the voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping saints. Then the living saints and the risen ones raised their voices in a long shout of victory. The living saints are changed in a moment, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air.

On each side of the cloudy chariot were wings, and beneath it were living wheels; and as the chariot rolled upward, the wheels cried, “Holy,” and the wings, as they moved, cried, “Holy,” and the holy angels around the cloud cried, “Holy, holy, holy!” And the saints in the cloud cried, “Glory!” And the chariot rolled upward to the Holy City.¹⁶

I Can’t Imagine What It Will Be Like! How About Children? Will Any Children Be There?

We began to look at the glorious things outside of the city. There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no.

I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, “They will never fade.” Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green

¹⁶Early Writings, 285-288.

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and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, light, and all over glorious. We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to Mount Zion.

We met a company who also were gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. Jesus said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him. With them was an innumerable company of little ones; they also had a hem of red on their garments. Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains and pluck the never-fading flowers.

The wonderful things I there saw I cannot describe. O that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world!

Then an angel bore me gently down to this dark world. Sometimes I think I can stay here no longer; all things of earth look so dreary. I feel very lonely here, for I have seen a better land. O that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest!¹⁷

¹⁷Early Writings, 18-20.

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The White Home

The station agent was right! The White home on Wood Street was a busy place as was their later home in Greenville, Michigan, and other homes in which the Whites lived through the years. There was always somebody coming or going. Needy people went to Sister White for help, knowing that they would never be refused. Adventists from out of town came to Battle Creek for weekends, then to the Whites for Sabbath meals. There they were cordially welcomed by James and Ellen, although Sister White did once remark that her home was more like a hotel than a private dwelling!

Henry, Edson, and Willie took a keen interest in these activities. If at times they counted the visitors, it was because they knew from experience that more visitors meant more food. That meant more cooking, and more cooking meant more firewood for the kitchen stove. Also, company meant dishes, and dishes had to be washed. Often the boys must have tied on their mother’s aprons and set to work with dishpan, hot water, and suds. Overnight guests meant sheets. Sheets meant laundry, and the laundry in those days meant large tubs filled with hot water. Scrubbing was done by hand on an old-fashioned washboard. At times the chores must have seemed endless.

Yes, Mr. Station Agent, the White home on Wood Street was indeed a busy place! But you perhaps didn’t realize that busy families are happy families, that one of the busiest, and one of the happiest was the family composed of James White, Ellen, his wife, and their three sons, Henry, Edson, and little Willie. [42]

Chapter 4—What was Your Home Like?

In The Early Days You Had To Move Around So Much. Sometimes You Must Have Had A Problem About A Home And Furniture.

We are just getting settled here in Rochester [1852]. We have rented an old house for one hundred and seventy-five dollars a year. We have the press in the house. Were it not for this we should have to pay fifty dollars a year for office room. You would smile, could you look in upon us and see our furniture. We have bought two old bedsteads for twenty-five cents each. My husband brought me home six old mismatched chairs, for which he paid one dollar, and soon he presented me with four more old chairs, without any seating; paid sixty-two cents for the lot. The frames were strong, and I have been seating them with drilling [strong, heavy cloth]. Butter is so high we do not purchase it, neither can we afford potatoes. We use sauce in the place of butter, and turnips for potatoes. The cherry sauce was provided for us by Sister Harris.¹

I’m Sorry You Had Such A Hard Time. When You First Moved To Battle Creek, What Did You Do?

The brethren think we ought to have a little house put up. We pay now $1.50 per week for rent, and have scarcely any

¹Spiritual Gifts 2:160, 161.

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conveniences at that. Have to go a great distance for water; have no good shed for our wood. We put a few boards up at our own expense just to cover our wood. We shall make a beginning; cannot tell how we shall succeed. May the Lord guide us in all our undertakings is my prayer.²

You Must Have Been Happy When You Moved Into Your New House On Wood Street. Did You Have Time To Enjoy It?

Wednesday, January 5, 1859.—Thought of remaining at home to prepare for my journey. At noon James said they needed help at the office. I went down to help them. While [I was] writing, Sister McClemule came in. I must leave to talk with her. Jenny, mother, and Willie came next. Showed them the press. While [I was] folding, Sister Cornell came in and wished me to go down street to get some things. Walked down, got the things, returned to Brother Smith’s for supper, then home.³

How About Housework, Sewing, Cooking, Gardening, And Things Like That? Did You Have Time For Them?

Thursday, January 6, 1859.—Made a cap and a vest for Edson. At night am very weary.

February 8.—Cut and made some caps for mother. It may be the last time I shall have the privilege of making caps for her head, but my prayer is that she may wear a crown of glory in the kingdom of heaven.

Friday, March 4.—Made two caps for my boys. Brother John Andrews came to this city last night. We have met today, and he took dinner with us.

²Letter 9, 1856.

³MS 5, 1859.

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Wednesday, March 30.—Set out the raspberry bush. Went for strawberry plants. Got some currant bushes.⁴

April 11.—Spent most of the day making a garden for my children. Feel willing to make home as pleasant for them as I can, that home may be the pleasantest place of any to them.

Friday, May 20.—Have cut out Johnny and Willie each a pair of pants from three yards of cloth. Have pieced Willie’s considerably.

Monday, June 6.—Attended meeting in the morning. It was the best meeting of all. At dinner we had thirty-five.

Tuesday, June 7.—We were all much worn out.⁵

Friday, July 8.—We had much to do today. Dried half a bushel of cherries.⁶

Monday, October 10.—Was obliged to shut myself up to write. The house is full of company, but had no time to visit.⁷

[Traveling in New York State, Sunday, October 7, 1866.] Duty seemed to demand I should go to your grandfather. I have prepared you [Edson] comfortable clothing for winter, which I send to you by Elder Loughborough. I hope they will give you as much pleasure in wearing them as I have taken pleasure in making them for you. I have sat up late and arisen early, before any one was astir, to work upon them. Prayers that you may be clothed with Christ’s righteousness are stitched into these garments.⁸

[Traveling from Wright, Michigan, to Greenville.] Monday, January 27, 1868.—Arose at four o’clock. Left the comfortable home of Brother Root about five o’clock. Rode five miles to Brother Buck’s. Made no further stop until we passed through Greenville. Received our mail and passed on to our home. Found no help. Prepared our own dinner. Brother Corliss had taken good care of everything, and we prize him much.

⁴MS 5, 1859.

⁵MS 6, 1859.

⁶MS 7, 1859.

⁷MS 8, 1859.

⁸Letter 5, 1866.

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[Greenville, Michigan] Tuesday, January 28.—Brother Corliss helped me prepare breakfast. Everything we touched was frozen. All things in our cellar were frozen. We prepared frozen turnips and potatoes. After prayers Brother Corliss went into the woods to get wood. I baked eight pans of gems, swept rooms, washed dishes, helped Willie put snow in boiler, which requires many tubfuls. We have no well water or cistern. Got dinner for Willie and me. Just as we got through, my husband and Brother Andrews drove up. Had had no dinner. I started cooking again. Soon got them something to eat. Nearly all day has thus been spent—not a line written. I feel sad about this. Am exceedingly weary.⁹

Sunday, February 23.—My husband spoke in the morning. I did not attend meeting. Wrote a part of the time and cooked gems and pudding for dinner. I spoke in afternoon. There was a crowded house.¹⁰

Tuesday, March 31.—I wrote quite steadily; prepared matter for printer. I went out in the afternoon for a change, and Sister Strong, Louisa, and myself picked up stones and helped to fill up the old cellar.¹¹

Thursday, April 2.—Cut out Willie a coat from a pair of his father’s old pants.¹²

Didn’t You Get Tired, With So Much To Do?

[Greenville, Michigan] Sunday, April 5, 1868.—Brother Fargo took dinner with us, also Brother and Sister Noyce. Our table is always full. I would not have it otherwise.

Tuesday, April 14.—After breakfast rode to Greenville. Purchased a hat for Sonia—a very neat hat. Paid one dollar. We are having now quite a large family. If we only enjoy the blessing of God all will go well.

⁹MS 12, 1868.

¹⁰MS 13, 1868.

¹¹MS 14, 1868.

¹²MS 15, 1868.

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Monday, April 20.—We had plowing done. Made beds to put my flowers sent from Battle Creek. Sowed peas of a nice quality. I was busy indoors and out all day, and was tired all the time.¹³

¹³MS 15, 1868.

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Besides All That, I Suppose You Had To Be The Nurse When Your Family Got Sick?

Many years ago [1865] my husband broke down in mind and body, and was unable to do anything. My friends said to me, “Mrs. White, your husband cannot live.” I determined to remove him to a place more favorable for his recovery. His mother said, “Ellen, you must remain and take care of your family.”

“Mother,” I replied, “I will work with God, and God will work with me.”

I pulled up my rag carpets and sold them. With the money I bought a covered wagon, and prepared for the journey, placing in the wagon a mattress for father to lie on. Accompanied by Willie, a lad eleven years of age, we started. While on the journey Willie tried to put the bits into the mouth of one of the horses, but found that he could not. I said to my husband, “Put your hand on my shoulder, and come and put the bits in.”

He said that he did not see how he could. “Yes, you can,” I replied. “Get right up and come.” He did so, and succeeded in putting the bits in. Then he knew that he would have to do it the next time, too.¹⁴

You Were A Real Up-To-Date Nurse, Keeping Your Patient Active!

I kept my husband working at such little things. I tried to keep him active.

¹⁴Selected Messages 2:306.

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Often brethren came to us for counsel. My husband wanted to see no one. But before he could realize that anyone had come, I brought the visitor before him, and would say, “Husband, here is a brother who has come to ask a question, and as you can answer it much better than I can, I have brought him to you.” He had to remain in the room and answer the question.

Daily my husband went out for a walk. In the winter a terrible snowstorm came, and father thought he would not go out in the storm and snow. I went to Brother Root and said, “Brother Root, have you a spare pair of boots?”

“Yes,” he answered.

“I should be glad to borrow them this morning,” I said. Putting on the boots and starting out, I tracked a quarter of a mile in the deep snow. On my return, I asked my husband to take a walk. He said he could not go out in such weather. “Oh, yes, you can,” I replied. “Surely you can step in my tracks.” When he saw my tracks, he thought that if a woman could walk in that snow, he could. That morning he took his walk.

In the spring there were fruit trees to be set out and garden to be made. “Willie,” I said, “please buy three hoes and three rakes. Be sure to buy three of each.” When he brought them to me, I told him to take one of the hoes, and father another. Father objected, but took one. Taking one myself, I began work; and although I blistered my hands, I led them in the hoeing. Father could not do much, but he went through the motions.

I always took my husband with me when I went out driving. And I took him with me when I went to preach at any place. After many months I said to him, “Now, my husband, you are going into the desk today.” He did not want to go. [49] I took him up into the desk with me. That day he spoke to the people. My heart was overflowing with joy.

After eighteen months I took him home again. Presenting him to his parents, I said, “Father, mother, here is your son.”

“Ellen,” said his mother, “you have no one but God and yourself to thank for this.” My husband lived for a number of years, during which time he did the best work of his life.¹⁵

Was Anyone In Your Family Healed By Prayer?

In the winter of 1864, my Willie was suddenly brought down with lung fever [pneumonia]. We were very anxious, fearing that he might die. We decided that we would do the best we could with him ourselves by the use of water, and entreat the Lord in behalf of the child.

The next day Willie was very sick. He did not seem to see or hear me when I spoke to him. His heart had no regular beat.

We had but little rest during his sickness. My husband spent much time in prayer. Suddenly his burden of prayer left him, and it seemed as though a voice spoke to him, and said, “Go lie down, I will take care of the child.”

I could not sleep for several hours. I arose and opened the door into a large hall, and soon slept. I dreamed that an experienced physician was standing by my child, with one hand over his heart and with the other feeling his pulse. He turned to us and said, “He has seen his worst night. He needs air. You have kept him too warm.”

We found in the morning that our boy seemed to be in a high fever until noon. Then the fever left him, and he appeared quite well, except weak. He had eaten but one small cracker through his five-days’ sickness. He came up rapidly, and

¹⁵Selected Messages 2:306-308.

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has had better health than he has had for several years before.¹⁶

When You Had Children Living In Your Home Did You Teach Them To Work?

When children were sent into my family to board, and they would say, “My mother does not want me to do my washing,” I would say, “Well, shall we do it for you and charge you half a dollar more for your board?” “Oh, no! Mother doesn’t want to pay any more for me.” “Well, then,” I would say, “you may get up in the morning and do it for yourself. God never designed that you should be waited upon by us. Instead of your mother getting up and getting breakfast in the morning while you lie in bed, you should be the one to say, ‘Mother, don’t you get up in the morning. We will take hold of these burdens and perform these duties.’ You should let those whose hairs are growing gray take their rest in the morning.”¹⁷

How Can I Help My Mother?

Children and youth should be missionaries at home by doing those things that need to be done, and that someone must do. You do not think that washing dishes is pleasant work, yet you would not like to be denied the privilege of eating food that has been placed on those dishes. Do you think that it is more pleasant work for your mother to do those things than it is for you? Are you willing to leave what you consider a disagreeable task for your careworn mother to do, while you play the lady? There is sweeping to be done, there are rugs to take up and shake, and the rooms are to be put in order. Have you considered how many times mother has to attend to all these

¹⁶Selected Messages 2:304-306.

¹⁷Child Guidance, 125, 126.

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household duties while you are excused to attend school or amuse yourself?

It is difficult for a loving mother to urge her children to help her when she sees they have no heart in the work. Children and youth, Christ is looking upon you. Your first duty is to help your mother, who has done so much for you. Lift her burdens, give her pleasant days of rest. The time has come for you to shed sunshine in the home. Take up your duty, go right to work. It has been her delight to wait on you, to cook for you, to serve you.

Mother needs change and rest. Her children should seek to bring brightness and love into her life. Do they neglect their Saviour as they neglect their mother?

The Spirit came in childhood,
And pleaded, “Let me in;”
But, ah! the door was bolted
By heedlessness and sin.

“Oh, I’m too young,” the child cried,
“My heart is closed today.”
Sadly the Spirit listened,
Then turned, and went His way.

Youthful friends, you are to be laborers together with God.¹⁸

Were There Any Needy People Around In Those Days? Did You Do Dorcas Work?

Monday, January 3, 1859.—Paid Widow Cranson $1.00 for making a couple of shirts. Paid Sister Bognes $1.00 for making a coat. She was unwilling to take it, but I felt it duty to hand it to her. She is poor and sickly. May the Lord pity and care for her. Said Jesus, “The poor always ye have with you.” May the Lord rid us of selfishness.

Thursday, January 6.—Give Agnes a half-worn dress for

¹⁸The Youth’s Instructor, March 2, 1893.

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her mother. They are poor. The husband and father is sick. Their crops have failed. They have breadstuff to buy and nothing to buy with. Agnes is their main support. She is only seventeen. There are four children now at home. They must suffer unless the church interest themselves in their behalf. May the Lord have mercy upon the needy.¹⁹

Tuesday, March 8.—Brother John Andrews comes up to visit us in the eve. Get together a few things for him to take home. Send Angeline a new calico dress, nine shillings, and a stout pair of calfskin shoes. Father gives the making of the shoes and the making of a pair of boots for Brother John Andrews. I send the little boy a nice little flannel shirt and yarn to knit him a pair of stockings. I send Sister or Mother Andrews a nice large cape, well wadded, for her to wear.

I made a bag to put them in of towel cloth.²⁰

Did Your Boys Enjoy Helping Others Too?

Thursday, March 10, 1859.—Walked to the city and back. In the afternoon Sister Irving came in. She looked sad and appeared to be chilled. Agnes cried out, “Ma, tell me how pa is.” Her mother told her he was failing slowly. For ten weeks the daughter has lived with us, and we have paid her nine shillings [$2.25] a week. All but one dollar of this she has handed to her mother. Her clothes are poor, yet she forgets herself in her self-sacrifice to her parents. We aided them some. Paid half toward a pair of boots for a little brother. One dollar. I paid one dollar fifty for a pair of shoes for the mother. Husband gave her one dollar in money. Henry gave her ten cents, Edson ten cents, and little Willie ten.

We sent a little handful of dried apples for the sick one’s table.²¹

¹⁹Welfare Ministry, 323.

²⁰Welfare Ministry, 324.

²¹MS 6, 1859.

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The Boys

On Sabbath morning, everyone in the White household was up early, getting ready for church. Henry and Edson, the big boys, helped their little brother, Willie. Over his white ruffled shirt they made sure that the ten buttons on his jacket were all doing their duty inside the buttonholes. When ready the three boys—hair in place, white-collared, Sabbath suits pressed, shoes gleaming, Bibles under their arms—walked to the meetinghouse, followed by their parents.

Usually the family could not sit together. Nearly always James was on the platform, and sometimes Ellen. Perhaps the boys occupied the front pew. If they whispered or became restless, they might feel the eyes of the congregation fixed reprovingly upon them, the White boys!

Did they understand the special work of their father and mother? Only too well they knew about the long hours of work, the traveling, the counseling. And they had to say so many good-bys to their parents at the beginnings of long trips among the churches. Left at home with Jenny Frazier, or Clarissa Bonfoey, Adventist girls who assisted in the home, or staying temporarily at the homes of kind friends, the boys knew the meaning of loneliness.

But one bright Sabbath morning the whole family was together, up early and on their way to church. Close your eyes. You will see them walking along the path to the Battle Creek meetinghouse—Henry, Edson, and Willie, followed by James and Ellen, arm in arm—a happy Adventist family. [54]

Chapter 5—Tell Me About Your Boys

How Many Children Did You Have?

At Gorham, Maine, August 26, 1847, our eldest son, Henry Nichols White, was born.¹ July 28, 1849, my second child, James Edson White, was born [at Rocky Hill, Connecticut]. When he was six weeks old we went to Maine.² In the spring of 1850 we decided to visit Vermont and Maine. I left my little Edson, then nine months old, in the care of Sister [Clarissa] Bonfoey, while we went on our way to do the will of God. We had left one in the State of Maine two years and eight months old [in the Howland family].³

August 29, 1854, another responsibility was added to our family in the birth of Willie. He took my mind somewhat from the troubles around me.⁴

Little Herbert, born September 20, 1860, died December 14 of the same year. When that tender branch was broken, how our hearts did bleed none may know but those who have followed their little ones to the grave.

But oh, when our noble Henry died, at the age of sixteen*—when our sweet singer was borne to the grave, and we no more heard his early song—ours was a lonely home. But God

¹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 105.

²Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 127.

³Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 131.

⁴Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 155.

*The death of Henry occurred at Topsham, Maine, December 8, 1863.

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comforted us, and we pressed forward in the work He had given us, in bright hope of meeting our children in that world where sickness and death will never come.⁵

Were Your Boys Interested In Pets?

Willie, I dreamed of talking with you last night and telling you that your hens were too closely confined. They must have sunlight, air, and room to exercise in, then they will be healthy; and if you give them gravel, will lay even in cold weather. You let them out and they seemed so happy, so contented and went to laying and you brought in several eggs. “There, Willie,” said I, “see what pure air, sunlight, and exercise will do? The cow, Willie, must have the same treatment.”⁶

Willie, I must tell you about Margaret’s cats. She has two cats just alike, just of a bigness. They are just the color of a rat, Maltese color. Sister Folsom takes a piece of meat and holds it up to her shoulder and the kitties will give a spring and climb to the top of her shoulder for the meat and then get down and eat it. These kitties are good, faithful kitties. They catch great big rats.

Willie, we had a ride in the horse car again. You remember them!⁷

How Did You Encourage Them To Be Kind To Animals?

Dear Children, Edson and Willie:

I will tell you what I saw in the street coming to this place. A boy was abusing a dog. He was a small boy, but I thought, That child is educating himself in cruelty. I thought how my heart would ache if one of you should do as he was doing.

⁵Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 165, 166.

⁶Letter 4, 1868.

⁷Letter 9, 1859.

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I passed along another street, and a well-dressed man, who appeared like a gentleman, was driving a fine horse. The wind blew a piece of paper under the horse’s feet, and he started and jumped to one side. That was all, but the man who appeared to be a gentleman whipped the horse cruelly.

He was not satisfied with this. He became more and more excited until he was worked up into a rage. He jumped from the carriage and seized the bit and jerked the horse’s head back and then kicked the horse several times with his heavy boot.

I thought probably that man began his acts of cruelty as did the little boy—upon small animals. He acted the tyrant [57] over God’s helpless creatures until the temper and spirit were educated to cruelty. That man could not be a patient, kind, affectionate father. He was cultivating traits of character which would cause others sorrow and make himself miserable.

A man cannot be a Christian and allow his temper to fire up at any little accident or annoyance that he may meet, and show that Satan is in him in the place of Jesus Christ. The passionate belaboring of animals or the disposition to show he is master is often exhibited toward God’s creatures in the streets. This is venting their own anger or impatience upon helpless objects which show they are superior to their masters. They bear all without retaliation. Children, be kind to dumb animals. Never cause them pain unnecessarily. Educate yourselves to habits of kindness. Then it will become habitual. I will send you a clipping from a paper and you can decide for yourselves if some dumb beasts are not superior to some men who have allowed themselves to become brutish by their cruel course of action to dumb animals.⁸

Sometimes Mom And Dad Are Very Strict. Were You Strict With Your Sons?

We, your father and mother, feel a deep interest for you. You may sometimes think that your parents are too strict, that they watch you too closely; but, dear boys, our love for you is great. We have dedicated you to God. You are His, and we must keep you separate from the world, that you may be the Lord’s. We want your lives to be right and pleasing in His sight. Don’t feel discouraged, my children. Satan is ready to lead your young minds; but go to God, seek Him for strength, pray much, give your hearts’ best affections to Him.⁹

⁸Letter 26, 1868.

⁹An Appeal to the Youth, 74, 75.

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Sabbathkeeping children may become impatient and think their parents too strict; hard feelings may even arise in their hearts, and unhappy thoughts against those who are working for their present, future, and eternal good. But if life should be spared a few years, they will bless their parents for their strict care and faithful watchfulness over them. Children of eight, ten, or twelve years of age are old enough to be addressed on the subject of personal religion. Very young children may have correct views of the way of salvation through Christ.

It is the duty of parents to watch the going out and coming in of their children. They should lead them to see that their parents are interested for them. They should make home pleasant and cheerful.¹⁰

But Your Boys Weren’t Perfect, Were They?

Many times I ask myself the question, Will my dear children be saved in the kingdom? I cannot bear the thought of their being shut out of the City with the wicked. I love my children, but God says that only the good and holy can be saved. And if you will overcome your wrongs, love one another, and be at peace among yourselves, the Lord will bless and save you.

You cannot be good or do right in your own strength. Ask Him that His grace may influence your hearts, and make you right. Believe the Lord will do it; trust Him to do it. You can be little Christians; you can love and serve God.¹¹

How Did They Keep Their Rooms? Did You Teach Them To Keep Their Rooms Neat And Tidy?

I am anxious you should encourage habits of order. Have a place for everything, and everything in its place. Take time to

¹⁰Spiritual Gifts 4b, 142, 143

¹¹An Appeal to the Youth, 43, 44.

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arrange your room, and keep it in order. A life of idleness is a life of sin. Satan finds employment for idle hands and minds. We want you to grow up healthy and useful.

We cannot repent of your sins for you. We cannot take you to heaven. God alone in His love can save you, and Jesus, the dear Saviour, invites you to His loving arms. “They that seek me early, shall find me.” May the Lord lead you, dear children, to His fold.¹²

Were Your Boys Tempted To Spend A Lot Of Money On Clothes?

Edson, my dear boy, I know you are not happy. When I talk with you, you seem at a distance from me as though my words were useless. This makes me feel bad, Edson. I can’t reach you until this barrier is broken down and you open your whole heart freely to me.

Now, Edson, for the mere item of clothes we expended sixty dollars while at Battle Creek, and counted not the work I did. This takes in shirts and all. I was disheartened and so was your father to see you so ready to put on a coat which cost twenty-six dollars, merely to walk down to the office. You need not do this. You have coats aplenty you can put on. Edson, will you take care of your clothes? No boy in Battle Creek goes dressed with better clothes than yourself. I am sorry that you do not manifest more care in regard to your clothing.

Edson, what fruit do you bear? The tree is known by its fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither an evil tree good fruit. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

When we get your clothes and then you put on the best you have, as you do, merely to come to the office or to walk

¹²An Appeal to the Youth, 76, 77.

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down street, you appear foolish and vain, and remarks are made about it. They think we lack good judgment in doing so much for you, but, Edson, ever remember that the outward adorning will not raise you in the estimation of any, but the inward adorning which God says is of great price is a meek and quiet spirit. Such a spirit is of value in heaven. Put away show and vanity. Be a sincere Christian.¹³

What Kind Of Counsel Did You Write To Your Children?

Dear children, I am very anxious that you should form good characters. Learn your own faults, and what makes you feel unpleasant and unhappy afterward, and then shun the cause. You can be happy if you choose. You must learn the important lesson of not always having your own way, but of sacrificing your will and way to gratify and make others happy. I know a man that is now living, who in youth had his way, was not willing to yield his notions, and he grew up to want his own way, and carry out his own will in everything. We have been acquainted with him for quite a number of years, and he is, we think, a very unhappy man. He is irritated at once if everyone does not do just as he wishes to have them. When people first see him they think that he is a good man, but when they become acquainted with him they change their minds, become tired of him, and wish he were elsewhere. He is a trial to everybody, is easily out of temper, and makes himself unhappy, and everyone around him.

Now, children, if you would not wish to be like this unhappy man you must learn to govern yourselves while young. Don’t give way to fretful, unkind feelings; but remember that the Lord reads even the thoughts of the heart, and nothing is concealed from His all-seeing eye. Right acts, right thoughts,

¹³Letter 15, 1868.

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will be remembered in heaven, and every victory you gain when tempted to do wrong, every temptation manfully resisted, will be recorded in heaven.

Don’t forget, dear children, that it is easier to go in an evil way than to do right; for Satan and his angels are constantly tempting to do wrong. But there is One who has promised to hear the needy when they cry. Go to God when tempted to speak or act wrong. Ask Him in faith for strength and He will give it. He will say to His angels, There is a poor little boy trying to resist the power of Satan, and has come to Me for help. I will aid him. Go stand by that child who is endeavoring to do right and when the evil angels attempt to lead his steps astray, gently guide him in the right path, and drive back the powers of the evil one.

Willie, you must be a good boy; you must overcome an impatient spirit. To be impatient is not to be willing to wait, but to want everything you desire in a moment. You must say to yourself, I’ll wait. “He that is slow to anger, is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.”

Willie, if you would be happy, you must rule well your own spirit. Love your brothers, and be good all day, and the Lord will love you—everyone will love you.

You have been our sunshine, and I have prayed that you might always be the same. Try to do right. Be kind, be patient and loving. The Lord loves little children, and when they try to do right He is pleased with them.

When you go to your grandfather’s you must not act rough and boisterous, but gentle and mild. When the boys go to the office you must try and not be lonesome. Make yourself contented [62] and happy. Don’t fret, but learn to be patient, my dear boy. We love you very much, and will now say good-by for the present.

Take good care, Henry and Edson, of your little brother Willie. If he should learn any wrong and bad habits, it would distress me very much. Try to make each other happy. Don’t seek to have your own way, but yield to one another. God will help you if you call upon Him for help. Satan is busy, but with the strength you obtain from God you can resist him. Don’t let your minds dwell upon low things. Think of heaven, of the loving Saviour, who died for you.

Return this love by yielding to Him your hearts. All that you can do is to give yourselves to Him, and obey Him. God help you to be faithful, is the prayer of your parents, who sincerely love you.¹⁴

Well, Now I Know They Weren’t Perfect! Did You Ever Punish Them?

I never lifted a hand to my children before I talked with them; and if they broke down, and if they saw their mistake (and they always did when I brought it before them and prayed with them), and if they were subdued (and they always were when I did this), then I had them under my control. I never found them otherwise. When I prayed with them, they would throw their arms around my neck and cry.

I never allowed, in correcting my children, even my voice to be changed in any way. When I saw something wrong, I waited until the “heat” was over. They would get ashamed, if I gave them an hour or two to think of these things. I always went away and prayed. I would not speak to them then.

¹⁴An Appeal to the Youth, 57-59.

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After they had been left to themselves for a while, they would come to me about it. “Well,” I would say, “we will wait until evening.” At that time we would have a season of prayer, and then I would tell them that they hurt their own souls and grieved the Spirit of God by their wrong action.¹⁷

Did The Boys Have Playmates?

Willie, I am now visiting where there are two little boys, not as large as you are, and two little girl babies. The little boys and girls are cousins. They are very pretty little children. You would love to play with them if you were here.¹⁸

Do good where you are, and to those with whom you associate. Keep learning in the school of Christ.¹⁹

You may see little dishonest acts in other boys, but do not think for a moment of imitating them. Learn to despise such things. Shun the company of those who do evil, as you would a deadly poison; for they will corrupt everyone who associates with them. Ever have your young mind lifted up—elevated above the low, evil habits of those who have no fear of God before them. You can have correct thoughts, correct ways, and can form a good, pure character.²⁰

If there are boys or girls whom you know are evil you should remain away from them, not place yourself in their society.

Ever seek to exert a good influence, that God may approve of your works. You are daily stamping a record of your life by your course of action here. Let all your acts be such that you would not be ashamed to meet them in the judgment. God’s eye never slumbers or sleeps. This all-seeing eye is ever upon you.

¹⁷Child Guidance, 254.

¹⁸Letter 6, 1859.

¹⁹Letter 13, 1867.

²⁰An Appeal to the Youth, 45-47.

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Now, dear child, be not led astray by anyone. While you associate with Johnny, try to lead him to God. But in no case let Johnny have an influence over you to divert your mind from the right or from duty. I hope Johnny will be led to give his heart to God and to devote his life to His service.

I hope that George and you will strengthen one another in doing right, in loving prayer, loving to do your duty, loving faithfulness, honesty, and uprightness. I have great confidence in George. He is a boy of good principle. Love one another, help one another, pray with each other and for each other. Exert a good influence over the younger members of the family. May the Lord bless you.²¹

Once In A While We Get To See Our Grandparents. Did Your Boys Live Near Their Grandmother And Grandfather?

You must tell grandpa and grandma that we do not forget them, but often think of them and speak of them to our friends. You must try, Willie, to make grandpa and grandma happy. Don’t grieve them by being noisy and rude, but be quiet and mild, gentle, then they will love you.²²

Never be in so great a hurry, either for your own amusement or in your studies, as to forget to be attentive to your aged Grandfather and Grandmother White. Their heads are white with the frost of age. How long we may have the privilege of their presence and society we cannot tell, but while God spares them to us let us love them and be very courteous to them. You can make them happy by your thoughtful attentions. Your youthful feet can run for them, and you should always have something pleasant to tell them. Gather up no disagreeable things to relate to them, which will leave the faintest shadow upon their minds. And how happy you can make them by the

²¹Letter 16, 1867.

²²Letter 6, 1859.

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knowledge that you are grandchildren of whom they are not ashamed. Let your conduct be such as will do credit to your father and mother and to your grandparents.

We feel a reverence for the aged and we want you to show them respect whenever you meet them. I am pained as I travel from place to place to see how little respect and reverence is manifest toward men and women of gray hairs. Ever treat the aged with marked respect, be they strangers or acquaintances and relatives. If your grandfather and grandmother advise or reprove you, show them respect by heeding their counsel as readily as you would ours.²³

Willie, I was glad to hear that you loved to visit Grandpa and Grandma White. We wish them to have a special care for their health. We hope they are well and happy. You must do your part to make them happy. They love you, Willie, very much, because you are not mischievous, and do not make them trouble by disarranging grandfather’s tools.* You should never grieve them by being noisy, for this often annoys aged people.

You know that you dislike very much to play with rough, noisy boys. You feel annoyed with their ways. You have been a great comfort to us because you have always been so anxious to do as we wished you to. This is right. You will be happy as long as you possess this spirit, and are so obedient. Visit your grandparents often, and study to make them happy, and they will always love you. Don’t forget to pray, Willie. You love to go aside with your mother and spend a few moments in prayer. You can do the same although I am not with you.²⁴

²³Letter 15, 1867.

*John White, the grandfather, made and repaired shoes.

²⁴An Appeal to the Youth, 71, 72.

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Wasn’t It Hard For You To Leave Your Children When They Were Young?

I was called to deny self for the good of souls. We must sacrifice the company of our little Henry, and go forth to give ourselves to the work. I dared not let my child stand in the way of our duty. We left him in Brother Howland’s family. We knew that they could take better care of Henry than we could, and it was for his good that he should have a steady place. It was hard parting with my child. His little sad face, as I left him, was before me night and day; yet in the strength of the Lord I sought to do others good. Brother Howland’s family had the whole charge of Henry for five years, and provided him all his clothing, except a present I would bring him once a year, as Hannah did Samuel.²⁵

Did Other People Take Care Of Them Also?

Your parents have to travel from place to place among the people of God to try to do them good and save souls. And the Lord has inclined Sisters Jenny [Frazier] and Martha [Byington] to come into our family, to feel an interest for you, to love you, and to care for you, that we may leave home feeling free.

They are not related to you. They make a sacrifice. What for? Because they love you. When you grieve them you grieve your parents also.

If you try to do right, you will make them happy, and they will feel it a pleasure to deny themselves to have a care for you. When asked to do anything, do not say, “Wait a minute, till I do this.” It is unpleasant to repeat to you the same things.

Now, dear children, obey because you love to, not because you are driven to. I shall have confidence that you will do as I

²⁵Spiritual Gifts 2:107, 108.

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wish you to. I shall confide in your honor, your manliness.²⁶

I know you will miss us and it will be a sacrifice for you to be deprived of our society [company] so long, but I can think of no place, dear Willie, where I could feel as free and well about you as the place where you are. I know Brother and Sister Maynard will be a good father and mother to you in our absence and I feel very grateful for their kindness and care which has ever been exercised to us and you. May the Lord bless that dear family and you.²⁷

We expect you are beginning to feel somewhat like an orphan. We hope you are cheerful and happy. We would be glad to be at our own quiet home and rest, but it seems there is but little opportunity for rest allowed us. God has sustained us thus far, and we trust Him still. He will give strength according to our day. And, Willie, you are deprived of our society very much, and if you bear this deprivation on your part like a Christian you will be blessed. Love the dear Saviour with all your heart and be daily learning in the school of Christ. You can know for yourself that your ways please God. You can consecrate yourself to your Saviour, and can be daily exerting an influence which will be saving on those with whom you associate.²⁸

Did You Sometimes Send Presents To Your Boys?

We want to see you very much, but it is eight weeks yet before we shall return home—a long time to be away from my children. In the last box we sent to Battle Creek were some little trinkets for you and a little box of candy. You must eat it only when Jenny thinks it is best. Eat a little at a time.

I suppose you visit grandpa and grandma every day, and have a good time talking to them.²⁹

²⁶An Appeal to the Youth, 42-44.

²⁷Letter 13, 1867

²⁸Letter 12, 1867.

²⁹Letter 10, 1859.

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You Must Have Been Happy When You Could Head For Home Again!

It is a beautiful day. We feared we should be obliged to ride in a storm, but we have a very good road and everything seems favorable. We are homeward bound today and expect before night to meet husband and children. At noon took a dry luncheon at an old hotel, while the horses were feeding. Joyfully, we again met our family. There is no place to be so dearly prized as home.³⁰

Was so thankful and happy to meet my family again and to be in the society of my husband and children I could not sleep.³¹

³⁰MS 5, 1859.

³¹MS 5, 1859.

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Vacations

As a child, Ellen Harmon must have loved to play with her brothers and sisters on the beach at Portland, Maine, building sand castles for the incoming tide to wash away, or sailing toy boats in rock-bound ocean pools. Looking up, she could watch fishing boats and tall-masted, white-sailed ships glide in and out of the harbor. This little New England girl never dreamed that in later life she would voyage by steamship across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, to become a foreign missionary, first in Europe, later in Australia.

At least once when she was grown and living in California, Sister White enjoyed a holiday on the sea. One beautiful April day in 1876 she, with a group of publishing house workers, sailed out of San Francisco Bay through the Golden Gate to the open ocean. When the sailboat hit the waves of the open Pacific, some of the ladies became seasick, but not Mrs. White. She wrote, “The waves ran high, and we were tossed up and down so very grandly. The spray dashed over us. The wind was strong outside of the Golden Gate, and I never enjoyed anything as much in my life!”

But she also loved the mountains. With her husband and her teen-age son Willie, Mrs. White had spent parts of the summers of 1872 and 1873 in the Rockies. Her niece had married a Mr. Will Walling, who operated a sawmill near Central City, west of Denver, Colorado. In a cabin owned by this man the Whites made their vacation headquarters. In her diary she wrote from day to day of their vacation experiences.

In her writings, Sister White loved to describe the beauties of nature. She urged everyone to become acquainted with the great out-of-doors, God’s lesson book that reveals His love for His children. [70]

Chapter 6—Did You Have Vacations?

Our Family Like To Go To The Mountains For Our Vacation. Where Did You Go?

Wednesday, July 17, 1872.—We arose at half past three o’clock. We rode three miles to Wamego [Kansas] and stepped on board the train for our long route to Denver. We prepared to view the country we were passing through. We saw no buffalo herds nigh, but about two hundred dead buffalo lying upon the plains. These had been killed by the hunters—some for their hides, others merely for their hindquarters, to dry to sell. We saw a dead antelope near the track. We saw several antelopes at some distance, also a large herd of buffalo. We saw many houses built underground, where families lived. Many of these men lived by hunting. The land seemed poor, and we traveled for fifteen or twenty miles without seeing a house. We saw herds of cattle numbering thousands, with several men on horseback herding the cattle. We saw many settlements of prairie dogs scudding about the track and off on the prairie.¹

How Did You Feel, Sister White, When You Had Your First Glimpse Of The Rocky Mountains?

¹MS 4, 1872.

[71]

Denver, Colorado, Thursday, July 18, 1872.—Thursday morning we awoke in the sleeping cars and looked out of the car window upon snow-capped mountains. Such a scene I had never looked upon before—snow lying upon the top of the mountains, bordered with green. The train bore us to Denver. We stepped off the train about eight o’clock. It was a singular affair for us, to travel hundreds of miles over a barren desert and then find a populous city, which could be called the Chicago of Colorado. We were welcomed by our nieces. We felt at home.

Wednesday, July 24, 1872.—We were anxious to go to the mountains. We hastened to the cars, which left at eleven o’clock. We got on board a freight train. Ridges and splashes of snow lay upon the top of the mountains.

Wallings Mills, Sabbath, July 27.—We arose this beautiful morning with some sense of the goodness and mercy of God to us. This is our first Sabbath among the mountains. James, Sister Hall, and myself took a blanket and walked out to the shelter of the fragrant evergreens, rolled up a stone for seats, and I read a portion of my manuscript to my husband. In the afternoon our niece, Mary Clough, Willie, and myself walked out and sat beneath poplar trees. We read about sixty pages of Great Controversy. We closed the Sabbath of the Lord with prayer.

Sunday, July 28.—Mary, James, Willie, and I walked one mile to see the gigantic rock towering up hundreds of feet. Willie climbed to the top of it. We with less strength and sprightliness were content to remain below. Returning home, Willie mounted a rock and spoke to us.

Monday, July 29.—We enjoy this mountain air very much. [72] My husband and myself walked out in the grove and had prayer. Spent considerable of the day in writing. We knelt among the trees and prayed for heavenly guidance.²

Did You See Any Indians?

Tuesday, July 30, 1872.—This morning we designed to go to Central City, about twelve miles. We purposed to take dinner on the way by the roadside. As we were preparing to start, the horses were found missing. Yesterday eve two hundred Indians passed through. Five horses of Mr. Walling’s* were missing; also his cow. Mr. Walling in company with one of his men started on horseback to find the horses. We were disappointed in not eating our dinner by the roadside. We enjoyed our simple meal, however, very well. About two o’clock Mr. Walling came back, having found his horses and cow.³

Wednesday, July 23, 1873.—Hundreds of Indians have passed here this morning and yesterday. They are going over in Middle Park to hunt and to fish.⁴

Could You Do Any Missionary Work There?

Wallings Mills, Thursday, August 8, 1872.—We had prayers in our tent, then wrote until about eleven o’clock. A company who were going over the snowy range to the Park came for milk. All of them looked feeble. We gave away some books. There seems to be great eagerness to get books in this rocky, mountainous country.

Sabbath, August 17, 1872.—Attended meeting in the afternoon and evening. My husband spoke in afternoon. I spoke in the evening. These meetings were cheering and strengthening to the little few in these mountains.⁵

²MS 4, 1872.

*Mr. Walling was the husband of Mrs. White’s niece.

³MS 4, 1872.

⁴MS 9, 1873.

⁵MS 4, 1872.

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What Did The People In The Mountains Do For A Living?

August 18 and 19, 1872.—It is a beautiful morning. Walked about one mile and a quarter to Sister Bental’s. She welcomed us heartily. Sister Stocker brought me specimens [of ore]. In returning home the horses balked, and we were obliged to walk miles. Before us were high mountains. Miners’ huts were built upon the high mountains, upon the sides of the mountains, and in the gulches. Mr. Bental gave me many specimens of ore.⁶

⁶MS 4, 1872.

[74]

Did You Ever Ride Horseback?

September 3, 1872.—We left about noon, mounted on our ponies. Mr. Walling took his wagon along to carry the baggage. We rode ten miles the first day. A storm threatened us. We decided to halt at a deserted hovel. We went in and found two bedsteads, a table, a large fireplace. We were scarcely sheltered and saddles and baggage inside when it began to rain in torrents, soon followed by hail as large as bullets. The horses, nine in number, shivered and shrunk, but we could do no better with them. We prepared beds for us and had quite a comfortable night. We felt grateful that we found a comfortable retreat.⁷

Did You Have Any Accidents?

Wednesday, September 4, 1872.—I endured the horseback riding well, and could have my pony lope nicely. But alas! as I was in the best of spirits, enjoying the scenery very much, my pack behind me became unloosed and dangled against the horse’s heels. I was between two companies—three of our company ahead and five behind me.

⁷MS 4, 1872.

[75]

I saw the situation of things, slipped my feet from the stirrup, and was just ready to slip from the saddle to the ground and in one moment should have been safe. But the pony was frightened and threw me over his back. I struck my back and my head. I knew I was badly hurt, but felt assured no bones were broken. I could scarcely breathe or talk for some time, but finally improved a little. I was placed upon a bed in the wagon and rode thus a few miles, till we came to the mountain, then mounted my pony. Weak and full of pain, I rode up mountains as steep as the roof of a house, over rocky hills and big boulders that seemed impossible to pass. We camped at night, and bathed. I wore a wet bandage, and although in considerable pain, I rested well on the ground in camp and the next morning was upon my saddle again.⁸

June 29, 1873.—We turned out for an ox team and were obliged to go up an embankment. In descending, one of the horses refused to obey the rein. My husband saw that the carriage was tipping over. He jumped out, but was thrown under the wheel and the wheel ran over him. Sister Hall and myself sprang from the carriage to obtain the lines. I looked to see how badly my husband was hurt. He was bruised, but no bones were broken. We felt gratitude to God for his preservation.⁹

Where Did You Stay During Your Vacation?

Wallings Mills, Monday, June 30, 1873.—We went to the old mill and commenced housekeeping. We cleaned two rooms. Mr. Walling came with a load of furniture and things he thought we needed. We have all been very busy and cheerful in our work. We had a praying season in the woods. We prayed to God to let His blessing rest upon us as we were settling in the mountains, that we might have strength to write.¹⁰

⁸Letter 14, 1872.

⁹MS 8, 1873.

¹⁰MS 8, 1873.

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Tuesday, July 1.—We cleaned house again. I find it new business to scrub, but I enjoy it.¹¹

Were You Glad When Sabbath Came?

Friday, July 4, 1873.—We washed and cleaned the parlor. Brought wood from the mountain back of the house, in our arms. We worked hard all day. We took the lounge apart and found four dead mice in it. We feel grateful that a day of rest is before us.¹²

Tell Me About Some Of The Other Days.

Monday, July 21, 1873.—We spent the day principally in writing. In the evening we rode up the hill about two miles and gathered several quarts of berries.¹³

Wednesday, August 6.—I devoted much time to arranging my room; tacked down carpet, put curtain around my rough pine table. We got four loads of broken wood. I helped them pick it up.

Thursday, August 7.—I wrote five letters. The clouds looked dark. We had both rain and hail in great quantities. The hail was as large as hazel nuts. The water rushed down from the mountain and came into our sleeping room. Two were engaged in mopping and bailing water with dust pan. The kitchen leaked and flooded the floor. The dining room leaked badly. This has been a broken day.¹⁴

Sabbath, September 6.—We had a rainy day. About nine o’clock a gentleman on horseback inquired if we had seen two men pass. I had seen them about midnight going by our house. They stopped to drink at the spring and then started up the hill on the road to Black Hawk upon the run. These men had been

¹¹MS 9, 1873.

¹²MS 9, 1873.

¹³MS 9, 1873.

¹⁴MS 10, 1873.

[77]

stealing, and the authorities were in search of them. Mr. Walling and an officer rode up to the door. Mr. Walling ate a lunch, changed horses, and drove on.

Sunday, September 7.—Sister Hall and I did a large two weeks’ washing. I made an entire sheet by hand, hemmed three ends of sheet, made a pair of pillow cases. This was my day’s work.¹⁵

You Really Had An Exciting Time! Tell Me Some More.

Sunday, September 14, 1873.—Mr. Walling unexpectedly drove up and said he was ready to go over in the Park. He hurried us all up and we were all packed, about ready to start at eleven o’clock. We drove out about six miles and took dinner. We spread our table by the side of a stream, built a fire, and had some warm food. We enjoyed it much. We rested one hour and then drove on. We made good time through the woods, and we thought that we might have time to pass the range by daylight. We ascended the range slowly. We did not get to the other side of the range until after dark; we made camp about nine o’clock and did not get to rest until about midnight. We had a flaming camp fire, which was very grateful after sitting some time in the wagon waiting for a good camping spot to be found.

Monday, September 15.—We took breakfast and then packed our bedding to move on. My husband, Willie, and myself were seated on our horses. My husband and I rode on. Mr. Walling and Sister Hall were in the wagon. We left our spring wagon because the road was so rough we could go no farther. We rode about two miles, when Willie called us to come back. Mr. Walling had broken down. We rode back and saw that the wagon was broken, and we must make camp where

¹⁵MS 11, 1873.

[78]

we were. We rested a while, and Mr. Walling took his three horses and the spring wagon back and was to send us the axletree or bring it Wednesday. We made a very comfortable camp and had plenty of bedding. The nights are very cold. There is ice on the water, and the ground nearly freezes nights.

Tuesday, September 16.—We are very tired and lame today. We took cold, which makes us feel as though we could scarcely move. Our camp is in a grove of heavy pines. There is a small open space of ground, with grass for horses. On the south rises a high mountain of rocks. Trees seem to grow out of the very rocks. They tower up high, but seem to cling or lean upon the rocky mountain sides. Through these thick trees is our road to the Central Park.

Wednesday, September 17.—We have some wind which draws down the canyon. We have to move our little stove several times in the day as the wind changes from one end of the tent to the other. Travelers came by with wagon and men on foot driving sheep. They said there were thirteen hundred in the flock. They have taken up land in the Park and will spend the winter there and feed their sheep.

Thursday, September 18.—Two travelers and one horse returning from the Park came by our camp. We gave them bread, as they said they had nothing to eat but squirrels and pork. They brought some fine specimens [of ore] from Willow Creek.

Sabbath, September 20.—It became cloudy and snowed very fast, covering the ground and lodging upon the trees. It looks like winter. Here we are just this side of the range in our tent, while the earth is sheeted with snow. We feel deeply our need of the grace of God. Shall I ever learn to be perfectly patient under minor trials? [79] Sunday, September 21.—My husband and myself went up upon a high hill where it was warmed by the rays of the sun, and in full view of the snow-covered mountains we prayed to God for His blessing.¹⁶

Were You Worried When Mr. Walling Did Not Come?

Monday, September 22.—Willie started over the range today to either get supplies or get the axletree of the wagon Walling is making. We cannot either move on or return to our home at the Mills without our wagon. There is very poor feed for the horses. Their grain is being used up. The nights are cold. Our stock of provisions is fast decreasing. Willie and Brother Glover returned. Brother Glover was on his way with the new axletree when Willie met him. We were glad to see them and made preparations to start the next morning from Grand Lake in Middle Park. We had a cold night, but our noble bonfire of big logs and our little stove in the tent kept us comfortable.

Tuesday, September 23, 1873.—We rose early and packed up bedding and provisions for a start on our journey. The road was so rough for about six miles, Sister Hall and myself decided to walk. My husband rode a pony. Willie walked. Brother Glover drove the horses. We had to walk over streams and gulches, on stones and upon logs. We gathered some gum from the trees as we passed along.

After six or eight miles’ travel on foot it was a good rest to climb up upon the bedding and ride. The scenery in the park was very grand. Our hearts were cheerful, although we were very tired. The trees, showing the marks of autumn, were interspersed among the living green pines, presenting a picture

¹⁶MS 11, 1873.

[80]

of great loveliness and beauty. It was the dying glories of summer. We camped for the night in a plain surrounding a cluster of willows. We cut plenty of grass for our beds.¹⁷

Wednesday, September 24.—We had most beautiful scenery most of the way. Autumn’s glory is seen in the golden and scarlet trees interspersed among the dark evergreens. The towering mountains are all around us. We stopped at Grand River for dinner. We had some difficulty in finding a carriage road, but after some delay, and one on horseback searching carefully, we could pass on. We had a very rough road. We arrived at Grand Lake about five o’clock. Pitched our tent in a good dry spot and were tired enough to rest that night.

Grand Lake, Colorado, Thursday, September 25.—We worked busily nearly all the day in getting settled. I have two ticks [mattresses] made of woolen blankets which we filled with hay and made very nice beds. We have boards arranged for shelves, and we look very cozy here.¹⁸

September 28.—Here we are, camped by a beautiful lake, surrounded by pines which shelter us from winds and storms. Very high mountains rise surrounding the lake except on one side. The lake is the most beautiful body of water I ever looked upon. Fishermen come in here to fish and take out their fish packed in boxes upon the backs of donkeys.

On our way here we met thirteen mules from the lake, two men, one horse, and two donkeys loaded with two hundred sixty pounds of lake fish. There are a few log cabins here, but only one that is fit to live in, and that has no floor. We came here for father’s health. He has been better since he came.

Our provisions are getting low. We cannot get away from here till Brother Glover returns and sends Walling with horses and ponies. We have two horses and one pony here. In

¹⁷MS 11, 1873.

¹⁸Letter 11, 1873.

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coming, for want of ponies, Lucinda and I walked about six miles over the roughest road. We cannot do this in returning, for it is mostly up rocky mountains.¹⁹

Who Took Care Of The Horses?

Monday, September 29, 1873.—We improved a portion of the day in getting hay for horses. My husband swung the scythe. Willie pitched the hay into the wagon, and Lucinda and I trod it down. My husband and Willie worked to make a warm stable of an old house nearby, and in securing hay.²⁰

Wednesday, October 1.—I spent nearly all day in writing. Willie went out upon the water in the afternoon. My husband and Willie and Sister Hall went after a load of hay to keep the horses. Their feed is nearly done.

Friday, October 3.—The horse called Parson was very sick. We feared he would die. We doctored him as well as we could, putting hot flannel blankets around him. He was relieved after several applications. We learned that hydrotherapy is for animals as well as for human beings.²¹

Did You See Any Wild Animals?

Tuesday, September 30, 1873.—Mr. Westcott killed a wolf this morning. It was a large, savage-looking beast. He was caught in a trap and was howling half the night, which seemed very dismal. The fur of the wolf was very fine and thick.²²

Thursday, October 2.—After dinner we went in a boat across the lake and scrambled over rocks and mountains, trees and brush, one mile or more. We saw large poplar trees that the beavers had taken off as nicely as though they had been cut with a knife. The habits of these animals are truly wonderful.

¹⁹Letter 13, 1873.

²⁰MS 11, 1873.

²¹MS 12, 1873.

²²MS 11, 1873.

[82]

We took the boat again. As it was hard rowing, Willie ran along on the sandy beach and with a long rope drew the boat after him, which was much easier, as well as a more rapid way of getting along, for the boat was clumsy and the oars were very poor. We spent some time upon the water. There is now only one man at the lake besides ourselves.²³

Did Your Food Supplies Hold Out?

Sunday, October 5, 1873.—The sun shines so pleasantly, but no relief comes to us. Our provisions have been very low for some days. Many of our supplies have gone—no butter, no sauce of any kind, no corn meal or graham flour. We have a little fine flour, and that is all. We expected supplies three days ago.

As we were thinking what we could do if no help came that day, Mr. Walling rode up. He brought us butter, and fine flour he had left upon the road, hidden back where he had left two horses barefooted [unshod] for us to use over the rough road. We were rejoiced to see him.

Monday, October 6.—We commenced preparations for our homeward journey. We packed all things on the wagon, and Sister Hall, my husband, and myself rode and walked a little until we had traveled about twelve miles over very rough road, through woods of fallen timber. Willie rode an Indian pony. We halted to take dinner, but as we began to search for the bag of provisions we found by some means it had left us and we had no dinner except a pie and a small loaf of bread. We sent Willie back to find our bag of supplies.

We passed on, for we could not have our dinner until we should come to the horses. The flour and some potatoes were hidden there for our use as we returned. We set up our little

²³MS 12, 1873.

[83]

stove, cooked white gems in our gem pans, and had a very good dinner. We drove on and on and did not camp until nine o’clock at night. It took about two hours to pitch tent and take care of the horses for the night.

I could not sleep for thinking of Willie alone on the road and having twenty miles’ extra travel; but about twelve o’clock Willie came to camp, all safe, with the lost provisions. We felt very thankful that we had passed over many miles of the road in safety. We were a tired company and some slept soundly, but I was too weary to sleep much.²⁴

Weren’t You Anxious To Get Back To Civilization?

Tuesday, October 7, 1873.—We ascended the steep rocky hills—up, up, up as fast as our horses could climb. We passed through brooks and gulches, up hill and down, for about six miles.

This brought us to the foot of the range. We there consulted what we should do—press on, or take a warm cooked dinner. We left it all with Mr. Walling. His decision was for us to eat a hasty meal, and with as little delay as possible, hurry over the range. We did so, and did not regret it. There was no wind. The sun shone pleasantly upon us. The works of God in nature as viewed by us on this journey were indeed wonderful.

We had passed the range [summit] but a couple of hours when thick clouds began to gather, and we hastened on as fast as our team could carry us. Before we reached home the clouds were very dark. The wind blew dust and dirt, and blinded us so that we could not see. The lightnings flashed, and we were threatened with a fearful storm. However, we arrived safely at home [before the storm, broke]. It was a storm of wind and rain and snow. We were very thankful we were in our comfortable

²⁴MS 12, 1873.

[84]

home and not in camp on the other side of the range.

Wallings Mills, Colorado, Wednesday, October 8.—It was quite a luxury to rest upon a bed, for we had not done this for twenty-three nights. We feel very thankful that we are at home. There is a severe storm of wind, uprooting trees and even tumbling over outhouses. The sand and gravel are carried by the wind against the windows, and are coming in, covering bed and bedding, furniture and floors. This morning we see the mountain range is covered with snow.²⁵

Did Willie Go Back To School?

Sunday, October 12, 1873.—Willie left us for Michigan today to attend school. His father and I took him in spring wagon to Black Hawk. We felt sad to part with him.

October 13.—It seems lonely without Willie.

Wallings Mills, Colorado, Tuesday, October 21.—We had a good season of prayer as usual, then commenced our day’s labor. I washed the dishes and then sudsed out, rinsed, and hung upon the line a large washing. I feel desirous that my heart should be cleansed from all iniquity.²⁶

When The Storm And Snow Came, Didn’t You Think It Was Time To Pack Up And Go?

Sunday, October 26, 1873.—It continues to snow and blow. This is a most terrible storm. A gentleman who was traveling called. He wanted to stay all night. He said he had not seen such a storm for twenty years.²⁷

Golden City, Colorado, Wednesday, November 5.—We are at Golden City. We leave this morning. Our visit here has been very pleasant. Mr. Laskey takes us down in the wagon to Denver.²⁸

²⁵MS 12, 1873.

²⁶MS 12, 1873.

²⁷MS 12, 1873.

²⁸MS 13, 1873.

[85]

Letters To Her Children

When away from home, Mrs. White wrote faithfully to her boys. “Dear Henry,” “Dear Edson,” “Dear Willie,” or, “My Dear Children,” the letters would begin. Eagerly the boys read the handwritten pages addressed to them, pages filled with interesting stories and words of encouragement. Henry treasured them during his short lifetime. And as long as their mother lived, Edson and Willie received and treasured her letters.

Edson read those letters and became a worker for God. In 1894 he built a steamboat, named it the Morning Star, and sailed it up and down the Mississippi River and its tributaries, doing missionary work among the colored people. He and his wife, Emma, found many open doors for Christian service. Small books were eagerly purchased. Bible studies were held in the boat cabins. Churches were opened. Then came the call for schools, and about forty of these were started. Hundreds learned to read, and rejoiced that they could for themselves study the Word of God. Thirty years later, at the General Conference in Milwaukee, a group of Negro ministers gathered around Brother White, and with joyful greetings reminded him of the days when they first enjoyed the privilege of the schools established as the result of his leadership.

Willie read those letters. He became a strong worker for God. When he was twenty-one he helped with the work of printing in California. He cheerfully took the forms and bundles of papers several blocks to and from another office on a wheelbarrow, and labored in other humble positions for less than one dollar a day. Suddenly, he was promoted from errand boy to act as president of the [Pacific Press] board, and also business agent. At the age of thirty, W. C. White was ordained to the ministry. To his mother, Ellen White, he gave strong support, and spent his life publishing her writings. [86]

Chapter 7—Could I Read Some of the Letters You Wrote to Your Children?

Volney, Iowa

December 24, 1856

My Dear Children:

Here we are, twelve miles from Waukon. We have had a tedious time in getting thus far. Yesterday our horses for miles had to plow through snow very deep, but on we came, feeling confident that our mission was of God. Last Monday we could get no food that was fit to eat, and therefore rode in the coldest weather I ever saw, from morning until night, with nothing to eat but one apple. Oh, how thankful I shall be to see home, sweet home, again, and my three dear boys, Henry, Edson, and Willie.

Children, strive to do right, and love the Lord for His merciful kindness to you all. Obey those who have the care of you as you would your parents. Be kind to each other, and yield to each other’s wishes. Read the precious Word of God.

You should be thankful for your comfortable home. We often suffer with cold on account of unfinished and open houses. Last night we slept in a chamber where there was an opening through the top for the stove-pipe. If it had stormed, it would have come direct in our faces. Pray for us. Unless the [87] Lord opens the way for us to return, we may be blocked in with snow, and have to remain all winter.

I hope, dear Henry, that you are a good boy, and are happy in doing right. We received your letter, and were much pleased to hear from you. Be faithful, children, in all things.

The Lord will soon come and take the good and holy to Himself. We want you to live among the pure and holy angels in heaven, and wear a crown of gold, and eat of the tree of life. Trust in the Lord at all times. Listen to the voice of conscience.

Love God and you will have His approving smile. What a thought, to have the great God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, to smile upon and love you! Dear children, seek for this, pray for it, live for it.

Your Affectionate Mother¹

Topsham, Maine

September 20, 1859

My Dear Children:

We received your letters today. We are now in our old home, at Brother Howland’s. I am writing in the room where we first commenced housekeeping. In this room we prayed for you, Henry, and when the hand of death seemed to be upon you, the Lord in mercy raised you up in answer to fervent prayer. In this room we have suffered poverty and trial, yet Brother Howland’s family were ever true friends to us in time of need. In this room we have realized the signal power of God, and enjoyed the rich blessing of His salvation. This room is endeared to me by past recollections. It is called my room.

I feel very anxious for the salvation of my children. Especially

¹An Appeal to the Youth, 40, 41.

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you, Henry, my eldest son, whose life God has so graciously spared.

Dedicate yourself to God in your youth. Love Him and serve Him. Render to God a life of cheerful, willing obedience. Tell the Lord your desires, and heartily repent of your sins. Seek His forgiveness with all your heart. He will bless you. He will love you with more than a father or mother’s love. We want you to be happy, and saved with the redeemed.

Your Affectionate Mother²

Topsham, Maine

September 20, 1859

My Dear Little Willie:

I will write you a few lines, as I have written to Henry and Edson.

As we were riding in the cars, there were three children in the seat before us, one of them a little boy about your age. He was dressed prettily. He had a pretty face and curly hair, yet he did not behave prettily. He disturbed those who sat near him by his loud, sharp voice, contending with, and annoying, his sisters, giving them no peace. They threatened to tell their mother, but he did not seem to care for this. He behaved so rudely that we were all glad when he left the cars.

I thought then how bad I should feel if my little Willie were so disagreeable. Now, Willie, that wicked boy’s pretty clothes and handsome face did not make people love him. His behavior was bad, and made those who had the care of him ashamed of him. All seemed pleased to get rid of the troublesome little fellow. If Willie acts prettily, if he is gentle,

²An Appeal to the Youth, 47, 48.

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kind, and obedient, his father and mother, and all good people, will love him.

Your Affectionate Mother³

Iowa City, Iowa

March 14, 1860

My Dear Willie:

We have not forgotten you, my dear boy. When we see other little children around, we long to get our little Willie in our arms again, and press his little soft cheek and receive his kiss. In about five weeks we shall be at home again, and then, Willie, we will work in the garden and tend the flowers, and plant the seeds. You must be a good sweet little boy, and love to obey Jenny [Frazier] and Lucinda [Hall].

Give up your will, and when you wish to do anything very much, inquire, Is it not selfish? You must learn to yield your will and your way. It will be a hard lesson for my little boy to learn, but it will in the end be worth more to him than gold. Learn, my dear Willie, to be patient, to wait others’ time and convenience; then you will not get impatient and irritable. The Lord loves those little children who try to do right, and He has promised that they shall be in His kingdom.

When you do right and overcome wrong feelings, the Lord smiles upon you. Although He is in heaven, and you cannot see Him, yet He loves you when you do right and writes it down in His book; and when you do wrong, He puts a black mark against you.

Now, dear Willie, try to do right always, and then no black mark will be set down against you, and when Jesus comes, He will call for that good boy, Willie White, and will put upon

³An Appeal to the Youth, 48, 49.

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your head a wreath of gold, and put in your hand a little harp that you can play upon and it will send forth beautiful music, and you will never be sick, never be tempted then to do wrong, but will be happy always and will eat of rich fruit and will pluck beautiful flowers. Try, try, dear boy, to be good.

Your Affectionate Mother⁴

On the cars from Albany [N.Y.] to Springfield [Mass.]

November 4, 1868

Dear Sons Edson and Willie:

I will try to write you amid the jostling of the cars. We are on our way to visit your Aunt Sarah, who is very low with consumption. Poor sufferer! We have hastened to her as soon as we could after the close of the Olcott meeting.

Dear children, seek to be Christians, seek to possess the graces of humility. Don’t seek for pomp, for show. Lay aside everything of foolishness, for all this is evidence of a shallow character, of a superficial mind. A thorough, substantial character looks above parade in dress, in deportment, in actions. Keep learning, my children; you will never be too old to learn, and never old enough to graduate. Ever keep the position of learners. Be self-reliant, yet teachable. Realize your individual responsibility, yet at the same time encourage a habit of looking after others’ happiness, of seeking to do others good. This was the work of our divine Lord. Jesus came not to be ministered unto, but to minister to others. If we would labor to imitate Christ we could not but be happy.

There is much that I might write, but I cannot at this time. We give ourselves to the work of God and hope you, our children, will help us in the laborious, self-denying work before us.

⁴An Appeal to the Youth, 61-63.

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Don’t fail to pray, to keep in a praying mood, and you will be fortified against Satan’s temptations.

Yesterday we put in a box some things for Battle Creek. In the basket in a small box I put two shirts. By changing the necks they will be right for you. In love to you, my dear children.

Ellen G. White⁵

Were The Boys Good Letter Writers?

Topsham, Maine

December 10, 1867

Dear Son Willie:

We received a letter from you soon after our letter was mailed to you. You were quite liberal this time. Thank you all for your favors. If you knew how we prize a letter or letters from you, you would be prompt in writing. I have no fault to find with you; you have all done well.⁶

Fairfield, Maine

November 7, 1867

Dear Son Willie:

I wish you would write me just how you feel. I received your other letter and was so glad for a letter written by your own hand. Write again. We can read it if it is not so nice. Be faithful, dear boy, in prayer and I hope that Johnny, George, Sarah, and Marion will give their young hearts to the Lord fully, be adopted into the fold of Christ, and be ever ready to listen to the voice of the true Shepherd. Be faithful in all things.⁷

⁵Letter 28, 1868.

⁶Letter 16, 1867.

⁷Letter 13, 1867.

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Those Are All Very Interesting. Now Could I Read A Letter You Wrote To Other Children?

Dear Children Gilbert and Deborah [Collins?]:

I have just laid down my child a few moments to write you a word. Are you good children? Do you keep the commandments of God, and love and obey your parents? If you do you have the promise of entering the holy city where all is harmony and joy. You must pray to God much that He would accept you, and keep you from the pestilence and sickness that is abroad in the land.

God loves the young if their hearts are turned unto Him, and He loves to bless them.

I am now on my way to visit Henry, and present to him his little brother. I hope you will be good children. Love God. Speak the truth at all times. Be obedient to your parents, and then God will be pleased with you, smile upon and bless you. Be good, be good. In haste and love.

E. G. White Letter⁸

⁸Letter 2, 1850.

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Writing To Her Grandchildren

Mrs. White had seven grandchildren. There were Ella, Mabel, and Grace; the twins, Henry and Herbert; then Arthur and Francis. Grandma knew that they too would delight in receiving letters from her. So, whether traveling in Australia, America, on shipboard or by train, she wrote many pages that were mailed to the children of her son Willie.

And the grandchildren read and profited by those letters. Of the three girls and four boys in that group, three served as foreign missionaries, one in Africa and two in China. One is a minister, another has spent his life in the publishing work, and still another as a church school teacher; every one of the seven has shared in some portion of God’s work.

Yes, Sister White’s children and grandchildren read her letters. Now you may have that same privilege. [94]

Chapter 8—Did You Write to Your Grandchildren?

Armadale, Victoria, Australia

November 11, 1895

Dear Children [Granddaughters]:

Our camp meeting closed today. Yesterday, Sunday, the interest was the greatest we have yet seen. Elder Corliss spoke in the forenoon, and your grandmother at three o’clock. The tent was packed, and a crowd was standing outside. Elder Prescott spoke in the evening. The tent was full, and it was reported that hundreds went away because they could not get under the tent, and the wind was blowing so strong that it was not prudent for them to remain.

After I had spoken on Sunday there was a baptism. I am told that twenty-six souls went forward in this ordinance.

I want very much to see my dearly beloved grandchildren. I feel a special interest in the children. I have been pleased with the reports received from you. Children, you can all receive of the precious Saviour’s instruction. Jesus made a little child His model disciple. He “called a little child, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [95] During His ministry on earth the children were not overlooked or forgotten. When He sees them cheerful, obedient, sweet-tempered, doing little acts of kindness, what tender regard and fatherly love He feels for them.

Let the peace of God abide in your hearts by faith. Let His love abide in you. God bless you all.¹

Nashville, Tennessee

June 6, 1904

My Dear Daughter [-in-law] May Lacey White:

How pleased we should be to see your pleasant face and to hear your voice and to see the children [Mrs. White’s grandchildren], Henry and Herbert and Grace. Dear children, you must try to help your mother all you possibly can; for your father is not at home to encourage her and to help to bear the burdens. I pray for you all, and love you all. I pray that the Lord Jesus will make you kind and patient and gentle and obedient. Your father [William White] would be pleased to be with you. He would greatly enjoy the society of your mother and of his children. But there are many things that must be done at this time which your father can do. Just as soon as we have done what must be done, we shall return to our home in St. Helena [California].

Henry and Herbert, you are growing old enough to be able to study, able to exercise your physical and mental powers. You are to learn to pray and to be obedient. In this way you can be a great blessing to your mother, and she will not grieve so much because of your father’s absence. The Lord Jesus will be pleased because you are trying to be His own little children. You are to be always truthful, and always kind and pleasant

¹Letter 80, 1895.

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and gentle and obedient to your dear mother. Do not do or say anything that will grieve her heart.

We are looking forward to the time when the Saviour shall come in the clouds of heaven to gather His jewels to Himself. I pray that you, my dear grandchildren, shall be among the number who shall be called true and pure and faithful, fitted to become members of the royal family.

You are now old enough to know what it means to be obedient to your father and mother. I pray that you will always remember that the Son of God so loved you that He died that you might have everlasting life. But if you do not love Jesus, if you do not try to do those things that will please Him, your characters will not be pure and true.

You remember how the mothers brought their children to Jesus, that He might bless them. At first there were only one or two mothers. They were joined by others, and when they reached Jesus, there were quite a number of mothers and children. They were weary and dusty, but oh, so anxious to come into Christ’s presence and receive His blessing. Christ had watched these mothers and their little ones all along the way. He heard the disciples forbidding them to come to Him, and He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He took the children in His arms, close to His great heart of love, and blessed them.

These children never forgot the kind, gentle words that the Saviour spoke to them. The mothers were never tired of repeating these words. Both to mothers and children the occurrence was a constant wellspring of joy.

Children, your father and mother are trying to do their best for you. They try to keep you from doing that which will [97] displease the Lord Jesus. They present you to the Saviour, that He may keep you from all harm. Every day you are to remember that you are under the keeping power of Him who sees every action that you do and hears every word that you speak. You must seek to help yourselves by doing those things that will be pleasing in the sight of God, who is too pure and holy to regard with approval anything like falsehood or deception. You are old enough now to try to do right.

I must now stop. I leave this letter with you, asking you to think of what I have written, and obey my words.

Your Grandmother²

Los Angeles, California

December 4, 1904

My Dear Daughter May Lacey White, and [Grandchildren] Henry, Herbert, and Gracie:

We are pleasantly situated here, but I am longing for home. I do so much want to see you all. Your father has worked very hard, and he wants to go home as much as you want him to come. But the future of the work here demanded our staying for a while. We could not have gone home earlier.

When we reached the Paradise Valley [California] we found the workmen busy digging a well on the lower part of the land. This work has gone forward successfully, without accident of any kind, and I am very glad to be able to tell you that a good supply of soft, pure water has been found. The workmen went down ninety feet, and one morning when they went to work, they found eighteen feet of water in the well, with all their tools at the bottom. That morning Brother Palmer and your father came to my room, their faces lighted up with

²Letter 189, 1904.

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smiles, to tell me about the water in the well. Oh, I wish you could have seen the joy in their faces!

To get the water out of the well was the problem now. The workmen set the pumping engine going at once, but they found that this lowered the water very slowly. So they sent for a larger cylinder and a larger pipe, and finally they got the water pumped out.

There is already one patient in the Paradise Sanitarium. She seems to be a very nice woman. Other patients are waiting, and will come as soon as the building is ready.

The night before we left, Sara said to me, “Two more patients came this evening.” “Where will they put them?” I asked. “In the barn, I guess,” was her answer. Then she explained that these patients were the two cows that someone had given to the sanitarium. The cows were brought overland [thirty miles] in a large wagon drawn by four horses.

Children, be helpful to your mother. Obey her word promptly, and the Lord will bless you. God said, “I know Abraham, that he will—” coax?—no; “that he will command his children and his household after him, and they will keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” Should your father and mother allow you to do wrong things, without correcting you, they would displease God.

God wants you, Henry and Herbert, to behave like little gentlemen. When you speak kind words and do right deeds, you are forming characters that God can approve. He will be pleased to call you the lambs of His flock, and He will bless you.

The angels of heaven are guarding and guiding you constantly, always keeping you from harm and danger. I pray that your words and acts may be such that God can look upon them with approval. Dear children, do not allow yourselves to do [99] one wrong act. Your father and mother love you, but they cannot love wrongdoing. They are made very sorry when you do wrong. Will you not try to remember this? Will you not try to overcome all your faults, because you love Jesus, who gave His life for you?

Your father and mother are trying to bring you up to be unselfish, truthful, kind, tenderhearted. They want to help you to prepare for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for you. He has promised to come again and take you to Himself, that where He is, there you may be also. Then put away every fault, and prepare yourselves to be received into the heavenly home, where you will be happy forever and ever.

Ellen G. White Letter³

Takoma Park, Washington, D.C.

May 24, 1905

My Dear Child [Granddaughter] Mabel White:

I have spoken seven times since coming here. Last Sabbath the Lord gave me strength to speak to a congregation of over a thousand in the large tent. All seemed astonished to see that my voice was strong enough to reach all in the large tent and even those standing on the outside.

Since coming here, my health has been quite good. I am glad that I came. All seem surprised that I can step around as spry as I do.

Our party has four rooms in the west end of the boys’ dormitory, on the first floor. The dormitory is an excellent building. Everything about it is strong and firm. Thorough work has been done in its construction.

We go out riding nearly every day in a nice, easy carriage.

³Letter 319, 1904.

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Everything possible has been done to make me comfortable.

We have had beautiful singing at the meetings and several different kinds of musical instruments have produced the sweetest sounds.

During the first part of the meeting there was some rain, but for days the weather has been very fine, though not hot.

Mabel, remember that Jesus is your helper. He loves you, and will be your sympathizing friend. If we think of His goodness and talk of His power, the result will be that we shall be changed into His image. We try to do as Christ would do, and as we follow His way we become meek and lowly.

I love Jesus because He first loved me. We all need to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, and to follow in His footsteps, doing our best, and remembering that we are thus being prepared for the mansions that He has gone to prepare for those who love Him as their best friend and counselor.

Let us be determined to be a light to those around us, revealing Christ in character.

My dear child, have courage in the Lord. Pray, and believe, and trust in your Saviour, and He will be your joy and crown of rejoicing.

Ellen G. White Letter⁴

Sanitarium, California

December 1, 1905

My Dear Granddaughter Mabel:

I sit here on my couch this morning, very thankful to my heavenly Father for a good night’s rest. I slept well until three o’clock, and now after building my fire, I am ready to take up my writing.

⁴Letter 147, 1905.

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We have very much to be thankful for. Let our hearts be continually filled with thanksgiving to our heavenly Father and to our Saviour.

It is now growing daylight. We are having the first cold weather, but it is not very severe. The days have been very pleasant, and the nights clear, the full moon making them almost as bright as day. We have had a few gentle rains, but up till within a few days the weather has not been cold. I have taken a ride daily, unless the showers threatened.

I hope you will take special care of your eyes, for they are a great treasure. We can lose a limb, but if we have our eyesight we can still find something with which to employ our time. But to lose the sight is a dreadful loss.

The Lord is good to me, very good. He has preserved my health and strength, and even though I am seventy-eight years of age, I can still rise before day, and write for hours before breakfast. My eyes trouble me somewhat if I take cold, but if I am careful I can do a great deal of work.

Mabel, do not devote the precious talent of sight to reading that which you cannot use, and which will not benefit you. The life of the soul cannot be sustained unless right food is given it. The mind must be properly fed.

My dear child, live on the words that proceed from the lips of Christ. Press forward, and believe that if you ask, you will receive.

Your grandmother,

Ellen G. White⁵

⁵Letter 339, 1905.

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Some Travel Stories

A thoughtless lady once said to Sister White, “How pleasant your life must be. You don’t have to stay at home day after day, caring for children, cooking, washing, scrubbing your life away. How I envy you! If I could travel and see the country, with no worries, as you do, how happy I would be!”

We wonder how Sister White answered that woman. Just before, she had “been battling with many tears,” praying that she might be willing to deny herself for Jesus’ sake. One of her baby boys, two years old, was with friends in Maine. The other, only nine months old, was in New York. The mother longed for them, grieving because people envied her way of life with its endless traveling, as they said, “for fun”!

That night a tall angel came, asking Sister White why she was so sad. She spoke of her loneliness. In answer the angel made a wonderful promise. He told Sister White, “You should keep the eye single to your duty, and follow in His opening providence, and the path shall brighten before you. Every self-denial, every sacrifice, is faithfully recorded, and will bring its reward.”—Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 131, 132.

And, as Sister White traveled, faithfully obeying God’s instructions, the angel’s promise did come true. The pathway widened, brightening before her as she walked through life, obeying Jesus every step of the way. [104]

Chapter 9—Tell Me Some Travel Stories

Mrs. White, I’d Like To Hear Some Of The Travel Stories You Wrote.

San Francisco, California, Sunday, January 12, 1873.—We spent the day in visiting. On our return we saw over our head a balloon going up with a lady and gentleman in the basket. This scene, persons venturing their lives for amusement, does not interest us as much as to hear that our Saviour is soon to come in the clouds of heaven.

When You Were In San Francisco Did You Go To Chinatown?

San Francisco, Tuesday, January 28, 1873.—We visited the Chinese temple of gods and witnessed the painful sight of the devotion of the Chinese to their senseless idols. They reverently clasped their hands, swaying them up toward their head and down three times as they bent their bodies in devotion to their gods. This was done before each. idol. There were no less than ten idols in this temple. They had bowls and cups with food in them placed before their idols. Oh, how sad that such superstition should exist in a Christian land.¹

¹MS 3, 1873.

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What Else Did You See As You Traveled Around?

I must tell you something I saw in the cars. A wealthy gentleman took a little box from his pocket and wound it up like a watch. At the top of the box was a glass door, and open flew this little door and a little, tiny bit of a bird, with fine downy feathers popped up, and then forth from the box came a most beautiful song such as canaries sing. And the little feathers would move on the little bird, and it would twirl its pretty little head this way and that, flap its little wings, move its tail and fly about and act just as pretty as though the noise came from its tiny little throat.

After the song was sung, down popped the little bird into the box and down went the cover and the man put the box into his pocket again. This little bird was artificial, made to look just like a little bird. We asked the man what it cost. He said $200.00. A great price!²

I will tell you what I saw last Wednesday. The fire companies were out with red caps and red uniforms, the officers had plumes in their caps. Then I saw in an alley, looking out at the firemen, a poor deformed lame man. He was sitting in a little carriage and what do you think was drawing him! It was not a dog or horse, but a goat, harnessed up just like a little horse. I thought if Willie had seen this, it would have pleased him so much. Only think, a goat drawing a wagon with a man in it!³

Were Your Boys Ever With You When You Saw Some Of These Interesting Things?

Willie says I must tell you that he had a tomato and pear

²Letter 10, 1859.

³Letter 6, 1859.

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the second day he left home and as many as he could eat of the great Lawton blackberry which was in market.

He also saw a little pony, no larger than the little circus ponies. A wagon was attached to him, and a little girl about four years old sat in a nice little seat, holding the lines, while another little girl about six jumped from the little wagon, carried a package into a store and then came back, stepped into the carriage and drove away. It was the tiniest little horse and carriage I ever saw.

Willie says I must tell the boys that he saw a very nice little fountain with water spouting up nicely and with a cork dancing up and down in the water. Abraham says this cork finally fastens in a tube and stops the water.⁴

Did God Protect You In Times Of Danger?

We are nineteen hours behind time. We had to stand still some twelve hours. Freight train wrecked ten miles ahead on the track. We passed the washouts night before last. I was aroused suddenly as though a hand was laid upon me, and words had been spoken, “You are in a dangerous place. Pray! Pray!” I looked out of the window and saw a fearful-looking sight. Fires were built along beside the track, and men with lanterns were standing by the track and men upon the platform, making the fearful places light as day. The train merely moved over these dangerous places. I did pray, and I felt trust in God and an assurance that He would care for us and bring us safely to our journey’s end.⁵

Sister White, I’d Like To Ride In A Train Sometime.

Rochester, New York, Thursday, January 9, 1868.—Rode into Rochester. Went on board the cars to rest.

⁴Letter 6a, 1861.

⁵Letter 11a, 1875.

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Friday, January 10.—Awoke in the morning on board the sleeping car. Found the train behind time about two hours. It had been a keen, cold night, and the train had to move very slowly for safety of passengers. Took our breakfast about eight o’clock. Changed from sleeping car to one ahead. The sleeping car was pronounced unsafe. We were delayed two hours on the track by a broken-down car ahead. Missed connection at Detroit. Waited there two hours. Had a weary ride until midnight.⁶

Our curiosity is excited somewhat in seeing mud cabins, adobe houses, and sagebrush in abundance. But on we go.

From Cheyenne [Wyoming] the engines toiled up, up the summit against the most fearful wind. Two iron horses are slowly dragging the cars up the mountain.

Fears are expressed of danger, because of the wind, in crossing the Dale Creek Bridge—650 feet long and 126 feet high. This trestle bridge looks like a light, frail thing to bear so great weight. But fears are not expressed because of the frail bridge, but in regard to the tempest of wind, so fierce that we fear the cars may be blown from the track.

In the providence of God the wind decreased. Its terrible wail is subdued to pitiful sobs and sighs, and we passed safely over the dreaded bridge. We reached the summit. The extra engine was removed. No steam is required at this point to forward the train, for the downgrade is sufficient for us to glide swiftly along.

As we pass on, down an embankment we see the ruins of a freight car that has been thrown from the track. We are told that the freight train broke through the bridge one week ago.

⁶MS 12, 1868.

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Two hours behind this train came the passenger cars. Had this accident happened to them, many lives must have been lost.⁷

Did You Sometimes Travel By Steamboat?

We took passage in the steamboat at Portland [Maine] for Boston [Massachusetts]. The boat rolled fearfully, and the waves dashed into the cabin windows. The large chandelier fell to the floor with a crash. The table was prepared for breakfast, but the dishes were thrown upon the floor. There was great fear in the ladies’ cabin. Some were confessing their sins, and crying to God for mercy. Some were calling upon the virgin Mary to keep them. Others were making solemn vows to God that if they reached land they would devote their lives to God. It was a scene of terror.

One lady in the berth above me, as the boat rocked, fell out of her berth to the floor, crying out at the top of her voice. Another turned to me and asked, “Are you not terrified? I suppose it is a fact that we may never reach land.”

I told her I had made Christ my refuge, and if my work was done, I might as well lie in the bottom of the ocean as in any other place; but if my work was not clone, all the waters of the ocean could not drown me. My trust was in God, that He would bring us safe to land if it was for His glory.

Through the mercy of God we were all landed safe. But some of the passengers who manifested so much fear in the storm, made no reference to it, only to make light of their fears. The one who had so solemnly promised that if she was preserved to see land she would be a Christian, as she left the boat mockingly cried out, “Glory to God, I am glad to step on

⁷Letter 18, 1873.

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land again.” I asked her to go back a few hours, and remember her vows to God. She turned from me with a sneer.⁸

Tell Me Another Ocean Story.

I left San Francisco [California] on the afternoon of June 10, 1878, upon the steamer Oregon. Captain Conner, who had charge of this splendid steamer, was very attentive to his passengers. As we passed through the Golden Gate into the broad ocean it was very rough. The wind was against us, and the steamer pitched fearfully, while the ocean was lashed into fury by the wind. I watched the clouded sky, the rushing waves leaping mountain high, and the spray reflecting the colors of the rainbow. The sight was fearfully grand.

As I looked upon the white-capped, roaring billows, I was reminded of that scene in the life of Christ, when the disciples went in their boats to the farther side of the sea.

When nearly all had left for their staterooms, I continued on deck. The captain had provided me a deck chair, and blankets. I knew that if I went into the cabin I should be sick. Night came on, darkness covered the sea, and the plunging waves were pitching our ship fearfully. This great vessel was as a mere chip upon the waters; but she was protected by the heavenly angels. Had it not been for this, we might have been swallowed up in a moment. But that God who feeds the ravens, who numbers the hairs of our heads, will not forget us.

The last night we were on the boat I felt most grateful to my heavenly Father. I there learned a lesson I shall never forget. God had spoken to my heart in the storm, and in the waves, and in the calm following. And shall we not worship Him?⁹

⁸Spiritual Gifts 2:85, 86.

⁹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 229, 230.

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Were You Nervous When You Had To Travel Through Storms?

August 11, 1885.—En route to Europe. The sea is boisterous. The waves rise high in green and blue and white spray, mingled, and dash with force against the porthole. If the porthole were open, bucketfuls of water would dash in upon us. The boat rocks fearfully, and every timber seems to be strained and shocked. There are but few upon deck. The deck is wet. Chairs are tied with ropes. Ropes are stretched from point to point, that those who walk on deck may take hold of the ropes to keep from falling. There is indeed a heavy roll. I cannot lie on the sofa. Trunks are rolling about in the staterooms. Everything that is not secured by ropes is dancing about. I have precious seasons of silent prayer. The Lord Jesus seems very near to me. I am so thankful that I can trust in my Saviour at all times.

August 12.—We all rested well last night. None were seasick. I was glad to see the light of day. The water is much calmer. It is foggy, and the fog whistle is bellowing out its warning signal that vibrates through every nerve of the body.

August 17.—I slept but little last night. The fog whistle kept up its mournful warning all night. I thought of ourselves being on the broad water. A little atom! How easy for us to be swallowed up in the hungry waters. I can only look to God and trust in Him.

[Arrived Liverpool, England] August 18, 1885.—It is a beautiful day. We arose from our berths, leaving them, not to enter them again. We have spent many pleasant days and nights in our stateroom. It seems like home.¹⁰

¹⁰MS 16a, 1885.

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More About Travel

In the autumn of 1846, Sister White could spend a few months at home. God had sent to her and her husband, James, a tiny bundle, at that moment warmly wrapped, sleeping in his cradle. Ellen thanked God for her precious baby. When little Henry was older she would travel again among the churches.

But Henry became sick, then rapidly worse. She and James on either side of the cradle, listened fearfully to his quick, heavy breathing. They prayed, but saw no change. They feared for his life.

Then Ellen remembered the promise she had made to God, that nothing would ever come between her and her work. Again she and James knelt, this time promising God that if little Henry recovered they would trust Him and go wherever they were sent. For hours they prayed, then rested while a neighbor watched over the baby.

Next morning the young mother and father hurried to little Henry’s bedside. Ellen felt his forehead. It was cool! She listened to his breathing. It was normal! She gave him water. He drank! With tears of joy she and James thanked God, who had answered their prayer.

Immediately they dusted off their battered trunk and packed it for a journey. Ellen patched the patches on her husband’s old overcoat, James bought their tickets with nearly all the money he had in the world, and they were off—messengers in the service of God. [112]

Chapter 10—Tell Me More About Your Travels

Sister White, Do You Remember Any Special Experiences That Came To You In Your Travels?

I left Battle Creek October 23 [1878] for the Kansas camp meeting. We found the tents in a grove. It was late in the season, and faithful preparation had been made for cold weather. Every tent had a stove.

Sabbath morning it commenced snowing; but not one meeting was suspended. About an inch of snow fell, and the air was piercing cold. Women with little children clustered about the stoves. It was touching to see one hundred and fifty people assembled for a meeting under these circumstances. Some had come two hundred miles. All seemed hungry for the bread of life, and thirsty for the water of salvation.

Sabbath morning I spoke to those who had made so great an effort to attend the meeting. I told them that our hopes are reaching forward to the Christian’s summer, when we shall change climate, leave all the wintry blasts and fierce tempests behind, and be taken to those mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those that love Him.¹

¹Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 239, 240.

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Did You Sometimes Have To Travel In Cold Weather?

Tuesday, March 3, 1868.—We shall leave today. It is bitterly cold. Water froze solid in our bedrooms. We expect to suffer, wrap up as best we may. The people at St. Charles [Michigan] expected us to hold meetings with them. Here was the question—What is duty? We feel so anxious to do all the good we can. We are worn, yet are willing to labor on if God will give strength.

This is the most severe of all—people begging for meetings.²

We prepared to go five miles over a bad road. I rode in much fear, for it was very dark and we could not see how to shun the mudholes, and we came near being overturned. The meeting was profitable to the little church in Allegan [Michigan].

We traveled over rough and muddy roads, and while I chose to walk two or three miles over rough logways, I felt grateful to God for the health and strength. He had given me since I had left my home. Our meetings in Wright [Michigan] were blessed of God.³

November 7, 1867.—We had no idea it was going to be so cold when we started, but heavy black clouds came up and we had quite a little flurry of partial snow and hail, all soft, about as large as a pea. Then it became so very cold we suffered in traveling fifteen miles. Last night was a very bitterly cold night.⁴

What Were The Roads Like?

Tuesday, January 18, 1859.—Brother Lay harnessed his horses to a sleigh and took Mary [Loughborough], Edson,

²MS 14, 1868.

³MS 4, 1863.

⁴Letter 13, 1867.

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and myself over the logway and over the bad going ten miles to the plank road. The road is very bad and rough. John [Loughborough] followed us with the horses and wagon. We feel very thankful for the easy conveyance over the bad road. Sister Lay went with her husband for the ride. After we struck the plank, we had a good road all the way to Grand Rapids [Michigan]. I am so weary and lame through riding I cannot move without suffering pain.⁵

Monday, March 2, 1868.—We arose between four and five o’clock. Ate breakfast before six and were on our way before seven. The wind increased, blowing the snow into the road until we could see no track. We knew we were in danger of freezing, and after we had gone five miles we turned back. In doing so we faced the wind and must have frozen if we had not used blankets to cover us and taken our seats in the bottom of the sleigh, our backs to the wind. It seemed a long time before we were again under shelter. Rested all forenoon. In the afternoon wrote ten pages.⁶

Did You Ever Get Stuck In A Snowstorm?

March 9, 1868.—We are at home again. We are thankful for this. Thursday we rode sixty miles. The snow was very deep, in many places nearly as high as the houses. While we were trying to get the sleigh over a fallen tree the reach [coupling pole] broke and we were down. We had to get out in the deep snow, unload the sleigh, and lift the box off the runners. A man came along in the woods just then and helped us toggle up the sleigh. We lashed it together with straps and went on. We stood in the snow more than half an hour.

About ten o’clock it commenced snowing, and snow continued

⁵MS 5, 1859.

⁶MS 14, 1868.

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to fall until twelve. Large flakes coming very fast! We never saw it on this wise before. To make it still more uncomfortable the rain began to come. But we rode on, every hour bringing us nearer home, and we were glad to lessen the distance.

When within four miles of home we were so unfortunate as to enter upon a road open for several miles but entirely blocked up and impassable at the other end. The horses went up to their backs in drifts. We got out, lightened the sleigh, and again plowed through the snow, while it was steadily raining. After this we had no very special difficulties.⁷

You Must Have Been Frozen!

Last Thursday morning we rode eighteen miles to Athens [Maine]. We found the people needed help very much. I spoke Sunday morning, then we had a meeting with the church especially, then a praying season with the family we had tarried with.

We started at five o’clock for Norridgewock [Maine]. Brother Ira Rodgers had taken us in a wagon. He exchanged that for a sleigh, as the night before we had a fall of snow—about two or three inches. It was extremely cold, and a sleigh was preferable to a wagon. We came wrapped up with all the clothing we had. We came thirteen miles in one hour and a half. It seemed sometimes as though we almost flew over the ground. But it was intensely cold, and we came near freezing. My fingers suffered terribly, but they were not frozen. The last five miles was alongside the river. A keen breeze blew directly in our faces. I was so unfortunate as to freeze my face pretty severely. It is very sore.

⁷Letter 8, 1868.

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This morning we rode on the cars, but could not keep warm. The air circulated about our feet, chilling them. We are now in Brother Howland’s hospitable home. We are now sitting before a fireplace. My stand is drawn up to the fire.⁸

Did You Ever Get Lost?

Tuesday, January 25, 1859.—It looks like a storm. We rode fourteen miles. Brother Cramer did not give us the right directions, and we went four miles out of our way. Did not arrive at Brother Hardy’s until dinnertime. It was snowing fast. We were heartily welcomed by the family. A good dinner was soon in readiness for us, of which we thankfully partook. This is a colored family, but although the house is poor and old, everything is arranged with neatness and exact order. The children are well behaved, intelligent, and interesting. May I yet have a better acquaintance with this dear family.⁹

How Could You Keep From Getting Sick, Traveling Like That Through The Snow?

November 7 [1863] my husband and self left Battle Creek for Monterey [Michigan]. We ventured in a cold snowstorm. In the middle of the day it grew warmer. We selected a spot by the roadside in the woods as our hotel and fed the horses and took our lunch.

We arrived at Brother Day’s—fifty miles—a little after sundown. We were very weary, with sore throat and aching lungs. I tried to pray the next morning, but thought I should have to stop for coughing, but, praise the Lord, He gave me help when I most needed it. I was greatly blessed of God and felt no more trouble with weak lungs on the journey.¹⁰

⁸Letter 16, 1867.

⁹MS 5, 1859.

¹⁰MS 4, 1863.

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Tell Me That Story About Crossing The Mississippi!

In a vision I was shown the state of those brethren who had moved to Waukon, Iowa. I saw that they needed help. As I had been shown their condition, I felt anxious to go. It was a great distance, and in the winter. It was exceedingly difficult and somewhat dangerous a journey, yet I felt urged on, to go to Waukon. It was then good sleighing. Preparations were made to go with two horses and a sleigh, but it rained for twenty-four hours, and the snow was fast disappearing. My husband thought the journey must be given up. My mind could not rest. Brother Hart said to me, “Sister White, what about Waukon?” Said I, “We shall go.” “Yes,” said he, “if the Lord works a miracle.” Many times that night I was at the window watching the weather, and about daybreak there was a change, and it commenced snowing. The next night we were on our way. We held meetings at Green Vale, Illinois, and were there blocked in nearly a week with a severe snowstorm. Thursday we ventured to pursue our journey. Weary, cold, and hungry, we called at a hotel a few miles from the Mississippi River. The next morning, about four o’clock, it commenced raining. We felt urged on, and rode through the rain, while the horses broke through the snow at almost every step. We made many inquiries about crossing the river, but none gave us encouragement that we could cross. The ice was mostly composed of snow, and there lay upon it one foot of water. When we reached the river Brother Hart rose in the sleigh and said, “Is it Iowa, or back to Illinois? We have come to the Red Sea, shall we cross?” We answered, “Go forward, trusting in Israel’s God.” We ventured upon the ice, praying as we went. We were carried safely across, and as we ascended the [118] Iowa bank of the river we united in praising the Lord. A number told us after we crossed, that no amount of money would have tempted them to cross, and that a number had broken in. They could not save their teams, and barely escaped with their lives. We put up at a hotel to rest over the Sabbath. Sunday we continued our journey. I never witnessed so cold weather. The brethren would watch one another to see if they were freezing. And we would often hear, “Brother, your face is freezing, you had better rub the frost out as soon as possible!” “Your ear is freezing!” “Your nose is freezing!” I found my coonskin robe of real service.

We reached Waukon Wednesday night. The Lord sent us to the place in season to break Satan’s snare, that the captives might be released.¹¹

Didn’t You Get Discouraged Sometimes?

Tuesday, November 15, 1859.—We rose early and took our breakfast. Had a season of prayer and then started on our weary journey. About noon tarried to rest the horses. Then took a little luncheon, and in one hour were on our way again to Monterey [Michigan]. The plank road is very rough, but for ten miles the road is very bad. Logways, mudholes, and yet on we go, singing, “The road may be rough, but it cannot be long,” et cetera. As we came up to Brother G. Lay’s he stopped us and urged us to go in. We tarried with him overnight.¹²

Friday, April 24, 1868.—We prepared to commence our journey. It is a cold, raw day; looks like rain. We got along very well until we took a wrong road. Went five miles out of the way over a very bad road. We found a convenient spot, stopped our team and prepared to take our dinner. While James was unharnessing the team I was building a fire. Had

¹¹Spiritual Gifts 2:217-222.

¹²MS 8, 1859.

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a large, roaring fire in a short time. We enjoyed our dinner. It commenced to rain before we had again started on our journey, yet we got along very well. A few minutes after the sun had set we were too weary to sit in our chairs, and hastened to bed.

Thursday, April 30, 1868.—Arose at four o’clock, and prepared for our journey to Monterey [Michigan]. We took our dinner in the carriage. The roads were rough, the day was raw and cold. Our wagon broke going over the rough logways. I did not speak as carefully and as cheerfully as I ought. Confessed this before leaving the carriage.¹³

Why Did You Make All These Hard Trips?

We labored very hard. You may inquire, Why did you labor so hard? The love of Christ constrained us. This is the only proper answer we can give. Souls for whom Christ died seemed of such inexpressible worth that self was forgotten. Ease, pleasure, and even health were made secondary.

God has called us and commissioned us to do an important work. This work must be done where it will be appreciated. May God help us to work in humility, trusting in Him to give the increase.¹⁴

Greenville [Michigan] Sabbath, March 7, 1868.—It has rained all through the night. It will be impossible for people to attend meetings today. This is the first Sabbath we have had without speaking to the people in eight months.¹⁵

We traveled Thursday afternoon over crossroads, mud, sloughs, and logways. Again I went on foot a portion of the way because the roads were so bad. We traveled all day Friday to get to Greenville [Michigan]. Arrived there before sundown.¹⁶

¹³MS 15, 1868.

¹⁴Letter 3, 1869.

¹⁵MS 14, 1868.

¹⁶MS 4, 1863.

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Were All The People You Met In Your Travels Friendly?

Friday, January 24, 1868.—Prepared to go to Wright [Michigan]. We found it very unpleasant traveling. A cold wind was blowing directly in our faces. At noon stopped at Lappinville. Found ourselves in mean quarters; there was a woman with a pipe in her mouth, and a young man smoking a cigar. He said he had learned and practiced the habit and could not now give it up, although he knew it was hurtful. We ate our plain food with good relish, but were treated with incivility by the inmates of the house. They showed themselves strangers to true politeness. We found no good hay for the horses, no oats, no water. They charged us fifty cents for sitting before their fire and being annoyed with the scent of tobacco. I was glad to go out again in the air.¹⁷

Did You Sometimes Meet Special People?

A few days ago Sister Hall, Sara [McEnterfer], and I went for a long drive in Rock Creek Park [Washington, D.C.]. This is a most beautiful place. I have seldom driven over finer roads. This is a national park. Here the President takes his rides. The drives are equal to, yes, more than equal to, anything that I saw in Denmark or Switzerland. On our drive we met the President [Theodore Roosevelt]. He bowed to us as we passed him.¹⁸

Fresh Air Was One Thing You Had Plenty Of When You Traveled By Wagon. How Was It When You Began Riding On Trains?

The conductor of our car was a quiet, nice-looking man. He seemed to understand his business well. At one station a

¹⁷MS 12, 1868.

¹⁸Letter 357, 1904.

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man bought some beer at a saloon, and put it in a cupboard at the end of the car. The conductor heard of this and promptly ordered the beer taken out, saying that he would allow no such thing on the car. During all the time we were on the train I did not get one whiff of tobacco, excepting once or twice, when someone passed through the car with a lighted cigar in his hand.

We had many pleasant interviews with the passengers. As I talked with them, I felt an earnest desire to meet them again sometime.¹⁹

Your father and myself took the train westward. We changed cars. We had to wait three hours. The depot was small and not well ventilated. Two respectable-looking ladies seemed quite at home. They took out their pipes and commenced smoking. This was a little more than we could well endure. We found to our joy that the settees were movable. We took a couple of these out upon the platform where there was pure air to feed our lungs. We here spread out our bread and fruit, which had been provided for us by our friends. We enjoyed our luncheon.²⁰

¹⁹Letter 141, 1904.

²⁰Letter 19a, 1875.

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After All These Experiences, You Must Have Been Glad When Automobiles Were Invented.

We arrived here [Paradise Valley, California] last Monday evening. An automobile was waiting for us to take us from the train to the sanitarium. Brother Johnson, who owns this machine, meets all the trains and brings passengers to the sanitarium. One day he took us into San Diego, and we crossed [123] over the bay on the ferry to Coronado. Yesterday I rode out again. I enjoy very much riding in the automobile.²¹

Elder Andross took us in an automobile to visit the several churches and the Bible Workers’ Home in Los Angeles. We did not get out of the conveyance, but stopped and spoke to some of those engaged in the work. It was a very pleasant trip. The automobile was an easy-riding machine that did not jolt me.²²

When we were ready to return home, a brother who is always ready to place his automobile at our disposal took us several miles through the city [Nashville, Tennessee] to the station, and saw us on board the train for St. Helena.²³

Willie and his family are well. His twin boys are busy workers. They have recently purchased an automobile, and yesterday I took my first ride in it. It is the easiest machine that I have ever ridden in.²⁴

[The twin boys, Henry and Herbert White, were seventeen years old at the time they bought their car—a model-T Ford—and took their grandmother riding.]

Did You Ever Feel That You Were Getting Too Old To Travel?

I have a deep interest in my native State. I am looking forward to the time when I shall be able to make the journey to Portland. I shall hope to have strength to visit you during the coming summer season. We are to labor earnestly and continuously, working to bring souls to take a decided stand for the truth.²⁵

²¹Letter 263, 1905.

²²Letter 20, 1911.

²³Letter 60, 1911.

²⁴Letter 11, 1913.

²⁵Letter 8, 1912.

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Did You Make That Trip?

My interest in the work in Portland is still as deep as ever. But I find it impossible to make the visit there that I have looked forward to so long. I cannot leave my work here until the book on Old Testament history is ready for the publishers. I would be very pleased to see you [Elder Haskell] and the workers, and to join you in lifting the standard of truth in Portland, Maine. Christ died that He might save souls. We should consider no sacrifice too great in order to cooperate with Him in this work.²⁶

[Mrs. White was eighty-four when she wrote the two letters above.]

²⁶Letter 30, 1912.

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The Food We Eat

“Mother, I’m hungry! When do we eat?” After working in the vegetable garden, or cutting wood, or helping their father at the Review office, the White brothers must often have asked this important question.

In the early years of their marriage Ellen and James White knew hunger and poverty. Now they had a home and food—enough for all. In the chicken house Willie’s hens cackled over eggs they produced daily. Willie gathered these eggs and proudly took them to his mother. Edson and Henry took turns, probably, milking the family cow, anticipating the thick cream they would later enjoy piled high on thick slices of whole-wheat bread. In the garden, Willie might weed, Edson hoe, and Henry water. Then would come the crisp vegetables that they knew would adorn the garden and appear later on the family dinner table.

The boys’ appeal, “Mother, I’m hungry,” was answered at mealtime. As the family gathered and asked God to bless the food, they came with thankful hearts. Not one moment was wasted in grumbling, because foods unhealthful, forbidden, unclean, never appeared. Their table was bountifully supplied with grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and wholesome dairy products. [126]

Chapter 11—What Should I Eat?

Sister White, What Kinds Of Food Do You Think Are Best?

God has furnished man with abundant means for the gratification of an unperverted appetite. He has spread before him the products of the earth—a bountiful variety of food. Of these our heavenly Father says we may freely eat. Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, make, with milk or cream, the most healthful diet.¹

What Do You Like To Eat, Especially When You Are Traveling?

We reached Chicago Wednesday evening and stopped at the Eagle Hotel. Thursday morning I lay down in my room to rest while your father went out in the city. He returned just in time to take the cars, and brought a basket of fruit—of tomatoes, peaches, and apples. They were very nice. We ate the fruit with our bread taken from home.²

We have only a half loaf of graham and one loaf of white, and half of one of the rusk bread. It is all moist and good. Someone helped himself to our oranges. We think our apples go well. We are well satisfied with our meals. Those around

¹Counsels on Diet and Foods, 92.

²An Appeal to the Youth, 77, 78.

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us are loaded with chicken, pickles, corned beef, jellies, and tea and coffee. None seem to feel as well as we do, who eat only twice a day of simple food. Not anything warm yet to eat or drink. We feel the blessing of the Lord attends us. Praise His dear name!³

While parents and children were eating of their dainties, my husband and myself partook of our simple repast, at our usual hour, at 1:00 p.m., of graham bread without butter, and a generous supply of fruit. We ate our meal with a keen relish, and with thankful hearts that we were not obliged to carry a popular grocery with us. We ate heartily, and felt no sense of hunger until the next morning. The boy with his oranges, nuts, popcorn, and candies, found us poor customers.⁴

Suppose I’m Eating At A Place Where Meat Is On The Menu?

Never be ashamed to say, “No, thank you; I do not eat meat.”⁵

But What’s Wrong With Meat?

God gave our first parents the food He designed that the race should eat. There was to be no death in Eden. The fruit of the trees in the Garden was the food man’s wants required. God gave man no permission to eat animal food until after the Flood. Everything had been destroyed, and therefore the Lord gave Noah permission to eat of the clean animals which he had taken with him into the ark. But animal food was not the most healthful article of food for man. After the Flood the people ate largely of animal food.

He permitted that long-lived race to eat animal food to shorten their sinful lives. Soon after the Flood the race began rapidly to decrease in size and in length of years.⁶

³Letter 11a, 1875.

⁴Counsels on Diet and Foods, 486, 487.

⁵Counsels on Diet and Foods, 402.

⁶Counsels on Diet and Foods, 373.

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Animals are becoming more and more diseased, and it will not be long until animal food will be discarded by many besides Seventh-day Adventists. Foods that are healthful are to be prepared, so that men and women will not need to eat meat.⁷

What Else Do You Eat Besides Fruit?

We have plenty of good milk, fruit, and bread. We may use fruit freely, and in different ways.

We have a large family, and besides have many guests, but neither meat nor butter is placed upon our table. We use the cream from the milk of cows which we feed ourselves.

All who come to my table are welcome, but I place before them no meat. Grains, vegetables, and fresh and canned fruit constitute our table fare. At present we have plenty of the best oranges, and plenty of lemons. This is the only fresh fruit we can get at this season of the year.

I have written this to give you some idea of how we live.⁸

I am so thankful to God that when Adam lost his Eden home the Lord did not cut off the supply of fruit. The more we depend upon the fresh fruit just as it is plucked from the tree, the greater will be the blessing.

Let us eat freely of the fresh grapes, apples, peaches, pears, berries, and all other kinds of fruit that can be obtained.

If you can get apples you are in a good condition as far as fruit is concerned, if you have nothing else. Apples are superior to any fruit for a standby that grows.

Of corn and peas we have raised enough for ourselves and our neighbors. The sweet corn we dry for winter use; then

⁷Counsels on Diet and Foods, 384.

⁸Counsels on Diet and Foods, 188, 489.

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when we need it we grind it in a mill and cook it. It makes soups and other dishes.

In their season we have grapes in abundance, also prunes and apples, and some cherries, peaches, pears, and olives, which we prepare ourselves. We also grow a large quantity of tomatoes. I never make excuses for the food that is on my table. I do not think God is pleased to have us do so. Our visitors eat as we do, and appear to enjoy our bill of fare.⁹

I Get Up Too Late To Eat In The Morning. Is It All Right If I Skip Breakfast?

When I was at Cooranbong [Australia], many that were great meat eaters came into my family, and when they would sit at my table, where not a particle of meat was served, they would say, “Well, if you have food like this, I could do without meat.” I think that our food satisfies our family. I tell our family, “Whatever you do, do not get a poverty-stricken diet. Place enough on the table to nourish the system.”¹⁰

It is the custom to take a slight breakfast. But this is not the best way to treat the stomach. At breakfast time the stomach is in a better condition to take care of more food than at the second or third meal of the day. The habit of eating a sparing breakfast and a large dinner is wrong. Make your breakfast correspond more nearly to the heartiest meal of the day.¹¹

Don’t You Think It Is All Right For Growing Children To Have A Snack Between Meals?

I am astonished to learn that many of you eat between meals! You should never let a morsel pass your lips between your regular meals. Eat what you ought, but eat it at one meal, and then wait until the next.¹²

⁹Counsels on Diet and Foods, 309, 312, 324.

¹⁰Counsels on Diet and Foods, 489.

¹¹Counsels on Diet and Foods, 173.

¹²Counsels on Diet and Foods, 180.

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How Often Do You Eat?

Most people enjoy better health while eating two meals a day than three; others may require something to eat at suppertime; but this meal should be very light.

I eat only two meals a day. If there are those who are better in health when eating three meals, it is their privilege to have three. I choose two meals. For thirty-five years I have practiced the two-meal system.¹³ [Written in 1903.]

I Wonder If What I Eat Has Anything To Do With The Condition Of My Skin?

I hope you will not eat much sweet. Your skin is in a bad condition. You must tell Anna to get fruit instead of molasses. Don’t stint yourself on fruit. Apples at one dollar a bushel are not high, and are more beneficial to health.¹⁴

Do You Think Girls Should Learn How To Cook?

I would pay a higher price for a cook than for any other part of my work.

Mothers should teach their children how to cook. The eating has to do with the life. There are but few good cooks. Mothers should take their daughters into the kitchen with them when very young, and teach them the art of cooking.

Before children take lessons on the organ or the piano they should be given lessons in cooking.¹⁵

But Do They Have To Learn How To Bake Bread Too?

There is more religion in a good loaf of bread than many think. Bread which is two or three days old is more healthful than new bread.

¹³Counsels on Diet and Foods, 176, 178.

¹⁴Letter 7, 1866.

¹⁵Counsels on Diet and Foods, 259-263.

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A hired girl made a batch of sour, heavy bread. In order to get rid of it and conceal the matter, she threw it to a couple of very large hogs. Next morning the man of the house found his swine dead, and upon examining the trough, found pieces of this heavy bread. The girl acknowledged what she had done. She had not a thought of the effect of such bread upon the swine. If heavy, sour bread will kill swine, which can devour rattlesnakes, what effect will it have upon that tender organ, the human stomach?¹⁶

I Like Desserts! Don’t You?

I have stewed fruit of some kind and sometimes lemon pie.¹⁷

We have always used a little milk and some sugar. This we have never denounced. The time has not yet come for sugar and milk to be wholly abolished from our tables.¹⁸

Far too much sugar is ordinarily used in food. Cakes, sweet puddings, pastries, jellies, jams, are active causes of indigestion. Especially harmful are the custards and puddings in which milk, eggs and sugar are the chief ingredients. The free use of milk and sugar taken together should be avoided. Use simple, wholesome food. No one can have a clear brain who will eat largely of sweet cookies and cream cake and all kinds of pies, and partakes of a great variety of food at one meal.¹⁹

How About Seconds On Pie?

Plain, simple pie may serve as dessert, but when one eats two or three pieces merely to gratify appetite he unfits himself for the service of God. Some, after partaking largely of other food, will take dessert, not because they need it, but because it

¹⁶Counsels on Diet and Foods, 316-318.

¹⁷Counsels on Diet and Foods, 491.

¹⁸Counsels on Diet and Foods, 330.

¹⁹Counsels on Diet and Foods, 333, 334.

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tastes good. If they are asked to take a second piece the temptation is great, and two or three pieces of pie are added to the load placed upon the already overworked stomach. He who will do this has never educated himself to practice self-denial.²⁰

Mother And Daddy Talk About Health Reform. Is This Important?

The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body.²¹

The great object of hygienic reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and body. All the laws of nature—which are the laws of God—are designed for our good. Obedience to them will promote our happiness in this life, and will aid us in a preparation for the life to come.²²

There is real common sense in health reform. People cannot all eat the same things. Some articles of food that are wholesome and palatable to one person, may be hurtful to another. Some cannot use milk, while others can subsist upon it. For some, dried beans and peas are wholesome, while others cannot digest them. So it is impossible to make an unvarying rule by which to regulate everyone’s dietetic habits. Investigate your habits of diet. Do not neglect or abuse the body, and thus unfit it to render to God that service which is His due.²³

More than forty years ago the Lord gave us special light on health reform, but how are we walking in that light? It is our duty to understand the principles of health reform. On the subject of temperance we should be in advance of all other people.

²⁰Counsels on Diet and Foods, 333.

²¹Counsels on Diet and Foods, 32, 33.

²²Counsels on Diet and Foods, 23.

²³Counsels on Health, 154-156.

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When the message of health reform first came to me, I was weak and feeble, subject to frequent fainting spells. I was pleading with God for help, and He opened before me the great subject of health reform. He instructed me that those who are keeping His commandments must be brought into sacred relationship to Himself, and that by temperance in eating and drinking they must keep mind and body in the most favorable condition for service. This light has been a great blessing to me. I took my stand as a health reformer, knowing that the Lord would strengthen me. I have better health today, notwithstanding my age, than I had in my younger days.²⁴

Health reform means something to us, and we must not belittle it by narrow views and practices. We must be true to our convictions of right. Daniel was blessed because he was steadfast in doing what he knew to be right, and we shall be blessed if we seek to honor God with full purpose of heart.²⁵

²⁴Counsels on Health, 131-133.

²⁵Counsels on Health, 156

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Bible Study And Prayer

Ellen Harmon studied her Bible and prayed much. At times she spent most of the night talking with her heavenly Father. On two occasions in a dream she seemed to see Jesus and His angels. At other times she seemed to be working to win souls to Him. These things were very real to her, and she became troubled.

Ellen’s mother, knowing of these two unusual dreams, finally said, “Ellen, why don’t you talk with Elder Stockman? I’m sure he can help you.” So Ellen went to this faithful minister. When she finished telling him of her problems and of her unusual prayer experiences, he placed his hand upon her head and said, “Ellen, you are only a child. Jesus must be preparing you for some special work.” He told her to go home, to trust in Jesus, and not to worry or be afraid. Ellen later wrote, “From Elder Stockman, I obtained more knowledge on the subject of God’s love and pitying tenderness, than from all the sermons to which I had ever listened.”

It was but a step thereafter for Ellen to advance to a sweet closeness with God. Her life of prayer and Bible study and her obedience to Him prepared her well to become God’s special messenger to His people for these closing days of time. [136] [137]

Chapter 12—Tell Me About Bible Study and Prayer

Mrs. White, I Have Some Questions To Ask You Which I Discuss With My Teachers At School. Will You Help Me Find The Answers? First Of All About The Bible—Isn’t It Just For Big People?

Our heavenly Father, in giving His Word, did not overlook the children. In all that men have written, where can be found anything that has such a hold upon the heart, to awaken the interest of the little ones, as the stories of the Bible?

In these simple stories may be made plain the great principles of the law of God.¹

How Can Bible Stories Help Me?

Only the sense of God’s presence can banish the fear that, for the timid child, would make life a burden. Let him read that wonderful story of Elisha in the mountain city, and, between him and the hosts of armed foemen, a mighty encircling band of heavenly angels. Let him read how to Peter, in prison, God’s angel appeared; how, past the armed guards., the massive doors and great iron gateway with their bolts and bars, the angel led God’s servant forth in safety. Let him read of that scene on

¹Child Guidance, 514.

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the sea, when the tempest-tossed soldiers and seamen, worn with labor and watching and long fasting, Paul the prisoner, on his way to trial and execution, spoke those grand words of courage and hope: “Be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you” (Acts 27:22).²

What Advice Did You Give Your Boys About What They Should Read?

My Dear Children, Henry, Edson, and Willie:

We feel somewhat anxious in regard to you. Cause the family with whom you live as little trouble as you can. Be very guarded on the Sabbath. I think it your duty to study the Bible more on the Sabbath. I don’t command you to read the Bible—I never shall. I want you to read the Bible because you love it, not because you are driven to it, for then it will be an unpleasant task. But if you neglect the reading of the Bible you will lose your love for it.

Those who love the Word of God are those who read it most. By reading and searching out Scripture references, you will see the chain of truth, and will see new beauties in the Word of God. It is not natural for the heart to love the Bible; but when it is renewed by grace, then the mind will feast upon the rich truths and promises contained in the Word of God.

Watch and pray, children, lest you be overcome by the enemy. Live Christian lives, and ever keep the glory of God in view. Much love to you, my dear children.³

Dear Willie:

Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation. Have set seasons for prayer. Guard yourself. He that controlleth his own

²Child Guidance, 42, 43.

³An Appeal to the Youth, 79, 80.

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spirit is greater than he that taketh a city. Jesus will help you, Willie; He will bless you. It is important for you to think before you speak and act. Do nothing which you will regret afterward.

Your father sends you a very nice Bible. I hope it will please you, my dear boy. We want to love the Lord more and more earnestly. We wish you to pray for His Holy Spirit to guide you. You have not strength to keep yourself; you must trust in God, and pray to Him alone all by yourself. Think what you desire most, and then ask your kind heavenly Father for the very things you need, and He will grant you the desire of your heart. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than earthly parents to give good gifts to their children.

We are anxious that you should manifest fruits of earnest, sincere love and devotion to your dear Redeemer, who gave His life to save you. When you have tokens of such deep and unselfish love will there not be awakened in your heart gratitude and love for Jesus? Will you not delight to study His life?⁴

How About Comic Books And Exciting Stories?

My dear young friends, can you, after such reading, open the Bible and read with interest the words of life? Discard all trashy reading. Keep the mind free from everything that would lead it in a wrong direction.

The Bible is our guide to a higher, better life. It contains the most interesting and the most instructive history and biography that were ever written. Take your Bibles and begin to study with fresh interest the sacred records of the Old and New Testaments. The oftener you study the Bible, the more beautiful

⁴Letter 11, 1867.

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will it appear, and the less relish you will have for light reading. Bind this precious volume to your hearts. It will be to you a friend and guide.⁵

I Go To School And I Am Busy With Homework, Too. I Wish I Had More Time To Pray.

I know that much of your time is taken up with your studies, and with doing errands; but, dear children, don’t forget to pray. The Lord loves to have children pray to Him. And if you really repent and feel sorry for your sins God will forgive your sins for Jesus’ sake.⁶

We want you to love secret prayer. Just as long as you watch and pray you will retain the victory, but when you love diversion and play better than you love to read the precious Word of God and better than you love the hour of prayer, you manifest that your love for holy things is small. If we overcome our wrong and sinful habits we must work. Make strong efforts, for Satan will do all in his power to overcome every one who is seeking to love and serve Jesus.⁷

But What Shall I Pray About?

Try to live humble, prayerful lives and expect the blessing of the Lord to be with you. Believe that He hears you when you pray to Him. Tell Jesus all your troubles. He will delight to bear your burdens and griefs for you. We have a tender, loving Saviour. Love Him and trust Him with your whole heart.⁸

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows.

⁵Messages to Young People, 273, 274.

⁶An Appeal to the Youth, 42.

⁷Letter 11, 1867.

⁸Letter 13, 1867.

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Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice.⁹

We need to praise God more “for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8. Our devotional exercises should not consist wholly in asking and receiving. Let us not be always thinking of our wants, and never of the benefits we receive. We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. We are the constant recipients of God’s mercies, and yet how little gratitude we express, how little we praise Him for what He has done for us.

The soul may ascend nearer heaven on the wings of praise. God is worshiped with song and music in the courts above. Let us with reverent joy come before our Creator, with “thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.” Isaiah 51:3.¹⁰

Let two or three students meet together, and ask God to help them to be missionaries in this school, a blessing and a help to their fellow students. When you rise in the morning kneel at your bedside and ask God to give you strength to fulfill the duties of the day and meet its temptations. Ask Him to help you to bring into your work Christ’s sweetness of character. Ask Him to help you to speak words that will draw those around you nearer to Christ.¹¹

Sister White, Do You Close Your Eyes When You Pray?

Sister White closes her eyes when she prays, that with spiritual vision she may behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Let us pray with closed eyes, seeking

⁹Steps to Christ, 100.

¹⁰Steps to Christ, 102-104.

¹¹MS 125, 1902.

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by faith the Saviour who knows our every weakness, our every necessity, and who helps our infirmities.¹²

How Did You Make Family Worship Interesting For Your Children?

In every family there should be a time for morning and evening worship. How appropriate it is for parents to gather their children about them before the fast is broken, to thank the heavenly Father for His protection during the night, and to ask Him for His help and guidance and watchcare during the day! How fitting, also, when evening comes, for parents and children to gather once more before Him and thank Him for the blessings of the day that is past....

The hour of prayer is the most precious, the most sacred, and the happiest hour of the day.¹³

Be sure that the soul is fed with the bread of life. It is impossible to estimate the good results of one hour or even half an hour each day devoted in a cheerful, social manner to the Word of God. Do not break up your home class for callers or visitors. If they come in during the exercise, invite them to take part in it. Let it be seen that you consider it more important to obtain a knowledge of God’s Word than to secure the gains or pleasures of the world.¹⁴

Let the seasons of family worship be short and spirited. Do not let your children or any member of your family dread them because of their tediousness or lack of interest. By a little thought and careful preparation for this season, when we come into the presence of God, family worship can be made pleasant. A few verses will be sufficient to furnish a lesson which may be studied and practiced through the day. Questions may be asked, a few earnest, interesting remarks made. At least a

¹²Letter 29, 1901.

¹³Child Guidance, 520, 521.

¹⁴Child Guidance, 511.

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few verses of spirited song may be sung, and the prayer offered should be short and pointed. The one who leads in prayer should not pray about everything, but should express his needs in simple words and praise God with thanksgiving. The hours of morning and evening worship should be the sweetest and most helpful of the day.¹⁵

Suppose I’m In A Place Where I Can’t Kneel And Pray?

We lose much by forgetting Jesus when we travel. We cannot, while upon the cars or boats, enter our closets and there be alone with God; but we can uplift our hearts to Him in silent prayer for grace to keep our thoughts stayed upon Him; and He will surely hear us.

There will be temptations to let our thoughts and words flow in the same channel with those of the worldlings around us, but it should be kept in mind that in “the multitude of words there wanteth not sin.” Those who are Christians will profess Christ in their choice conversation, in their sobriety, and in their deportment wherever they are.¹⁶

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.

When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray.¹⁷

Oh, I Know The Lord’s Prayer. I Learned That In Church School!

Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. He is our example in all things. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should

¹⁵Child Guidance, 521, 522.

¹⁶Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 160.

¹⁷Steps to Christ, 93.

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feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.

Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! The angels love to bow before God, they love to be near Him.

Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse.

We should pray in the family circle, and above all, we must not neglect secret prayer, for that is the life of the soul. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. God is our tower of strength.

When we realize His great love we should be willing to trust everything to the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.¹⁸

Does God Always Answer Our Prayers, And Give Us What We Ask For?

When you rise in the morning, do you humbly, and heartily make known your wants to your heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and when you are in danger of unconsciously doing wrong, your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course, choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.¹⁹

We are to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. The answer to our prayers may not come as quickly as we desire, and it may not be just what we have asked; but He who knows what is for the highest good of His children will bestow a much greater good than we have asked, if we do not become faithless and discouraged.²⁰

¹⁸Steps to Christ, 93-104.

¹⁹Testimonies for the Church 3:363, 364.

²⁰Sons and Daughters of God, 92.

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More Questions

In this book Mrs. White has answered many questions about her life, her work, and her travels. In Chapters Eleven and Twelve she has helped with problems that junior youth face daily—how to have strong bodies, how to become strong spiritually.

Now you are at Mrs. White’s home again. It is Sabbath afternoon. You and a group of friends have called to ask a few special questions. You know that Sister White will answer them, because she is always willing to help anyone with problems.

First there is a song, then prayer, followed by questions. You can hardly wait to begin. Your own question comes first. You listen closely as she answers, and you are satisfied. Settling back comfortably, you listen to the questions and answers that follow. [146]

Chapter 13—Some More Questions I’d Like to Ask

Some People Say That The Sabbath Has Been Changed. Others Don’t Worry About Keeping Any Day Holy. How About That, Sister White?

Some urge that it is of no consequence whether we keep the Sabbath or not; but we say that it is a matter of great importance. Had it not been important, God would not have wrought to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. It was because He saw they could not obey His commandments in their servitude, that He revealed His mighty arm in bringing them into a place where they could serve Him. When they came to Sinai, Christ and the Father, standing side by side upon the mount, with solemn majesty proclaimed the Ten Commandments, placing in the very center the Sabbath command. Again and again the Lord told the people that if they would keep His Sabbath He would take them to Himself to be His chosen people; and again and again sorrow and shame were brought upon them because they failed to keep it. He also told them that the Sabbath should be a sign between Him and them forever, that they might know that He was the Lord their God.

We want to know the truth, the whole truth, as it is in Jesus. [147] All we need to know is the will of the Master. He says, “Go forward.” We should obey, even though the Red Sea were before us.¹

I Like To Sleep In On Sabbath Morning.

It is a sad failing with many that they are always behind time on Sabbath morning. They are very particular about their own time, they cannot lose an hour of that; but the Lord’s time, the only day out of the seven that the Lord claims as His, is squandered away by sleeping late in the morning. In this they are robbing God. It causes them to be behind in everything.

Now why can we not rise early with the birds, and offer praise and thanksgiving to God? Try it. Have your preparations all made the day before. Come promptly to Sabbath school and meeting, and you will reap rich blessings for yourselves.²

There are many children who plead a lack of time as a reason why their Sabbath school lessons are not learned; but there are but few who could not find time to learn their lessons if they had an interest in them.³

Sometimes It’s Hard To Behave And Be Quiet For So Long In Church.

Children should be made to know and understand where they are—that they are not at home, but where God meets with His people. And they should be kept quiet and free from all play, and God will turn His face toward you, to meet with you and bless you.⁴

The home is a school where all may learn how they are to act in the church. The angels of God will help you to make

¹Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 231-233.

²The Youth’s Instructor, March 19, 1879.

³Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 56.

⁴Child Guidance, 543.

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your family a model of the heavenly family. Let there be peace in the home, and there will be peace in the church.⁵

How Should I Dress When I Go To Church?

All should be neat, clean, and orderly in their dress. There should be no display of the apparel. The attention of the people is often called to this or that fine article of dress, and thus thoughts are intruded that should have no place in the hearts of the worshipers. God is to be the subject of thought, the object of worship. The parading of bows and ribbons, ruffles and feathers, and gold and silver ornaments is a species of idolatry. Some receive the idea that they must be neglectful of their apparel. These persons assemble with God’s people upon the Sabbath, with their clothing dusty and soiled, and even with gaping rents in their garments, which are placed upon their persons in a slovenly manner.

These persons think that it is no matter in what dress they appear when they meet upon the Sabbath to worship the great God.⁶

What Can I Do On Sabbath Besides Go To Church?

The parents may take their children outdoors to view God in nature. They can be pointed to the blooming flowers and the opening buds, the lofty trees and beautiful spires of grass, and taught that God made all these in six days and rested on the seventh day and hallowed it.

We are not to teach our children that they must not be happy on the Sabbath, that it is wrong to walk out-of-doors. Oh, no. Christ led His disciples out by the lakeside on the Sabbath day and taught them. His sermons on the Sabbath were not always preached within enclosed walls.⁷

⁵Child Guidance, 549.

⁶Child Guidance, 427, 428.

⁷Child Guidance, 533, 534.

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It Isn’t Only On Sabbath That My Parents Worry About My Clothes. Does It Really Matter How I Dress?

In dress, as in all things else, it is our privilege to honor our Creator. He desires our clothing to be not only neat and healthful but appropriate and becoming.

There is a class who think it a virtue to be dirty, and dress without order and taste; and their clothing often looks as if it flew and lit upon their persons.⁸

It Keeps My Mother Busy Doing The Washing, Ironing, And Mending For Our Family.

The young should form correct habits in dress; they should be taught to keep their garments clean and neatly mended. All their habits should be such as to make them a help and comfort to others.⁹

Is It Wrong To Have Nice Clothes?

Our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display.¹⁰

When you devote precious time to trimming your apparel, remember that the King of glory wore a plain, seamless coat. Please bear in mind that Jesus was often weary from toil and self-denial and self-sacrifice to bless the suffering and the needy. It was to save us from pride which crowds out the love of Jesus, that those tears were shed.¹¹

Why Can’t Children Do As They Please?

Children who are allowed to have their own way are not happy.¹²

⁸Child Guidance, 413, 415.

⁹Child Guidance, 419.

¹⁰Child Guidance, 420.

¹¹Child Guidance, 421, 422.

¹²Child Guidance, 213, 214.

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Do You Believe In Punishing Children?

Sometimes they will have to be punished, but never in such a way that they will feel that they have been punished in anger.¹³

What Can I Do To Be Really Happy?

Those who are always busy, and who cheerfully go about their daily tasks, are the most happy and enjoy the best health.¹⁴

What Do You Think Is The Most Important Lesson Children Must Learn?

One of the first lessons a child needs to learn is the lesson of obedience.¹⁵

Why Do Older People Always Talk To Me About My Habits?

We shall be what our habits make us. The lives of those who form right habits will be as shining lights, shedding bright beams upon the pathway of others; but if neglectful habits are allowed, a cloud darker than midnight will settle, and forever debar from future life.¹⁶

Why Is Our Church So Small, Compared With Other Churches?

In the time of the Flood nearly all the inhabitants of the world thought that they were right and that Noah was wrong. They claimed that they knew more than that faithful servant of God, and thus closed their ears to words of truth, and darkness came upon them. They explained to the people the foolishness of Noah’s statement that a rain would come upon the

¹³Child Guidance, 244.

¹⁴Child Guidance, 342.

¹⁵Child Guidance, 82.

¹⁶Child Guidance, 202.

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earth when no signs of such had ever existed. God’s message was to come to them through Noah, but they laughed and mocked at his words, and said, Does he not speak in parables? But their unbelief did not prevent the Flood, and they finally drank the waters that covered the earth. We do not want to be like them.

We must not be discouraged if there are only a few that believe the present truth. It is not the great numbers that follow Christ. In answer to the question, “Are there few that be saved?” the reply was, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14).

The whole world perished in the Flood. Only three were saved at the destruction of Sodom, but they had the warning. Daniel and his three companions stood alone.

But we should rejoice in the thought that the angels in heaven are sent to strengthen us, and we have not to fight our battles alone.¹⁷

Can’t I Be Good Without Being “Religious”?

Religion helps children to study better and to do more faithful work. A little girl of twelve was telling, in a simple way, that she was a Christian. “I did not like to study, but to play. I was idle at school and often missed my lessons. Now I learn every lesson well, to please God. I was mischievous at school, when the teachers were not looking at me, making fun for the children to look at. Now I wish to please God by behaving well and keeping the school laws. I was selfish at home, didn’t like to run errands, and was sulky when mother called me from play to help her in work. Now it is a real joy for me to help mother in any way and to show that I love her.”¹⁸

¹⁷MS 43, 1886.

¹⁸Child Guidance, 490.

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Do You Think I Should Go To Church School?

As far as possible, all our children should have a Christian education.¹⁹

What Kind Of School Did Jesus Go To When He Was A Boy?

His [Jesus’] education was gained from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures, from nature, and from the experiences of life—God’s lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding heart.

Spread out before Him was the great library of God’s created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did.²⁰

Maybe That’s Why He Did So Much Of His Teaching Outdoors.

The fields and hills were the favorite resorts of Jesus, and much of His teaching was given under the open sky, rather than in the Temple or the synagogues. No synagogue could have received the throngs that followed Him; but not for this reason only did He choose to teach in the fields and groves. Jesus loved the scenes of nature. To Him each quiet retreat was a sacred temple.

He loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens, on some grassy hillside, or on the beach beside the lake. The things of nature take up the parables of our Lord, and repeat His counsels. By communion with God in nature the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.²¹

¹⁹Child Guidance, 307, 308.

²⁰Child Guidance, 50, 51.

²¹The Desire of Ages, 290, 291.

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I Wish I Could Go To That Kind Of School!

Who gives us the sunshine which makes the earth bring forth and bear? and who the fruitful showers? Every time we look at the world, we are reminded of the mighty hand of God. He might have made the grass brown or black, but God is a lover of the beautiful, and He has given us beautiful things upon which to look.

We have no better lesson book than nature.²²

The animals are to be teachers. The ants teach lessons of patient industry, and the birds are teachers of the sweet lesson of trust. Our heavenly Father provides for them; but they must gather the food, they must build their nests and rear their young. Every moment they are exposed to enemies that seek to destroy them. Yet how cheerily they go about their work! How full of joy are their little songs! All the creatures of the woods and hills are a part of His great household. He opens His hand and satisfies “the desire of every living thing.”²³

Are There Some Really Beautiful Nature Scenes That You Remember?

We witnessed on our journey the most magnificent sunset we ever looked upon. The setting sun threw its golden rays upon the heavens, flecking the blue-and-white sky with its golden tints, illuminating the heavens. No artist could produce so grand a picture.²⁴

We have seen the wonders of God in a gorgeous rainbow spanning the heavens. The reflection of the gold, purple, and silver upon the green mountains was a lovely sight. The power and wisdom of God can be seen in His works on every hand.²⁵

²²Child Guidance, 54, 55.

²³Child Guidance, 58, 59.

²⁴MS 3, 1873.

²⁵MS 4, 1873

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In The Olden Days, Did They Ever Plan Special Things For The Youth, Such As Hikes Or Nature Walks?

Tasmania camp meeting, November 28 to December 9, 1895.—A very profitable series of Bible studies with the youth was held each morning. There were about twenty in attendance. Children’s meetings were held twice a day. After the morning lesson, on pleasant days, teachers and children took a long walk; and during the walk, by the banks of the river or in the grassy fields, a halt was called, and a short lesson from nature given. It was noticeable that on those days when the children had a ramble in the fields they were very quiet and orderly in the camp. The attendance at the morning meetings when only the children of the camp were present was thirty. In the afternoon, when the school children from the neighborhood came in, there were from fifty to sixty.²⁶

My Father Says Yard Work Is Good For Me.

If possible, the home should be out of the city, where the children can have ground to cultivate. Let them each have a piece of ground of their own; and as you teach them how to make a garden, how to prepare the soil for seed, and the importance of keeping all the weeds pulled out, teach them also how important it is to keep unsightly, injurious practices out of the life. Teach them to keep down wrong habits as they keep down the weeds in their gardens. The farmer plows his land and sows his seed, but he cannot make the seed grow. He must depend on God to do that which no human power can do. Under His care the germ of life breaks through the hard crust encasing it, and springs up to bear fruit. As the children are told of the work that God does for the seed, they learn the secret of growth in grace.²⁷

²⁶The Review and Herald, February 11, 1896.

²⁷Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 124, 125.

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How Are The Records Kept In Heaven?

Let children remember that day by day they are each forming a character, and that the features of this character are imprinted upon the books of heaven. God is taking pictures of His people, just as surely as an artist takes pictures of men and women. What kind of picture do you wish to produce? What kind of picture will the great Master Artist make of you in the records of heaven? We must decide this now. When death shall come, there will be no time to straighten the crooked places in the character.

To us this should be a most important matter. Every day our likeness is being taken for time and for eternity. Let each one say, “I am having my likeness taken today.” Ask yourself, “How will my words sound to the heavenly angels? Are they as apples of gold in pictures of silver, or are they like a blasting hail?”

Not only our words and actions but our thoughts make up the picture of what we are. Then let every soul be good and do good. Let the picture made of you be one of which you will not be ashamed. God help us to make our record what we would wish it to be in the heavenly record.²⁸

Why Do I Have Trouble And Trials When I’m Doing My Best To Follow And Obey Jesus?

Dear friends, be firm to truth and to duty. Trials may press closer and closer; but Jesus will lead you, if you will let Him. Pray much. Then, in the day of trouble, He will come to your deliverance, and will hide you under the shadow of His wings. When your names are cast out as evil, and friends turn against you, remember how Jesus was treated on earth. Can His followers expect better treatment than He received?²⁹

²⁸Child Guidance, 562, 563.

²⁹Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 234.

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How Can I Tell If I’ll Be Strong Enough To Stand In The Time Of Trouble?

God does not give us the spirit of the martyrs today, for we have not come to the point of martyrdom. He is now testing us by smaller trials and crosses. And at times when it seems that the billows of temptation will go over our heads, let us remember that the eye of God is watching over us, and let us be willing to endure all the trials that He sees fit to send.³⁰

Do You Think The Reward Will Be Worth All The Temptations And Battles We Go Through?

John in holy vision saw a company standing around the great white throne, every one of them having white robes. The question is asked, Who are these, and whence came they? And the answer is given: “These are they which have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” If you want to be among this company, you must not study how you can escape trials in this life. Get your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Christ gave His life for us, and now, if necessary, we should give our lives for Him. We are His, for He has bought us; and we ought not to rob Him of that for which He has made this infinite sacrifice. Will the gates of the city of God be closed against us, or shall we dwell with Jesus through eternity? We want to give to God all that there is of us.³¹

As you enter the school of Christ you have lessons to learn. You are scholars. You must discipline yourselves. Be not easily disheartened or discouraged. Be valiant soldiers of the cross. Learn to endure hardness, and be not easily offended. Be not easily provoked or annoyed with little trials. When you have

³⁰Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 233.

³¹Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 233, 234.

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little difficulties to bear which seem hard, think of Jesus the dear Saviour, how He suffered and endured to save sinful mortals.³²

Sister White, It’s Been Wonderful Talking To You. You Make Me Want To Live The Kind Of Life Jesus Wants Me To Live!

Love truthfulness and honesty. These are sacred treasures. Do not lay them aside for a moment. You may be tempted and often tried, but it is at such a time when these lovely treasures shine and are highly prized. Cling closely to these precious traits, whatever you may be called to suffer. Let truthfulness and honesty ever live in your heart. Never, through fear of punishment, sacrifice these noble traits. The Lord will help you to do right.

There is a work for you to do. May the Lord clearly open to your young mind the plan of salvation, and lead you to give yourself unreservedly to Jesus as His, to serve Him continually. Come to Him, love Him because He first loved you; love Him for His lovely character; love Him because He loved you well enough to die for you.³³

³²Letter 11, 1867.

³³An Appeal to the Youth, 45-47.

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Your questions have been answered. Your visits with Sister White have come to an end. You promise her that you will be faithful to God and His Word, and that you will read the books she has written.

But there is a beautiful place Jesus has gone to prepare. In that place nothing will come to an end. In that place you will want to become acquainted with your guardian angel. You will meet Jesus, who gave His life for you, face to face. And there you can renew your visit with God’s servant, Sister White.