Ellen G. White and Her Writings
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to the end, you shall eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and drink of the
water of the river of life.”
The Lord gave me great light on health reform. In connection with
my husband, I was to be a medical missionary worker. I was to set
an example to the church by taking the sick to my home and caring
for them. This I have done, giving the women and children vigorous
treatment. I was also to speak on the subject of Christian temperance,
as the Lord’s appointed messenger. I engaged heartily in this work,
and spoke to large assemblies on temperance in its broadest and truest
sense.
I was instructed that I must ever urge upon those who profess to
believe the truth, the necessity of practicing the truth. This means
sanctification, and sanctification means the culture and training of
every capability for the Lord’s service.
I was charged not to neglect or pass by those who were being
wronged. I was specially charged to protest against any arbitrary or
overbearing action toward the ministers of the gospel by those having
official authority. Disagreeable though the duty may be, I am to reprove
the oppressor, and plead for justice. I am to present the necessity of
maintaining justice and equity in all our institutions.
If I see those in positions of trust neglecting aged ministers, I
am to present the matter to those whose duty it is to care for them.
Ministers who have faithfully done their work are not to be forgotten
or neglected when they have become feeble in health. Our conferences
are not to disregard the needs of those who have borne the burdens of
the work. It was after John had grown old in the service of the Lord
that he was exiled to Patmos. And on that lonely isle he received more
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communications from heaven than he had received during the rest of
his lifetime.
After my marriage I was instructed that I must show a special
interest in motherless and fatherless children, taking some under my
own charge for a time, and then finding homes for them. Thus I would
be giving others an example of what they could do.
Although called to travel often, and having much writing to do,
I have taken children of three and five years of age, and have cared
for them, educated them, and trained them for responsible positions. I
have taken into my home from time to time boys from ten to sixteen
years of age, giving them motherly care, and a training for service. I