Letters (Written May 10, 12, 16, and 17, 1876)
249
moral religious training as a hyena, shedding hypocritical tears for
effect, is enough to stir the mirthfulness of the gravest saint.”—LI 115,
116 (1868)
.
The force of James White’s personality was an invaluable asset
during the formative years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With
his wife’s visions constantly challenging him, Elder White started
publications, built institutions, promoted church organization, and
spiritually fed the flock. In addition, for 10 years he served as president
of the General Conference. (His life story is told by Virgil Robinson in
a biography entitled James White, published by the Review and Herald
Publishing Association in 1976.)
But when that strong personality, altered by a series of strokes, was
turned on his family and associates—including his wife—Ellen found
her strength and patience stretched nearly to their limits. A person who
reads only these four letters will certainly obtain a distorted picture of
the relationship between James and Ellen White. One must keep in
mind statements such as the following, written by James about Ellen:
“Marriage marks an important era in the lives of men. ‘Whoso
findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord,’
is the language of wisdom.
Proverbs 18:22
.... We were married August
30, 1846, and from that hour unto the present she has been my crown
of rejoicing.”—
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 125, 126 (1880)
.
Even in his illness, James realized at times that his actions were not
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in harmony with his good intentions. In 1879 he wrote his children:
“I wish now to call your attention to a subject of graver importance.
Probably, dear children, I may have erred in some sharp things I have
written relative to the mistakes of younger heads. It is my nature to
retaliate when pressed beyond measure. I wish I was a better man.”—
James White to Willie and Mary, February 27, 1879
.
We do not know all that happened after the fourth letter was written,
but in less than 10 days Ellen was by her husband’s side at the Kansas
camp meeting
.
On May 16, the same day on which the third of the four letters was
written to Lucinda, Ellen wrote, in part, to her husband:
“It grieves me that I have said or written anything to grieve you.
Forgive me and I will be cautious not to start any subject to annoy and
distress you.”—
Letter 27, 1876
.