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Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White 1888
upon him and upon all in the room, and he felt that his confessions
were accepted of God, and he praised the Lord for his goodness.
“On the morning of the 3d, his friends were alarmed by the dis-
charge of blood from his nose and mouth. From this time forward he
expressed but little desire to get well. He said to his mother, as she
was attending him, ‘promise me, mother, that if I die, I may be taken
to Battle Creek, and laid by the side of my little brother, John Herbert,
that we may come up together in the morning of the resurrection.’
He was assured that his wishes should be gratified. He also told his
mother that he had sometimes felt that too much restraint had been
placed upon him. ‘But,’ he added, ‘you have not been any too strict. I
now realize that I was in danger, and am glad you said as much as you
did. I wish I had heeded your advice more faithfully.’
“On the 4th, he carefully reviewed the events of his life, mourn-
ing over his imperfections, still pleading with god for pardon and
acceptance. From this time he seemed to enjoy peace of mind and the
blessing of god. He often requested his parents to pray for him, not
that he might get well, but that he might feel his acceptance with god
every moment. He grew weaker, and could not speak above a whisper.
“On the 5th, burdened with grief, his father retired to a place of
prayer, and afterward returned to the sick-room feeling the assurance
that god would do all things well, and thus expressed himself to his
suffering son. At this his countenance seemed to light up with a
heavenly smile, and he nodded his assent and whispered, ‘yes, he
will.’ He suffered much through the night, but seemed to bear all with
patience.
[347]
“On the morning of the 6th, he said that he had enjoyed more of
the blessing of god during the past two days than ever before in all his
life. He realized that many were the dangers of the young, and seemed
to have no desire to live. As he expected to die, he said that though for
some time he would lie unconscious in the grave, yet it would seem to
him but a moment, and would be the same to him as though he went to
heaven immediately. He felt that he could not live long, and wished to
leave a few sentiments for the young, which he dictated as follows:—
“‘I consider it a privilege before I sleep to say a few words to
my young friends. My age is sixteen years. I was baptized, and
united with the church last winter. I mourn over my unfaithfulness
and lack of devotion in the good cause. I believe that god has laid