Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Life Sketches of Ellen G.White

Ellen G. White

1915

Copyright 2011Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.

Information about this Book

Overview

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

About the Author

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

Further Links

A Brief Biography of Ellen G. WhiteAbout the Ellen G. White Estate

End User License Agreement

The viewing, printing or downloading of this book grants you only alimited, nonexclusive and nontransferable license for use solely by youfor your own personal use. This license does not permit republication,distribution, assignment, sublicense, sale, preparation of derivativeworks, or other use. Any unauthorized use of this book terminates thelicense granted hereby.

Further Information

For more information about the author, publishers, or how you cansupport this service, please contact the Ellen G. White Estate [email protected]. We are thankful for your interest and feedbackand wish you Gods blessing as you read.

i

Preface

The story of the early Christian experience and public labors of Mrs.Ellen G. White was first printed in the year 1860, in a little volumeof three hundred pages, entitled, My Christian Experience, Views,and Labors, in Connection With the Rise and Progress of the ThirdAngels Message.

This narrative of her life and labors to 1860, was amplified by her,and was republished in 1880 as a part of a larger work, entitled, LifeSketches of James White and Ellen G. White. This, as well as theearlier autobiography, has long been out of print.

In the present volume will be found, as told in her own language,a brief story of her childhood days, her conversion, and her earlyChristian experiences in connection with the great Second Adventmovement of 1840 to 1844. In a vivid way she tells of the sorrows andjoys of her youthful ministry in the years that followed. She picturesthe trials, the struggles, and the successes that attended the labors ofa few earnest souls from whose endeavors sprang the churches thatafterward united to form the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

The story of her more extended travels and labors in connectionwith her husband, Elder James White, she briefly relates from the time [6]of their marriage in 1846 to his death in 1881.

With chapter forty-two, on page 255, her life-story is continued byC. C. Crisler, who, with the assistance of her son, W. C. White, andD. E. Robinson, has completed the sketch.

In the closing chapters many interesting incidents regarding travelsand labors have been passed over briefly, in order that place might befound for the quotation of some of her most inspiring and instructiveutterances regarding the development of Christian experience, and theduty laid upon every follower of Christ to be a true disciple of Himwho gave His life for the salvation of the world. The final pages givean account of her last sickness, and of the funeral services.

iii

Of Mrs. White it may assuredly be said, she hath done whatshe could. Hers was a life filled with inspiration for all engaged insoul-winning service.

Publishers.[7]

ContentsInformation about this Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iPreface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iiiChapter 1Childhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Misfortune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chapter 2Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Early Impressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15A Spiritual Revival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Righteousness by Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16The Burden Lifted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17In Newness of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Uniting with the Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 3Strivings Against Doubt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20The Advent Cause in Portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20In Perplexity Over Sanctification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21The Doctrine of Eternal Punishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Chapter 4Beginning of Public Labors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Dream of Temple and Lamb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Dream of Seeing Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Friendly Sympathy and Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28My First Public Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29A View of the Fathers Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Bearing Testimony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Laboring for Young Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Chapter 5Separation from the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Doctrinal Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34The Hope of the Second Advent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Last Testimony in Class Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Spreading the Advent Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37The Immortality Question . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38The Pastors Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39The Church Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Chapter 6The Disappointment of 1843-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Meetings in Beethoven Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

v

vi Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

An Exhortation by Elder Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Joyous Expectancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Days of Perplexity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45An Error in Reckoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Hope Renewed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47A Trial of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47A Period of Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47The Passing of the Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Chapter 7My First Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Chapter 8Call to Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Encouragement from the Brethren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Fear of Self-Exaltation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Among the Believers in Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 9Answers to Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Chapter 10Labors in New Hampshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Encouragement for Elder Morse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62A Lack of True Godliness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Spiritual Magnetism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Meeting at Brother Colliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65The Cannot-Sin Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66True Sanctification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Chapter 11Meeting Fanaticism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68A False Humility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Fruits of the No-Work Doctrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69The Dignity of Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69A Severe Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Exhortations to Faithfulness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72The Seal of Divine Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Lessons from the Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Chapter 12The Sabbath of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Chapter 13Marriage and United Labors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

In Confirmation of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Fervent, Effectual Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Labors in Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80A View of the Heavenly Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Chapter 14Struggles with Poverty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84First Visit to Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Conference at Rocky Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Contents vii

Earning Means to Visit Western New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86Chapter 15Labors in Western New York in 1848 . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Conference at Volney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88Visit to Brother SnowsHannibal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Meeting at Port Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Visit to Brother HarrissCenterport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Visit to Brother AbbeysBrookfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Chapter 16A View of the Sealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93Chapter 17Encouraging Providences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Healing of Gilbert Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96Healing of Sister Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97The Family of Leonard Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Moving to Connecticut in 1849 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Living WatersA Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Chapter 18Beginning to Publish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101The Present Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Visit to Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Advancing by Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Residence in Oswego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Chapter 19Visiting the Scattered Flock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105At Camden, N. Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105In Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Rising Above Despondency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107In Canada East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107The Meeting at Johnson, VT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108Return to New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Chapter 20Publishing Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Satans Efforts to Hinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Triumphing Through Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113The Review and Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Removal to Saratoga Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Chapter 21In Rochester, New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116Death of Robert Harmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116Pressing On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Conversion of the Office Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Nathaniel and Anna White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Chapter 22Advancing Under Difficulties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121First Visit to Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

viii Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Writing and Traveling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123Deliverance from Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123Visit to Michigan and Wisconsin1854 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125Return to Rochester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Death of Anna White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Chapter 23Removal to Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128Comforting Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128Captivity Turned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Chapter 24Labors in the Middle West1856-58 . . . . . . . . . . . 131A Victory at Waukon, Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131View at Lovetts Grove, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132Writing Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Chapter 25Personal Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134Efforts to Establish the Publishing Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134Parental Cares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134Loss of Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Chapter 26Battling Against Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136The Sickness of Elder James White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137Sojourn at Dansville, N. Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137Seasons of Prayer and Blessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Chapter 27Conflicts and Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141Labors at Wright, Mich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141At Greenville, Mich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142Visit to Battle CreekMarch, 1867 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142Laying Hold on God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Chapter 28Among the Churches in New England . . . . . . . . . . . 145In Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145Revival Services at Washington, N. H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146In Vermont and New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Return to Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Chapter 29Reclaiming the Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149An Encouraging Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Visiting Churches in Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Caring for the Sick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151Revival Meetings at Greenville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151The Lost Sheep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152En Route to Battle Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153The General Conference of May, 1868 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Contents ix

Chapter 30Traveling the Narrow Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155Chapter 31Burden Bearers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158Chapter 32A Solemn Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160Chapter 33Missionary Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165Chapter 34Broader Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169Chapter 35Into All the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Special Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171Opening Providences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Sowing Beside All Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Publications in Many Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173A Harvest of Precious Souls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Chapter 36Circulating the Printed Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175Chapter 37Public Labors in 1877 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Special Services for College Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Temperance Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179On the Indiana Camp Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180Walking out by Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181The Eastern Camp Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182Return to Michigan and California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Chapter 38Visit to Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185The Voyage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185Meetings of Special Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186A Prison Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188The Return Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Chapter 39From State to State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190In Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190The New England Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191Meeting in Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192At Battle Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192Kansas Camp Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193Visit to Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Chapter 40A View of the Judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195Times of Test and Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197A Call for Burden Bearers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Chapter 41The Death of Elder James White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200Chapter 42Fortitude Under Affliction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Personal Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206Finding Rest in Labor for Souls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

x Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Special Efforts for the Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209Chapter 43Restoration of Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211Chapter 44Writing and Speaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Visit to Battle Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217The Path of Obedience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218Ripening for the Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219Lay Members as Missionaries for God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220An Example of Self-Sacrifice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221Filling Up the Ranks of Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222Establishing Faith in Bible Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223The General Conference of 1883 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224Closing Labors in the East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Chapter 45Labors in Central Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226The Imprimerie Polyglotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226Publishing Houses in Many Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227The Sale of Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228The Training of Colporteurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229Development Through Faithful Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231Visits to Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Chapter 46Labors in Great Britain and Scandinavia . . . . . . . . . 234Consecration, Courage, Confidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234Dispelling the Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236First Visit to Scandinavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238Second Visit to Scandinavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239Fifth European Missionary Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241Efficiency in Missionary Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242Go Forward! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244A Remarkable Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246Messages of Hope and Courage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

Chapter 47In Confirmation of Confidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248Proposals Regarding Centralization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Suggested Changes in Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250Formal Consideration of Proposed Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251A Special Committee Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251The Sabbath Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Chapter 48Danger in Adopting Worldly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255Policy in the Work of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

Chapter 49Across the Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

Contents xi

The Voyage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264The Australian Conference Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265Consideration of School Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266Sickness, and Change of Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267The Opening of the Australasian Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Encompassed by Infirmities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269A Review of Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269The Australian Conference of January, 1893 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271Labors in New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Chapter 50The First Australian Camp Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274Chapter 51The Avondale School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278

Work and Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278Looking for a Suitable Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283An Industrial Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284A Beautiful Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285Help from Friends in Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287Putting Up the First Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288Another Test of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290Aims and Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291Missionary Labor the Highest Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292Fields White Unto the Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293A Training Ground for Mission Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294After Many Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

Chapter 52Through the South to the Conference of 1901 . . . . . 300Centers of Influence and of Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300Special Opportunities in the South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301Institutional Training in Many Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302Self-Supporting Missionaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303Reorganization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

Chapter 53At the Nations Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307From Battle Creek to the East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308In Search of a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308Favorable Conditions at Takoma Park, D. C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311An Advance Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313Words of Encouragement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313Arise, And Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

Chapter 54In Southern California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316Chapter 55The San Francisco Earthquake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

xii Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Retributive Judgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322Working the Cities from Outpost Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324Scenes of Destruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324Warnings and Exhortations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325Calls to Repentance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

Chapter 56At the 1909 General Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329A Representative Gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330The Work in the Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330Special Efforts in New England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331Delegations from Abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332Strife among the Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332Important Counsels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

Chapter 57Closing Labors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336Personal Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337The Pioneers of the Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338Giving the Trumpet a Certain Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338Book Manuscript Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340A Solemn Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

Chapter 58Last Sickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347Chapter 59The Elmshaven Funeral Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355Chapter 60The Memorial Service at Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360Chapter 61The Funeral Services at Battle Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

In the Tabernacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365Scripture Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367The Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368Address By Elder Daniells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369Discourse by Elder Haskell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375At the Grave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378

Chapter 1Childhood

I was born at Gorham, Maine, November 26, 1827. My parents,Robert and Eunice Harmon, were for many years residents of thisState. In early life they became earnest and devoted members ofthe Methodist Episcopal Church. In that church they held prominentconnection, and labored for the conversion of sinners, and to build upthe cause of God, for a period of forty years. During this time theyhad the joy of seeing their children, eight in number, all converted andgathered into the fold of Christ.

Misfortune

While I was but a child, my parents removed from Gorham toPortland, Maine. Here, at the age of nine years, an accident happenedto me which was to affect my whole life. In company with my twinsister and one of our schoolmates, I was crossing a common in the cityof Portland, when a girl about thirteen years of age, becoming angryat some trifle, threw a stone that hit me on the nose. I was stunned bythe blow, and fell senseless to the ground.

When consciousness returned, I found myself in a merchantsstore. A kind stranger offered to take me home in his carriage, but I,not realizing my weakness, told him that I preferred to walk. Those [18]present were not aware that my injury was so serious, and allowed meto go; but after walking only a few rods, I grew faint and dizzy. Mytwin sister and my schoolmate carried me home.

I have no recollection of anything further for some time after theaccident. My mother said that I noticed nothing, but lay in a stupor forthree weeks. No one but herself thought it possible for me to recover,but for some reason she felt that I would live.

When I again aroused to consciousness, it seemed to me that I hadbeen asleep. I did not remember the accident, and was ignorant of thecause of my illness. A great cradle had been made for me, and in it Ilay for many weeks. I was reduced almost to a skeleton.

13

14 Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

At this time I began to pray the Lord to prepare me for death.When Christian friends visited the family, they would ask my motherif she had talked with me about dying. I overheard this, and it rousedme. I desired to become a Christian, and prayed earnestly for theforgiveness of my sins. I felt a peace of mind resulting, and lovedevery one, feeling desirous that all should have their sins forgiven, andlove Jesus as I did.

I gained strength very slowly. As I became able to join in playwith my young friends, I was forced to learn the bitter lesson thatour personal appearance often makes a difference in the treatment wereceive from our companions.

Education

My health seemed to be hopelessly impaired. For two years I couldnot breathe through my nose, and was able to attend school but little.It seemed impossible for me to study and to retain what I learned. The[19]same girl who was the cause of my misfortune, was appointed monitorby our teacher, and it was among her duties to assist me in my writingand other lessons. She always seemed sincerely sorry for the greatinjury she had done me, although I was careful not to remind her of it.She was tender and patient with me, and seemed sad and thoughtful asshe saw me laboring under serious disadvantages to get an education.

My nervous system was prostrated, and my hand trembled so thatI made but little progress in writing, and could get no farther than thesimple copies in coarse hand. As I endeavored to bend my mind tomy studies, the letters in the page would run together, great drops ofperspiration would stand upon my brow, and a faintness and dizzinesswould seize me. I had a bad cough, and my whole system seemeddebilitated.

My teachers advised me to leave school, and not pursue my studiesfurther till my health should improve. It was the hardest struggle ofmy young life to yield to my feebleness, and decide that I must leavemy studies, and give up the hope of gaining an education.[20]

Chapter 2Conversion

In March, 1840, William Miller visited Portland, Maine, and gavea course of lectures on the second coming of Christ. These lecturesproduced a great sensation, and the Christian church on Casco Street,where the discourses were given, was crowded day and night. No wildexcitement attended the meetings, but a deep solemnity pervaded theminds of those who heard. Not only was a great interest manifestedin the city, but the country people flocked in day after day, bringingtheir lunch baskets, and remaining from morning until the close of theevening meeting.

In company with my friends, I attended these meetings. Mr. Millertraced down the prophecies with an exactness that struck convictionto the hearts of his hearers. He dwelt upon the prophetic periods, andbrought many proofs to strengthen his position. Then his solemn andpowerful appeals and admonitions to those who were unprepared, heldthe crowds as if spellbound.

Early Impressions

Four years previous to this, on my way to school, I had pickedup a scrap of paper containing an account of a man in England whowas preaching that the earth would be consumed in about thirty yearsfrom that time. I took this paper home and read it to the family. Incontemplating the event predicted, I was seized with terror; the timeseemed so short for the conversion and salvation of the world. Such adeep impression was made upon my mind by the little paragraph on [21]the scrap of paper, that I could scarcely sleep for several nights, andprayed continually to be ready when Jesus came.

I had been taught that a temporal millennium would take placeprior to the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; but now I waslistening to the startling announcement that Christ was coming in 1843,only a few short years in the future.

15


A Spiritual Revival

Special meetings were appointed where sinners might have anopportunity to seek their Saviour and prepare for the fearful eventssoon to take place. Terror and conviction spread through the entire city.Prayer meetings were established, and there was a general awakeningamong the various denominations; for they all felt more or less theinfluence that proceeded from the teaching of the near coming ofChrist.

When sinners were invited forward to the anxious seat, hundredsresponded to the call; and I, among the rest, pressed through the crowdand took my place with the seekers. But there was in my heart a feelingthat I could never become worthy to be called a child of God. I hadoften sought for the peace there is in Christ, but I could not seem tofind the freedom I desired. A terrible sadness rested on my heart. Icould not think of anything I had done to cause me to feel sad; but itseemed to me that I was not good enough to enter heaven, that such athing would be altogether too much for me to expect.

A lack of confidence in myself, and a conviction that it would beimpossible to make any one understand my feelings, prevented mefrom seeking advice and aid from my Christian friends. Thus I wan-dered needlessly in darkness and despair, while they, not penetrating[22]my reserve, were entirely ignorant of my true state.

Righteousness by Faith

The following summer my parents went to the Methodist campmeeting at Buxton, Maine, taking me with them. I was fully resolvedto seek the Lord in earnest there, and obtain, if possible, the pardonof my sins. There was a great longing in my heart for the Christianshope and the peace that comes of believing.

I was much encouraged while listening to a discourse from thewords, I will go in unto the king, ... and if I perish, I perish. Esther4:16. In his remarks the speaker referred to those who were waveringbetween hope and fear, longing to be saved from their sins and receivethe pardoning love of Christ, yet held in doubt and bondage by timidityand fear of failure. He counseled such ones to surrender themselvesto God, and venture upon His mercy without delay. They would find

Conversion 17

a gracious Savior ready to present to them the scepter of mercy, evenas Ahasuerus offered to Esther the signal of his favor. All that wasrequired of the sinner, trembling in the presence of his Lord, was toput forth the hand of faith and touch the scepter of His grace. Thetouch insured pardon and peace.

Those who were waiting to make themselves more worthy of divinefavor before they ventured to claim the promises of God, were makinga fatal mistake. Jesus alone cleanses from sin; He only can forgiveour transgressions. He has pledged Himself to listen to the petitionand grant the prayer of those who come to Him in faith. Many havea vague idea that they must make some wonderful effort in order togain the favor of God. But all self-dependence is vain. It is only by [23]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 doto be saved.

I now began to see my way more clearly, and the darkness began topass away. I earnestly sought the pardon of my sins, and strove to givemyself entirely to the Lord. But my mind was often in great distress,because I did not experience the spiritual ecstasy that I consideredwould be the evidence of my acceptance with God, and I dared notbelieve myself converted without it. How much I needed instructionconcerning the simplicity of faith!

The Burden Lifted

While bowed at the altar with others who were seeking the Lord,all the language of my heart was: Help, Jesus; save me, or I perish!I will never cease to entreat till my prayer is heard and my sins areforgiven. I felt my needy, helpless condition as never before.

As I knelt and prayed, suddenly my burden left me, and my heartwas light. At first a feeling of alarm came over me, and I tried toresume my load of distress. It seemed to me that I had no right to feeljoyous and happy. But Jesus seemed very near to me; I felt able tocome to Him with all my griefs, misfortunes, and trials, even as theneedy ones came to Him for relief when He was upon earth. Therewas a surety in my heart that He understood my peculiar trials, andsympathized with me. I can never forget this precious assurance of


the pitying tenderness of Jesus toward one so unworthy of His notice.I learned more of the divine character of Christ in that short period,[24]when bowed among the praying ones, than ever before.

One of the mothers in Israel came to me and said, Dear child, haveyou 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!

Again and again I said to myself: Can this be religion? Am Inot mistaken? It seemed too much for me to claim, too exalted aprivilege. Though too timid to confess it openly, I felt that the Saviourhad blessed me and pardoned my sins.

In Newness of Life

Soon after this the camp meeting closed, and we started for home.My mind was full of the sermons, exhortations, and prayers we hadheard. Everything in nature seemed changed. During the meeting,clouds and rain had prevailed a greater part of the time, and my feelingshad been in harmony with the weather. Now the sun shone bright andclear, and flooded the earth with light and warmth. The trees and grasswere a fresher green, the sky a deeper blue. The earth seemed to smileunder the peace of God. So the rays of the Sun of Righteousnesshad penetrated the clouds and darkness of my mind, and dispelled itsgloom.

It seemed to me that every one must be at peace with God, andanimated by His Spirit. Everything that my eyes rested upon seemedto have undergone a change. The trees were more beautiful, and thebirds sang more sweetly than ever before; they seemed to be praisingthe Creator in their songs. I did not care to talk, for fear this happinessmight pass away, and I should lose the precious evidence of Jesuslove for me.[25]

My life appeared to me in a different light. The affliction that haddarkened my childhood seemed to have been dealt me in mercy, formy good, to turn my heart away from the world and its unsatisfyingpleasures, and incline it toward the enduring attractions of heaven.

Conversion 19

Uniting with the Methodist Church

Soon after our return from the camp meeting, I, with several others,was taken into the church on probation. My mind was very much ex-ercised on the subject of baptism. Young as I was, I could see but onemode of baptism authorized by the Scriptures, and that was immer-sion. Some of my Methodist sisters tried in vain to convince me thatsprinkling was Bible baptism. The Methodist minister consented toimmerse the candidates if they conscientiously preferred that method,although he intimated that sprinkling would be equally acceptable withGod.

Finally the time was appointed for us to receive this solemn ordi-nance. It was a windy day when we, twelve in number, went down intothe sea to be baptized. The waves ran high and dashed upon the shore,but as I took up this heavy cross, my peace was like a river. When Iarose from the water, my strength was nearly gone, for the power ofthe Lord rested upon me. I felt that henceforth I was not of this world,but had risen from the watery grave into a newness of life.

The same day in the afternoon I was received into the church infull membership. [26]

Chapter 3Strivings Against Doubt

I again became very anxious to attend school and make another trialto obtain an education, and I entered a ladies seminary in Portland.But upon attempting to resume my studies, my health rapidly failed,and it became apparent that if I persisted in attending school, it wouldbe at the expense of my life. With great sadness I returned to my home.

I had found it difficult to enjoy religion in the seminary, surroundedby influences calculated to attract the mind and lead it from God. Forsome time I felt a constant dissatisfaction with myself and my Christianattainments, and did not continually realize a lively sense of the mercyand love of God. Feelings of discouragement would come over me,and this caused me great anxiety of mind.

The Advent Cause in Portland

In June, 1842, Mr. Miller gave his second course of lectures at theCasco Street church in Portland. I felt it a great privilege to attendthese lectures; for I had fallen under discouragements, and did notfeel prepared to meet my Saviour. This second course created muchmore excitement in the city than the first. With few exceptions, thedifferent denominations closed the doors of their churches against Mr.Miller. Many discourses from the various pulpits sought to expose thealleged fanatical errors of the lecturer; but crowds of anxious listenersattended his meetings, and many were unable to enter the house. Thecongregations were unusually quiet and attentive.[27]

Mr. Millers manner of preaching was not flowery or oratorical,but he dealt in plain and startling facts, that roused his hearers fromtheir careless indifference. He supported his statements and theoriesby Scripture proof as he progressed. A convincing power attended hiswords, that seemed to stamp them as the language of truth.

He was courteous and sympathetic. When every seat in the housewas full, and the platform and places about the pulpit seemed over-crowded, I have seen him leave the desk, and walk down the aisle, and

20

Strivings Against Doubt 21

take some feeble old man or woman by the hand and find a seat forthem, then return and resume his discourse. He was indeed rightlycalled Father Miller, for he had a watchful care over those who cameunder his ministrations, was affectionate in his manner, of a genialdisposition and tender heart.

He was an interesting speaker, and his exhortations, both to pro-fessed Christians and the impenitent, were appropriate and powerful.Sometimes a solemnity so marked as to be painful, pervaded his meet-ings. A sense of the impending crisis of human events impressed theminds of the listening crowds. Many yielded to the conviction of theSpirit of God. Gray-haired men and aged women with trembling stepssought the anxious seats; those in the strength of maturity, the youthand children, were deeply stirred. Groans and the voice of weepingand of praise to God were mingled at the altar of prayer.

I believed the solemn words spoken by the servant of God, and myheart was pained when they were opposed or made the subject of jest.I frequently attended the meetings, and believed that Jesus was soonto come in the clouds of heaven; but my great anxiety was to be readyto meet Him. My mind constantly dwelt upon the subject of holiness [28]of heart. I longed above all things to obtain this great blessing, andfeel that I was entirely accepted of God.

In Perplexity Over Sanctification

Among the Methodists I had heard much in regard to sanctification,but had no definite idea in regard to it. This blessing seemed awaybeyond my reach, a state of purity my heart could never know. I hadseen persons lose their physical strength under the influence of strongmental excitement, and had heard this pronounced to be the evidenceof sanctification. But I could not comprehend what was necessary inorder to be fully consecrated to God. My Christian friends said tome: Believe in Jesus now! Believe that He accepts you now! ThisI tried to do, but found it impossible to believe that I had received ablessing which, it seemed to me, should electrify my whole being. Iwondered at my own hardness of heart in being unable to experiencethe exaltation of spirit that others manifested. It seemed to me that Iwas different from them, and forever shut out from the perfect joy ofholiness of heart.


My ideas concerning justification and sanctification were con-fused. These two states were presented to my mind as separate anddistinct from each other; yet I failed to comprehend the differenceor understand the meaning of the terms, and all the explanations ofthe preachers increased my difficulties. I was unable to claim theblessing for myself, and wondered if it was to be found only amongthe Methodists, and if, in attending the advent meetings, I was notshutting my self away from that which I desired above all else,thesanctifying Spirit of God.[29]

Still I observed that some of those who claimed to be sanctified,manifested a bitter spirit when the subject of the soon coming of Christwas introduced. This did not seem to me a manifestation of the holinesswhich they professed. I could not understand why ministers from thepulpit should so oppose the doctrine that Christs second coming wasnear. Reformation had followed the preaching of this belief, and manyof the most devoted ministers and laymen had received it as the truth.It seemed to me that those who sincerely loved Jesus would be readyto accept the tidings of His coming, and rejoice that it was at hand.

I felt that I could claim only what they called justification. In theword of God I read that without holiness no man should see God. Thenthere was some higher attainment that I must reach before I could besure of eternal life. I studied over the subject continually; for I believedthat Christ was soon to come, and feared He would find me unpreparedto meet Him. Words of condemnation rang in my ears day and night,and my constant cry to God was, What shall I do to be saved?

The Doctrine of Eternal Punishment

In my mind the justice of God eclipsed His mercy and love. Themental anguish I passed through at this time was very great. I hadbeen taught to believe in an eternally burning hell; and as I thoughtof the wretched state of the sinner without God, without hope, I wasin deep despair. I feared that I should be lost, and that I should livethroughout eternity suffering a living death. The horrifying thoughtwas ever before me, that my sins were too great to be forgiven, andthat I should be forever lost.[30]

The frightful descriptions that I had heard of souls in perditionsank deep into my mind. Ministers in the pulpit drew vivid pictures of

Strivings Against Doubt 23

the condition of the lost. They taught that God proposed to save nonebut the sanctified; that the eye of God was upon us always; that GodHimself was keeping the books with the exactness of infinite wisdom;and that every sin we committed was faithfully registered against us,and would meet its just punishment.

Satan was represented as eager to seize upon his prey, and bear usto the lowest depths of anguish, there to exult over our sufferings inthe horrors of an eternally burning hell, where, after the tortures ofthousands upon thousands of years, the fiery billows would roll to thesurface the writhing victims, who would shriek, How long, O Lord,how long? Then the answer would thunder down the abyss, Throughall eternity! Again the molten waves would engulf the lost, carryingthem down into the depths of an ever restless sea of fire.

While listening to these terrible descriptions, my imaginationwould be so wrought upon that the perspiration would start, and it wasdifficult to suppress a cry of anguish, for I seemed already to feel thepains of perdition. Then the minister would dwell upon the uncertaintyof life: one moment we might be here, and the next in hell; or onemoment on earth, and the next in heaven. Would we choose the lake offire and the company of demons, or the bliss of heaven with angels forour companions? Would we hear the voice of wailing and the cursingof lost souls through all eternity, or sing the songs of Jesus before thethrone?

Our heavenly Father was presented before my mind as a tyrant,who delighted in the agonies of the condemned; not as the tender,pitying Friend of sinners, who loves His creatures with a love past all [31]understanding, and desires them to be saved in His kingdom.

When the thought took possession of my mind that God delightedin the torture of His creatures, who were formed in His image, a wallof darkness seemed to separate me from Him. When I reflected thatthe Creator of the universe would plunge the wicked into hell, thereto burn through the ceaseless rounds of eternity, my heart sank withfear, and I despaired that so cruel and tyrannical a being would evercondescend to save me from the doom of sin.

I thought that the fate of the condemned sinner would be mine,toendure the flames of hell forever, even as long as God Himself existed.Almost total darkness settled upon me, and there seemed no way outof the shadows. Could the truth have been presented to me as I now


understand it, much perplexity and sorrow would have been sparedme. If the love of God had been dwelt upon more, and His stern justiceless, the beauty and glory of His character would have inspired mewith a deep and earnest love for my Creator.[32]

Chapter 4Beginning of Public Labors

Up to this time I had never prayed in public, and had only spokena few timid words in prayer meeting. It was now impressed upon methat I should seek God in prayer at our small social meetings. ThisI dared not do, fearful of becoming confused and failing to expressmy thoughts. But the duty was impressed upon my mind so forciblythat when I attempted to pray in secret, I seemed to be mocking God,because I had failed to obey His will. Despair overwhelmed me, and forthree long weeks no ray of light pierced the gloom that encompassedme.

My sufferings of mind were intense. Sometimes for a whole nightI would not dare to close my eyes, but would wait until my twin sisterwas fast asleep, then quietly leave my bed and kneel upon the floor,praying silently, with a dumb agony that cannot be described. Thehorrors of an eternally burning hell were ever before me. I knew thatit was impossible for me to live long in this state, and I dared not dieand meet the terrible fate of the sinner. With what envy did I regardthose who realized their acceptance with God! How precious did theChristians hope seem to my agonized soul!

I frequently remained bowed in prayer nearly all night, groaningand trembling with inexpressible anguish, and a hopelessness thatpasses all description. Lord, have mercy! was my plea, and like thepoor publican I dared not lift my eyes to heaven, but bowed my faceupon the floor. I became very much reduced in flesh and strength, yetkept my suffering and despair to myself. [33]

Dream of Temple and Lamb

While in this state of despondency, I had a dream that made a deepimpression upon my mind. I dreamed of seeing a temple, to whichmany persons were flocking. Only those who took refuge in that templewould be saved when time should close; all who remained outsidewould be forever lost. The multitudes without who were going about

25


their various ways, derided and ridiculed those who were entering thetemple, and told them that this plan of safety was a cunning deception,that in fact there was no danger whatever to avoid. They even laid holdof some to prevent them from hastening within the walls.

Fearful of being ridiculed, I thought best to wait until the multitudedispersed, or until I could enter unobserved by them. But the numbersincreased instead of diminishing, and fearful of being too late, I hastilyleft my home and pressed through the crowd. In my anxiety to reachthe temple I did not notice or care for the throng that surrounded me.

On entering the building, I saw that the vast temple was supportedby one immense pillar, and to this was tied a lamb all mangled andbleeding. We who were present seemed to know that this lamb hadbeen torn and bruised on our account. All who entered the templemust come before it and confess their sins. Just before the lamb wereelevated seats, upon which sat a company looking very happy. Thelight of heaven seemed to shine upon their faces, and they praised Godand sang songs of glad thanksgiving that seemed like the music of theangels. These were they who had come before the lamb, confessedtheir sins, received pardon, and were now waiting in glad expectationof some joyful event.[34]

Even after I had entered the building, a fear came over me, and asense of shame that I must humble myself before these people; but Iseemed compelled to move forward, and was slowly making my wayaround the pillar in order to face the lamb, when a trumpet sounded,the temple shook, shouts of triumph arose from the assembled saints,an awful brightness illuminated the building, then all was intensedarkness. The happy people had all disappeared with the brightness,and I was left alone in the silent horror of night.

I awoke in agony of mind, and could hardly convince myself that Ihad been dreaming. It seemed to me that my doom was fixed; that theSpirit of the Lord had left me, never to return.

Dream of Seeing Jesus

Soon after this I had another dream. I seemed to be sitting in abjectdespair, with my face in my hands, reflecting like this: If Jesus wereupon earth, I would go to Him, throw myself at His feet, and tell Him

Beginning of Public Labors 27

all my sufferings. He would not turn away from me; He would havemercy upon me, and I would love and serve Him always.

Just then the door opened, and a person of beautiful form andcountenance entered. He looked upon me pitifully, and said: Do youwish to see Jesus? He is here, and you can see Him if you desire it.Take everything you possess, and follow me.

I heard this with unspeakable joy, and gladly gathered up all mylittle possessions, every treasured trinket, and followed my guide. Heled me to a steep and apparently frail stairway. As I began to ascendthe steps, he cautioned me to keep my eyes fixed upward, lest I shouldgrow dizzy and fall. Many others who were climbing the steep ascent [35]fell before gaining the top.

Finally we reached the last step, and stood before a door. Here myguide directed me to leave all the things that I had brought with me.I cheerfully laid them down. He then opened the door, and bade meenter. In a moment I stood before Jesus. There was no mistaking thatbeautiful countenance; that expression of benevolence and majestycould belong to no other. As His gaze rested upon me, I knew at oncethat He was acquainted with every circumstance of my life and all myinner thoughts and feelings.

I tried to shield myself from His gaze, feeling unable to endureHis searching eyes; but He drew near with a smile, and laying Hishand upon my head, said, Fear not. The sound of His sweet voicethrilled my heart with a happiness it had never before experienced.I was too joyful to utter a word, but, overcome with emotion, sankprostrate at His feet. While I was lying helpless there, scenes of beautyand glory passed before me, and I seemed to have reached the safetyand peace of heaven. At length my strength returned, and I arose. Theloving eyes of Jesus were still upon me, and His smile filled my soulwith gladness. His presence awoke in me a holy reverence and aninexpressible love.

My guide now opened the door, and we both passed out. He bademe take up again all the things I had left without. This done, he handedme a green cord coiled up closely. This he directed me to place nextmy heart, and when I wished to see Jesus, take it from my bosom, andstretch it to the utmost. He cautioned me not to let it remain coiledfor any length of time, lest it should become knotted and difficult tostraighten. I placed the cord near my heart, and joyfully descended [36]


the narrow stairs, praising the Lord, and telling all whom I met wherethey could find Jesus.

This dream gave me hope. The green cord represented faith to mymind, and the beauty and simplicity of trusting in God began to dawnupon my soul.

Friendly Sympathy and Counsel

I now confided all my sorrows and perplexities to my mother. Shetenderly sympathized with and encouraged me, advising me to go forcounsel to Elder Stockman, who then preached the advent doctrine inPortland. I had great confidence in him, for he was a devoted servantof Christ. Upon hearing my story, he placed his hand affectionatelyupon my head, saying with tears in his eyes: Ellen, you are only achild. Yours is a most singular experience for one of your tender age.Jesus must be preparing you for some special work.

He then told me that even if I were a person of mature years andthus harassed by doubt and despair, he would tell me that he knewthere was hope for me through the love of Jesus. The very agony ofmind I had suffered was positive evidence that the Spirit of the Lordwas striving with me. He said that when the sinner becomes hardenedin guilt, he does not realize the enormity of his transgression, butflatters himself that he is about right, and in no particular danger. TheSpirit of the Lord leaves him, and he becomes careless and indifferentor recklessly defiant. This good man told me of the love of God forHis erring children; that instead of rejoicing in their destruction, Helonged to draw them to Himself in simple faith and trust. He dweltupon the great love of Christ and the plan of redemption.[37]

Elder Stockman spoke of my early misfortune, and said it wasindeed a grievous affliction, but he bade me believe that the hand ofa loving Father had not been withdrawn from me; that in the futurelife, when the mist that then darkened my mind had vanished, I woulddiscern the wisdom of the providence which had seemed so cruel andmysterious. Jesus said to His disciples, What I do thou knowest notnow; but thou shalt know hereafter. John 13:7. In the great future weshould no longer see as through a glass darkly, but come face to facewith the mysteries of divine love.


Go free, Ellen, said he; return to your home trusting in Jesus, forHe will not withhold His love from any true seeker. He then prayedearnestly for me, and it seemed that God would certainly regard theprayer of His saint, even if my humble petitions were unheard. Mymind was much relieved, and the wretched slavery of doubt and feardeparted as I listened to the wise and tender counsel of this teacher inIsrael. I left his presence comforted and encouraged.

During the few minutes in which I received instruction from ElderStockman, I had obtained more knowledge on the subject of Godslove and pitying tenderness, than from all the sermons and exhortationsto which I had ever listened.

My First Public Prayer

I returned home, and again went before the Lord, promising todo and suffer anything He might require of me, if only the smiles ofJesus might cheer my heart. The same duty was again presented to methat had troubled my mind before,to take up my cross among theassembled people of God. An opportunity was not long wanting; there [38]was a prayer meeting that evening at my uncles, which I attended.

As the others knelt for prayer, I bowed with them, trembling, andafter a few had prayed, my voice arose in prayer before I was awareof it. In that moment the promises of God appeared to me like somany precious pearls that were to be received only for the asking. AsI prayed, the burden and agony of soul that I had so long endured, leftme, and the blessing of the Lord descended upon me like the gentledew. I praised God from the depths of my heart. Everything seemedshut out from me but Jesus and His glory, and I lost consciousness ofwhat was passing around me.

The Spirit of God rested upon me with such power that I was un-able to go home that night. When I awakened to realization, I foundmyself cared for in the house of my uncle, where we had assembledfor the prayer meeting. Neither my uncle nor my aunt enjoyed reli-gion, although the former had once made a profession, but had sincebackslidden. I was told that he had been greatly disturbed while thepower of God rested upon me in so special a manner, and had walkedthe floor, sorely troubled and distressed in his mind.


When I was first struck down, some of those present were greatlyalarmed, and were about to run for a physician, thinking that some sud-den and dangerous indisposition had attacked me; but my mother badethem let me alone, for it was plain to her, and to the other experiencedChristians, that it was the wondrous power of God that had prostratedme. When I did return home, on the following day, a great changehad taken place in my mind. It seemed to me that I could hardly bethe same person that left my fathers house the previous evening. This[39]passage was continually in my thoughts: The Lord is my shepherd; Ishall not want. Psalm 23:1. My heart was full of happiness as I softlyrepeated these words.

A View of the Fathers Love

Faith now took possession of my heart. I felt an inexpressible lovefor God, and had the witness of His Spirit that my sins were pardoned.My views of the Father were changed. I now looked upon Him asa kind and tender parent, rather than a stern tyrant compelling mento a blind obedience. My heart went out toward Him in a deep andfervent love. Obedience to His will seemed a joy; it was a pleasure tobe in His service. No shadow clouded the light that revealed to me theperfect will of God. I felt the assurance of an indwelling Saviour, andrealized the truth of what Christ had said: He that followeth Me shallnot walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12.

My peace and happiness were in such marked contrast with myformer gloom and anguish that it seemed to me as if I had been rescuedfrom hell and transported to heaven. I could even praise God for themisfortune that had been the trial of my life, for it had been the meansof fixing my thoughts upon eternity. Naturally proud and ambitious,I might not have been inclined to give my heart to Jesus had it notbeen for the sore affliction that had cut me off, in a manner, from thetriumphs and vanities of the world.

For six months not a shadow clouded my mind, nor did I neglectone known duty. My whole endeavor was to do the will of God, andkeep Jesus and heaven continually in mind. I was surprised and enrap-[40]tured with the clear views now presented to me of the atonement andthe work of Christ. I will not attempt to further explain the exercisesof my mind; suffice it to say that old things had passed away, all things


had become new. There was not a cloud to mar my perfect bliss. Ilonged to tell the story of Jesus love, but felt no disposition to engagein common conversation with any one. My heart was so filled withlove to God and the peace that passeth understanding, that I loved tomeditate and pray.

Bearing Testimony

The night after receiving so great a blessing, I attended the adventmeeting. When the time came for the followers of Christ to speak inHis favor, I could not remain silent, but rose and related my experience.Not a thought had entered my mind of what I should say; but the simplestory of Jesus love to me fell from my lips with perfect freedom, andmy heart was so happy to be liberated from its bondage of dark despair,that I lost sight of the people about me, and seemed to be alone withGod. I found no difficulty in expressing my peace and happiness,except for the tears of gratitude that choked my utterance.

Elder Stockman was present. He had recently seen me in deepdespair, and as he now saw my captivity turned, he wept aloud, rejoic-ing with me, and praising God for this proof of His tender mercy andloving kindness.

Not long after receiving this great blessing, I attended a conferencemeeting at the Christian church, where Elder Brown was pastor. Iwas invited to relate my experience, and felt not only great freedomof expression, but happiness, in telling my simple story of the love ofJesus and the joy of being accepted of God. As I spoke, with subdued [41]heart and tearful eyes, my soul seemed drawn toward heaven in thanks-giving. The melting power of the Lord came upon the assembledpeople. Many were weeping and others praising God.

Sinners were invited to arise for prayers, and many responded tothe call. My heart was so thankful to God for the blessing He hadgiven me, that I longed to have others participate in this sacred joy. Mymind was deeply interested for those who might be suffering under asense of the Lords displeasure and the burden of sin. While relatingmy experience, I felt that no one could resist the evidence of Godspardoning love that had wrought so wonderful a change in me. Thereality of true conversion seemed so plain to me that I felt like helping


my young friends into the light, and at every opportunity exerted myinfluence toward this end.

Laboring for Young Friends

I arranged meetings with my young friends, some of whom wereconsiderably older than myself, and a few were married persons. Anumber of them were vain and thoughtless; my experience soundedto them like an idle tale, and they did not heed my entreaties. But Idetermined that my efforts should never cease till these dear souls,for whom I had so great an interest, yielded to God. Several entirenights were spent by me in earnest prayer for those whom I had soughtout and brought together for the purpose of laboring and praying withthem.

Some of these had met with us from curiosity to hear what I had tosay; others thought me beside myself to be so persistent in my efforts,especially when they manifested no concern on their own part. But at[42]every one of our little meetings I continued to exhort and pray for eachone separately, until every one had yielded to Jesus, acknowledgingthe merits of His pardoning love. Every one was converted to God.

Night after night in my dreams I seemed to be laboring for thesalvation of souls. At such times special cases were presented to mymind; these I afterward sought out and prayed with. In every instancebut one these persons yielded themselves to the Lord. Some of ourmore formal brethren feared that I was too zealous for the conversionof souls; but time seemed to me so short that it behooved all who hada hope of a blessed immortality and looked for the soon coming ofChrist, to labor without ceasing for those who were still in their sinsand standing on the awful brink of ruin.

Though I was very young, the plan of salvation was so clear tomy mind, and my personal experience had been so marked, that, uponconsidering the matter, I knew it was my duty to continue my effortsfor the salvation of precious souls, and to pray and confess Christ atevery opportunity. My entire being was offered to the service of myMaster. Let come what would, I determined to please God, and liveas one who expected the Saviour to come and reward the faithful. Ifelt like a little child coming to God as to my father, and asking Himwhat He would have me to do. Then as my duty was made plain to me,


it was my greatest happiness to perform it. Peculiar trials sometimesbeset me. Those older in experience than myself endeavored to holdme back and cool the ardor of my faith; but with the smiles of Jesusbrightening my life, and the love of God in my heart, I went on myway with a joyful spirit. [43]

Chapter 5Separation from the Church

My fathers family still occasionally attended the Methodist church,and also the class meetings held in private houses.

One evening my brother Robert and myself went to class meeting.The presiding elder was present. When it came my brothers turnto bear testimony, he spoke with great humility, yet with clearness,of the necessity for a complete fitness to meet our Saviour when Heshould come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Whilemy brother was speaking, a heavenly light glowed upon his usuallypale countenance. He seemed to be carried in spirit above presentsurroundings, and spoke as if in the presence of Jesus.

When I was called upon to speak, I arose, free in spirit, with a heartfull of love and peace. I told the story of my great suffering under theconviction of sin, how I had at length received the blessing so longsought,an entire conformity to the will of God,and expressed myjoy in the tidings of the soon coming of my Redeemer to take Hischildren home.

Doctrinal Differences

In my simplicity I expected that my Methodist brethren and sisterswould understand my feelings and rejoice with me, but I was disap-pointed; several sisters groaned and moved their chairs noisily, turningtheir backs upon me. I could not think what had been said to offendthem, and spoke very briefly, feeling the chilling influence of theirdisapprobation.

When I had ceased speaking, the presiding elder asked me if it[44]would not be more pleasant to live a long life of usefulness, doingothers 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 anend, and we would enjoy sanctification forever, with no devil to temptand lead us astray.

34

Separation from the Church 35

When the presiding elder addressed others in the class, he ex-pressed great joy in anticipating the temporal millennium, when theearth should be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waterscover the sea. He longed to see this glorious period ushered in.

After the meeting closed, I was conscious of being treated withmarked coldness by those who had formerly been kind and friendly tome. My brother and I returned home feeling sad that we should be somisunderstood by our brethren, and that the subject of the near comingof Jesus should awaken such bitter opposition in their breasts.

The Hope of the Second Advent

On the way home we talked seriously concerning the evidencesof our new faith and hope. Ellen, said Robert, are we deceived?Is this hope of Christs soon appearing upon the earth a heresy, thatministers and professors of religion oppose it so bitterly? They saythat Jesus will not come for thousands and thousands of years. If theyeven approach the truth, then the world cannot come to an end in ourday.

I dared not give unbelief a moments encouragement, but quicklyreplied: I have not a doubt but that the doctrine preached by Mr.Miller is the truth. What power attends his words! What conviction iscarried home to the sinners heart!

We talked the matter over candidly as we walked along, and de-cided that it was our duty and privilege to look for our Saviours [45]coming, and that it would be safest to make ready for His appearing,and be prepared to meet Him with joy. If He did come, what would bethe prospect of those who were now saying, My Lord delayeth Hiscoming, and had no desire to see Him? We wondered how ministersdared to quiet the fears of sinners and backsliders by saying, Peace,peace! while the message of warning was being given all over theland. The period seemed very solemn to us; we felt that we had notime to lose.

A tree is known by its fruits, remarked Robert. What has thisbelief done for us? It has convinced us that we were not ready for thecoming of the Lord; that we must become pure in heart, or we cannotmeet our Saviour in peace. It has aroused us to seek for new strengthand grace from God.


What has it done for you, Ellen? Would you be what you are nowif you had never heard the doctrine of Christs soon coming? Whathope has it inspired in your heart; what peace, joy, and love has itgiven you? And for me it has done everything. I love Jesus, and allChristians. I love the prayer meeting. I find great joy in reading myBible and in prayer.

We both felt strengthened by this conversation, and resolved thatwe would not be turned from our honest convictions of truth, and theblessed hope of Christs soon coming in the clouds of heaven. Wewere thankful that we could discern the precious light, and rejoice inlooking for the coming of the Lord.

Last Testimony in Class Meeting

Not long after this, we again attended the class meeting. We wantedan opportunity to speak of the precious love of God that animated oursouls. I particularly wished to tell of the Lords goodness and mercy to[46]me. So great a change had been wrought in me that it seemed my dutyto improve every opportunity of testifying to the love of my Saviour.

When my turn came to speak, I stated the evidences I enjoyed ofJesus love, and that I looked forward with the glad expectation ofmeeting my Redeemer soon. The belief that Christs coming was nearhad stirred my soul to seek more earnestly for the sanctification of theSpirit of God.

Here the class leader interrupted me, saying, You received sancti-fication through Methodism, through Methodism, sister, not throughan erroneous theory.

I felt compelled to confess the truth, that it was not through Method-ism that my heart had received its new blessing, but by the stirringtruths concerning the personal appearing of Jesus. Through them I hadfound peace, joy, and perfect love. Thus my testimony closed, the lastthat I was to bear in class with my Methodist brethren.

Robert then spoke in his meek way, yet in so clear and touchinga manner that some wept and were much moved; but others cougheddissentingly, and seemed quite uneasy.

After leaving the classroom, we again talked over our faith, andmarveled that our Christian brethren and sisters could so ill endure tohave a word spoken in reference to our Saviours coming. We were


convinced that we ought no longer to attend the class meeting. Thehope of the glorious appearing of Christ filled our souls, and wouldfind expression when we rose to speak. It was evident that we couldhave no freedom in the class meeting; for our testimony provokedsneers and taunts that reached our ears at the close of the meeting, [47]from brethren and sisters whom we had respected and loved.

Spreading the Advent Message

The Adventists held meetings at this time in Beethoven Hall. Myfather, with his family, attended them quite regularly. The period of thesecond advent was thought to be in the year 1843. The time seemed soshort in which souls could be saved that I resolved to do all that wasin my power to lead sinners into the light of truth.

I had two sisters at home,Sarah, who was several years olderthan myself, and my twin sister Elizabeth. We talked the matter overamong ourselves, and decided to earn what money we could, andspend it in buying books and tracts to be distributed gratuitously. Thiswas the best we could do, and we did this little gladly.

Our father was a hatter, and it was my allotted task to make thecrowns of the hats, that being the easiest part of the work. I also knitstockings at twenty-five cents a pair. My heart was so weak that I wasobliged to sit propped up in bed to do this work; but day after day I satthere, happy that my trembling fingers could do something to bringin a little pittance for the cause I loved so dearly. Twenty-five cents aday was all I could earn. How carefully would I lay aside the preciousbits of silver taken in return, which were to be expended for readingmatter to enlighten and arouse those who were in darkness!

I had no temptation to spend my earnings for my own personalgratification. My dress was plain; nothing was spent for needlessornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes. So I had ever alittle fund in store with which to purchase suitable books. These were [48]placed in the hands of experienced persons to send abroad.

Every leaf of this printed matter seemed precious in my eyes; forit was as a messenger of light to the world, bidding them prepare forthe great event near at hand. The salvation of souls was the burden ofmy mind, and my heart ached for those who flattered themselves that


they were living in security, while the message of warning was beinggiven to the world.

The Immortality Question

One day I listened to a conversation between my mother and asister, in reference to a discourse which they had recently heard, to theeffect that the soul had not natural immortality. Some of the ministersproof texts were repeated. Among them I remember these impressedme very forcibly: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezekiel 18:4.The living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything.Ecclesiastes 9:5. Which in His times He shall show, who is theblessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; whoonly hath immortality. 1 Timothy 6:15, 16. To them who by patientcontinuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality,eternal life. Romans 2:7.

Why, said my mother, after quoting the foregoing passage,should they seek for what they already have?

I listened to these new ideas with an intense and painful interest.When alone with my mother, I inquired if she really believed that thesoul was not immortal. Her reply was, that she feared we had been inerror on that subject, as well as upon some others.[49]

But, mother, said I, do you really believe that the soul sleeps inthe grave until the resurrection? Do you think that the Christian, whenhe dies, does not go immediately to heaven, nor the sinner to hell?

She answered: The Bible gives us no proof that there is an eter-nally burning hell. If there is such a place, it should be mentioned inthe Sacred Book.

Why, mother! cried I, in astonishment, this is strange talk foryou! If you believe this strange theory, do not let any one know of it;for I fear that sinners would gather security from this belief, and neverdesire to seek the Lord.

If this is sound Bible truth, she replied, instead of preventingthe salvation of sinners, it will be the means of winning them to Christ.If the love of God will not induce the rebel to yield, the terrors of aneternal hell will not drive him to repentance. Besides, it does not seema proper way to win souls to Jesus by appealing to one of the lowest


attributes of the mind,abject fear. The love of Jesus attracts; it willsubdue the hardest heart.

It was some months after this conversation before I heard anythingfurther concerning this doctrine; but during this time my mind hadbeen much exercised upon the subject. When I heard it preached, Ibelieved it to be the truth. From the time that light in regard to the sleepof the dead dawned upon my mind, the mystery that had enshroudedthe resurrection vanished, and the great event itself assumed a new andsublime importance. My mind had often been disturbed by its effortsto reconcile the immediate reward or punishment of the dead with theundoubted fact of a future resurrection and judgment. If at death thesoul entered upon eternal happiness or misery, where was the need of [50]a resurrection of the poor moldering body?

But this new and beautiful faith taught me the reason why inspiredwriters had dwelt so much upon the resurrection of the body; it wasbecause the entire being was slumbering in the grave. I could nowclearly perceive the fallacy of our former position on this question.

The Pastors Visit

Our family were all deeply interested in the doctrine of the Lordssoon coming. My father had stood as one of the pillars of the Methodistchurch. He had acted as exhorter, and as leader of meetings held inhomes at a distance from the city. However, the Methodist ministermade us a special visit, and took the occasion to inform us that ourfaith and Methodism could not agree. He did not inquire our reasonsfor believing as we did, nor make any reference to the Bible in orderto convince us of our error; but he stated that we had adopted a newand strange belief that the Methodist church could not accept.

My father replied that he must be mistaken in calling this a new andstrange doctrine; that Christ Himself, in His teachings to His disciples,had preached His second advent. He had said: In My Fathers houseare many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go toprepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, Iwill come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, thereye may be also. John 14:2, 3. When He was taken up to heaven, asHis faithful followers stood gazing after their vanishing Lord, behold,two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of


Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which[51]is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as yehave seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:10, 11.

And, said my father, warming with his subject, the inspiredPaul wrote a letter to encourage his brethren in Thessalonica, saying:To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall berevealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire takingvengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospelof our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlastingdestruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of Hispower; when He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to beadmired in all them that believe ... in that day. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, withthe voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadin Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall becaught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one anotherwith these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

This is high authority for our faith. Jesus and His apostles dwellupon the event of the second advent with joy and triumph; and the holyangels proclaim that Christ, who ascended to heaven, shall come again.This is our offense,believing the word of Jesus and His disciples.This is a very old doctrine, and bears no taint of heresy.

The minister did not attempt to refer to a single text that wouldprove us in error, but excused himself on the plea of a want of time. Headvised us to quietly withdraw from the church, and avoid the publicityof a trial. We were aware that others of our brethren were meeting with[52]similar treatment for a like cause, and we did not wish it understoodthat we were ashamed to acknowledge our faith, or were unable tosustain it by Scripture; so my parents insisted that they should beacquainted with the reasons for this request.

The only answer to this was an evasive declaration that we hadwalked contrary to the rules of the church, and the best course wouldbe to voluntarily withdraw from it to save a trial. We answered that wepreferred a regular trial, and demanded to know what sin was chargedto us, as we were conscious of no wrong in looking for and loving theappearing of the Saviour.


The Church Trial

Not long after, we were notified to be present at a meeting to beheld in the vestry of the church. There were but few present. Theinfluence of my father and his family was such that our opposers had nodesire to present our cases before a larger number of the congregation.The single charge preferred was that we had walked contrary to theirrules. Upon asking what rules we had violated, it was stated, after alittle hesitation, that we had attended other meetings, and had neglectedto meet regularly with our class.

We stated that a portion of the family had been in the country forsome time past, that none who remained in the city had been absentfrom class meeting more than a few weeks, and they were morallycompelled to remain away because the testimonies they bore met withsuch marked disapprobation. We also reminded them that certainpersons who had not attended class meeting for a year were yet heldin good standing. [53]

It was asked if we would confess that we had departed from theirrules, and if we would also agree to conform to them in the future.We answered that we dared not yield our faith or deny the sacred truthof God; that we could not forego the hope of the soon coming of ourRedeemer; that after the manner which they called heresy we mustcontinue to worship the Lord.

My father in his defense received the blessing of God, and weall left the vestry with free spirits, happy in the consciousness of theapproving smile of Jesus.

The next Sunday, at the commencement of the love feast, thepresiding elder read off our names, seven in number, as discontinuedfrom the church. He stated that we were not expelled on account ofany wrong or immoral conduct, that we were of unblemished characterand enviable reputation; but we had been guilty of walking contrary tothe rules of the Methodist church. He also declared that a door wasnow open, and all who were guilty of a similar breach of the ruleswould be dealt with in like manner.

There were many in the church who waited for the appearing of theSaviour, and this threat was made for the purpose of frightening theminto subjection. In some cases this policy brought about the desiredresult, and the favor of God was sold for a place in the church. Many


believed, but dared not confess their faith, lest they should be turnedout of the synagogue. But some left soon afterward, and joined thecompany of

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Documents

Transcript of Life Sketches of Ellen G. White