White, Anna Plymouth, Michigan May 26, 1853 Portions of this letter are published in 1Bio 274. See also Annotations. Dear Sister Anna:
I now sit down to fulfill my promise to you and write a few lines, knowing you will feel anxious to hear how we bear our journey.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 1)
At Mill Grove James and self were in a very poor state of health. Tuesday we were undecided whether to return to Rochester or continue our journey. James was hardly able to sit up, his throat troubled him much, and his food distressed him. I was afraid some, how it would turn with him, but we prayed for him and the Lord gave us to feel that we must start and trust in Him.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 2)
We took the cars about four o’clock P.M. for Buffalo. The boat did not start until half past nine in the evening from Buffalo. We waited in the boat from five till half past nine. It was a very nice boat, the air was sweet and there was every convenience on the boat. We took a stateroom where instead of finding narrow berths we found a nice large bed for both of us, made up clean, and a neat looking glass in the room, a large Testament like Sarah’s with the Psalms in the back. There was a washbowl, soap, towel, and by turning a faucet we could bring water in the bowl. We felt almost at home. We prayed together before retiring and committed ourselves to the watchful care of Him who never slumbers or sleeps, and we felt assured that He would keep us from all accident and harm.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 3)
Some through fear sat up through the night. We paid nothing extra for our meals which we took on board the boat, or for our stateroom.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 4)
We slept sweetly through the night. James felt much better than he expected to. He began to feel better directly after leaving Mill Grove, and he has been growing better ever since.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 5)
Wednesday morn it was pleasant but the wind blew and the boat rocked considerable; some were seasick but we went into our room and lay down. We slept sweetly for one hour and a half; we did not get up until about noon.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 6)
They had plenty on the table that we could eat and not hurt us, which was quite fortunate for us; we thanked the Lord in our heart for the food although we did not do it vocally. There were a great number of crying children on the boat; they were cross and ill-tempered. I thought of my little Edson and felt thankful he was not like them.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 7)
We tried to keep our hearts uplifted to God for strength, especially that James might be strengthened.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 8)
The boat landed us at Detroit about half past three o’clock P.M. There were six hundred on board. We were obliged to wait in Detroit until six P.M. We then took the cars for Wayne—distance 18 miles. We arrived at Wayne about seven, and found Brother Lyon waiting for us at the depot with a good team. We had been some troubled about the distance we were to ride in the night air, but Brother Lyon came prepared with nice buffalo robes and we did not feel chilly at all. We rode 12 miles and arrived at Brother Lyon’s about ten o’clock. Brother and Sister Cornell are here, they are solid and good.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 9)
This is a most beautiful place surrounded with fruit trees. I should love to have you here today, but should not know what to do with you tomorrow. We shall have to ride thirty miles and part of the way it is a very rough road.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 10)
I am of good courage but not very well in body. We believe the Lord will give us strength. The enemy made a powerful effort to keep us from Michigan, but he has not succeeded as yet. O that God would give us strength from the sanctuary. We shall plead for it until it comes, it must come, we cannot labor without it. It will come from God, we believe, and [we] mean to walk out by faith. The promise will not fail us, it will be verified.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 11)
You must pray for us. I never saw the necessity of living near to God as now. We must keep our mind stayed upon Him and feel our entire dependence, and watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. We must exercise faith continually and act it out. We can have full and free salvation. You know what it is, dear Anna; don’t settle down short of this. The storehouse is full and free, don’t let us go hungry here, when there is enough and to spare.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 12)
Anna have faith, have faith in God. It seems to me that the faith of the family is rather weak; they must come up. Remember us to each member of the family. I shall write them before long. How are Sarah and Clara? Is their health good for them? We want to hear from you all. James sends much love to Anna and the rest of the family.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 13)
In much love.
(1LtMs, Lt 2, 1853, 14)
Lt 3, 1853
Church in Jackson Rochester, New York June 29, 1853 Portions of this letter are published in 1Bio 281. See also Annotations. To the church in Jackson Dear Brethren and Sisters:
My mind has been exercised about writing this evening something to Jackson.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 1)
We arrived here at home safe last Tuesday and found our family as well as usual, and what was best of all, enjoying the sweet presence and blessing of God. We had a sweet, melting time at our meeting Tuesday eve.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 2)
Dear Brethren and Sisters, I know that you have trials to pass through, and after what has recently occurred you may have a scene of trial to go through. But you must be decided dear brethren, and God will help you. I tried to write out the vision to the church in a careful manner, and get it before the brethren in its true light. I hope none of the church will stop short of a thorough work.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 3)
God has taken hold of the work in Jackson and designs to let the brethren have a sight of themselves, that they may seek meekness, seek righteousness, that they may be hid when the fierce anger of the Lord shall come. In the fear of God I would say search, brethren, search, dig deep get all the pestilent matter stirred up, and have it purged away that God may smile upon you in love and compassion again.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 4)
God has wrought for you in Jackson, and after what God has done to set the church right, any [who] doubt His work, or do not receive the teachings of God, who has “plead with you face to face” through the weak clay, I fear for them. God can do no more for them than He has done, and you must not have communion with them, but separate them from your company. It is the only way you can live, and the only course you can take to wipe away the stain and reproach that has been brought upon the church in Jackson. Do not daub with untempered mortar or heal the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly crying peace, peace when there is no peace.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 5)
Some have been in an awful state in Jackson and would have remained in that dreadful state had not the Lord taken hold of the work and shown them it was not peace, that they did not understand themselves and must die, die to self, and be Christians (Christlike) in every sense of the word, in malice children but in understanding men.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 6)
Do not let the enemy take advantage of you in Jackson, as some in other places have let him do. I went into Conn. found them in a sad state. Their wrongs were shown in vision. Some received it, others rose up in rebellion and said they did not believe the vision. Their children were in a sad state but were much affected by the visions and would have got right, but their parents stood in their way. The Lord took His Spirit from these parents and they went their own ways and were filled with their own doings. Weeks and months passed by, judgment after judgment followed them, until they repented, and deeply repented, their slighting [of] God’s teachings, and confessed heartily their wrongs and errors.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 7)
We believe that the Lord forgave them, but their children, their poor children, never could be reached afterwards. They cared nothing for God or His truth. Their parents had taught them the lesson of rebellion and how sure and true [they] had followed their example. Most of these children went on in sin and wickedness and now, some of them of more than two families, have gone on in the depths of iniquity until some are excluded even from the family circle.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 8)
Now, Brethren, look at these parents who heeded not the admonition of God for themselves and children. God wanted to save them and their children; they rejected the teachings of God, and while they were rejecting light from Heaven their children became hardened and lost, without God and without hope in the world. What kind of an account will those parents have to render to God for children committed to their trust? How will they feel in the time of trouble as they see their children withering beneath the plagues of God unmixed with mercy?
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 9)
Now I beg of you in Jackson to act like Christians; take hold of the work of your children in earnest. What kind of an example has been set [for] the children in the late trials in Jackson? A tattling, faultfinding spirit has been encouraged in the children; also a hard, bitter spirit. Parents beware. You must render a strict account to God for the children committed to your trust. O, encourage in your children a kind courteous spirit. If they complain of a brother or sister, listen not to them but check it at once.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 10)
Again, I would say to our brethren, make straight work, be decided, have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. I hope thorough confessions will be made, and the church must not receive anything but thorough, heartfelt confessions. Those who think so much of dear self that they cannot see their faults and confess them fully, God wants you to separate from them.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 11)
The Lord showed me in vision He was at work for the last time to settle things in Jackson, and those who rejected the light from Heaven and the means God had taken to set them right, He would leave to themselves; He had called upon them for the last time. They have been crooked, crooked, crooked, and yet exalted in their own eyes, thinking they were almost without fault, when they were wrong, in darkness and unbelief.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 12)
May God pity you in Jackson, for I fear for some they are so shut up in themselves and in darkness and the deception of the devil, that they will continue until Jesus leaves the sanctuary and they are weighed in the balance and found wanting.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 13)
Brethren, if ever you moved decidedly in Jackson, move now, for the sake of the cause of God, for the sake of your precious children, move; have a thorough reformation in Jackson. All of you get as low as you possibly can, confess and confess until all the reproach is wiped away and you are a sweet, united band of brethren. I love you. I love you all, but I must clear my garments from the blood of souls. I shall meet in the judgment what I have told you that God has shown me, and then if I have daubed with untempered mortar, if I have clipped the truth, where will be my excuse?
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 14)
Oh, brethren, if you all turn in less than a week to be my enemies, I still will lift up my voice and declare to you faithfully what God has shown me. I cannot, I dare not, hold my peace. The curse of God will rest upon me if I do.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 15)
Dear Brother Case, make thorough work. Dig deep and confess from the bottom and then the bars will be put up behind you and you will not be so likely to go astray again. What shall I say more dear friends? Make straight paths for your feet lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. Do be humble, be watchful, prayerful, in understanding, men, but in malice children.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 16)
Look at the troubled, confused state you have been in and then acknowledge the teaching of God, which He has given to set you right. I have written this in great haste by lamp light, excuse all mistakes.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 17)
In love from your sister.
(1LtMs, Lt 3, 1853, 18)
Lt 4, 1853
Pearsall, Brother and Sister Rochester, New York June 30, 1853 Previously unpublished. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Pearsall:
We received your letter yesterday. I hardly know how to answer it. Parents have a sacred duty to perform to their children, which many neglect, but they will yet mourn their sad neglect. Great care should be taken by parents to study the disposition of their children and it is also necessary to be very kind and affectionate to their children, and thereby gain their affections, and make them love you. It is not the wisest course to be very severe but it is always best to be decided and unyielding, and when we tell a child anything, never let them tease you out of it. Be very careful of this.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1853, 1)
July 5, 1853
You see I commenced your letter some days ago but have not had time to finish it. Last Sabbath I was taken off in vision and was shown many things, some of which I have not [time] to write.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1853, 2)
I saw something about the government of children, that parents were standing in the place of God to their children and that parents must be united in their efforts to save their children, and must take hold of the Word in good earnest and while they may be corrected for their faults, ever encourage their well-doing and pray with them and for them.
(1LtMs, Lt 4, 1853, 3)
Lt 5, 1853
Dodge, Brother and Sister Rochester, New York July 5, 1853 Portions of this letter are published in 1Bio 282. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Dodge:
I have but a few moments to write, so must be brief. We are prospering in the Lord and are of good courage. For a time after we arrived here James’ health was very poor, his lungs were much affected, but we had some powerful seasons of prayer for him and the Lord in mercy has drawn near and condescended to answer our petitions. He is much better than he has been, and is of good courage.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 1)
Last Sabbath the power of God settled upon me. I was taken off in vision and saw many things of great interest to us. I have scribbled off the vision. It covers 24 pages, many things were explained to us which we did not understand and which were necessary for us to know. I saw that we must have the truth got out oftener—that the only paper in the land owned and approved of God should come out oftener than once in two weeks, while papers that are full of error come out weekly and some oftener than that. I saw that the way was opening for us to extend our labors. I saw something about things west.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 2)
I saw that there has been a cruel denying of the power of God by some in Jackson. The course of Brother Russell and a few connected with him is very dark, and if he pursues such a course still he must be cut off from the fellowship of the saints. He has had such a good opinion of himself that it looks impossible that God should show that he was wrong; and he has been closing his eyes to himself and doubting what God has shown concerning him. He is deceived and is suffering himself to be deceived and I greatly fear will be given up to his own ways to be filled with his own doings.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 3)
Dear Brn. you must move united and shoulder to shoulder if you would have the error and mismoves, which have eaten in the church like the canker, removed and a healthy influence exerted in the church. I saw that God had taken hold to assist you in Jackson and now you must take hold and help yourselves in the fear of God and work diligently to wipe away the reproach that has been brought upon the cause by the unwise moves of some. Those who are on the Lord’s side will be with you and those on the side of Baal and confusion will be against you. God is sifting you with a sieve and if there is any among you that rebel, God will separate him from you that you may move on.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 4)
I saw that things in Jackson had not been held up in their wrong light. O, no, but if Brn. in Jackson could see these things as God sees them and could see how His frown has been upon Jackson for these wrongs, they would ever feel a grateful thankfulness to God that He had not taken His Spirit utterly from them and left them in darkness and error. I mean those who have been in the wrong who have brought sorrow and mental anguish on all the church. I saw that it had been the work of the enemy through false teaching to cause the Brn. to be in haste to dispose of their means, and not leaving them free to act, leaving them for God to teach, to direct, and guide by the operation of the Spirit upon the heart when they shall sell, and how much, and when to give and how much.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 5)
The messengers, some of them, have taken this burden upon themselves when they had no authority for so doing. Instead of those who have means looking to their Brn. for direction, they must look to God, for they are His stewards and God knows just how much means will be wanted and when. But men know not and Satan has worked to help the means away from the true object, and when the time has come when publishments must come out more frequently, there are means that have been wasted which will be needed, and the lack is felt. God’s ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts. Those who have means often have been made to feel that they were stewards of men instead of stewards of God, and have looked to men for light and teaching instead of God. These evils I saw must be remedied.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 6)
But I must be in haste. We have not forgotten your kindness to us. We remember the kindness of Bro. Smith’s family with gratitude; thank them for me. Brother Dodge, I remember your kind attentions and the interest you manifested for us. You all seem very near to me. Give my love to each member of the family and to the Brn. and sisters. Tell them to be faithful, and have no communion with the unfaithful works of darkness.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 7)
Bro. Dodge look up, be of good cheer, the Lord is our God. We shall be overcomers in a little while.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 8)
E. G. White [Variant copy of vision:]
I saw that it had been the work of the enemy through false teachings to cause brethren to be in haste to dispose of their means, and not leaving them free to act, not leaving them for God to teach, direct, and guide by the operations of His Spirit upon the heart, when they shall sell, and how much, and when to give and how much.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 9)
The messengers, some of them, have taken this upon themselves when they had no authority for so doing. Instead of those having means looking to their brethren for direction, they must look to God, for they are His stewards and God knows just how much means will be wanted, when and where; but men know not, and the enemy has worked to keep the means away from the true object. And when the time has come that the work of God is to be more extensive, when publications, tracts, and papers must come out more frequently, means that have been wasted and carelessly disposed of will be needed, and the lack will be felt. God could rain down money from heaven, but it is not His plan. Everything is arranged here on earth so as to move like clockwork in the cause of God, and when this is thrown out of order the cause must suffer in consequence. And the one who has caused the jargon must suffer loss, if he enters the kingdom of God. I saw that God’s ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts. Those who have means often have been made to feel that they were stewards of men instead of stewards of God, and have looked to men for light and teaching instead of God. These evils I saw must be remedied.
(1LtMs, Lt 5, 1853, 10)
Lt 6, 1853
Dodge, Brother and Sister Rochester, New York August 3, 1853 Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 351. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Dodge:
We received your kind letter and were glad you wrote to us so particular as you did. I should have answered it before but have not had time. I have now written 26 pages since Sabbath. It is now Wednesday morning. I have quite a number of letters yet to write this week.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 1)
We are all quite well in body, and free in mind. James’ health has been poor but we are holding on to the arm of God for him. Will you not make him a special subject of prayer? God will hear you pray. I believe He has answered our prayers in a measure; but James must realize more of the divine blessing or he will not stay with us long to carry forward the work of God. Don’t forget his case. My health is quite good. We have some most blessed seasons around the family altar. God does manifest Himself unto us. Praise His blessed name.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 2)
I had a vision a few weeks ago which I will try to send to you if I can possibly get time to write it before I go East. I will send it to Brother Palmer if I do.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 3)
I am sorry to hear some have to be disfellowshipped for not moving with the church. I am sorry for them, and sincerely pity them. May the Lord save them from ruin. Poor Brother Case, and poor Brother Drew. I hardly know who to sympathize with the most. You must watch over Brother Drew; don’t let him be deceived as to Brother Case’s true state. But be careful of one thing: do not be cast down yourselves. Remember you must not sink down if you would have any influence over others. You must keep free, believe in God, and act out your faith. Pray much to God and He will strengthen you.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 4)
I have scarcely any hopes of Brother Russell. He has stood out against light and has had such an unbounded good opinion of himself. I fear he will never get a look into his own heart; he is completely blinded as to his situation. But I would say to the church, be free, move carefully, trusting wholly in God. We have not forgotten you, but often think of you and your kindness to us. We should be very glad to see you again.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 5)
Much love to Brother and Sister Palmer; hope they will go forward with courage and energy. Tell them to be faithful. I meant to have written them before now; but this is as busy a house as you ever saw. We have meetings here on the Sabbath, and there is so much folding to do, and stitching, sewing, &c. It keeps us every moment employed. But we are pleasantly situated away from the bustle and confusion in the midst of the city; a yard around the house for Edson to run in, and some fruit trees. But our fruit is almost an entire failure. We shall not have over 20 peaches, and apples but very few, no apricots; a few quinces and grapes we shall have; but we are disappointed as to fruit. But we thank the Lord for what He has blessed us with; we will not complain. If faithful we shall soon eat of the fruit of the tree of life and drink of its healing waters.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 6)
I love you all; my heart is united with yours. Be of good courage and endure toil and trial a little longer and we shall see the King in His beauty. Much love to Brother Smith’s family. We love them and want to see them; tell them to write us, we want to hear from them often. We have been expecting a letter from Brother Rhodes for some time, have received none as yet since the conference. How it will turn with him I cannot tell. Perhaps he will receive it, and it may be he will sink down beneath it.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 7)
Pray for us. In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 6, 1853, 8)
Lt 7, 1853
Smith, Brother and Sister Rochester, New York August 24, 1853 Portions of this letter are published in 1Bio 282. See also Annotations. Dear Brother and Sister Smith:
We received the box of things Monday; it came all safe. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. The carpet is very nice, almost too nice to lay down upon the floor of a chamber. Thank you for the labor you have bestowed upon the carpet, skirt, and gloves. Accept our united thanks for your remembrance of us. Tell little Sis, Eddy likes his walnuts very much.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 1)
Thank Sister Palmer and Sister Dickinson for their remembrance of me.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 2)
We felt very sorry to hear of Brother Palmer’s illness. I hope he is much better. May the Lord spare him to help on His cause and glorify His name.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 3)
James has had some discouraged feelings of late, is much better now body and soul. Luman is coughing again, his lungs are affected, but the Lord is our physician, we shall hold on to His almighty arm. His labors are much needed in the office. He has overdone often. Stephen Belden and Fletcher Byington do not return from the office until 10, 12, 2 or 3 o’clock. They have labored uncommonly hard of late, and God has strengthened them, or they must have broken down. The Lord blessed us abundantly last Tuesday eve, our hearts were made glad and to rejoice in God. Praise His holy name.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 4)
We start on our journey East in one week from today. I can write but little, as I have much to do. The paper comes off today. My little Edson’s health is much better than it has been. We feel determined to have unshaken confidence in God. Our hearts cry out after the living God. My soul is not satisfied. I long to see the King in His beauty and be made like Him.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 5)
Dear friends, how thankful we should be that we have a hope in God, that our treasure is on high. We will praise Him, we will honor Him, for He is high and lifted up and greatly to be praised.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 6)
Please to remember me to all that I am acquainted with. I love them in Jackson. Much love to your dear family. Thank Sister Caroline for writing and Sister Dickinson. James thanks you for what you have sent. May the Lord reward you is our prayer.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 7)
I am not quite as well as usual; am filling with water; have bloated more or less since I returned from Michigan. My trust is in God. He will strengthen me, and rebuke disease.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 8)
I have written some of my vision and directed it to Brother Palmer. You will have seen it, I think, before this reaches you. The gloves and skirt fit well.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 9)
From your unworthy sister.
(1LtMs, Lt 7, 1853, 10)
Lt 8, 1853
Loughborough, Br-Sr. Refiled as Lt 7, 1854.
Lt 9, 1853
Kellogg, Sister Rochester, New York December 5, 1853 Portions of this letter are published in EW 115-117; 5MR 205, 240-241; 6MR 22-23. See also Annotations. Dear Sister Kellogg:
We received your very kind letter in due time, and designed answering it before, but have been quite sick. Took cold in my face and head, and suffered much with the teethache, and ague in my face. I tried to continue my writing which weakened my nerves, and it seemed at times I should be distracted. I suffered for about one week, nothing seemed to give me relief. Last Thursday eve, the family bore my case to the great Physician and I tried to have faith for myself and was immediately healed. The glory of the Lord shone about us, and we all rejoiced and triumphed in God for His unbounded goodness to us. All in the room were blest and shouted the praise of God.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 1)
Dear Sister, I have much that I might write you, but have so much to write to different individuals. But I will give you a sketch of the vision I had at our last conference.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 2)
At our last conference I was shown in vision the backwardness of some in our meetings. Some held back because they had nothing new to say and must repeat the same story. I saw that pride was at the bottom of this. That God and angels witnessed the testimonies that were borne and God was well pleased and glorified by the testimonies of all His humble children. I saw that God and His angels admired simplicity and humility.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 3)
I saw that God had been displeased and angels grieved that heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus, should suffer precious time to run to waste while the saints sit still, saying nothing in favor of God and the truth. I saw that if the brethren and sisters were in the place they had ought to be in, they would not be at a loss to find something to say in honor of Jesus who hung upon Calvary’s cross for their sins. If they would cherish more of a realizing sense of the condescension of God in giving His only beloved Son to die a sacrifice for our sins and transgressions, and the sufferings and anguish of Jesus to make a way of escape for guilty man, that he might receive pardon and live, they would be more ready to magnify and extol Jesus. They could not hold their peace, but with thankfulness and gratitude would talk of His glory and tell of His power, and blessings from God would rest upon them for so doing. Even if the same story was repeated, God was glorified by it. The Angel of God showed me those who rest not day nor night crying Holy, holy Lord God Almighty. Continual repetition, said the angel, yet God is glorified by it. And although we tell the same story over and over it honors God, and shows that we are [not] unmindful of Him, or His goodness and mercies to us.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 4)
I saw the nominal churches had fallen, coldness and death reigned in their midst. God gave them His word to humble them, if they had followed His teachings. But they got above the work, it was too humbling for them to repeat the same simple story, when they met together. They tried to get something new and great, and studied how they could please men, and have their words exact to their ear, and God’s Spirit left them, for instead of praying and talking to God, they prayed and talked to man.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 5)
I saw that when we followed in the humble way, we should have the movings of the Spirit of God, and there would be no jargon. All would be in sweet harmony and we should not be in danger, if we followed the humble channel of truth depending wholly upon God, of the evil angels taking possession of us and affecting us at all. It is when we get above the Spirit of God, moving in our own strength, that the angels of God cease watching over us, and we are left to the buffetings of Satan.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 6)
I saw that duties were laid upon us in God’s Word to be performed to keep us humble, and separate from the world, and from backsliding like the nominal churches. Washing feet and the Lord’s supper should be more frequently practiced by us. Jesus set us the example and told us to do as He had done to us. I saw that the example of Christ should be as exactly followed as possible. Yet brethren and sisters have not always moved as judiciously as they should in washing feet, and confusion has been caused. I saw that the messengers of God must be careful how they introduce this duty. I saw that no example was given us in God’s Word for the brethren to wash the sisters’ feet, but there was an example of the sisters washing their brethren’s feet. Mary washed the Saviour’s feet with her tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Also the widow who is mentioned. If she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet. I saw that God had moved upon the sisters to wash the brethren’s feet and it was according to the gospel order and would glorify God when He laid this cross upon them and it would humble the one that performed it. All, I saw, should move in this thing understandingly and not make the washing of feet a tedious ceremony.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 7)
Dear Sister, it is almost dark [and] I can write but a few words more. Hope you and your dear children are prospering in the Lord. Tell them to live humble, close to the bleeding side of Jesus; tell them to pray much and subdue all pride and selfishness and live wholly for God. Much love to them and your husband and self. We received your donation, thank you for it. Will try to use it to the glory of God. Husband did not know but that the money might be credited to the paper; did not know but some like Brother Case might say that money had been sent in that had been made no account of. I did not know as all understood that any present sent to me was not credited in the paper. How do you understand it? Tell Sister C. Smith I thank her for her present. Much love to her and all that family; also all the brethren and sisters. Pray for us. We are quite well except Luman. We are believing for him.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 8)
E. G. White
Tell the brethren and sisters to write us and for the Instructor. That little paper will come out soon if the friends send in matter. Tell all to be interested and write for the Instructor if they want it. Write us often.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 9)
In love.
(1LtMs, Lt 9, 1853, 10)
Lt 10, 1853
Chase, Mary NP May 1853 Portions of this letter are published in 2SG 174-178. See also Annotations.
Nathaniel’s Last Days
“I know I love God and He loves me,” said he. “There is much more I wish to say but have not strength.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 1)
It was with a strong effort he said as much as he did. Before he commenced talking James assisted him to rise from the bed, according to his wish, and sit in the rocking chair. He was so much exhausted it was some minutes before he could speak. James told him not to be in a hurry, but take all the time he wanted. The windows in his room had to be lowered at the top and raised at the bottom, for him to have air in order to speak more freely.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 2)
After he had said what he wished to, we united in prayer with him. It was a sweet season. He manifested great interest while we were praying, responding to our prayer, saying, “Amen,” and “Praise the Lord; glory to God. I will praise Him, for He is worthy to be praised. His name is Jesus, and He will save us from our sins.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 3)
He prayed with us, but was unable to sit up. James told him he could lie on the bed just as well. So he prayed lying upon the bed. He prayed earnestly and in faith. He did not ask to get well, but for a full consecration to God’s will, to be baptized with His Spirit, and purified by His blood. Said he, “Thou hast forgiven me all my sins, and blotted them out from Thy remembrance. Thou hast sanctified me to Thyself. And I will honor Thee as long as I have breath.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 4)
His eyes were very bright. His face shone, and he looked very happy. He said the room seemed light and he loved us all. After we arose from our knees, he said, “Anna, I love you. Come here.” She went to his bedside and he embraced her. He seemed to be very joyful and said, “I am happy. The Lord has blessed me.” James and Anna participated in his joy and happiness. It was a weeping, rejoicing time for us all.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 5)
Nathaniel was triumphant in God through the day, although he was very sick. He said he wished someone to be with him to lift him that day. He said he wanted them with him every moment. His wish was granted. I did not attend to anything else that day, but sat in his room and entertained him by reading the Bible and conversing with him. And then Stephen Belden, my brother-in-law, who loved Nathaniel dearly, and Nathaniel loved him for his piety and devotion, was at home and did not go to the office but stood ready to move and lift Nathaniel at any moment. And although he was so weak, yet he seemed happy. As I read the Bible to him, he would say, “How appropriate that is, how beautiful. I must remember that.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 6)
At one time that day Anna and I were sitting with him. He spoke out and said, “I don’t think my lungs are affected any, it is my stomach.” And just before he had told us his right lung did not afford him any breath and his left was clogging with phlegm. He ever seemed anxious to conceal his true situation from us and to make us think he was in a better situation than he was. When he said nothing was the matter with his lungs, I looked at Anna, and she at me, in astonishment. Neither of us spoke. Anna soon left the room. I then said, “Nathaniel, you are very sick. You may die in two hours, and unless God interposes, you cannot live two days.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 7)
He said very calmly, “Oh, not so soon as that, I guess.” He immediately arose from the bed, sat in the rocking chair and commenced talking. He went back to the time when he was converted, told how much he enjoyed his experience, how afraid he was of sinning, and then when he began to forget God and lose the blessing, and then how high his hopes were raised; he meant to be a man in the world, to get an education and fill some high station.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 8)
And then he told how his hopes had died as affliction’s hand pressed heavily upon him, how hard it was for him to give up his expectations. He was unreconciled to this sickness. He said he felt that he could not have it so. He would be well, he would not yield to it, he would shake it off.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 9)
Then he spoke of the time when he was at Boston, how feeble he was, how hard he tried to bear up, and sometimes he suffered so in mind he was afraid he would be crazy. And often when his labor was finished and he went to his boarding place and to his room, which was up three flights of stairs, his limbs would become so weak and his head so dizzy he would be obliged to hold on to the railing of the stairs to keep from falling backward. And his heart would beat so violently he would have to sit down and rest before he could go any farther. After he rested a little, he would go on again. Often he was obliged to lie upon the bed with his clothes on until he was rested. He said his feelings at such times were almost desperate. He would almost speak aloud, “I will not give up to it, I will shake this off. I will be a man. I will be well. I will be somebody and let my friends know I am somebody.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 10)
He said he murmured against God and thought it was cruel that he could not have strength.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 11)
Then he spoke of his coming to Rochester. How trying it was to have us wait upon him, and how galling was the idea that he was dependent. He said, “It seemed to me that the kindness, the brotherly kindness of you all was more than I could bear. It seemed as though it would kill me, and I have thought I wanted to get well to pay you for all this.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 12)
He then spoke of his embracing the Sabbath. Said he, “At first I was not willing to acknowledge the light I saw. I wished to conceal it, but the blessing of God was withheld from me until I acknowledged the Sabbath. Then I felt confidence toward God.” Said he, “I love the Sabbath now, it is precious to me.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 13)
Said he, “I now feel reconciled to my sickness. I know that it is the only thing that will save me. I praise the Lord if He can save me through affliction. I know, yes, I know, it is the only thing that will save me and bring me right.” Said he, “I have been impatient sometimes through my sickness, but for some weeks I have been getting the victory. I know, Ellen, that I am the Lord’s and He is mine. I love Him and He loves me. For three weeks I have enjoyed sweet communion with God in secret prayer. I have often felt His sweet Spirit, and felt as though I could shout at the top of my voice and praise God.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 14)
Said he, “My trust is in God today, and I will trust in Him if my breath stops today.” His face lighted up as he praised the Lord for His goodness.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 15)
He said much that I cannot now write. He seemed to be tired after he had ceased talking, and wished to lie down. I called Stephen, who assisted him on the bed. He rested awhile until his dinner was brought in and he was helped up. [He] sat in the rocking chair and ate his dinner as though it tasted good. He ate unusually heartily, and then wished to ride out.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 16)
We felt afraid to have him go, and tried to persuade him not to, but he was set about it. He felt that he must go. Said he, “I will lie down and rest me while Stephen is getting ready.” We told him we were fearful the wind was too strong, and the day before he had raised much blood. But he insisted upon going. Said he, “Stephen can lift me from the bed, and hold me up in his arms while you put on my coat and cap, and then he can put me in the carriage, and it need not tire me at all.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 17)
Anna was afraid to ride out with him that day. So I put on my bonnet and shawl and got his coat and hat. The horse was harnessed at the door. Stephen lifted him from the bed, and while he sat upon the side of the bed we put on his rubbers and were putting on his coat, got one arm into one sleeve and about to put in the other arm when we noticed a flush come over his face from his forehead to his chin. He looked up, while a painful smile came over his face, and said, “I shall have to give it up, I guess. I find I shall have to trust in God a little longer. But I hate dreadfully to give it up. Now, if I had been sitting in the chair, I could have gone, but it makes me weak to lie on the bed.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 18)
He sat a few minutes and said, “I have a good mind to get up and run and give one leap and go into that carriage and ride.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 19)
I sat with him through the afternoon. He talked perfectly calm about different things. Said he, “I have been wondering what made my feet so hot. I have my rubbers on.” I came to look, and asked him if I should take them off. He said, “Yes.” I sat upon the floor and took one foot in my lap and took off one of his rubbers and then the other. This I did so that I should not wrench his body any. He looked at me and smiled. That was the last little act I did for dear Nathaniel.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 20)
In the course of the afternoon he would speak often of his disappointment because he could not ride out. About five o’clock p. m. he sent for me, as I had just stepped out of his room. He said he wished us to pray with him, for he was some pressed for breath. A number of us went into his room and prayed for him and he prayed for himself. We were half an hour upon our knees. When we arose, he said he was some better.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 21)
At our usual supper time we prepared poor Nathaniel’s supper, and Anna carried it in to him and wanted to sit with him. But he wished her to go out and eat with the rest of the family. I said, “I will sit with Nathaniel.” Brother Stephen Belden was in the room, and he said he would like to have Stephen sit with him. Stephen lifted him from the bed and sat him in the rocking chair. Said Stephen, “Will you eat now?”“Well,” said Nathaniel, “It is hardly my supper time.” But he cast his eyes upon the watch that hung up before him, and said, “Yes, it is, but I am not hungry. I ate a hearty dinner.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 22)
In a few minutes he said he felt faint and did not know but [what] he was going to die. Stephen said, “Oh, I guess not.” He sent for us, and we all went into his room. I had not had time to taste anything before I was called. As soon as I entered the room, I knew that he was dying. For a moment he seemed to be troubled. I said, “Nathaniel, dear, trust in God; He loves you, and you love Him. Trust right in Him as a child trusts in its parents. Don’t be troubled. The Lord will not leave you.” Said he, “Yes, yes.”
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 23)
We prayed, and he responded, “Amen, praise the Lord.” As I saw he was going, I put my hand upon his forehead and commended him to God and prayed that he might have an easy passage, and that the light of God would shine around him. He turned his large bright eyes upon us and smiled. He did not seem to suffer pain, but breathed shorter and shorter, rocking in his chair, until about three minutes before he died. He did not groan once or struggle or move a muscle of his face or limbs, but breathed shorter and shorter until he fell asleep.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 24)
This was a house of mourning indeed. Sabbath and first-day I was in a high fever. I could not shed a tear. I felt as though my heart would burst. I was not able to shed a tear until the funeral. When they were about to screw on the coffin lid and we were taking our last look at him before he was carried out of the house, then I found relief in tears.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 25)
As soon as we came from the place of his burial, or the vault we laid him in, I fainted quite away. Poor Anna felt his death as keenly as one could feel it, but we begged of her to be calm or she would sink beneath it. She heeded what we had to say as much as she could and tried to restrain her feelings and govern them for our sake and the sake of her health.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 26)
Dear Sister Mary, I did not think of writing only three pages when I commenced, but I knew not where to stop. You must excuse all mistakes, for I have written in great haste. We love dear Anna very much. I know of no difference of feeling between her and my own natural sisters. Our hearts are knit together. Anna is a sweet, good girl.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 27)
After you read this please send it to your parents for them and Sister Elizabeth to read, and then if you wish it I will see that you have it again. We shall come to Palmyra when we go East, and I then hope to have the privilege of seeing you. And we can tell you more about dear Nathaniel than I can write.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 28)
My husband’s health is improving some. Please write to me. I should be much pleased to hear from you. James sends his love. Receive the same from your unworthy sister.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 29)
E. G. White
Please remember me to your parents and Lizzie. I have not forgotten them, but often think of our short visit to Palmyra with pleasure.
(1LtMs, Lt 10, 1853, 30)
Lt 11, 1853
Pierce, Brother NP December 3, 1853 Portions of this letter are published in 1Bio 404. See also Annotations. Dear Brother Pierce:
I have tried to write the vision that I had at Stowe, but have been very feeble and after I wrote the vision found my nerves were so weak I could not answer your questions. By writing too steadily and getting very weary, and then taking cold, I have been suffering for nearly a week with nervous toothache and ague in the face. My pain increased every day until I was unable to do anything. My sufferings were great. Last night at family prayer we took hold of the arm of God and carried my case to the great Physician and pleaded and wrestled with Him until He applied the balm and my aching head was relieved and my tired nerves were quieted, and we had a rejoicing time. All were abundantly blessed and triumphed in God.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 1)
But this is not answering your letter. First you inquire, “What so dreadful is among Sabbathkeepers?” Will not the vision answer this question? I think it will. God’s people coming right up to the judgment not ready, unprepared, and not setting a good example but standing in the way of sinners; and God showed me that there was something dreadful in this as well as other things that the vision points out.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 2)
About some being too fast and some too slow, I saw that some have run into the field to labor before they were sent, and traveled extensively. I might mention individual cases. Brother Lothrop is one that was shown me. His influence has been bad in many places. He has thought too much of himself, when he had but little judgment. Towle and Eastman were others whom God had never sent, and who were only a curse to the cause. Others were shown me who felt in a hurry to go out and talk the truth to others who had not yet learned it themselves.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 3)
Every individual case I saw is not now clear to my mind. But I saw that Brethren Baker, Everts, and Butler were too cautious, moved too slowly. There was not that kind, courteous feeling cherished by some of the brethren that there ought to be. There is too much severity used when it is not timely or when the mind is not prepared for it. Some reprove unwisely and others are too backward, and let things go on that God is displeased with, and not rebuke or reprove them.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 4)
I did see that Brother Hart had pressed the abstinence of herbs in case of sickness too far. I saw that it was right to use herbs that are beneficial for the use of man, but the poisonous herbs—tobacco, etc.—it was not right to use, because it was injuring and breaking down the constitution, weakening the system, ruining the nerves, and clogging and destroying the mind and reasoning powers which God has given us to serve Him with, that with the mind we may serve the law of God and adore and honor our Creator. I saw that others had erred in the same way, but the particular individuals I did not see or cannot recollect of seeing.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 5)
Again you inquire what the faith of Jesus is. I have seen that the brethren and sisters have not understood the faith of Jesus in its true light. They have taught that it is healing the sick, etc. It is not healing the sick, merely, but it is all the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] I saw that it was the whole New Testament which relates to Jesus.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 6)
It is impossible for me to write out all that I have seen about the elders of the church in reference to visions. I know not that I have anything special about it.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 7)
You inquire if we should pray for none that are sick except those in the third angel’s message, or pray for all that shall make application, etc. (James 5:14, 15) is our rule to follow. “Is any sick among you? Let them call,” etc. It is those that are among us. God has shown me those who keep God’s commandments [are] to have nothing to do in praying for the sick of those who are daily trampling them underfoot, unless it is in some special case where souls are convicted of the truth and are decided to move out upon it. The partition wall between commandment keepers and those who trample them underfoot should be kept up.
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 8)
Your next question: The elders referred to in (James 5:14) are not merely those who have been ordained, but aged persons, those also who have experience and judgment in the things of God—those whose lives are circumspect and ... [last lines are missing.]
(1LtMs, Lt 11, 1853, 9)