Table Of ContentLIFE SKETCHES OF ELLEN G. WHITE
[1915]
by
ELLEN G. WHITE
Contents
I. Childhood ................................. 17-19
Misfortune
Education
II. Conversion ................................ 20-25
Early Impressions
A Spiritual Revival
Righteousness by Faith
The Burden Lifted
"In Newness of Life"
Uniting with the Methodist Church
III. Strivings Against Doubt ................... 26-31
The Advent Cause in Portland
In Perplexity over Sanctification
The Doctrine of Eternal Punishment
IV. Beginning of Public Labors ................ 32-42
Dream of Temple and Lamb
Dream of Seeing Jesus
Friendly Sympathy and Counsel
My First Public Prayer
A View of the Father's Love
Bearing Testimony
Laboring for Young Friends
V. Separation from the Church ................. 43-53
Doctrinal Differences
The Hope of the Second Advent
Last Testimony in Class Meeting
Spreading the Advent Message
The Immortality Question
The Pastor's Visit
The Church Trial
p. 7, par. 1, [LS15]
VI. The Disappointment of 1843-44 ............. 54-63
Meetings in Beethoven Hall
An Exhortation by Elder Brown
Joyous Expectancy
Days of Perplexity
An Error in Reckoning
Hope Renewed
A Trial of Faith
A Period of Preparation
The Passing of the Time
VII. My First Vision .......................... 64-68
VIII. Call to Travel ........................... 69-73
Encouragement from the Brethren
Fear of Self-Exaltation
Among the Believers in Maine
IX. Answers to Prayer ........................ 74-76
X. Labors in New Hampshire .................. 77-84
Encouragement for Elder Morse
A Lack of True Godliness
Spiritual Magnetism
Meeting at Brother Collier's
The "Cannot-Sin" Theory
True Sanctification
XI. Meeting Fanaticism ....................... 85-94
A False Humility
Fruits of the "No-Work" Doctrine
The Dignity of Labor
A Severe Trial
Exhortations to Faithfulness
The Seal of Divine Approval
Lessons from the Past
p. 8, par. 1, [LS15]
XII. The Sabbath of the Lord .................. 95, 96
XIII. Marriage And United Labors ............... 97-104
In Confirmation of Faith
Fervent, Effectual Prayer
Labors in Massachusetts
A View of the Heavenly Sanctuary
XIV. Struggles with Poverty ................... 105-109
First Visit to Connecticut
Conference at Rocky Hill
Earning Means to Visit Western New York
XV. Labors in Western New York in 1848 ....... 110-115
Conference at Volney
Visit to Brother Snow's -- Hannibal
Meeting at Port Gibson
Visit to Brother Harris's -- Centerport
Visit to Brother Abbey's -- Brookfield
XVI. A View of the Sealing .................... 116-119
XVII. Encouraging Providences .................. 120-124
Healing of Gilbert Collins
Healing of Sister Temple
The Family of Leonard Hastings
Moving to Connecticut in 1849
Living Waters -- A Dream
VIII. Beginning to Publish ..................... 125-128
"The Present Truth"
Visit to Maine
Advancing by Faith
Residence in Oswego
p. 9, par. 1, [LS15]
XIX. Visiting the Scattered Flock ............. 129-135
At Camden, N.Y.
In Vermont
Rising above Despondency
In Canada East
The Meeting at Johnson, Vt.
Return to New York
XX. Publishing Again ......................... 136-141
Satan's Efforts to Hinder
Triumphing Through Faith
The Review and Herald
Removal to Saratoga Springs
XXI. In Rochester, New York ................... 142-147
Death of Robert Harmon
Pressing On
Conversion of the Office Foreman
Nathaniel and Anna White
XXII. Advancing Under Difficulties ............. 148-156
First Visit to Michigan
Writing and Traveling
Deliverance from Disease
Visit to Michigan and Wisconsin -- 1854
Return to Rochester
Death of Anna White
XXIII. Removal to Michigan ..................... 157-159
Comforting Assurances
Captivity Turned
XXIV. Labors in the Middle West--1856-58 ....... 160-163
A Victory at Waukon, Iowa
View at Lovett's Grove, Ohio
Writing "Spiritual Gifts," Vol. 1
p. 10, par. 1, [LS15]
XXV. Personal Trials ........................ 164-166
Efforts to Establish the Publishing Work
Parental Cares
Loss of Children
XXVI. Battling Against Disease ............... 167-172
The Sickness of Elder James White
Sojourn at Dansville, N. Y.
Seasons of Prayer and Blessing
XXVII. Conflicts and Victory .................. 173-177
Labors at Wright, Mich.
At Greenville, Mich.
Visit to Battle Creek -- March, 1867
Laying Hold on God
XXVIII. Among the Churches in New England ...... 178-182
In Maine
Revival Services at Washington, N. H.
In Vermont and New York
Return to Michigan
XXIX. Reclaiming the Lost .................... 183-189
An Encouraging Dream
Visiting Churches in Michigan
Caring for the Sick
Revival Meetings at Greenville
The Lost Sheep
En Route to Battle Creek
The General Conference of May, 1868
XXX. Traveling the Narrow Way ............... 190-193
XXXI. Burden Bearers ......................... 194-196
p. 11, par. 1, [LS15]
XXXII. A Solemn Dream ........................ 197-202
XXXIII. Missionary Work ....................... 203-207
XXXIV. Broader Plans ......................... 208-210
XXXV. Into All the World .................... 211-215
Special Preparation
Opening Providences
Sowing Beside All Waters
Publications in Many Languages
A Harvest of Precious Souls
XXXVI. Circulating the Printed Page .......... 216-218
XXXVII. Public Labors in 1877 ................. 219-228
Special Services for College Students
Temperance Meetings
On the Indiana Camp Ground
Walking Out by Faith
The Eastern Camp Meetings
Return to Michigan and California
XXXVIII. Visit to Oregon ....................... 229-234
The Voyage
Meetings of Special Interest
A Prison Service
The Return Journey
XXXIX. From State to State ................... 235-240
In Colorado
The New England Conference
Meeting in Maine
At Battle Creek
Kansas Camp Meetings
Visit to Texas
p. 12, par. 1, [LS15]
XL. A View of the Judgment .................. 241-246
Times of Test and Trial
A Call for Burden Bearers
XLI. The Death of Elder James White ......... 247-254
XLII. Fortitude Under Affliction .............. 255-260
Personal Reflections
Finding Rest in Labor for Souls
Special Efforts for the Youth
XLIII. Restoration of Health ................... 261-266
XLIV. Writing and Speaking .................... 267-280
Visit to Battle Creek
The Path of Obedience
Ripening for the Harvest
Lay Members as Missionaries for God
An Example of Self-Sacrifice
Filling Up the Ranks of Workers
Establishing Faith in Bible Truth
The General Conference of 1883
Closing Labors in the East
XLV. Labors in Central Europe ................ 281-290
The "Imprimerie Polyglotte"
Publishing Houses in Many Lands
The Sale of Literature
The Training of Colporteurs
Development Through Faithful Service
Visits to Italy
p. 13, par. 1, [LS15]
XLVI. Labors in Great Britain and
Scandinavia .......................... 291-308
Consecration, Courage, Confidence
Dispelling the Darkness
First Visit to Scandinavia
Second Visit to Scandinavia
Fifth European Missionary Council
Efficiency in Missionary Service
"Go Forward!"
A Remarkable Development
Messages of Hope and Courage
XLVII. In Confirmation of Confidence .......... 309-318
Proposals Regarding Centralization
Suggested Changes in Policy
Formal Consideration of Proposed
Changes
A Special Committee Council
The Sabbath Service
XLVIII. Danger in Adopting Worldly
Policy in the Work of God ............ 319-330
XLIX. Across the Pacific ..................... 331-343
The Voyage
The Australian Conference Meeting
Consideration of School Interests
Sickness, and Change of Plans
The Opening of the Australasian
Bible School
Encompassed by Infirmities
A Review of Experience
The Australian Conference of January, 1893
Labors in New Zealand
p. 14, par. 1, [LS15]
L. The First Australian Camp Meeting ........ 344-348
LI. The Avondale School ...................... 349-378
Work and Education
Looking for a Suitable Property
An Industrial Experiment
A Beautiful Dream
Help from Friends in Africa
Putting Up the First Buildings
Another Test of Faith
Aims and Objects
Missionary Labor the Highest Training
Fields White unto the Harvest
A Training Ground for Mission Fields
After Many Years
LII. Through the South to the Conference of 1901
................................................ 379-387
Centers of Influence and of Training
Special Opportunities in the South
Institutional Training in Many Lands
Self-Supporting Missionaries
Reorganization
LIII. At the Nation's Capital .................. 388-398
From Battle Creek to the East
In Search of a Site
Favorable Conditions at Takoma Park, D. C.
An Advance Step
Words of Encouragement
"Arise, and Build"
p. 15, par. 1, [LS15]
LIV. In Southern California .................. 399-406
LV. The San Francisco Earthquake ............ 407-415
Retributive Judgments
Working the Cities from Outpost Centers
Scenes of Destruction
Warnings and Exhortations
Calls to Repentance
LVI. At The 1909 General Conference .......... 416-424
A Representative Gathering
The Work in the Cities
Special Efforts in New England
Delegations from Abroad
Strife among the Nations
Important Counsels
LVII. Closing Labors .......................... 425-439
Personal Activities
The Pioneers of the Message
Giving the Trumpet a Certain Sound
Book Manuscript Work
A Solemn Charge
LVIII. Last Sickness ........................... 440-449
LIX. The "Elmshaven" Funeral Service ......... 450-455
LX. The Memorial Service at Richmond ........ 456-461
LXI. The Funeral Services at Battle Creek .... 462-480
In the Tabernacle
Address by Elder Daniells
Discourse by Elder Haskell
At the Grave
Life Sketches
Chapter I
Childhood
I was born at Gorham, Maine, Nov. 26, 1827. My parents,
Robert and Eunice Harmon, were for many years residents of
this State. In early life they became earnest and devoted
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In that church
they held prominent connection, and labored for the
conversion of sinners, and to build up the cause of God,
for a period of forty years. During this time they had the
joy of seeing their children, eight in number, all
converted and gathered into the fold of Christ. p. 17,
Para. 1, [LS15].
Misfortune -- While I was but a child, my parents removed
from Gorham to Portland, Maine. Here, at the age of nine
years, an accident happened to me which was to affect my
whole life. In company with my twin sister and one of our
schoolmates, I was crossing a common in the city of
Portland, when a girl about thirteen years of age, becoming
angry at some trifle, threw a stone that hit me on the
nose. I was stunned by the blow, and fell senseless to the
ground. p. 17, Para. 2, [LS15].
When consciousness returned, I found myself in a
merchant's store. 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 present were not aware that
my injury was so serious, and allowed me to go; but after
walking only a few rods, I grew faint and dizzy. My twin
sister and my schoolmate carried me home. p. 17, Para. 3,
[LS15].
I have no recollection of anything further for some time
after the accident. My mother said that I noticed nothing,
but lay in a stupor for three weeks. No one but herself
thought it possible for me to recover, but for some reason
she felt that I would live. p. 18, Para. 1, [LS15].
When I again aroused to consciousness, it seemed to me
that I had been asleep. I did not remember the accident,
and was ignorant of the cause of my illness. A great cradle
had been made for me, and in it I lay for many weeks. I was
reduced almost to a skeleton. p. 18, Para. 2, [LS15].
At this time I began to pray the Lord to prepare me for
death. When Christian friends visited the family, they
would ask my mother if she had talked with me about dying.
I overheard this, and it roused me. I desired to become a
Christian, and prayed earnestly for the forgiveness of my
sins. I felt a peace of mind resulting, and loved every
one, feeling desirous that all should have their sins
forgiven, and love Jesus as I did. p. 18, Para. 3, [LS15].
I gained strength very slowly. As I became able to join in
play with my young friends, I was forced to learn the
bitter lesson that our personal appearance often makes a
difference in the treatment we receive from our companions.
p. 18, Para. 4, [LS15].
Education -- My health seemed to be hopelessly impaired.
For two years I could not 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 same girl who
was the cause of my misfortune, was appointed monitor by
our teacher, and it was among her duties to assist me in my
writing and other lessons. She always seemed sincerely
sorry for the great injury 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 as she saw me
laboring under serious disadvantages to get an education.
p. 18, Para. 5, [LS15].
My nervous system was prostrated, and my hand trembled so
that I made but little progress in writing, and could get
no farther than the simple copies in coarse hand. As I
endeavored to bend my mind to my studies, the letters in
the page would run together, great drops of perspiration
would stand upon my brow, and a faintness and dizziness
would seize me. I had a bad cough, and my whole system
seemed debilitated. p. 19, Para. 1, [LS15].
My teachers advised me to leave school, and not pursue my
studies further till my health should improve. It was the
hardest struggle of my young life to yield to my
feebleness, and decide that I must leave my studies, and
give up the hope of gaining an education. p. 19, Para. 2,
[LS15].
Chapter II
Conversion
In March, 1840, William Miller visited Portland, Maine,
and gave a course of lectures on the second coming of
Christ. These lectures produced a great sensation, and the
Christian church on Casco Street, where the discourses were
given, was crowded day and night. No wild excitement
attended the meetings, but a deep solemnity pervaded the
minds of those who heard. Not only was a great interest
manifested in the city, but the country people flocked in
day after day, bringing their lunch baskets, and remaining
from morning until the close of the evening meeting. p.
20, Para. 1, [LS15].
In company with my friends, I attended these meetings. Mr.
Miller traced down the prophecies with an exactness that
struck conviction to the hearts of his hearers. He dwelt
upon the prophetic periods, and brought many proofs to
strengthen his position. Then his solemn and powerful
appeals and admonitions to those who were unprepared, held
the crowds as if spellbound. p. 20, Para. 2, [LS15].
Early Impressions -- Four years previous to this, on my
way to school, I had picked up a scrap of paper containing
an account of a man in England who was preaching that the
earth would be consumed in about thirty years from that
time. I took this paper home and read it to the family. In
contemplating the event predicted, I was seized with
terror; the time seemed so short for the conversion and
salvation of the world. Such a deep impression was made
upon my mind by the little paragraph on the scrap of paper,
that I could scarcely sleep for several nights, and prayed
continually to be ready when Jesus came. p. 20, Para. 3,
[LS15].
I had been taught that a temporal millennium would take
place prior to the coming of Christ in the clouds of
heaven; but now I was listening to the startling
announcement that Christ was coming in 1843, only a few
short years in the future. p. 21, Para. 1, [LS15].
A Spiritual Revival -- Special meetings were appointed
where sinners might have an opportunity to seek their
Saviour and prepare for the fearful events soon to take
place. Terror and conviction spread through the entire
city. Prayer meetings were established, and there was a
general awakening among the various denominations; for they
all felt more or less the influence that proceeded from the
teaching of the near coming of Christ. p. 21, Para. 2,
[LS15].
When sinners were invited forward to the anxious seat,
hundreds responded to the call; and I, among the rest,
pressed through the crowd and took my place with the
seekers. But there was in my heart a feeling that I could
never become worthy to be called a child of God. I had
often sought for the peace there is in Christ, but I could
not seem to find the freedom I desired. A terrible sadness
rested on my heart. I could not think of anything I had
done to cause me to feel sad; but it seemed to me that I
