The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
1855
Ms 3, 1855
May 5, 1855,1 [Battle Creek, Michigan]2 1EGWLM 449.1
Fragments. 1EGWLM 449.2
Portions of this manuscript are published in Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Years, p. 318.
Prospects of recovery for James White. Future of publishing house. 1EGWLM 449.3
I then inquired if James [James Springer White] would be spared or would be removed before the time of trouble.3 Said the angel, What is that to thee?4 Follow Jesus, follow the opening providence of God. Have unwavering faith in His promises. Walk by faith and not by sight. 1EGWLM 449.4
In regard to the office and what our duty is in regard to it, had no light,5 The future of the publishing house (“the office”) had been under intense discussion for several months. In the February 20, 1855, issue of the Review James White had publicly issued a cry for help, citing overwork, poor health, and lack of financial support as reasons that fundamental changes had to be made. One of the options considered to ease the situation was relocation. During the week prior to the May 5 vision the Whites had consulted with members in Battle Creek, Michigan, about locating the publishing house in their town. James White felt that “the climate, water, prices of rent, fuel, provisions etc. seem favorable to the location,” but he was not ready to make a decision yet. Ellen White’s statement that she had “no light” probably refers to this relocation issue. The question was decided only in late August 1855, after James White had investigated the relative advantages of locating in Vermont. See: “The Office,” Review, Feb. 20, 1855, p. 182; James White, “Meetings at Battle Creek,” Review, May 15, 1855, p. 228. For a survey of events leading to the move to Battle Creek, see Gerald Wheeler, James White, pp. 81-83.