The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 7, 1859
July 1—September 30, 1859 1EGWLM 637.1
Diary, July to September. 1EGWLM 637.2
Portions of this manuscript are published in Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, p. 143.
[Battle Creek, Michigan] Friday, July 1
Jenny and self walked down to the city. It was a tiresome walk. 1EGWLM 637.3
[Battle Creek] Sabbath, July 2
Had sinking turns. Suffered much all through the day. 1EGWLM 637.4
[Battle Creek] Sunday, July 3
I was very weak. 1EGWLM 637.5
[Battle Creek] Monday, July 4
Wrote nearly all day—important matter. 1EGWLM 637.6
[Battle Creek] Tuesday, July 5
Was very weak in body. 1EGWLM 637.7
[Battle Creek] Wednesday, July 6
Rode down to the city with Mary Loughborough [Mary J. Loughborough] and my husband. Took our bonnets from the milliner. 1EGWLM 637.8
[Battle Creek] Thursday, July 7
Went down to Brother and Sister Smith's [Cyrenius and Louisa Smith].1 Had some conversation with them upon a vision I had. Feel bad that they do not realize their state as it is. 1EGWLM 637.9
[Battle Creek] Friday, July 8
We had much to do today. Dried half a bushel of cherries. 1EGWLM 637.10
[Battle Creek] Sabbath, July 9
Had a strange sinking turn. Unable to attend meeting. Wrote to Brother and Sister Smith.2 1EGWLM 638.1
[Battle Creek] Sunday, July 10
Wrote a number of letters to Sisters Harris, Abbey, Lowry, Churchill. 1EGWLM 638.2
[Battle Creek] Monday, July 11
Went to the office. Arranged James’ and my letters. Took dinner at Fletcher's [John Fletcher Byington].3 Indians pitched their tents in Manchester Oaks. 1EGWLM 638.3
[Battle Creek] Tuesday, July 12
Rode down street. Traded some. Spent the rest of the day in writing. Met Brother Byington [John Byington]4 at Fletcher's. He looked happier than I had seen him for months. Says after a week he is going out to labor for the Lord, and expects to be absent six months. Thank the Lord for this.5 1EGWLM 638.4
[Battle Creek] Friday, July 22
My brother [John B. Harmon] that I have not seen for twenty years came from Illinois with his wife [Lucy J. Harmon]6 to visit us. 1EGWLM 638.5
[Battle Creek] Tuesday, July 26
My brother leaves tonight at twelve o'clock. My father and mother accompany him. 1EGWLM 638.6
[Battle Creek] Wednesday, July 27
It seems very lonely today: Brother and Father and Mother gone. Perhaps we shall never meet them again.7 This makes me sad. 1EGWLM 638.7
Went down street to purchase material to use in Brother Czechowski's [Michael B. Czechowski]8 family. The merchant was kind enough to send her a dress. 1EGWLM 639.1
[Battle Creek] Thursday, July 28
Went to the Office; assisted my husband. 1EGWLM 639.2
[Battle Creek] Sabbath, July 30
Mother White [Betsey White]9 is quite ill with dysentery. Took her to our own house to nurse her up. Husband preached twice today. The truth was set forth in a clear, powerful manner. His text was, “Preach the Word.” 1EGWLM 639.3
[Battle Creek] Tuesday, August 2
Brethren J. N. Andrews and J. N. Loughborough came from the tent meeting.10 1EGWLM 639.4
[Battle Creek] Thursday, August 4
Mother is now able to go to her home again. 1EGWLM 639.5
[Jackson, Michigan] Wednesday, August 17
Left Battle Creek for Jackson on our eastern journey.11 Arrived at Jackson about two o'clock p.m. Found Brother Palmer's [Dan R. Palmer]12 family well. Had a praying season that eve. Felt like wrestling earnestly with God for the spirit of labor, and we had an assurance that our prayers would be answered. 1EGWLM 639.6
[Carlton, New York] Thursday, August 18
Awoke a little past two A.M. Took the [railroad] cars at four. Feel very miserable. Rode all day. Oh, what an exhibition of hoops!13 What pride and fashion! Surely hoops cannot be convenient in the cars. Our journey on the cars ended about six p.m.14 They left the train at Albion, New York (cf. Aug. 22 entry and notice in Review). James White felt exhilarated after covering more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) in one day: “It seemed hardly possible that we had left … Jackson, Mich., only sixteen hours before. We were hurried over the roads, through the dust, and from one train to another, with such speed that we seemed to forget headaches, and other ills.” See: “Appointments,” Review, Aug. 18, 1859, p. 104; J. W. [James White], “Eastern Tour,” Review, Sept. 1, 1859, p. 116.
[Carlton] Sabbath, August 20 17
They are coming in to the meetings. One hundred in the forenoon, above two hundred in the afternoon.18 Brother White preached forenoon and afternoon. Brother Cottrell in the evening. Have meeting in the evening. 1EGWLM 640.2
[Carlton] Sunday, August 21
Large congregation. Good attention. Tent full. Some women with their rich silks and satins sit upon the ground just inside of the curtain. I preached from this text, “Preach the Word.”19 1EGWLM 641.1
[Rochester, New York] Monday, August 22
Left Brother Buckland's for Albion. There took the cars for Rochester. Found Brother Orton [Jonathan T. Orton]20 waiting for us, and he took us to his home in his carriage. 1EGWLM 641.2
[Rochester] Tuesday, August 23
Tarried with Brother Orton through the day. Traded in Rochester. Laura Seeley [Laura Seeley]21 came to Brother Orton's. Poor afflicted soul! 1EGWLM 641.3
[Roosevelt, New York] Wednesday, August 24
Left Rochester for Syracuse. There took the Omnibus22 for Central Square. Hired a conveyance for Roosevelt. Made our stopping place and home at Brother Sprague's.23 1EGWLM 641.4
[Roosevelt] Thursday, August 25
Wrote to Brother Peabody [William Peabody].24 Was very weary. 1EGWLM 641.5
[Roosevelt] Friday, August 26
They are coming in to the meeting. Brother and Sister Wheeler [Frederick and Lydia Wheeler]25 are here. I am sick today. Had a meeting in the eve at the commencement of the Sabbath. It was a good meeting. Husband preached. There was a conference meeting appointed for the morning. I had opportunity to talk. 1EGWLM 642.1
[Roosevelt] Sabbath, August 27
They have a neat little meetinghouse.26 It was filled and crowded and many could not get in at all. In the afternoon they were obliged to give it up to the women and infirm and aged men. They drew up the wagons to the windows and the men filled them full.27 I had freedom in preaching. 1EGWLM 642.2
[Roosevelt] Sunday, August 28
The meeting was held in the tent. 1EGWLM 642.3
[Volney, New York] Monday, August 29
Left Roosevelt for Volney. Rode in a lumber wagon. It was very wearisome. 1EGWLM 642.4
[Volney] Tuesday, August 30
Had a meeting in the schoolhouse. Bore my testimony after my husband preached. 1EGWLM 642.5
[Springfield, Massachusetts] Wednesday, August 31
Left Volney for Fulton, about five miles [eight kilometers] away. There took the cars for Syracuse [New York] and changed cars for Utica and again to Albany and tarried at Springfield over night; lodging and breakfast cost $2.00. 1EGWLM 643.1
[Kensington, Connecticut] Thursday, September 1
We again took the cars for Berlin, Connecticut. Arrived at Brother Belden's [Albert Belden]28 before noon. They received us gladly. 1EGWLM 643.2
[See also Lt 3, 1859, written on this date.] 1EGWLM 643.3
[Kensington] Friday, September 2
Brother Sperry [Charles W. Sperry]29 came from Vermont to consult James about meeting in Vermont. Great confusion about appointment.30 Brother Andrew Graham [Andrew Graham] came to take us to visit his people. We did not enjoy the visit much. We were so perplexed to know how to correct the appointment. Took dinner with Brother Bruce Graham [Bruce Graham]. Then went to William Graham's [William Henry Graham].31 His wife is sick, confined to her bed. We had a praying season with her and left for Brother Belden's. 1EGWLM 643.4
[See also Lt 4, 1859, written on this date.] 1EGWLM 643.5
[Kensington]32 Sabbath, September 3
Quite a number have collected together. Dear precious souls are among them who have endured many hardships, suffered affliction and anguish. Sister Chamberlain [Mary Ann Chamberlain]33 is dressed in deep mourning. We call up the severe afflictions she has suffered. Buried a child, a noble boy named Joseph, about four years old. Buried her husband with that dreadful disease, smallpox. Then buried a daughter, a young woman grown. Gave birth soon after to a pair of twins; at an early age buried one; another son died in Michigan. Her son Joseph, a sweet, interesting boy of eight years, was drowned. Jane, a young woman grown, died of consumption.34 Her afflicted heart was comforted by hearing the words spoken. She was greatly strengthened. 1EGWLM 644.1
[Somerville, Massachusetts] Monday, September 5
Left Connecticut for Springfield [Massachusetts] on our way to Boston [Massachusetts]. Arrived at Boston; took a hack35 for Hay Market Square. Then took the horse railroad for Somerville. Arrived at Brother Folsom's about dark. Were received heartily by Brother and Sister Folsom [Paul and Margaret Folsom].36 1EGWLM 644.2
[Somerville] Tuesday, September 6
Found myself quite well this morn. Spent a portion of the day writing.37 Wrote home to Henry [age 12], Jenny [Jane Fraser],38 and Willie [age 5]. Wrote to Topsham [Maine], Brother Sperry,39 and sent a letter to Brother Peabody, to Brother J. B. Harmon [John B. Harmon],40 and to Sister Sarah Belden [Sarah B. Belden].41 1EGWLM 645.1
[Somerville] Wednesday, September 7
Wrote a portion of the day. Made husband three collars. James went into Boston. Rode with Brother Folsom to Salem [Massachusetts]. Returned about 9 o'clock p.m. In his absence, Brother Nichols [Otis Nichols]42 came to see him. Was disappointed at his absence. Sister Folsom went out to trade. Returned about dark. 1EGWLM 645.2
[Salem, Massachusetts] Thursday, September 8
Left Somerville for Salem at half past two o'clock p.m. Brother Saxby [William L. Saxby]43 was not waiting for us. Took a carriage to his house. Brother and Sister Hutchins [Alfred S. and Esther M. Hutchins]44 came to Brother Saxby's in the eve. 1EGWLM 646.1
[Salem] Friday, September 9
Some are coming in to the meeting. May the Lord bless His people and fit us up to do the work committed to us. 1EGWLM 646.2
[Salem] Sabbath, September 10
More brethren out than we had expected to see. The meeting was held in the Lyceum Hall. It is strangely constructed, the seats arising from the platform. Every row of seats is one step higher or ascending. The pulpit or stand is raised only one step. A great many can be convened.45 Our meeting Sabbath was profitable and interesting. James preached on baptism and that sin is the transgression of the law. I said a few words. Others gave in their exhortation. At two o'clock p.m. James preached again with liberty upon the unity of the church. I then talked upon the necessity of living out our profession and enduring temptation. No public meeting. In Brother S's [William L. Saxby] house for the church. James talked at length upon our acting in union to place ourselves in a position to hold property legally. Passed off with profit.46 1EGWLM 646.3
[Salem] Sunday, September 11
Prayer meeting in the morn. The church bore their testimony. Were quite free. As the people were collecting together, I exhorted the people. James preached in the morning, “Preach the Word,” etc. In the afternoon finished the discourse. He was very clear. Many thought it was the most forcible discourse on the Sabbath they ever heard. The sofa was placed on the platform, on one side of the stand, and Sister Hutchins and self took our seats upon it. At the close of the afternoon discourse I again bore my testimony. Had some liberty. In the eve James preached again; dwelt upon the Lawgiver; was quite clear and free. There were about 175 present.47 Again I exhorted the people. Was free. The Lord gave me free utterance and when the series of meetings closed we felt we had done what we could. After the meeting closed, had some conversation with Sister Dana;48 related the wonderful dealings of God with me in past time. 1EGWLM 647.1
[Somerville, Massachusetts] Monday, September 12
My rest was much broken last night, yet I felt quite well this morn. We assembled for prayers. Husband talked before engaging in prayer upon the necessity of being kind, courteous, pitiful, of being of tender compassion to one another. Remarks were appropriate and instructive. James and Brother Nichols prayed. It was a sweet, precious season. We shall go to Somerville. Brother Saxby took his covered easy carriage and we rode 16 miles [25 kilometers] to Somerville. Sister Saxby accompanied us. It was a pleasant ride. 1EGWLM 647.2
[Somerville] Tuesday, September 13
Go into Boston to trade.49 1EGWLM 648.1
[Dorchester, Massachusetts] Wednesday, September 14
Go into Boston again to trade. Go to Brother Nichols’ to visit them. The girls are absent from home. Henry [Henry Otis Nichols]50 was at home. Amelia Hastings [Sarah Amelia Hastings]51 went with us. 1EGWLM 648.2
[Dartmouth, Massachusetts]52 Thursday, September 15
Brother Nichols took us with his conveyance into Boston to take the cars. We are at Brother Ashley's.53 Are quite well. This seems to be a good home for us. 1EGWLM 648.3
[See also Lts 6 and 8, 1859, and An Appeal to the Youth, pp. 65, 66, for letters written on this date.] 1EGWLM 648.4
[Dartmouth] Friday, September 16
Early in the morn we walked to Sister Collins’ [Nancy Collins],54 one mile [1.6 kilometers]. It seemed like home to get in their big kitchen again; but one we miss, who was well and active when we were here before. Brother Collins has sickened and died and has been borne away to the silent grave. His loss is deeply felt, not only by his family, but by all the church. This family only numbers two, the mother and her son. They love the truth. I call to mind the time when Gilbert was a boy of twelve years, was not expected to live, but we offered earnest prayer to God in his behalf. As we raised him from the bed in my arms, the great drops of perspiration stood on his brow. The Lord answered our prayer. He was restored to health; his hearing was restored. 1EGWLM 648.5
[Dartmouth] Sabbath, September 17
It is rainy today. We fear some will be hindered from coming to meeting, but the Lord doeth all things well. The rain will result to His glory. 1EGWLM 649.1
But few came out, but husband had good liberty in speaking.55 1EGWLM 649.2
[Portland, Maine] Monday, September 19
Left Brother Ashley's for Somerville. Arrived at Boston; found Brother Philipps56 waiting for us. He drove us into Boston. There we traded some. Then called at Brother Hale's,57 of Charleston [Charlestown, Massachusetts]. Purchased shoes, then went on to Brother Folsom's. Took dinner with them, and at three took the cars at Boston for Portland and Brunswick [Maine]. As we arrived at Portland, we ascertained that the last train of cars had been taken off. We were disappointed. Took a carriage for Brother Lunt's [Noah Norton Lunt].58 Tarried with them overnight. Brother Lobdel [Edward Lobdell]59 came in, in the eve. This hindrance cost us $1.50. 1EGWLM 649.3
[En route to Topsham, Maine] Tuesday, September 20
In morn took a carriage for cars. When we arrived at the Brunswick depot did not find a carriage there. I am waiting while my husband is gone to speak for a carriage. 1EGWLM 650.1
[See also An Appeal to the Youth, pp. 47-49, for letters written to Henry, Edson, and Willie (2), on this date.] 1EGWLM 650.2
[Sabbath, September 24]
[See Lt 7, 1859; Lt 20, 1859; Lt 21, 1859; Ms 1, 1859; and Ms 1a, 1859, all written on or about this date. See also Lt 10, 1859, written circa late September 1859.] 1EGWLM 650.3