The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Lt 3, 1859

September 1, 1859, Berlin, Connecticut 1EGWLM 688.1

Letter to
Robert and Eunice Harmon. 1EGWLM 688.2

Previously unpublished.

Description of meetings and travels in western New York, August 1859. 1EGWLM 688.3

Dear Parents:

Here we are journeying again.¹ We have attended two conferences and are about to engage in the third. In less than two weeks my husband has preached ten times. He is somewhat weary; but today is Thursday and he will rest today and tomorrow, and then engage in labor again. 1EGWLM 688.4

Our first conference was at Carlton, N.Y.² We had never been in that part of the country before. The friends there received us heartily, and every arrangement was made for our convenience and comfort. The [railroad] cars stopped at Albion [New York], five miles [eight kilometers] from Brother Buckland's [Curtis P. Buckland]³ in Carlton. He was at the depot waiting for us with a fine span of horses and easy carryall.⁴ We had been riding all day⁵—took breakfast at half-past three A.M. at Jackson [Michigan]—and we were very weary. But we enjoyed a bath of cold water which refreshed us much before retiring. We slept well and had Friday to rest. 1EGWLM 688.5

Meeting commenced Friday evening. Brother Lampson's⁶ family were present, also Brother Orton [and his] wife, [Jonathan T. and Caroline Orton]⁷ Drusilla [Drusilla Lamson], Alva [Alva Orton], and Bradley Lampson [Joseph Bradley Lamson],⁸ Brother Lindsay [John M. Lindsay],⁹ wife and children, and a large company from Mill Grove [New York], Brother and Sister Crage [Stephen B. and Miranda B. Craig],¹⁰ and Brother and Sister Smith,¹¹ the last two living in Parma [New York]. Many from different places were present. I mention those whom I think you are acquainted with. 1EGWLM 689.1

Sabbath forenoon there were about one hundred present, and in the afternoon also. Sunday the tent was crowded full and quite a number of females dressed in their rich silks and satins sat upon the grass at the edge of the tent. Many came out from curiosity to hear the woman talk. Husband had perfect freedom in talking to the people. The Lord strengthened me to talk five times. 1EGWLM 689.2

The people would not be satisfied until I had spoken. We expect that meeting will result in much good. Many were convinced of the truth of our position. We never saw a more attentive, interested congregation.¹² They numbered above seven hundred on First Day.¹³ Many who came in the morning would not leave until the third (five o'clock) meeting closed. Food was taken from the houses and distributed among the eager listeners to truth. While eating our dinner at the house, we concluded that if Jesus had been present He would have had compassion upon the multitude and provided bread for them by His divine power. 1EGWLM 689.3

After the close of the afternoon meeting we called the young together and just as they were about to leave for their homes we faithfully exhorted them to make sure work for eternity. We told them that they must each have an individual experience and feel an individual responsibility, that unless they should cease to worship at the shrine of fashion they could not be disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus. It was an affecting time. Parents and children wept aloud, and thus we parted. I felt that my garments were clean from their blood. I had prayed for them and warned them faithfully with many tears. I was free. I felt that I had done my whole duty. They must now form a character for heaven or choose the broad road that leads to death. I want to feel a deep interest for souls and labor to do all I can for their salvation. I know that time is short, and I want to do all I can in the cause of my Master. 1EGWLM 690.1

We left Carlton Monday morn and went to Rochester [New York]. Visited Brother Orton's family. They waited upon us with their horses and hack¹⁴ around the city where we wished to go. Wednesday we left Rochester for Syracuse [New York]. 1EGWLM 690.2