In Memoriam [White]

FALLEN AT HIS POST

[The following was the leading editorial in the issue of the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald next succeeding the death of its editor-in-chief, and was written by his associate and fellow-laborer, Elder Uriah Smith.]* IMJW 5.1

“Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?” IMJW 5.2

It becomes our painful duty to chronicle in this number an event which will bring sadness to the hearts of all the friends of the Review. One week ago at the date of this writing, July 31, both Bro. and Sr. White began to experience feelings of illness, the symptoms of which indicated an approaching attack of malarial fever. On Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 1 and 2, the symptoms of malarial difficulty became more marked, and the first impressions were confirmed, that it was an attack of ordinary fever and ague, though a very severe one. Wednesday evening, the 3rd, they were both brought to the Sanitarium. The treatment administered the 4th and 5th had the effect to break the fever in the case of Sr. White, but not so with him. Friday evening, shortly after the commencement of the Sabbath, it became evident that a crisis was approaching in his case. He sank very low, but yet retained consciousness and ability to recognize his friends, and understand and answer questions. The physicians and helpers belonging to the Sanitarium put forth every exertion in his behalf through the entire night; and by their efforts, and the use of powerful stimulants, he was enabled so far to rally that it was thought he might recover if another attack could be prevented. But the disease being periodic in its nature, a recurrence of the grave symptoms was feared; and the worst fears were soon realized. At half-past 1 o’clock, Sabbath, Aug. 6, he again sank rapidly, suffering, as was supposed, paralysis of the brain, from which time he lost all sensibility and consciousness. In this condition he lingered, the pulse of life growing weaker and the breath feebler, till at a quarter past five he calmly and quietly passed away. IMJW 5.3

Bro. White was born in Palmyra, Me., Aug. 4, 1821, and had consequently lived sixty years and two days at the time of his death. Commencing the work of publishing in 1849, a little more than one-half of his active life has been devoted to the special work represented by S. D. Adventists, namely, the promulgation of what they understand to be the third angel’s message of Revelation 14. To this he has adhered with an unswerving devotion. Commencing without friends or means, he met and surmounted obstacles before which those of a less courageous heart, a less determined purpose, and a less hopeful and trusting spirit, would have faltered and failed. IMJW 6.1

The older readers of the Review understand well how fully his labors have been identified with every enterprise and every progressive movement connected with this cause. Thrust out, in the providence of God, to be not only a pioneer but a leader in the work, he has shown his adaptability to this position by being the first to see and the clearest to comprehend the situation, and the most active to plan in devising ways and means to meet emergencies and provide for the growing wants of the cause. In the plan adopted by this people for raising means, called Systematic Benevolence, in the matter of the organization of churches and Conferences, the incorporation of legal societies for the prosecution of different branches of the work, the introduction of increased facilities by means of new and improved machinery in the publishing department, the introduction of the health movement, which has led to the establishment of the Sanitarium, the formation of the Educational Society, which has resulted in the founding of Battle Creek College, the raising of a book fund, and the establishment of our publishing work in California, he was the first to move, and the foremost to defend these enterprises against all opposition. Experience has shown the great wisdom of all these movements, and he lived to see them all reach a degree of prosperity far beyond the anticipation of himself or others at the time of their inception. IMJW 6.2

But not only has he, with busy brain and pen and earnest words sought the advancement of the truth; he has also freely devoted his means to the carrying forward of the work. Possessing rare financial capabilities, he has not devoted these to any selfish purposes, but used them in a manner to advantage the cause he loved. In all enterprises involving the necessity of raising large sums of money, he has been first to lead out with a liberal subscription, and the stock-books of all our institutions (all the stock being a donation) show larger investments by him than by any other person. IMJW 7.1

Being thus set for the defense of a work which is in its very nature aggressive, and possessing traits of character essential to the successful maintenance of such a position, it was inevitable that he should often offend prejudices, restrain unworthy ambitions, and arouse hostility on the part of some, and turn them into more or less active enemies. But whatever positions he has taken in these respects, those who knew him best are persuaded that he acted from what he believed to be duty to the cause; and where the interest of the cause was involved, that was to him above friend or foe, and he would stand firmly for that, whether it brought enmity or friendship, blame or blessing. IMJW 8.1

And it was also inevitable that a man in his position should sometimes make mistakes. He never claimed to be infallible in judgment or perfect in character. But whenever convinced of an error, no one was more ready than he to make sincere and ample acknowledgment for the same. Even in his last sickness, when incapable of using the pen himself, with a softened and humble spirit he dictated a message expressive of regrets for any imperfection of character manifested or errors committed, desiring forgiveness of whom it might concern. IMJW 8.2

Widely known by his travels and public labors from Maine to California, his memory will be sacredly cherished in the hearts of thousands; while multitudes have occasion to add deep feelings of gratitude for personal interest taken by him in their behalf. He was a man of prayer, and often and earnestly sought the counsel that cometh from above. IMJW 8.3

But his work is done. The weary hands are at rest. The record of years crowded full of manifold labors is closed. He leaves a cause to which he has been a father, strong to go forward in the accomplishment of its mission; while we confidently trust that he is numbered among those of whom it is said that they “rest from their labors, and their works do follow them,” to be rewarded in the glorious and soon-coming morning of the resurrection. IMJW 8.4

If he was to go, as he had a premonition would be the case, though many prayers were offered in his behalf, the circumstances of his death could hardly have been more favorable. So long as he was conscious during the last three days of his illness, he testified that he suffered no pain. A large company of sincere and tearful friends stood in and about the building, while on that pleasant Sabbath afternoon his life ebbed slowly away. Like falling into a quiet sleep, so he went down in death; and when all was over, a sweet peace seemed to sit embalmed on every feature. It was as if this prayer had been answered:— IMJW 9.1

“Spare me this hour to sleep, before
Thy sleepless bliss is given;
Give me a day of rest on earth,
Before the work of Heaven.” IMJW 9.2