The Defense of Elder James White and Wife

RESPONSES TO THE ABOVE

From Eld. Joseph Bates

BRN. ANDREWS, BELL, AND SMITH: In compliance with your request in Review for October 26, 1869, I wish to say that I have been acquainted with Bro. and Sr. White since the autumn of the year 1845, during which time I have traveled and been associated with them in holding religious meetings in many States of the Union, and met with them at about every General Conference during the last twenty years. Therefore I have had opportunity to fully understand his management of financial matters the most of the time since the publication of the Review. It gives me pleasure to say that I have entire confidence in his honesty and uprightness. He is still, and ever has been, the man of my choice, called of God (as I firmly believe) to the place he has so long and faithfully filled. DJWW 23.2

I would further say that he has not only made the interest of the cause his own, but also the interest of those laboring to advance the cause. He has most generously donated from his own means to help sustain me in this work. As one instance, I will mention the fact that at one time he furnished me with a house for my family for fourteen months, for which he refused to receive rent. DJWW 24.1

JOSEPH BATES.
Monterey, Mich., Nov. 1, 1869.

From Eld. M. E. Cornell

BRETHREN OF THE COMMITTEE: It is a pleasure to me to have the opportunity of bearing my testimony in regard to the reports that are in circulation against Bro. White, that he has been unjust in deal, covetous, etc. I can say in truth that I know of no man who I believe has a higher regard for strict honesty before God, or that, considering the amount of business he has transacted for the cause, can show a cleaner record than Eld. James White. DJWW 24.2

In regard to liberality; many of us poor preachers, and others, have bountifully shared of it at different times. I can truly say that I never knew a more liberal man toward those he regards as the worthy poor, or the really needy among his brethren. DJWW 24.3

But Bro. White has been most liberal and faithful in another direction, namely, that of reproving the erring without respect of persons. Being most needy, I have shared more largely than many others in this direction. But for this I feel most grateful to him and to God this day. Whatever may be his or my future course, I must say, as a matter of simple justice to him and the cause, that it is my solemn conviction that those who utter such slander are guilty of “speaking evil of the things they understand not;” and I fear in many cases they are actuated by the same spirit that moved Cain to slay his brother. “And wherefore slew he him? because his own works were evil and his brother’s righteous.” 1 John 3:12. DJWW 24.4

If I am uncharitable, may God forgive. It has ever been the case that those who were unwilling to receive correction have murmured and waxed bitter against those who have tried to help them. “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him, neither will he go unto the wise.” Proverbs 15:12. DJWW 25.1

M. E. CORNELL.
Boston, Mass., Nov. 8, 1869.

From Bro. Gurney

BRN. ANDREWS, BELL, AND SMITH: From the spring of 1846, I have been intimately acquainted with the course and acts of Elder James White. I unhesitatingly state that I have ever found him to be a judicious, consistent believer in the third angel’s message. I have myself shared in his benevolence, when he has come to my home and found me needy. DJWW 25.2

I have seen him pursue the same course toward others, even sharing his scanty purse when needy himself. My intimate acquaintance with him prepares me to speak without a doubt concerning the motives which govern him. I have ever considered him to be the man to rebuke covetousness, being himself free from it. DJWW 25.3

H. S. GURNEY.

A. A. DODGE, of Battle Creek, Mich., after nineteen years’ acquaintance, thus testifies: From my first acquaintance with Bro. and Sr. White, I have found them to be in every way benevolent, always remembering the needy, and watching for their interest. I have known them often to refuse money and presents, handing them back to the donors. I have forwarded funds to Bro. and Sr. W., requesting that it should be used for their comfort, and to my disappointment and surprise, I have found it placed to some object for the purpose of setting the truth of God before the people. In all the business of various kinds which I have transacted with them, I never have witnessed in the least any act of overreaching or covetousness, or in any way grasping funds for their own benefit. For any little favors that I have had the privilege of rendering them, I have, with others of my acquaintance, received almost double pay. I believe them to be, in heart and life, true servants of God. DJWW 25.4

From the Church in Ransom Center, Mich

We, the undersigned, having witnessed the dealings of Eld. James White with our fellow-men, and some of us having had dealings with him ourselves, do cheerfully testify that his conduct has been characterized by uprightness, generosity, and nobleness of soul. DJWW 26.1

H. A. ST JOHN, and eight others.
Ransom Center, Mich., Nov. 7, 1869.

From Bro. Howe

BRN. ANDREWS, BELL, AND SMITH: I have had some acquaintance with Bro. White, and have been a close observer of his manner of dealing with his brethren, and have thought him to be very careful always to do just right. If he was unjust in any way he was so to himself. An instance of this with myself I will mention: In September 1868, after camp-meeting at Wright, in passing from his place, in Greenville, to Battle Creek, he called at my house and found me just recovering from typhus fever, and was led to inquire into my wants, which resulted in his letting me have two hundred dollars, which was not paid; only in part, till May, for which he utterly refused to take any interest. At different times I have seen manifest in him great care that none should do more than was right for them to do. DJWW 26.2

FRANKLIN HOWE.
Orange, Mich.

From Eld. J. N. Loughborough

DEAR BRETHREN: I have been personally and intimately acquainted with Bro. White for over seventeen years. For three years of that time, I lived near his residence in Rochester, N. Y., and eleven years, as near him in Battle Creek, Mich. During that seventeen years I have been intimately acquainted with his business career, not only in connection with the Office of publication, but, having traveled with him extensively from State to State, I have witnessed and assisted him in a large amount of his business transactions during that time, and done business with him myself to the amount of several thousand dollars. DJWW 27.1

I never saw in him, in his deal with myself, or others, anything but the most strict honesty, frankness, and liberality. His course, to my certain knowledge, has been in every respect the opposite of that of overreaching or dishonesty. DJWW 27.2

I have, while in poverty, been a sharer in his acts of disinterested, personal benevolence to the amount of over one hundred dollars, and have witnessed his constant effort to act the part of “the good Samaritan” to those in need, giving of his substance to meet their wants. DJWW 27.3

I have many times witnessed his overpaying needy persons who labored for him, in settling with them, but never an act of diminishing their just pay. DJWW 27.4

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Sebastopol, Cal., Nov. 9, 1869.

From Bro. and Sr. Clarke

DEAR BRN. ANDREWS, BELL, AND SMITH: In reply to the slanderous attacks of malicious foes, we wish to give our testimony, in defense of the character of Eld. James White. DJWW 27.5

We have, for many years, been more or less acquainted with the course of Bro. White, and we cheerfully and conscientiously say, that we believe him to be honorable in all his dealings; and that he would sooner sacrifice his life, than knowingly wrong any one of his just due. Farther, we would say, that we believe that God has raised up this man, at this time, to stand in the position he now occupies; and that he should go forward regardless of the slander of the enemy; and in so doing God will sustain him. We have no fears in his case, that funds intrusted to him will be misused. His past forethought and care have often saved the cause from financial disaster, and his liberality and self-sacrificing spirit have been a noble example to the church. In his devotion to the cause he has sacrificed his own pecuniary interest, and has fairly earned, and richly deserves, the sympathy and confidence of the people of God. DJWW 27.6

Yours in hope,
JOSEPH CLARKE,
SARAH CLARKE.

BRO. C. C. VAN DOREN testifies: About one year ago last July, I sent Eld. James White ten dollars by letter to be used as he thought best, which, when he knew my circumstances, he returned to me. DJWW 28.1

C. C. VAN DOREN.
Hillsdale Co., Mich.

From Eld. A. C. Bourdeau

I hereby certify that for more than thirteen years past, I have been well acquainted with Eld. White, and have had dealings more or less extensive with him; and I find in my own experience, that his course in financial matters, has been one of pure, disinterested integrity and benevolence, and that there dwells in his heart a sincere desire, and an unwavering determination to have his dealings with God and man perfectly in harmony with truth, wisdom, and justice. DJWW 28.2

I have witnessed instances, even in my own experience, in which, when money has been offered to Eld. White for benevolent purposes, to be applied for his own use, or for the cause, he has been very particular to weigh circumstances, and look well at the financial standing of those who offered the money; and he has, in certain cases, not only utterly refused to accept the means from them, but has donated of his own means to them, to supply their necessities, and to help bear their burdens. Never have I known him to be otherwise than a generous-hearted and true friend of the poor, the needy, and the oppressed. DJWW 28.3

I firmly believe Bro. and Sr. White to be honest and upright Christians, and especially called of God to the important position they occupy in this work. And to them I would say: Fear not the malicious attacks and boisterous roarings of your enemies. The Lord of hosts is well able to lead you safely through the tempest, to a peaceful land of rest. DJWW 29.1

A. C. BOURDEAU.

H. W. LAWRENCE, West Bangor, N. Y., testifies: Having known and done business at different times with Eld. James White for the last seventeen years, I would like to say that from first to last I have found him, not only fair, but condescending to bestow unsolicited favors, even refusing the full amount of money I have offered for publications. I have ever felt that he was entitled (as much as any mortal could be) to the confidence reposed in him by S. D. Adventists. DJWW 29.2

ELD. D. M. CANRIGHT testifies: I have known Eld. James White for over ten years, and have had considerable knowledge of his dealings with many persons from Maine to Iowa. I have never seen any thing myself like dishonesty, smallness, or covetousness, in him, nor have I heard any man who has dealt with him in any way charge him with these. I have often known of his liberality to others, to different needy ministers, to various benevolent objects, etc. I myself have personally experienced the liberality of Eld. White on several occasions. From a pretty thorough acquaintance with him, I have full confidence in his strict, Christian integrity of character. DJWW 29.3

Monroe, Iowa, Nov. 2, 1869.

From Eld. Stephen Pierce

BRETHREN OF THE COMMITTEE: I have had considerable deal with Bro. White, in his line of business, for more than seventeen years, and therefore freely respond to your call, in his defense. In all his deal with me, and what I have known of his deal with others, I have never witnessed even the appearance of anything like dishonesty, overreaching, fraud, covetousness, or grasping of means in any unbecoming manner whatever; and of course no unjust transaction of his has ever come to my personal knowledge. DJWW 30.1

On the other hand, I have, in many striking instances, witnessed in his course things that gave evidence of characteristics wholly opposite to the above, such as returning donations given to defray traveling expenses, by individuals in moderate circumstances; the bestowment of donations on some in embarrassed circumstances; and also the gratuitous bestowment of books on some not able to pay. DJWW 30.2

Farther than this, I myself have been the recipient of quite a number of benevolent gratuities from his hand. Some of these I may not be able to recollect, but a few of them I will now introduce. Not long after the Publishing Association was legally organized, I met with Bro. White, when I was much out of health, in deep despair, and destitute of means. But my wife, having received a small legacy about that time, paid for a share in that Institution. This awakened such emotions of sympathy and pity in Bro. W., that he availed himself of a speedy opportunity for a private interview, to carefully suggest to me his willingness to pay gratuitously a share for me, that I might have a share the same as Mrs. Pierce. DJWW 30.3

Such manifestations of generous kindness in one who had no more cause for doing it than any other man in the church, do not easily vanish from my recollection. Also, when I was at the General Conference, two years ago last May, I visited at his house. He offered me a donation of $5.00, which I, at first, refused. But finding that it would distress his feelings if I did not take it, I accepted of it. Why this was offered, I was then at a loss to tell. But I found before I got home I had need of it. Also at two different times he has given me new hymn books. DJWW 30.4

In conclusion I would say, such manifestations of refined generosity I have rarely witnessed in any other man. DJWW 31.1

Yours for the truth,
STEPHEN PIERCE.
Stewartville, Olmstead Co., Minn.

From Sr. C. E. Chipman

BRO. ANDREWS: In response to an invitation in a past number of the Review, I embrace with pleasure this opportunity of saying a few words in regard to Bro. White. DJWW 31.2

I have been, for the last year and a half, intimately acquainted with Bro. and Sr. White and a constant recipient of their care and kindness. I feel sure that to them, under God, I owe my life, and the degree of health and happiness I now enjoy. DJWW 31.3

In June, 1868, I left my home in Mecosta Co. on business which called me to the counties of Montcalm and Kent. I was at that time in poor health, and in consequence of the extra exertions I was obliged to make, became too feeble either to complete my business transactions, or to return to my family. In this condition, I was stopping at a public house in Greenville, when the fact came to the knowledge of Bro. and Sr. White. They immediately came to me and invited me to their own home, and cordially extended to me every kindness, assisting me liberally with their means, as well as giving me that true, Christian sympathy of which I was so much in need. DJWW 31.4

When, after consulting with others, Bro. White decided it was best that I should go to the Health Institute, he sent his own team and easy carriage to convey me to Battle Creek. After a stay of nearly five months at the Institute, where my health was much improved, Bro. White brought together my children, of whom himself and Sr. White had the care, relieving me entirely of the burden during my stay at the Institute, and for some time before I went there. DJWW 32.1

By their aid, and that of other kind friends here, we were enabled to meet again as a family, and settle in Battle Creek. Bro. White has since given two of my daughters constant employment in the Review Office, where they are now engaged as apprentices to the business. My eldest son is provided with a good home in the excellent family of Bro. Buck, of Wright, Mich. Having been for some time an inmate of the family of Bro. White, and also engaged in a situation where I am necessarily cognizant of his mode of transacting business, I know him to be a thorough and competent business man, as well as a perfectly honorable dealer. I also know him to be extremely liberal in the use of his means whenever and wherever he sees any person in want. DJWW 32.2

I will also say, in conclusion, that my daily prayer to God is that he will still spare to his cause Bro. and Sr. White; that they may have health; and that strength, spiritual and physical, may be abundantly measured to them. My highest ambition is, so to live that I may be one of those implied when it shall be said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me.” DJWW 32.3

C. E. CHIPMAN.
Battle Creek, Mich.

ELD. F. WHEELER, of West Monroe, N. Y., testifies to the following incidents, which, though some may consider small in themselves, are, nevertheless, very significant: Soon after I embraced the third angel’s message, while Bro. and Sr. White were residing in Saratoga Co., N. Y., [This was in the days of their poverty. — COM.], some friend having given them a turkey for thanksgiving day, instead of using it themselves, they sold it and sent the proceeds to me to help me out to labor in the cause of God. At another time, when residing in New Hampshire, Bro. and Sr. White being there to hold meetings, they kindly furnished me the money to purchase a new buffalo overcoat. And since living in this State, at one time when Bro. and Sr. White were in this State laboring, I received from Bro. White five dollars to help purchase myself a shawl. DJWW 32.4

ELD. S. N. HASKELL, of South Lancaster, Mass., who from evil influences, was at first induced to watch them for evil, is constrained, from experience, to bear the following testimony: DJWW 33.1

After I first embraced the present truth, and heard of Bro. and Sr. White, I unfortunately became acquainted with those who were their enemies, and my mind became very much prejudiced against them, especially against Bro. White. He was represented to me as an overbearing, penurious, grasping person, and one that would hold up the cause as an object of giving, while his real object was his own advantage. This was some twelve or thirteen years ago. During the time that has elapsed since then, I have become acquainted with those who have had deal with him in Southern New Hampshire, Southern Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and, of late years, in Rhode Island. I have also had some deal with him myself. My mind was so strongly prejudiced against him that I was prepared to look upon every move of his with suspicion and jealousy; and when I learned of any that had had any acquaintance or deal with him, I always inquired for all the particulars. (The real object of the inquiry I ever kept to myself.) I have also sent money to him to be appropriated, in a way that he could appropriate to himself if he wished. Now I can, from the heart, say, after an experience of some twelve or thirteen years, as above alluded to, I have never, thus far, been able to detect one single transaction but what has borne the marks of justice and generosity. Within the past few years, becoming more personally acquainted with him, I have shared in his disinterested benevolence, and oftentimes, within the past eighteen months, have wept when I have thought of how much prejudice I formerly had, and with what jealousy I watched him; and have yet to find the man who I have reason to believe possesses the same disinterested benevolence that he does. DJWW 33.2

S. N. HASKELL.

From Bro. Belden

DEAR BRETHREN: I first became acquainted with Bro. White in 1847. In the spring of 1848, himself and family moved into a part of my father’s house in Rocky Hill, Conn., and occupied it through the summer. We saw no act of the nature of selfishness or dishonesty during this time; but, contrariwise, his uprightness of character and walk, and devotion to the cause of God, were the ruling features of his life and conversation. DJWW 34.1

About the middle of the year 1851, myself and wife entered his family and became members of it, laboring both in it, and in the Review Office after it was established, until the year 1854. In this daily connection with them for three years we saw no selfish or dishonorable act. DJWW 34.2

From the year 1854 to 1862, I was brought into more close relation to him in my Office labors — having a more important part to act in its various changes and locations. But, during all this long period of time, I cannot recall one such act. His interest in, and anxiety for, the cause and work of God, seemed to be the same. When all hands moved in the fear of God, and manifested the same interest in the cause that he evidently felt, he was ever joyful and happy. DJWW 34.3

But there is another request that you make in this defense; viz., that those who have been sharers in his acts of benevolence should also note it. DJWW 35.1

I am one that has been the sharer of such acts of benevolence at his hands from time to time, both while I was laboring in the Office of publication, and also since that time. Whenever I have been thrown into embarrassing and straitened circumstances, and in affliction, Bro. and Sr. White have, many times, given me the needful aid, and also their sympathy. When they visited us on their Eastern tour about one year since, and found us in deep affliction, they administered to our wants liberally, and to those of the sick one, till we were astonished at their kindness. And besides donations in money and books, etc., to members of our family, to a considerable amount, they put a twenty-dollar bank note in my vest pocket as they were about departing for their other appointments, also urging me to let them know of my wants and not feel delicate at receiving at their hands. DJWW 35.2

My prayer is still for them, that they may receive a rich reward in the end. From your unworthy brother in hope, DJWW 35.3

S. T. BELDEN.
Kensington, Ct., Dec. 7, 1869.

From Bro. and Sr. Mead

DEAR BRN. ANDREWS, BELL, AND SMITH: At the time Bro. and Sr. White came to this place in Dec., 1867, we were both in a feeble state of health, and had been the most of the time for a number of years. Our brethren and sisters and friends had dealt very kindly and generously with us; but in consequence of our long-continued sickness and afflictions, we were in straitened circumstances. Bro. and Sr. White manifested heartfelt sympathy for us by kind and encouraging words and real deeds of love. They not only helped us themselves, but interested others in our behalf, so that what we received from them and through their influence, was a great help to us in time of need, for which we have ever felt truly grateful to God, to Bro. and Sr. White, and to all the other kind donors. DJWW 35.4

Truly yours,
S. NEWELL MEAD,
SARAH P. MEAD.
Washington, N. H.

From the Church at Bowling Green, Ohio

We, the undersigned, wish to state in regard to our dealings with Eld. James White, of Battle Creek, Mich., that we have had financial dealings with him for eleven years past, and we have found him to be a man of good financial ability and strict integrity in all his transactions with us. DJWW 36.1

OLIVER MEARS, elder, and seven others.

From Bro. Cyphers

DEAR BRN. ANDREWS, BELL, AND SMITH: My experience with Bro. James White has proved him, in my mind, to be a man of tender regard for the needy. I have at times thought him generous to me to a fault; and I am knowing of others who must acknowledge his unsought-for kindness and generosity in influence and money, in their behalf. He has helped me as no other man ever did; and no one, aside from Bro. J. N. Andrews, has ever manifested a tithe of the interest in my welfare, that he has. There has ever seemed to be a fervent desire with him to live out the truth of God, as he understands it. And I feel sure the Lord will vindicate his cause; and the enemies of God’s truth will receive their just reward. DJWW 36.2

M. B. CYPHERS.
Greenville, Mich.

BRO. M. S. KELLOGG, of Ionia Co., Mich., writes as follows: I would respond to the request of the Committee by relating a circumstance which came under my immediate notice. While living in Indiana, at the time there was a call for means to purchase a home for Bro. J. N. Andrews, there was living near me a poor sister who wished me to write a letter to the Office for her, in which she wished to inclose five dollars as a freewill offering, to be appropriated as Bro. White thought best. I told her that I could not think it was her duty to send it; but she insisted, saying that she had promised the Lord that amount and she must send it. After considering the matter, I wrote the letter, stating her circumstances to Bro. White, inclosed the five dollars in the same, and sent it. I think it was by return mail that I received the same letter with a note at the bottom from Bro. White, stating that if Sr. ---- had done her duty, he would do his. He had inclosed the five dollars in the letter to me for this sister, and gave out of his own pocket the amount that she had sent toward purchasing a home for Bro. Andrews, and gave her credit for the same. I have noticed, for the last fourteen years that I have been acquainted with Bro. White, many other like incidents of his liberality. And I can truly say that his life of burden-bearing, self-sacrifice, and true devotion to the cause of God, should draw him very close to the hearts of all the friends of truth. DJWW 36.3

From Bro. Taber

I cheerfully testify to the generosity of Bro. White in giving twenty-five dollars to clear me from the draft in 1864. DJWW 37.1

JUDSON TABER.
Battle Creek, Nov., 1869.

From Bro. Sawyer

DEAR BRETHREN: I can testify to the fatherly care Bro. White has manifested for those in need. He has manifested disinterested benevolence, and untiring zeal, in the cause of present truth. He made earnest and effectual efforts to relieve his brethren from the draft. He paid Systematic Benevolence monthly for the two years that I was treasurer of the S. B. fund at Battle Creek, and at the same time preached to the church without having any salary. I can come to no other conclusion, in the fear of God, but that he is a faithful servant of the Lord, seeking to know and do his will. DJWW 37.2

ROBERT SAWYER.

From Eld. A. S. Hutchins

This is to certify, that I have been personally acquainted with Eld. James White, of Battle Creek, Mich., more than seventeen years. And I can cheerfully bear testimony that I have ever considered him a God-fearing man, a man of truth, “hating covetousness.” DJWW 38.1

My acquaintance with this Christian brother has not been in public life alone, for I have known him and been with him at his own home, where, as well as in other places, his light shines as a man of God. I have never witnessed anything in his deal leading me to question his integrity or uprightness as a Christian. As a witness of, and a sharer in, his liberalities, I am confident that naturally he possesses great generosity of soul, and disinterested benevolence. These excellent traits of character are constantly exemplified by a life devoted to the service of God and the happiness of man. DJWW 38.2

A. S. HUTCHINS.
Wolcott, Vt., Nov. 9, 1869.

From Eld. R. F. Cottrell

I have been personally acquainted with Eld. James White between seventeen and eighteen years, have seen him frequently during that time, have dealt with him to the amount of many hundreds of dollars, and have witnessed much of his dealings with others. I have never witnessed any act of dishonesty, or overreaching, or fraud, or covetousness, or grasping of means in any unbecoming manner; consequently, I have no personal knowledge of any unjust transaction of his which I can report. But, on the other hand, I have been a witness of, and a sharer in, his acts of benevolence and liberality; for which I have abundant reason for gratitude to God and his devoted servant. DJWW 38.3

R. F. COTTRELL.
Ridgeway, N. Y.

From Bro. and Sr. Tripp

We feel called upon to certify to the generosity of Bro. and Sr. White, and to acknowledge that we have received many kindnesses at their hands. Bro. White has indeed manifested a true fatherly care for us; and we both feel that this is a blessed privilege we have of testifying that we firmly believe that we owe our lives, yes, all we have and are, to the timely aid and sympathy rendered us by these two faithful, self-sacrificing servants of God. And we can also truly testify that ours are very far from being exceptional cases. DJWW 39.1

O. F. TRIPP,
DELL R. TRIPP.
Battle Creek, Mich., March 9, 1870.

From Bro. Bacheller

DEAR BRETHREN: It is with pleasure that I respond to your call for testimonials in reference to the character and course of Bro. and Sr. White. I first saw them in Vermont, while they were on their tour through the East in the autumn of 1852. They found me a wild, homeless boy, but took me with them to Rochester, N. Y., where I found a good home in their family, sharing their kindness and care as of a father and mother. And since that time, having been intimately acquainted and associated with them, laboring in the Review Office, I have had the best of opportunities to know in regard to their motives and actions. I believe them to be persons having at heart, above every other consideration and interest, the prosperity and success of the cause and people of God, ready to labor and sacrifice, without reserve, for that end. DJWW 39.2

From my acquaintance with Bro. White, I know him to be a man of strict honesty and integrity in all his dealings with his fellow-men, and I know the charges of an overreaching, covetous spirit, to be direct emanations from the father of lies — as false as false can be. I know him to be a man of a largely generous heart toward the needy and suffering, even to depriving himself of things necessary for his own comfort. The same I also know to be true of his wife. I might say more, but perhaps this is sufficient. DJWW 40.1

J. W. BACHELLER.
Battle Creek, Mich.

From Sr. Ashley

I would esteem it a great privilege to say that I have been acquainted with Bro. and Sr. White for nearly twenty-five years, and can say truly that I have never known them to extort means from any one; but on the other hand, they have been over liberal, to that extent that they have wronged themselves. I have also witnessed their self-sacrificing spirit and devotion to the cause of present truth in its rise and progress; from personal experience, I can say that I have ever known them to be true friends to the widow and fatherless. DJWW 40.2

WIDOW MELORA A. ASHLEY.
Battle Creek, Mich., March 9, 1870.

From Bro. Gage

Concerning the unjust and wicked charges against Bro. White, I esteem it a privilege to say, that I have not only experienced his liberality myself, but have witnessed his generosity in scores of cases. In his deal with others, I regard him as strictly and scrupulously honest, and perfectly free from the spirit of covetousness with which he has been falsely charged, and against which he faithfully preaches and warns. Among the first peculiarities in his character which I observed in becoming acquainted with him, was his scrupulous care with regard to the expenditure of means intrusted in his hands. Always ready to give of his personal means to aid the needy, his care of the treasury of the Lord has ever been marked with caution and conscientiousness. DJWW 40.3

WM. C. GAGE.

From Sr. Locke

I would esteem it a privilege to acknowledge that I have offered money to Bro. White, and he has refused to take it; and he has befriended me in many ways. I can say truly that he is purely unselfish, and is a true friend to the fatherless and needy. DJWW 41.1

LUCINDA LOCKE.
Battle Creek, Mich.

TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE B. C. CHURCH: A more extensive and intimate acquaintance with Bro. White for the last seven years, confirms what I wrote on this subject in 1863. And my position for the last year, being more closely connected with him in his labors in this cause, greatly increases my confidence in his business management and his disinterested devotion to the work of God. Wherever he finds a person who is earnestly engaged in this work, his heart is strongly drawn towards him, while no merely personal considerations ever turn him from the interests of the present truth. DJWW 41.2

The last three years have, more than all beside, convinced me that Bro. White’s services to the Association, and to the cause generally, are valuable beyond computation. My earnest prayer is, that no adverse providence may ever again remove him from the position which he, above all others within my knowledge, is qualified to occupy. DJWW 41.3

J. H. WAGGONER.

Inasmuch as Eld. White has been made the subject of cruel attack and of malicious slander from many persons, particularly as a covetous, overreaching man, I feel it to be a privilege to say that, having known him intimately for nearly twenty-six years, I am prepared to speak in the most decisive terms in testifying that the truth is entirely the reverse of this. His life, from the time I first knew him till now, is marked all the way by deeds of benevolence and self-sacrifice and consecration. I believe him to be a man who truly fears God and hates covetousness. He has evinced his love for the work of benevolence and sacrifice by a thousand acts of noble and disinterested devotion to the good of others. He has my entire confidence as an unselfish, God-fearing man, who seeks the honor of God, and the advancement of his cause, and does not seek his own self-interest. DJWW 42.1

J. N. ANDREWS.
Feb. 17, 1870.

All the testimonials, as will be seen, are in Bro. White’s favor. The call was for anything against him, if it existed. In addition to the call of the committee, Bro. White made the following remarks in the Review of Jan. 11, 1870. But NO RESPONSE has been made. DJWW 42.2