The Defense of Elder James White and Wife

2/16

THE DEFENSE

IT is no new thing, nor is it marvelous, that the friends of truth have been called upon to defend themselves against the attacks of their enemies; not because there have been any just grounds for such attacks, but because the great enemy of all righteousness knows that one of the most effectual means by which he can hinder the progress of the work he hates, is to blast the reputation of those who are called to act a prominent part therein before the people; hence the unscrupulous, malignant, and persistent efforts that are put forth to accomplish this end. Such is the nature of the opposition that is now especially brought to bear against the cause of present truth; and one of those who specially suffer the abuse, misrepresentations, and falsehoods, that are brought into play, is Eld. White, the tried and faithful servant of this cause from its commencement to the present time. To be obliged to expose falsehoods and slander is not pleasant; yet it is a privilege to defend those who are made the subjects of attacks of this cruel nature. DJWW 1.1

That Eld. James White has occupied a leading position in the cause of the third angel’s message from its commencement, is well known to all who have had any acquaintance with this work. This cause is strangely regarded by many with a hatred as violent as it is unfounded. Hence, to retard the progress of this work, they would cripple the influence of the one to whose hands its management is most largely confided, by having us believe that he is an artful and designing person, a hypocritical pretender, covetous and money-catching, practicing upon the credulity of the people, and skillfully manipulating what he knows to be a gross delusion, for his own advantage and aggrandizement — grave charges, if they can be sustained; diabolical, if they spring simply from the malice of our opponents. To vindicate him from these charges, is the object of these pages. DJWW 1.2

We first call attention to the length of time Eld. White has been engaged in this work, and the public nature of his labors. Eld. W. was in the Advent movement of 1843, entering earnestly into the work of publicly proclaiming the doctrine from place to place. The fanaticism and strange delusions that arose during the confusion that followed 1844, he was disconnected from, and opposed to. He is not, therefore, to be associated with, or held responsible for, anything of that nature. He commenced the observance of the Sabbath in 1845. In 1846, he received the truth in relation to the sanctuary. A little later, light on the subject of the third angel’s message began to shine out, and he was among the first to take hold of it. DJWW 2.1

In 1848, Eld. W. began to publish books and papers defending the truth on this and kindred subjects. The publishing business has grown up in Eld. W.’s hands with a steady increase of means and strength. His general business management has been very prudent and very successful, avoiding losses and bad debts, following hard after the Lord, but not getting in advance of him, moving in his opening providence, yet not acting in a rash and presumptuous manner in the advancement of the work. DJWW 2.2

When Eld. White, in 1848, began the business of publishing, in Middletown, Conn., he did it without any capital at all, and almost without friends. He had no home, nor did he possess any goods for household purposes. He was dependent upon a few friends in quite humble circumstances for a shelter and for the necessaries of life. Eld. W., also his wife, took hold with their own hands to do every part of the work except that which required the skill of the printer. The sheet then published was called the Present Truth. At the same time several tracts relating to the Sabbath and law of God were published and scattered, principally gratuitously. DJWW 2.3

By the most rigid economy, and by performing every part of the work themselves that it was possible for them to perform, they were able to avoid getting in debt. Removing from Connecticut to the State of New York, he published the paper and several pamphlets in the same manner as in Connecticut. The labor was performed by their own hands, as far as it lay in their power, and still the same course of rigid economy was pursued. DJWW 3.1

In 1850, Eld. White began at Paris, Maine, the publication of the paper entitled Advent Review, which has continued to be issued till the present time. As the number of brethren had increased, and there were more to sustain the work than previously, the Review began to be published on a sheet considerably larger than the Present Truth. The same untiring labor was bestowed upon it that had characterized his former work as editor and publisher. And the same strict economy marked his whole course of conduct, both in business transactions and in his family expenses. DJWW 3.2

When the Review was established in Rochester, N. Y., in 1852, it was only by means of self-denial, and hard labor, and strict frugality. During all this while Eld. W. had no means of his own. He lived in a hired house, which, for a time, was also his printing office; and this house was furnished with the plainest articles of second-hand furniture. The food of his family was of the least expensive character, and everything was conducted according to the very limited means that pertained then to the work. DJWW 3.3

It is proper to add that, at the time of the publication of the Review in Rochester, there was very little capital pertaining to the Office. A hand press had been bought, and a tolerable supply of type had been procured. Also by this time quite an amount of pamphlets had been published, which were in part on hand and ready for use. Also, a considerable list of subscribers had been gathered. During all these years Eld. White and family labored far beyond their strength, and did not always have suitable food and clothing, and very often were deprived, by working in the night as well as in the day, of needed sleep. DJWW 3.4

As the friends in Western New York did not feel so deep an interest in the work as they should, and as the friends in Michigan made liberal offers of assistance, and invited the Review to Battle Creek, it was finally removed to this place in the fall of 1855. At this time Eld. White was heavily in debt for borrowed money used in the publication of the Review, and in getting out editions of our books; and he had no means to meet these debts except by the sale of the books. He had almost nothing of worldly means when he came to Battle Creek. His health at this time was in a state of complete prostration. Nothing but the special providence of God could suffice to save him from the grave; to say nothing of restoring him to strength adequate to the carrying forward of the work of publishing the truth. With the blessing of God, however, his health returned, and the prospering hand of God rested upon the Office to free it from embarrassment. DJWW 4.1

Soon after the Office was removed to Battle Creek, Eld. White insisted that the materials and property then on hand should be taken by the church, and not left longer in his possession. Many old, tried friends of the cause objected to this, on the ground that they would choose to have him have the control of the means that they had dedicated to this work; and many also were opposed to any legal organization by which the church could hold it. While Eld. White was confidently looking forward to a great extension of the work, and had the assurance that the confidence in him was such that he could obtain, either by donations or loans without interest, the means necessary to extend the business of the Office, he utterly refused to receive any more money; and gave notice to those who had furnished means with which to procure materials, to draw it out of the Office, as he would no longer stand as individual proprietor of their funds. And it was only by the most strenuous efforts that he succeeded in having an Association formed to take the property out of his hands. And some who now stand closely related to the work well remember, and will certify, that they consented to take part in the organization only when it became an absolute necessity by the refusal of Eld. White to receive means to extend its operations. We think it very safe to say, there is no printing establishment in the United States doing any considerable business that has come up under so many discouragements, by such earnest, persevering efforts, and passed through such trying experiences. Let all such as are disposed to complain of his management, or accuse him of a desire to benefit himself personally in this work; let all who may be in any wise affected by these things, mark well these facts. He commenced the work of publishing the present truth when there were no friends to assist, no means devoted to carrying it on. By unparalleled exertions and privations, working with his own hands, to obtain means to print the stirring truths which he had written by lamp light, he raised up friends to the cause who eventually assisted in procuring the materials necessary to do the work on the papers and tracts. At the time of which we now speak, 1855, the work was so well established, and its friends so numerous and so earnest in its support, that the success of the publishing department could not be a matter of doubt. If any personal rights were to be considered, every one would admit that Eld. White was justly entitled to the benefit of the business which had been planted and established by his own untiring efforts. But at this point of time, when first the opportunity of getting worldly gain was presented to the establishment, Eld. White not only yielded it up into the hands of others, but in a manner compelled them to take it out of his hands, and was afterward mainly instrumental in the formation of the Association, whereby the donations to the Office, with its proceeds and profits, must of necessity be used to benefit and extend the work. And here it is just to notice that the “good will” (as it is commonly termed) of the establishment was not sold by Eld. White. No account was made, in transferring the interest to the Association, of the list of subscribers for the Review and Instructor. All who are acquainted with publishing know that such lists constitute an important part of the value of the establishment. In this case, the Review list contained a large number of tried and true friends to the work, who had been gathered by the self-sacrifice and devotion of Eld. White, as above referred to. All this, to the benefit of which Eld. White was justly entitled, he freely gave to the Association, together with the right to re-publish any or all of the works which had been published by him. If operations of this character manifest a spirit of selfishness, we must say that it is of a kind that is rarely met in this world. Doubtless, few instances of equal disinterestedness and untiring devotion can be found connected with any cause; and we have never known such a course to be followed with charges of speculation in any other case. And we therefore feel sure that the charges have been made, and the spirit of murmuring been harbored, not because they are reasonable or just, but because the work of the third angel’s message has been prospered by his efforts. Or, if fault has been found by professed lovers of the message, it has invariably been by the selfish, the covetous, the unconsecrated, whose lives are reproved by the devotion and untiring labors of God’s chosen servants. DJWW 4.2

The question may be asked, Have not others suffered privations, and labored under discouragements, and thrown their lives into this work? Yes; but not to the extent that Eld. White has. But this question opens before us the necessity for this vindication. It is a noteworthy fact that no other one connected with this work has been so assailed by the malicious, so followed with false accusations and slanders. Why is this? Because no one else has been so intimately connected with the work since its commencement; no one else has borne so great responsibility in its management. Of course, the cause can be more effectually assailed and injured by injuring his reputation than that of any other. It is for this reason that we speak. It is not merely a personal matter. We stand in defense of the precious truth which we so ardently love, and which has so long and faithfully been represented by Eld. White. DJWW 6.1

Having established the publishing department as a self-sustaining work, and placed it in the hands of an Association pledged and bound by its charter to carry it on for the benefit of the cause specified, it would seem to have presented a favorable time for him to retire from such arduous labors, and let others occupy the field which had been cleared and possessed by so great exertions. But such was not his course. He continued his efforts with the same energy and devotion after the formation of the Association; and its success has been mainly the result of his prudent management. DJWW 7.1

To the charge of speculation, so freely and so bitterly used against Eld. White, it is proper to reply that this charge is unjust and inexcusable. It is true that, as business agent of this cause, he has necessarily devoted much labor and time and care to the management of the finances. But it is not true that he has appropriated any of the funds passing through his hands to his own personal benefit. Every dollar of such money he has scrupulously accounted for to the proper persons appointed by our Association or General Conference to receive and examine such accounts. He has invited the most rigid scrutiny in the examination of his business matters. Those who have been best acquainted with his transactions have had the least disposition to be jealous of his action with respect to the use of money. DJWW 7.2

Eld. White has managed his own affairs with discretion. While he has never advantaged himself at the expense of the cause of God, he has so prudently conducted his own matters as to have something with which to aid the needy and distressed. The following statement relative to his finances may be of general interest: DJWW 7.3

Eld. White has a reasonable competency of this world’s goods. This, to some persons, will be positive proof that he is an avaricious man. But those who will listen with candor to a plain statement of facts may be convinced that this is a very unjust conclusion. Had Eld. White sought to make the Office a source of income and advantage to himself, he might have amassed a large property without difficulty. But his whole course of conduct has been of an entirely different character. We publish in this pamphlet a very large number of testimonials relative to his conduct as a business man, and also in the use of means in this cause. As we have publicly called for statements from any one who could testify to any evil in his management of money matters, we think the responses given bear a very weighty testimony to his uprightness of conduct; for none have come forward to utter even a word of a contrary character. DJWW 8.1

When the Publishing Association was instituted in 1861, an inventory was taken of the property at the Review Office, embracing type, presses, books, stock, etc. From this amount, was taken all that had been donated, from first to last, to purchase presses, type, and other printing materials; also all of the sums which had been donated to the Book Fund, excepting the amount which Eld. White had given in books; and, also, ten per cent on all money which the friends of the cause had lent Eld. White without interest. He then took stock in the Association for himself and family to the amount of $320, and gave to poor preachers, and to some others to whom he felt indebted for past favors, shares of stock amounting to $150. After taking all this from the amount of the inventory of the entire property at the Office, there was left to Eld. White but a few hundred dollars. DJWW 8.2

From the time that the property passed into the hands of the Association, to the time of Eld. White’s sickness, for his entire services as President of the Association, having the care of all its business, and a portion of the time being editor of the Review, and for his labors in the ministry, preaching almost every Sabbath, and having many other cares and labors for the church and cause generally, he received the small compensation of from $7 to $10 each week. The books of the Association show that from June 3, 1861, to April 24, 1863, Eld. White received $7 per week. From April 24, 1863, to October 30, 1863, he received $8 per week. From Oct. 30, 1863, to April 14, 1865, he received $9 per week. From April 14, 1865, to Aug. 15, 1865, he received $10 per week. On the last-named day he was stricken down with paralysis. DJWW 8.3

During all this time, Sr. White received nothing for her services. She labored efficiently with her husband from place to place and with the church at Battle Creek, and did a great amount of important writing in the form of epistles to individuals and to churches throughout the entire field. No preacher among us labored more ardently and efficiently than Sr. White. In consequence of their house being a home for visiting brethren, she had to keep two hired girls — one in the kitchen, and one to do general housework and sewing; yet no provision was made for the expense of hired help in the family, and the extra wear and tear of clothing in traveling. And, to say nothing of these expenses, Eld. White’s limited wages met only in part his general expenses, and the expenses of so large a family. DJWW 9.1

In this state of things, Eld. White resorted to the sale of Bibles, Concordances, Bible Dictionaries, Bible Atlases, and works of this kind, as a means of support. He sent these books out by mail and express to all parts of the country. He took them with him, East and West, and his sales were very large, so that the profits were probably more in a year than his entire wages. This enabled him to meet his large expenses, and give for benevolent and charitable purposes. In this he wronged himself. In connection with his other arduous labors, this extra effort was very taxing. But there was a wrong back of this. It was the neglect on the part of our people to pay Sr. White for her valuable services. DJWW 9.2

When Eld. White removed to Battle Creek, he lived for a considerable time in a hired house. After this, by the assistance of friends, rather by their direct donation, he obtained one acre and a half of land, still covered with forest trees, and situated in the extreme western part of Battle Creek. On this piece of land, by the aid of the friends in Battle Creek and some other places, he erected a moderate-sized cottage house, which cost some $500; and with the same friendly aid he cleared off his new land, and converted it into a garden and a small orchard of fruit trees. Here he lived several years. During this time this increased in value by the rise of property so that he sold it for $1500. It has since been sold for $2000. DJWW 10.1

Wishing to live nearer the Office, and having a chance to purchase a suitable place at a very reasonable price, at the corner of Washington and Champion streets, he bought the same for $1300. Here he lived at the time of his paralytic shock. He made improvements upon the house, and upon the grounds in fruit trees, grapes, and small fruits, amounting to about $1200. The rise of property in the city opened his way again to sell to advantage. This place sold for $4500. Soon after this he invested his means in the purchase of a house and eleven acres of land, a little way out of the city, which cost him, after some additions made to the house, and the building of a small barn, some $5000. DJWW 10.2

In the spring of 1867, on account of his great prostration, and that he might be free from Office burdens, he removed to Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. In consequence of this removal, he sold the place last purchased in Battle Creek; for this he was to receive $6000. But failing to obtain the payments as they became due, he has suffered much embarrassment. A very large part of his entire property is thus seen to be made up of the rise of the real estate which he owned at different times during this period. It is proper also to state that, at the commencement of the war he purchased, upon his own responsibility, $1200 worth of writing paper and envelopes, which in a short time doubled in value on his hands. These are the means by which Eld. White has obtained property. As we have shown, his profits in honorably conducting a laudable business were $2000; rise on stationery, $1200; and rise of three different places in Battle Creek, $4000; in all amounting to $7200. But his property had never been regarded at any time worth more than $6000, which, during his severe and protracted sickness was much diminished. He acknowledges with gratitude the receipt of means from his brethren to purchase a comfortable carriage; also other donations at the time when, in extreme feebleness, he began to resume his labors in the cause. Since that time, God has greatly blessed Eld. White, and prospered everything he has set his hand unto, so that the means in his hands at this time are fully equal to those of any former period. DJWW 10.3

We know of few things which seem to us more unjust than that of charging Eld. White with grasping means and hoarding wealth. He has endeavored so to manage his affairs that he might have something to give to him that needeth. This is certainly right. And that he has given wisely, largely, and freely, a large number of witnesses are ready to testify. That he has invariably refused money when he had reason to think that the donors were not actually able to part with what they freely offered, is a fact to which many can bear witness. And that he has generally, if not invariably, refused to appropriate donations to himself, but has appropriated them to the cause in some branch where it most needed help, is equally well known. That he has largely donated to aid poor ministers, persons in distress, widows, orphans, and the like, is also a well-known fact. DJWW 11.1

Are these the deeds of a covetous man? Do those that grasp riches act in this manner? Is this the way to grind the faces of the poor? If there were more such men, would not the world be the better for it? Is there a man to rise up and say that Eld. White has defrauded him in any matter of deal? It is this very class of persons that we have called upon through the Review to speak out, if such can be anywhere found. Not one such person has spoken; and we therefore confidently assert that not one such person can be found. The facts bear testimony to his uprightness and conscientiousness. DJWW 11.2

But what shall we say of those who spend much time and means in abusing him as an avaricious man, grasping means on the right hand and on the left? If they know not whereof they affirm, they are inexcusable for circulating cruel statements concerning that of which they know nothing. But if they know the facts, they are guilty of loving and making a lie, and will have the lake of fire for their portion if they do not make thorough work of repentance. It is, perhaps, no use to reason with those whose hearts are embittered toward the cause he represents; but to all who are candid, and fear God and work righteousness, we address ourselves. We ask you to deal justly by Eld. White. We do not ask any favors, only that we have simple justice at your hands. This will be satisfactory, and this, we trust, we shall not fail to receive. DJWW 12.1

The officers who had the supervision of the affairs of the Association and the Health Institute, have certified that there was among them a feeling that they could get along as well without Eld. White as with him. In other words, they felt sufficient of themselves to conduct affairs which needed prudence, experience, and the approving presence of God, to be carried on successfully. This certificate is no idle compliment; it states a fact which had become apparent to all observers. It presents a state of things against which they had been faithfully warned, and which they now deeply regret. DJWW 12.2

That the facts may be well understood and appreciated, we will remark that, in the spring of 1865, the assets of the Association were $25,215.11; in the next three years they rose, according to the books, to $35,996.59. In the same time there were received, in donations and for shares, $5,797.25. In the year 1868, Eld. White requested the privilege of publishing Life Incidents as his own work, which he did, issuing an edition of 4800 copies. We notice this, because it has been reported that he made a large profit on the work. It is true that he made a profit on it, and he was not alone in considering that he was entitled to the privilege of some profit from the publication of his own writing, that he might have means at his control for the various benevolent purposes he was aiding. But let us look further at this matter. Considerable of this edition was furnished on the book distribution fund, at 40 per cent discount — a greater discount than was made by the Association to their agents. During the same year some valuable works were published, including the Autobiography of Eld. Jos. Bates, Keepsake, and such standard pamphlets as Truth Found, Vindication of the True Sabbath, and large editions of rapidly-selling tracts, for which it paid the writers nothing. If Eld. White made a large profit, as was asserted, surely the Association should have made a very large profit on their numerous works, together with the periodicals, job work, etc. An examination of the books shows the following figures: DJWW 13.1

Amount of property belonging to the Association in the spring of 1868, $35,996.59 DJWW 13.2

Am’t of same in spring of 1869, $32,736.53

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Showing a decrease of $3,260.06

But during the year there were received, by donations and shares, $372.28

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Making the decrease $3,632.34

And now we appeal to all those who reported, or were troubled with, the idea that Eld. White made a “good thing” on his book; if the Association, with all its book sales, job printing, etc., sunk over $3,000 of its capital in one year, how much should Eld. White make on a single edition of a single book? DJWW 14.1

The actual loss, however, is greater than the above figures show. The capital invested in such business should be, under proper management, worth at least 10 per cent interest. DJWW 14.2

This on the assets of May 1, 1868, would be$3,599.65
This, with donations as above,$372.28
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Should give an increase of capital of$3,971.93
Add to this the capital of above date,$35,996.59
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Would give for May 1, 1869,$39,968.52
But the assets, May 1, 1869, were$32,736.53
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Showing a real loss of$7,231.99

But there is still a further view to be taken of this matter. During Eld. White’s sickness, and all the time thereafter in which he had not the oversight of the Office, those who acted as officers of the Association, and had control of its affairs, resided in Battle Creek, spent all their time in its employ, and drew regular weekly wages for their services — wages varying from $12 to $18 per week. This might be expected to insure the best of interest and care in its business management. On the other hand, while it was under Eld. White’s supervision, he was, much of the time, traveling from East to West, holding the most important and laborious meetings. During these, he would take time, by day or by night, to examine his letters from the Office, make his estimates, order paper and other materials, and advise concerning the labor in the Office, exercising the greatest vigilance in its management; but for all this he received nothing from the Association, having only single pay as an ordinary preacher. And when at the Office, watching over and ordering every part of the work, he had also to keep his mind on every part of the field, performing his duties on Conference Committees, and advising the laborers in the various States. Those who are entirely ignorant of his labors may plead their ignorance as an excuse for accusing him of laboring for his own interest. But ignorance in such a case is a poor excuse, for no one has a right to circulate a slander against his neighbor when he is ignorant of the facts in regard to his character. But all who are at all acquainted with Eld. White know that his interest has been in this cause. In its prosperity he always rejoiced; while no sorrow was so deep as that which was occasioned by reverses in this work. DJWW 14.3