Counsels on Stewardship -- Study Guide

Our Home—Our Diet

On April 16, 1852, in a letter to the Howland family of Topsham, Maine, Ellen White wrote the following description of their “home” in Rochester, New York. Among other activities, they were publishing the Review and Herald. CS-SG 23.7

“’We are just getting settled in Rochester. We have rented an old house for one hundred and seventy-five dollars a year. We have the press in the house. Were it not for this, we should have to pay fifty dollars a year for office room. You would smile could you look in upon us and see our furniture. We have bought the two old bedsteads for twenty-five cents each. My husband brought me home six old chairs, no two of them alike, for which he paid one dollar, and soon he presented me with four more old chairs without any seating, for which he paid sixty-two cents. The frames are strong, and I have been seating them with drilling. CS-SG 23.8

“’Butter is so high that we do not purchase it, neither can we afford potatoes. We use sauce in the place of butter, and turnips for potatoes. Our first meals were taken on a fireboard placed upon two empty flour barrels. We are willing to endure privations if the work of God can be advanced. We believe the Lord’s hand was in our coming to this place.’”—Life Sketches, p. 142. CS-SG 23.9

At that time James and Ellen White had been married about five years. During those years nearly all their resources had been used in the cause of God. More than the majority may realize, people are choosing a lifestyle that is simpler and less costly. More money is being allocated to the cause of God. The spirit of the pioneers is still alive. CS-SG 23.10