Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 9, 1877

White, J. E.; White, Emma

Battle Creek, Michigan

August 21, 1877

Previously unpublished.

Dear children, Edson and Emma:

Your father had a very ill turn yesterday which greatly alarmed us all. He had been working very hard and very successfully in disposing of difficult matters and taking in hand cases that needed to be managed. He then sat up till midnight writing for Review. He seemed very cheerful, nothing seemed to weigh upon his mind. In the morning he said he felt rather bad. I prepared a cup of weak red pepper tea. He then came to the table, but seemed to be bewildered. He called for articles he had taken upon his plate and placed the things beside his plate instead of in the plate. We saw that he could not see. This was done with several things. I persuaded him to leave the table, and I placed his feet at once in hot water and bathed his head. 3LtMs, Lt 9, 1877, par. 1

Dr. Kellogg was sent for, and we worked over him vigorously to establish the circulation. The difficulty was in his stomach. He was soon relieved. His stomach cleared of a terrible load. He was taken to the institute and vigorously treated, and he did not sit up any through the day. He came very near apoplexy. He does not feel natural yet, but he has rested well during the night, and we hope that no further danger is apprehended; but the afterresults of such difficulties do not easily disappear. 3LtMs, Lt 9, 1877, par. 2

I do not know what could have been done without his help here in Battle Creek. He has done a great amount of hard and difficult labor, and may the Lord preserve him to continue the work is our prayer. But I should not be at all surprised if he should drop suddenly. I think if he should sometime, those who have not appreciated his great cares and unremitting anxiety and labor will feel that they have met with a loss that cannot be made up. Everything here seems to be moving harmoniously. 3LtMs, Lt 9, 1877, par. 3

The extensive Health Institute or sanitarium is progressing finely. It is the greatest thing on the continent, but just what is needed. 3LtMs, Lt 9, 1877, par. 4

Can nothing be done in labor for Brother Rickey? God forbid he should go to perdition. 3LtMs, Lt 9, 1877, par. 5

We shall spend the coming winter here. We think the work here demands us. We have a field of influence here that is twentyfold wider and more promising than in California. And God can sustain us here and make us a blessing to the publishing house, sanitarium, and college, and to the surrounding churches who appreciate our counsel and labors. We never had greater influence in Battle Creek than at present among our own people and among those who are candid outsiders. All are desirous of bringing my gift before the public in temperance meetings and on the great health question. We feel the deepest need of constant connection with heaven. 3LtMs, Lt 9, 1877, par. 6

Here is our secret of success. We will not consent to go alone. We will urge the presence and help of Jesus, and we shall have it. May God bless you and give you grace day by day to do His will and be a blessing to those around you. Secret prayer is the Christian’s strength. Let us not falter; work for God and leave self out of the question. We see enough to do and but little time to work. Then let us work faithfully. The reward is by and by. In love to all the household, 3LtMs, Lt 9, 1877, par. 7

Mother.