Passion, Purpose & Power

11. The First Publications

Poor in cash, but rich in faith PPP 51.1

Although not a Sabbath-keeping paper, The Day-Star was the first publication that carried what eventually developed into our sanctuary doctrine. The article contained the results of the combined study of [O. R. L.] Crosier, Dr. F. B. Hahn, and Hiram Edson. Among others, Edson helped put up the money to print this special “Extra” edition. PPP 51.2

To the Brethren and Sisters Scattered Abroad PPP 51.3

We have prayerfully examined the subject presented by Brother [O. R. L.] Crosier¹⁷ in the light of God’s word, and are fully satisfied it is meat in due season, and if properly examined and understood will settle many difficulties in the minds of many brethren at this time. PPP 51.4

In order to get it before the brethren, it becomes necessary to loan the money necessary for its publication, with the expectation that all who feel interested and have means will aid in the expense. The expense as near as we can now ascertain will be about $30. Brethren here, as in most other places, are poor, (but rich in faith) but we can bear one-half of the expense, and will more if necessary. PPP 51.5

If more should be refunded than the other half, it will be sent to Bro. [Enoch] Jacobs, or as brethren may direct. The subject, brethren, is now before you, and we do pray you will examine it carefully by the Word. May the Lord add his blessing. PPP 52.1

The brethren will please direct to F. B. Hahn,¹⁸ Canandaigua, Ont. Co., N.Y. PPP 52.2

HIRAM EDSON.
F. B. HAHN.

—Hiram Edson and F. B. Hahn, The Day-Star “Extra,” February 7, 1846, p. 44. PPP 52.3

Hiram and Esther Edson’s daughter later recalled her mother’s involvement in defraying the cost of The Day-Star “Extra” PPP 52.4

After the passing of the time when they expected the Lord would come, the 22d of October, 1844, a few of the most earnest and faithful ones were at the home of my father (Hiram Edson) praying and studying the prophecies to learn the cause of the disappointment. After prayer they started out to visit some who had been interested, and were going through a cornfield, when suddenly father saw a bright light shining around him and heard these words, as if spoken by an audible voice: “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testimony.” PPP 52.5

The others passed on, but soon noticed that he was not with them, and looking back, asked what was the matter. He replied, “Brethren, there is new light for us.” PPP 52.6

They began to study the prophecies, and the light on the subject of the sanctuary came to them, which fully explained the cause of the disappointment. O. R. L. Crosier then wrote the article mentioned in the REVIEW a few months ago. He was at my father’s, and finances being low and those interested in the message having used all their ready means in proclaiming the message, my mother¹⁹ sold her solid silver teaspoons and half of her large spoons to pay for having the article printed in the Day Dawn.²⁰ That also opened up the subject of the seventh-day Sabbath.—Mrs. V. O. Cross, “Recollections of the Message,” The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, April 1, 1920, p. 22. PPP 52.7

Positive reputation rewarded PPP 53.1

The first separate publication of Ellen G. Harmon (later White) was a broadside entitled “To the Little Remnant Scattered Abroad.” It was dated April 6, 1846. Half the printing expenses was borne by Heman S. Gurney²¹ of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. PPP 53.2

Word came to us one day that a woman was to speak in the Advent hall in New Bedford [Massachusetts]. She was to relate a vision, etc. I went to hear her. The vision was the same as has since been published as Sr. White’s first vision. I could see no reason to find fault with her appearance or what she said. She appeared like a humble, conscientious Christian. I learned her name and address, but was slow to advocate her course. Fanaticism was appearing in some places, and I wished to prove all things, and hold fast that which was good. I found she was creating some sensation where she met the little company to relate, as she said, what God had shown to her. I thought, If this is something the remnant must meet, I must know where it came from. I therefore went to Portland, Me., and inquired for Mr. Harmon²² (the father of this young lady). I found the family living in a humble cottage. I introduced myself, and was made welcome after telling them I had come to make their acquaintance, especially the acquaintance of sister Ellen Harmon. I found them a humble, devoted, God-fearing family. I visited a number of places where she was known, and all testified to her devoted, self-sacrificing character. I spent a number of weeks with the family and in their vicinity, and became convinced that the fountain was good, and that God had called sister Harmon to an important work. I found a brother²³ who was willing to pay one half of the expense of printing her first vision. We arranged with the printer, and I left for home.—H. S. Gurney, “Recollections of Early Advent Experience,” Review and Herald, January 3, 1888, p. 2. PPP 53.3

The vision “To the Remnant” was given soon after the disappointment in 1844. A small edition of about 250 copies was printed in Portland, Maine, on a foolscap sheet, and circulated among the few believers and honest ones. The last page of the sheet was left partly blank so that those receiving this document could have a place to write out their opinions of the same, whether favorable or unfavorable, and return to the publisher if they wished. Elder James White was the publisher and Bro H. S. Gurney, now of Memphis, Mich., stood half of the expense of printing. This was the first form in which any of the views of Mrs. E. G. White were published.²⁴ This was in the spring of 1846.—H. S. Gurney, “Gurney Statement Re ‘To the Remnant,’” May 15, 1891. PPP 54.1

In the spring of 1845 I became a Seventh-day Adventist.²⁵ A small company of Adventist believers came out about the same time, embracing the Sabbath and contending for the original advent faith as held in 1844. We were waiting for further light on the prophecies. About this time SisterWhite (as I shall call her; her name was Harmon—married to Brother White a few years after this) came to New Bedford, Mass. to relate what the Lord had shown her in vision. A few from Fairhaven went over the river—one mile²⁶—to hear what she had to say; her delivery was free and clear, altho only 16 years old²⁷. Her sister Sarah²⁸ was older, who always traveled with her for company and defense. I did not then get acquainted with her, but determined in my mind to know the family she came from. A few days from this found me in Portland, ME at the house of Brother Harmon—found the whole family firm Seventh-day Adventists,²⁹ consecrated, devoted Christian people. I stopped with them and in the vicinity several weeks and became well acquainted with all their work, which was chiefly to visit the little bands who were holding fast their confidence and faith in the ‘44 movement, and trying to strengthen, encourage, and correct. I visited some of the little companies with her and found her an earnest, devoted, consistent laborer. . . I returned to Portland prepared to leave for home, but first I arranged with Brother White to get Sister White’s first vision printed, and I would pay one-half the expense. From this point onward I never have doubted that Sister White’s work and visions have a very close connection with the third angel’s message.—H. S. Gurney, “Early Day Experiences Recounted by H. S. Gurney,” typescript copy of statement written by Gurney to his son C. H. Gurney, April 12, 1896. PPP 54.2

Anonymous benefactor PPP 55.1

In August 1846, Joseph Bates published his first pamphlet advocating the seventh-day Sabbath. The 48-page pamphlet, entitled “The Seventh Day Sabbath, A Perpetual Sign, From the Beginning, to the Entering into the Gates of the Holy City, According to the Commandment,” cited biblical reasons that convinced James and Ellen White to accept the Sabbath shortly after their marriage on August 30, 1846. PPP 55.2

The work and payment on the book went on until the day the book was to be completed and delivered. There was a balance due on the book. Heman Gurney, an unmarried man who was a blacksmith, decided to leave his employer, and go with Brother Bates as a singing evangelist.³⁰ When he went to his employer and notified him that he was going to leave, and called for the hundred dollars due him, the man refused to pay, and said, “Your thus suddenly leaving me is more than one hundred dollars’ damage to my business.” PPP 55.3

But later, on the morning the books were to be delivered, Brother Gurney’s old employer met him on the street and said, “Gurney, I honestly owe you one hundred dollars, and here it is,” handing him the money. Brother Gurney said to himself, “The Lord is in this. I will go at once and pay the balance due on Brother Bates’ books.” PPP 55.4

When Brother Bates called later in the day to excuse the matter of delay in payment, the printer said, “A man came in early this morning and paid the balance due. I know not his name. He was a stranger to me.” PPP 55.5

Brother Gurney told me of this after Brother Bates’ death. That faithful servant of the Lord never knew, to the day of his death, who paid the balance on the books. So his books, by God’s providence, were not delayed a day.—J. N. Loughborough, “Second Advent Experience-No. 4,” Review and Herald, June 28, 1923, pp. 9, 10. PPP 55.6

Father held a note against a man from whom he had never been able to collect, and this note had become outlawed and legally worthless, and he never expected to realize anything from it. But one day while on the street, this man, seeing father, called to him, and said: “I want to pay my note,” which he did. Father, believing that the Lord had sent this man to him with the money, at once went to the printer, and paid the entire bill for the printing of the tract referred to;³¹ and he did not tell Brother Bates he had done this, nor did Brother Bates ever know who paid the bill. The man in the print shop did not know father, for he did not reveal his identity.—Charles H. Gurney, letter to H. E. Rogers, January 24, 1940. PPP 56.1

“The Lord will provide” PPP 56.2

The famous “York Shilling” story has sometimes been associated with the publication of Joseph Bates’ first small tract on the Sabbath. However, based on the following two sources, it seems more likely that the story actually pertained to the publication of Bates’ later 116-page publication entitled A Vindication of the Seventh-day Sabbath, and the Commandments of God: With a Further History of God’s Peculiar People, From 1847 to 1848. The preface in this small book is dated January 1848. PPP 56.3

In the autumn of 1847, Bro. Bates sat down to write a work of more than one hundred pages, with only a York shilling at his command. —James White, Life Incidents, 1868, p. 269. PPP 56.4

Brother Bates . . . is in the work of God. Just before he came to Bristol Conference [he] was asked by his wife to get her some flour for she had only part enough to make a loaf of bread. Brother Bates had only money enough to buy two pounds of flour so off he went and soon he came in with two pounds of flour. His wife asked, what have you been doing? What will you do next? She declared that she would not bake it. Brother Bates is in the work of God. His last work was right in the main. . . . PPP 56.5

My best love to all the faithful. Pray for us. Brother Bates said he would send you the Sabbath tracts. You have received them I expect. Ellen will write soon I expect.—James White letter to “My Dear Brother” [Stockbridge Howland], July 2, 1848. PPP 56.6

Elder Joseph Bates, of Fairhaven, Mass. . . . accepted the Sabbath in 1845, and at once began to preach the truth from State to State. He soon saw that a book, or even a tract, on the Sabbath question would be a great help to him in his work, and his soul was moved by the Spirit of God to write and publish something on this subject. But how it could be done without money, was the question, as all he had was a York shilling (twelve and a half cents). It may be of interest to the reader to relate his experience in this matter just as he told it to me in 1855. PPP 57.1

He said that while in prayer before God, he decided to write the book, and felt assured that the way would open to publish it. He therefore seated himself at his desk, with Bible and concordance, to begin his work. In the course of an hour, Mrs. Bates came into the room and said, “Joseph, I haven’t flour enough to make out the baking;” and at the same time mentioned some other little articles that she needed. “How much flour do you lack?” asked Captain Bates. “About four pounds,” was her reply. “Very well,” replied he. After she left the room, he went to a store near by, purchased the four pounds of flour and the other articles, brought them home, and again seated himself at his writing desk. Presently Mrs. Bates came in and saw the articles on the table and exclaimed, “Where did this flour come from?” “Why,” said the Captain, “isn’t there enough? you said you wanted four pounds.” “Yes,” said she, “but where did you get it?” “I bought it,” said he; “is not that the amount you wanted to complete the baking?” “Yes,” continued Mrs. Bates, “but have you, Captain Bates, a man who has sailed vessels out of New Bedford to all parts of the world, been out and bought four pounds of flour?” “Yes, was not that the amount you needed to complete the baking?” “Yes,” said Mrs. Bates, “but have you bought four pounds (!) of flour?” PPP 57.2

Another trial soon followed. When Captain Bates left the sea, he sold out his interest in a ship for $11,000, but now he had spent his all to advance the cause of truth. Up to this date Mrs. Bates did not know his true financial condition, but he felt that he must now acquaint her with it, so he calmly said, “Wife, I spent for those articles the last money I have on earth.” With bitter sobs Mrs. Bates inquired, “What are we going to do?” The Captain arose, and with all the dignity of a captain directing his vessel, said, “I am going to write a book; I am going to circulate it, and spread this Sabbath truth before the world.” “Well,” said Mrs. Bates, through blinding tears, “what are we going to live on?” “The Lord is going to open the way,” was Captain Bates’s smiling reply. “Yes,” said Mrs. Bates, “the Lord is going to open the way! that’s what you always say,” and bursting into tears she left the room. PPP 57.3

After Captain Bates had continued his work for half an hour, the impression came to him to go to the post-office, as there was a letter there for him. He went, and sure enough there was a letter. In those days the postage on letters was five cents, and prepayment was optional. The writer of this letter had for some reason failed to pay the postage. And here again the Captain was humbled, as he was obliged to tell the postmaster, Mr. Drew, with whom he was well acquainted, that he could not pay the postage, as he had no money; but he said, “Will you let me see where it is from?” “Take it along,” said the postmaster, “and pay some other time.” “No,” said the Captain, “I will not take the letter out of the office until the postage is paid.” PPP 58.1

While he had the letter in his hand, he said, “I am of the opinion that there is money in this letter,” and turning to the postmaster, he asked, “Will you please open it? If there is money in it, you can take the postage out; if not, I will not read it.” The postmaster complied with his request, and lo! it contained a ten-dollar bill. He found, by reading, that the letter was from a person who said the Lord so impressed his mind that Elder Bates was in need of money that he hastened it to him; and in the haste he probably forgot to pay the postage. PPP 58.2

After paying the postage he went to a provision store, bought a barrel of flour for $4, besides potatoes, sugar, and other necessary articles. When giving orders where they were to be delivered, he said, “Probably the woman will say they don’t belong there, but don’t you pay any attention to what she says; unload the goods on the front porch.” He then went to the printing-office ³² and made arrangements for publishing one thousand copies of a tract of about one hundred pages, with the understanding that as the copy was furnished the printers³³ were to put it in type as rapidly as possible, sending proofs to him. He was to pay for the work as fast as he received the money, and the books were not to be taken from the office until the bills were all paid. Captain Bates knew well there was no money due him, but he felt it his duty to write this book, believing that the Lord would move on hearts to send the money when it was needed. After purchasing paper, pens, etc., thus giving time for the household supplies to go in advance of him, he went to the head of the street leading to his house. On seeing that the articles were there, he went into the house by the back entrance, and seated himself again at his desk. Mrs. Bates came in and said excitedly, “Joseph, just look out on the front porch. Where did that stuff come from? A drayman came here and would unload it. I told him it didn’t belong here, but he would unload it.” “Well,” said Captain Bates, “I guess it’s all right.” “But,” said Mrs. Bates, “where did it come from?” “Well,” said the Captain, “the Lord sent it.” “Yes,” said Mrs. Bates, “the Lord sent it! that’s what you always say.” He then handed the letter to his wife, saying, “Read this, and you will know where it came from.” She read it, and again retired for another cry, but it was of a different character from the first; and on returning she humbly asked his pardon for her lack of faith.—J. N. Loughborough, Seventh-day Adventists, pp. 110-113. PPP 58.3