“I'd Like To Ask Sister White ...”

I Can’t Imagine What It Will Be Like! How About Children? Will Any Children Be There?

We began to look at the glorious things outside of the city. There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no. LASW 39.3

I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, “They will never fade.” Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, light, and all over glorious. We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to Mount Zion. LASW 39.4

We met a company who also were gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. Jesus said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him. With them was an innumerable company of little ones; they also had a hem of red on their garments. Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains and pluck the never-fading flowers. LASW 40.1

The wonderful things I there saw I cannot describe. O that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world! LASW 40.2

Then an angel bore me gently down to this dark world. Sometimes I think I can stay here no longer; all things of earth look so dreary. I feel very lonely here, for I have seen a better land. O that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest! ¹⁷ LASW 40.3

The White Home

The station agent was right! The White home on Wood Street was a busy place as was their later home in Greenville, Michigan, and other homes in which the Whites lived through the years. There was always somebody coming or going. Needy people went to Sister White for help, knowing that they would never be refused. Adventists from out of town came to Battle Creek for weekends, then to the Whites for Sabbath meals. There they were cordially welcomed by James and Ellen, although Sister White did once remark that her home was more like a hotel than a private dwelling! LASW 41.1

Henry, Edson, and Willie took a keen interest in these activities. If at times they counted the visitors, it was because they knew from experience that more visitors meant more food. That meant more cooking, and more cooking meant more firewood for the kitchen stove. Also, company meant dishes, and dishes had to be washed. Often the boys must have tied on their mother’s aprons and set to work with dishpan, hot water, and suds. Overnight guests meant sheets. Sheets meant laundry, and the laundry in those days meant large tubs filled with hot water. Scrubbing was done by hand on an old-fashioned washboard. At times the chores must have seemed endless. LASW 41.2

Yes, Mr. Station Agent, the White home on Wood Street was indeed a busy place! But you perhaps didn’t realize that busy families are happy families, that one of the busiest, and one of the happiest was the family composed of James White, Ellen, his wife, and their three sons, Henry, Edson, and little Willie. LASW 41.3