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Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

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Fruitage of Public Ministry in Oswego

In describing their stay in Oswego, New York, Ellen White stated: “My husband wrote, published, and preached” (Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White (1880), 265; italics supplied). While there is little recorded concerning his preaching, one incident of significance has been reported. 1BIO 174.3

As James White held meetings in Oswego he presented particularly the third angel's message, emphasizing the Sabbath truth. Ellen White told the story in Spiritual Gifts, Volume II; and J. N. Loughborough, who heard it recounted by members of the Oswego church, told the story in detail in his book The Great Second Advent Movement. We quote from both, first from Ellen White: 1BIO 174.4

At this time there was quite an excitement among the Methodists in Oswego. They held many meetings, and their leaders were very zealous, praying for and exhorting sinners to be converted.... The question was often asked, “What do you think of Brother M. [the county treasurer serving as Methodist lay preacher]? The Lord works through him in a special manner. He and his wife visit from house to house conversing with sinners, and praying for them, and Brother M. was engaged so zealously in prayer last night for the mourners who came forward to the anxious-seats, that he broke a blood vessel, and was carried to his home in a feeble condition.” They triumphed over the believers in present truth.—Spiritual Gifts, 2:123. 1BIO 174.5

Two who asked the Whites what they thought of the county treasurer were 21-year-old Hiram Patch and his fiancee. They had attended the meetings of the lay evangelist, had listened to James White, and were undecided as to which group to join. Ellen White was given a vision that they witnessed. After the vision she told the young couple, “Wait and see the result of the matter.” She referred them to Scripture texts presented to her in vision, which read: “They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the Lord; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. They have dealt treacherously against the Lord: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions” (Hosea 5:6, 7). 1BIO 175.1

Then, according to Loughborough, she said to Mr. Patch: 1BIO 175.2

“I was told to say to you that in this case the statement of the text will be literally fulfilled. Wait a month, and you will know for yourself the character of the persons who are engaged in this revival, and who profess to have such a great burden for sinners.” Mr. Patch said, “I will wait.”—GSAM, p. 231 (see also JNL, in The Review and Herald, February 24, 1885).

During the next two weeks the treasurer broke a blood vessel in his stomach and was confined to his bed at home. The sheriff and constable took over the county finances and found a shortage in funds of an even $1,000. On inquiry of the treasurer at his home, he declared he knew nothing of the money. At this point the deputy, who had gone to the back of the house and hid in a shed, brought in a money bag containing the missing $1,000, which he had seen the treasurer's wife hide in a snowbank. The treasurer's evangelistic revival suddenly collapsed, and Hiram Patch and his fiancee, on the strong evidence they had witnessed, made their choice to join the Sabbathkeeping Adventists; they remained loyal members till their death. Significantly, as Loughborough pointed out, they had not been in the 1844 movement. 1BIO 175.3