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

Testimony for the Church No. 5

Mid-June found Ellen White well along in getting the counsels based on the vision of June 4 into print in Testimony No. 5. She wrote of it: 1BIO 408.3

The Lord visited me again in great mercy. I am preparing a tract which will probably be ready as soon as orders can reach me. The subjects of the tract are: Testimony to the Laodiceans—Systematic Benevolence—The Talents, Matthew 25—The Unjust Steward, Luke 16—Copartnership With Unbelievers, and Slack Management of Worldly Matters—Idle Words—Oath-taking—Meetinghouse Buildings, et cetera. 1BIO 408.4

I want all the friends of the cause to have it, pay, or no pay. Those who choose may send 10 cents a copy; others may send more or nothing, as they choose. Let the poor who have no money be sure to send. Address Ellen G. White, Battle Creek, Michigan.—The Review and Herald, June 16, 1859. 1BIO 408.5

The records indicate that this vision marked a turning of the tide in Ellen White's health. She wrote in her diary for Monday, June 6: 1BIO 408.6

Attended meeting in the morning. It was a meeting of deep interest. I had opportunity to bear my testimony. It was the best meeting of all, and when the people left, all united in saying it was the best conference they ever attended. 1BIO 408.7

This entry closes with the notation “At dinner we had thirty-five.” The next day there is just one short line: “We are all much worn out.” 1BIO 409.1

The entries in her diary for the next two months picture Ellen White a busy wife and mother in the home, attentive of her children, busy sewing for them and others, a compassionate neighbor, at times going shopping with some of the women in the church. It included, of course, accounts of her attending weekend meetings with her husband and ever drawn to her writing. 1BIO 409.2