Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

The Workers’ Meetings Begin

Friday morning the sky was clear and the air much cooler than it had been in Basel. The meeting of British workers began later in the day, and on Sabbath Ellen White spoke twice. EGWE 217.3

When the discouragements of some of the workers are taken into account, Ellen White's sermons during the meetings take on a new depth and power. At one time a little group gathered about the stove in the meeting hall and began to talk about their experiences and disappointments. It seemed that great difficulties were confronting every branch of the work in England. EGWE 217.4

Each day she tried to inspire them with the consecration, courage, and confidence they so much needed. In closing one sermon she said: EGWE 217.5

“This life is a conflict, and we have a foe who never sleeps, who is watching constantly to destroy our minds and lure us away from our precious Saviour, who has given His life for us. Shall we lift the cross given us? or shall we go on in selfish gratification, and lose the eternity of bliss? ... EGWE 217.6

“I do not look to the end for all the happiness; I get happiness as I go along. Notwithstanding I have trials and afflictions, I look away to Jesus. It is in the strait, hard places that He is right by our side, and we can commune with Him, and lay all our burdens upon the Burden Bearer, and say, ‘Here, Lord, I cannot carry these burdens longer.’ Then He says to us, ‘My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ Do you believe it? I have tested it. I love Him; I love Him. I see in Him matchless charms. And I want to praise Him in the kingdom of God.”—Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 291, 292. EGWE 218.1

In another sermon she commented: EGWE 218.2

“By my past experience I can testify that I would not have one trial less, one sorrow less, for Paul says, ‘These light afflictions which are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’”—Manuscript 16, 1886. EGWE 218.3

And finally, she closed with an appeal: EGWE 218.4

“A little longer and we shall see the King in His beauty.... Will you be there? Will the crown of glory be placed upon your brow? ... God grant that we shall every one be there. You cannot afford to lose this. God bless you here tonight; and may God come into your souls and shine around you here.”—Ibid. EGWE 218.5