Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

Light Dawns for Ellen White

That Christmas Day Ellen White was glad to be able to give a favorable report to the children in Battle Creek: 3BIO 80.3

Father is so happy riding his twenty-five-dollar pony, being interested in his little farm, and enjoying his warm, bright fire. He does not feel inclined to leave it for uncertainties of poor beds and perhaps stove heat, and he chooses to stay in his humble little home.... 3BIO 80.4

We are seeing already the beneficial effects of this move from Oakland. Father's mind is diverted. He eats more liberally and it does not injure him. He sleeps like a baby from the time he retires till 5:00 or 6:00 A.M. He is cheerful. He is so pleased with his home. He tries to do what he can and is busy from morning till night about something. He spends some time in writing. His mind is very happy dwelling upon Bible subjects. I am glad for every step he advances, climbing the hill of health.—Ibid. 3BIO 80.5

Soon John Griffith, the builder, was on the ground, and the new barn was under construction. The house would follow. Griffith did his work economically and well. 3BIO 81.1

By the end of the second week in January, 1878, the workmen had completed work on the Whites’ barn. Work on the house was delayed because of the weather. As is usual for those parts, many of the January and February days were foggy or rainy, and work that James had hoped to do in the garden and fields was delayed as well. But Monday, January 14, was a pleasant day. He felt better and was “cheerful and of good courage,” and Ellen White wrote to daughter Mary, “We are planting our garden.”—Letter 4c, 1878. 3BIO 81.2

The letter also tells of how, when her husband was discouraged and despondent, they had “praying seasons, three, four, and sometimes five a day” (Ibid.). As he felt able, James pressed on with writing, doing perhaps more than he should have. Ellen White felt burdened to write, but at this time she felt she could do but little. She wrote to the children in Battle Creek: 3BIO 81.3

I will give time and attention to Father. He needs me. He has not society here as he would have at Oakland or Battle Creek. I am his constant companion in riding and by the fireside. Should I go, shut myself up in a room, and leave him sitting alone, he would become nervous and restless.—Letter 4d, 1878. 3BIO 81.4

But she was pleased to state, “Father is patient, kind, not faultfinding. He loves and fears God. This affliction has been a great blessing to him spiritually. We are in perfect harmony. He depends on me and I shall not leave him in his feebleness.”—Ibid. 3BIO 81.5