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

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Texas, a Needy Field of Labor

In writing of their mid-February visit to Dallas, Ellen White disclosed their hopes and plans: 3BIO 107.1

Yesterday we bore pointed testimony to the church in Dallas upon the subject of health reform. My husband spoke from the text “Preach the Word.” The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst, softening hearts and breaking up the fallow ground. Many testimonies were borne, and the church encouraged. 3BIO 107.2

We now expect to commence labor here with a tent in about two weeks. We shall also hold meetings in Denison and vicinity. Angels of God are at work impressing souls everywhere, and we want to be at work doing all we can for the Master.—The Signs of the Times, March 6, 1879. 3BIO 107.3

Meetings were held in the Dallas tent from March 7 to 11 (JW to WCW, February 27, 1879). On the eleventh James White reported to Edson and Emma, his wife, “Your mother is having a perfect opening here. The tent is crowded.” 3BIO 107.4

Because of the promise to pitch the tent in Denison for a short series of meetings to run from March 14 to 19, they could not remain as long in Dallas as might seem desirable (Letter 45, 1879). Two conflicting elements were at work that had a strong bearing on their plans: the desire to be in Battle Creek for a special session of the General Conference, and a caravan journey to Colorado. 3BIO 107.5