Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

The September Michigan Camp Meeting

The September 5 issue of the Review had carried, on the back page, the note from the physicians at the Health Institute endorsing the wisdom of James's proposed resignation from publishing responsibilities. It was anticipated that a replacement would be chosen on September 18 at the time of the Michigan camp meeting. To the surprise of everyone, the September 12 issue of the Review carried his enthusiastic editorial “The Cause” and its bright outlook, with no mention of his dropping out of the picture (Ibid., September 12, 1871). 2BIO 329.5

So when the time came for the Michigan camp meeting at Charlotte and the special meeting of the SDA Publishing Association to select White's successor as president of the association, that matter was postponed until the next regular meeting. James White had not only made a very speedy recovery, but was one of the speakers at the camp. At this well-attended gathering he spoke five times and his wife three. 2BIO 330.1

Uriah Smith, in describing the camp meeting setting, reported that there were, on the grounds, 2BIO 330.2

fifty-seven tents, including the two large tents, arranged in one grand circle about thirty rods in diameter, [that] furnished temporary homes for nearly eight hundred Sabbathkeepers.... The preaching was with great freedom and power. This was the case with all the speakers. Brother White dwelt with much freedom on the subject of the Second Advent, and the work of reform in its bearing upon the preparation we are to make for that event, and our being overcomers at last.—Ibid., September 19, 1871

At the constituency meeting actions were passed that brought relief and courage to James White. Steps were taken to bring in much-needed help. 2BIO 330.3

Voted, That Brethren H. W. Kellogg and Charles Russell move to Battle Creek to help sustain Brother White in the work.— Ibid. 2BIO 330.4

Further, the three laymen, Ira Abbey, J. F. Carman, and S. H. King, appointed earlier at the General Conference session, were named again to work with the General Conference Committee in arranging for families who could strengthen the work to move to Battle Creek (Ibid.). 2BIO 330.5