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

Eyes to the West

The first camp meeting of the 1872 season was to open at Aledo, Illinois, on May 31. James and Ellen White were to be there. In mid-May they had left Battle Creek to have a period of rest at their Washington, Iowa, home. They there remained through the early summer, getting away to attend only two camp meetings—the Illinois meeting and the Iowa meeting, which opened June 6. While they were in Washington, Testimony No. 21, a paperbound volume of two hundred pages, came from the press, priced at 25 cents (Ibid., June 18, 1872). 2BIO 339.4

On May 20, 1872, Ellen White wrote to Willie in Battle Creek about their Washington home. 2BIO 339.5

We are very pleasantly situated here and I am very well persuaded that this place in Washington should be our headquarters. Father works in the garden much of his time and rests well nights. He has been writing quite a lengthy piece for the Reformer. There are many things to interest and take his mind—the trimming of trees, improvements to be made.... 2BIO 339.6

I think this is just the place for Father. We are trying to rest up for camp meetings.... This is a beautiful place. I shall feel at home here.... I have not been very well. Hope to improve and be ready for camp meeting.—Letter 6, 1872. 2BIO 339.7

Writing to Edson and Emma four weeks later, in mid-June, Ellen mentioned the flowers in blossom around the home. 2BIO 340.1

We are in the midst of flowers of almost every description, but the most beautiful of all is to be surrounded with roses on every hand, of every color and so fragrant. The prairie queen is just opening, also the Baltimore bell. Peonies have been very lovely and fragrant, but now they are fast going to decay. We have had strawberries for several days.—Letter 5, 1872. 2BIO 340.2

In the same letter, she penned a few lines concerning the wives of ministers who are called from home in their ministry. 2BIO 340.3