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

What Shall We Do?

Heretofore the Whites had been very active, deeply involved in the workings of the cause. In Santa Rosa the winter rains dragged on, confining them largely to the house. James and Ellen White questioned whether they were following the right course. 2BIO 406.2

This thinking surfaced occasionally in letters to the children, as in a letter to Willie written February 15: 2BIO 406.3

Father thinks sometimes that he had not ought to have come to California, but remained in Battle Creek. Do you think so? You know what fears we have had in regard to his stay in Battle Creek. If all was well with Father, I would rather be in Battle Creek than in any other place, but the multiplicity of cares and burdens that devolve upon him there I think would soon use him up.—Ibid. 2BIO 406.4

This same restlessness showed up in her letter to Willie five weeks later: 2BIO 406.5

Father has been sick for several days with a bilious attack. Father talks sometimes of going to Colorado mountains. He thinks that Johnny [not further identified.] and you would like to come out and spend a few months. What do you think of this? ... 2BIO 406.6

Sometimes Father talks of going to our place in Iowa ...and we make that our home and have you and Johnny come and spend some months with us. What do you think of this proposition? Sometimes Father talks of taking treatments at the institute at Battle Creek. What do you think of this? ...I think Father ought to be where he can work out of doors and occupy his mind.—Letter 17, 1874. 2BIO 407.1

She then expressed what was on her heart: 2BIO 407.2

I want very much to go to the camp meetings the coming season. Oh, how unreconciled I feel to be doing nothing of any account, when I know I have a testimony for the people! I long to be at work and say or do something that will advance the cause of God.—Ibid.