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

Facing Large Responsibilities

There was no place Ellen White would rather be than in Battle Creek. Their home on the corner had been rented to E. B. Gaskill, who had served as General Conference treasurer, and it was soon made available to them. Relieved—theoretically, at least—of responsibilities in California, James White turned his attention to the general interests of the work of the church as a whole and to the institutions in Battle Creek, particularly the developments in the denominational school. 2BIO 448.1

In his editorial in the Review that carried the report of the General Conference session, he presented his reactions to the sudden changes and challenges the activities that meeting brought about. “Never were we so fully impressed,” he wrote, “with the fact that the responsibilities of a worldwide mission were pressing upon our people, as during the religious services and the business sessions at the recent Michigan camp meeting.”—Ibid. 2BIO 448.2

He wrote of the publication of literature in other languages; of the need of workers to enter new fields, at home and overseas; and then of the change in the plans for his work: 2BIO 448.3

We have felt, and still feel, the deepest interest for the cause on the Pacific. But it will not do to calculate upon a millennium to establish the cause there. Our wealthy men and women on the Pacific Coast must help out with their means, cautiously urge new gifts into the field, and give the cause a chance to grow upon the Pacific as it has in other parts. 2BIO 448.4

Failing health and discouragements had led us to withdraw from the general cause to confine our labors to the Pacific Coast. But we find ourselves since the Battle Creek camp meeting with our former plans completely changed; and we now resign all to the will of God, and the choice of His dear people. For several years we have been refusing responsibilities, especially such as would make it necessary for us to have our headquarters at Battle Creek. 2BIO 448.5

But the marked indications of Providence, in harmony with the wish of our people, assembled in the name of the Lord, with His spirit upon them, have led us to yield to be a servant wherever may be their choice.—Ibid. 2BIO 449.1

Then turning more particularly to the interests in California with which he had been so closely linked, he explained: 2BIO 449.2

The General Conference has approved of what steps we have taken in establishing the press upon the Pacific, and take the responsibilities as well as the liabilities off our hands. They send Elder Butler to the California camp meeting to counsel with that conference as to the proper steps to be taken to advance the cause on the Pacific. His practical gift being new will be enjoyed by all with the deepest interest, as well as with the greatest profit. 2BIO 449.3

We shall ever cherish the tenderest regards for our dear people on the Pacific Coast; and when it shall please God, we shall be happy to meet them, and labor for their prosperity. But for the present we must heed the calls of those who have greater claims upon us.—Ibid. 2BIO 449.4

As he was now leading out in both the interests of the Publishing Association and the General Conference, he suggested: 2BIO 449.5

If our friends west of the Plains will support a weekly paper, our Committee on Publications and the editors of the Review and Herald can greatly aid in the management of it, and in furnishing matter for it.—Ibid. 2BIO 449.6