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

Plans for the Immediate Future

James White expected that getting out the charts would take his time until the end of October. Then he and Ellen would be ready to fill appointments in New England. In fact, he was thinking of remaining in the East for some time. In a letter to the General Conference Committee in Battle Creek he referred to the slow Progress of the cause in the East. He stated: 2BIO 65.1

The cause in the East has suffered under many embarrassments. While our most efficient laborers have been breaking and cultivating new ground in the West, the more feeble, and some of them of poor judgment, and tending to fanaticism, have occupied this field. And while organization, spiritual gifts, and systematic benevolence have proved a perfect success in Michigan, a large portion of New England has dreadfully suffered for want of judicious men to hold these things before the people in a proper light.—Ibid., October 6, 1863 2BIO 65.2

He reported that Loughborough felt that New England was his field of labor for the present. After commending him, James declared: 2BIO 65.3

His firm and persevering efforts on organization, systematic benevolence, et cetera, added to his preaching talent, and the qualifications before mentioned, make him, with the blessing of God, the man to build up churches, and have the especial oversight of the work in the East.—Ibid. 2BIO 65.4

White felt that another good man from the West should work with Loughborough; he suggested Moses Hull, who for a time had been Loughborough's associate evangelist—this, of course, was before Hull's final apostasy. Then White made a rather surprising suggestion: 2BIO 65.5

And, if it be your decision, we are ready to labor in the East (or wherever you may appoint) six months, one year, or until our work be done. Mrs. W. has been pleading for the East for more than six months, and now that we are here, with our children, we unitedly feel that this is our more especial field of labor at present.—Ibid. 2BIO 65.6

He pointed out that to do so would be a considerable sacrifice on their part, but they were prepared to make such a sacrifice that the work might advance. The state of the cause would permit their staying in the East. 2BIO 66.1

“Organization is a success,” he declared, and “the General Conference is a success; and the Publishing Association is a perfect success.” No doubt thinking of the numerous rumors calling in question his integrity, which had led to an official investigation, he stated: 2BIO 66.2

It cures the jealous ones to see the leaders in the cause urging organization, so that the publishing department, and themselves also, are put into the hands of trustees and committees whom they can help elect annually. The stingy ones are either leaving, or getting cured of their malady. Speculation! The devil himself would be ashamed to repeat the word under the present circumstances.—Ibid. 2BIO 66.3

In response, the General Conference Committee assigned M. E. Cornell to labor in the New England States and agreed that White and Loughborough should continue there “as long as they feel it duty to do so”(Ibid.). 2BIO 66.4

As October wore on, James made appointments for the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth at Newport, New Hampshire, and October 31 and November 1 at West Enosburg, Vermont. This would be followed by attendance at the New York State annual conference at Adams Center November 7 and 8. The announcement stated that Ellen White would be with him. The notice suggested: 2BIO 66.5

We shall have at all these meetings the new charts, and a good assortment of our publications. The brethren in Vermont and New York had better send for the charts, Sabbath Readings, and other books by the delegates.... We shall have every subscriber's account for Review and Instructor with us, and hope to receive on old accounts, and payment in advance, from very many. James White.—Ibid., October 13, 1863 2BIO 66.6