Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Mrs. S. M. I. Henry and the W. C. T. U.

[Mrs. S. M. I. Henry, here referred to, was the national evangelist for the Women's Christian Temperance Union. The physicians at the Battle Creek Sanitarium where she had gone in 1896, as a patient, held out no hope for her release from a wheel chair during her lifetime. However, in answer to the prayer of faith, she was remarkably restored, after she had covenanted to keep all of God's commandments. Her full acceptance of the faith of Seventh-day Adventists brought great joy to the heart of Mrs. White, who was in Australia at the time. Through correspondence a warm personal friendship was created between these two godly women. In December, 1898, Mrs. White wrote as follows regarding the relation of Mrs. Henry to the W. C. T. U.]: 1MR 125.2

I thank the Lord with heart, and soul, and voice that you have been a prominent and influential member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. In the providence of God you have been led to the light, to obtain a knowledge of the truth; and the education you have received in the grand temperance work, in connection with your sister workers, is the education you need to bring into the work with women whose hearts are softened by the Spirit of God, and who are searching for the truth as for hidden treasure. For twenty years I have seen that the light would come to the women workers in the temperance lines.... 1MR 125.3

The Lord does not bid you separate from the Women's Christian Temperance Union. They need all the light you can give them. You are not to learn of them, but of Jesus Christ. Flash all the light possible into their pathway. You can agree with them on the ground of the pure, elevating principles that first brought into existence the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Letter 118, 1898, pp. 2-4. (To Sister Henry, December 1, 1898.) 1MR 126.1

[At the time when this letter was received by Mrs. Henry, she had tendered her resignation as an officer of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Regarding this she wrote to Mrs. White on February 3, 1899 as follows:] 1MR 126.2

“I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am that the Lord sent the word to me just in time to prevent me from taking the final step which would have severed my relation to the W. C. T. U. This was one of the most remarkable manifestations of the personal and constant care of God over His children which I have ever had.... The message coming just at that opportune time, and so clearly from the Lord that I could have no question concerning it, I simply wrote withdrawing my resignation.” 1MR 126.3

[Mrs. Henry continued with the organization, and it was largely due to the influence of her work and her appeals that the work in behalf of the Sunday law was quite generally dropped by that organization. Her work, both for the ladies of this organization and for the women of the denomination proved a great blessing until her untimely death in January, 1900. Many words of encouragement were written to her by Mrs. White, such as the following]: 1MR 126.4

I was greatly pleased with your letter, in which you give me the history of your experience with the W. C. T. U. When I read it, I said, “Thank the Lord. That is seed sowing which is of value.” I am pleased, so much pleased. The Lord has certainly opened your way. Keep it open if possible. A work can be accomplished by you. Preserve your strength for such efforts. Attend important gatherings when you can.... 1MR 126.5

There are very many precious souls whom the Lord would have reached by the light of truth. Labor is to be put forth to help them to understand the Scriptures. I have felt an intense interest in the W. C. T. U. workers. These heroic women know what it means to have an individuality of their own. I desire so much that they shall triumph with the redeemed around the great white throne. My prayers shall rise in your behalf that you may be given special opportunities to attend their large gatherings, and that your voice may be heard in defense of the truth. Letter 231, 1899, pp. 1, 2. (To Sister Henry, December, 1899.) 1MR 127.1