Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 142, 1905

Talk/Words of Thanksgiving

November 26, 1905

Portions of this manuscript is published in 6Bio 54-55.

(November 26, 1905, Mrs. E. G. White was seventy-eight years of age. A few of her friends and relatives met in honor of the occasion, and after dinner, followed by prayer and a few hymns, Sister White made the following remarks, after expressing pleasure to meet such a gathering of friends:) 20LtMs, Ms 142, 1905, par. 1

I do not know as I shall be with you till another birthday. I do not cling to life; neither do I dread it. I am willing to take whatever God may see fit to send me. 20LtMs, Ms 142, 1905, par. 2

But one thing I do desire is that as long as I have the breath of life my mental powers may be preserved. I am very thankful that my mind is as clear as it is, and that I can help as I do in the work that is being done. 20LtMs, Ms 142, 1905, par. 3

When I consider how weak I was in my younger days, I feel that at my age I have great reason to be thankful to the Lord for His goodness, His mercy, and His love. Since the accident that happened to me when I was nine years old, I have seldom been perfectly free from all pain. But I do not remember when I have been more free from pain than I am at present. 20LtMs, Ms 142, 1905, par. 4

I greatly desire that no contention or unbelief may cause me a single thought of retaliation against those who are opposing my work; for I cannot afford to spoil my peace of mind. I want to know that the Lord stands back of me, and that in Him I have a helper that no human being can exceed. Nothing is so precious to me as to know that Christ is my Saviour. 20LtMs, Ms 142, 1905, par. 5

I appreciate the truth, every jot of it, just as it has been given to me by the Holy Spirit for the last fifty years. I desire every one to know that I stand on the same platform of truth that we have maintained for more than half a century. That is the testimony I desire to bear on the day that I am seventy-eight years of age. 20LtMs, Ms 142, 1905, par. 6

Last night I slept nearly eight hours—the best night’s rest I have enjoyed for years. My mind is clear and free from confusion. I know where my help is. I do not trust in any human being; I have cast my whole soul upon the Lord. I trust in Jesus Christ as my Redeemer, my Saviour, and through Him I shall be an overcomer. 20LtMs, Ms 142, 1905, par. 7