July 27, 1851, Ballston Spa, Saratoga County, New York 1EGWLM 296.4
Letter to Identity: That the “Brother Hastings” addressed is Leonard W. Hastings of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, is shown, among other ways, by the greetings to “Sister Gorham.” Other letters from Ellen White that are clearly written to the Leonard Hastings family also include greetings to “Sister Gorham.” (See, e.g., Lt 5, 1849 [Apr. 21], and Lt 10, 1850 [Mar. 18].) The identity of “Sister Harriet” is suggested in this opening greeting by her association with “Brother Hastings.” Harriet Arabella was the oldest of the Hastings children, about 18 years old. Apparently, after her mother's death one year earlier, Harriet had assumed major responsibility for the younger children; therefore Ellen White chooses to address the letter to the father and the eldest daughter. See: Obituary, “Harriet A. Hastings,” Review, Sept. 5, 1854, p. 31; 1850 U.S. Federal Census, “Leonard Hastings,” New Hampshire, Hillsborough County, New Ipswich, p. 272.
Leonard W. Hastings and Harriet Arabella Hastings.1
Portions of this letter are published in Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, p. 253; vol. 8, pp. 339, 340.
Mainly news to friends regarding the Whites’ impending move to Saratoga Springs, New York; plans for publishing the visions; and the imminent arrival of son Edson and Ellen's sister Sarah. 1EGWLM 296.6
Dear Brother Hastings and Sister Harriet:
We received a letter a few days ago from you which you sent to Paris [Maine] and they sent it here.2 The Whites were based in Paris, Maine, from October 1850 to the following June, when they traveled to New York State, settling first in Ballston Spa for a few weeks, and then, more permanently, in nearby Saratoga Springs. For a survey of the Whites’ travels during 1851, see Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Years, pp. 205-226. Identity: See Lt 5, 1849 (Apr. 21), note 25.
We should love to see you all but do not expect to have the privilege. Here we are in the State of New York. We make our home at Brother Thompson's [Jesse Thompson]4 Identity: The fact that “Brother Thompson” lives in or near Ballston Spa, that earlier he was a Millerite preacher, and the information given about his family provide useful clues to his identity. The Review of this period has several mentions of a Jesse Thompson of Ballston Spa, New York. George W. Holt writes, from nearby West Milton in early 1851, of meeting “Elder Thompson, an old preacher, and one of the first in the Advent, who traveled much with Bro. Miller … [who] has, with his wife, embraced the third angel's message.” See: Jesse Thompson, “Smiting,” Review, Aug. 5, 1851, p. 8; S. W. Rhodes, “Conference,” Review, Mar. 2, 1852, p. 104; Geo. W. Holt, “Letter From Bro. Holt,” Review, March 1851, p. 56. A conference was held in West Milton, New York, near Ballston Spa, June 27-29, 1851. See: Horace Cushman, “Conferences,” Review, May 19, 1851, p. 88.
Brother Thompson used to be a Christian minister. He preached twenty years before he embraced the second advent doctrine. He is quite powerful when the Spirit of God rests upon him. James is busily engaged writing for the paper. 1EGWLM 297.2
We get our publishing done about nine miles [14 kilometers] from here, to Saratoga Springs [New York]. We have been trying to get a house at the Springs but so many are flocking there from quarters of the world to drink the Spring water that rent is very high, and after we should pay a great amount of rent we should have to take up with just what we could get. As soon as cold weather comes the fat and lazy will go from the Springs and we can get cheaper and better rent. 1EGWLM 297.3
There is quite a company in this vicinity who are out in all the truth; and then there are others who are not fully established. T. M. Preble6 T. M. Preble had played a major role in promoting Sabbatarianism among Adventists soon after 1844. Yet by 1847 he had reversed his position and thereafter used his influence and pen against the Sabbath. See: SDAE, s.v. “Thomas M. Preble.” A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White, containing a selection of prominent visions and a short biographical account, was published the following month, in August 1851. One week earlier a special “Extra” edition of the Review had been published at Saratoga Springs containing several major visions of Ellen White, together with other materials. See: Review Extra, July 21, 1851.
James enjoys quite good health for him. Our friends from Maine have not yet arrived. We expect them every day. We need their help.9 According to the account given in Spiritual Gifts, the Whites “sent for Bro. and Sr. Belden, and Sr. Bonfoey who was then in Maine taking care of little Edson.” “Sr. Belden” was Ellen White's sister, but at the time of writing was still Sarah B. Harmon. She was married to Stephen Belden some days later, on August 5. Stephen Belden subsequently worked for 11 years as a printer and in the business office of the Review. Clarissa Bonfoey brought the Whites’ son Edson, now almost 2, but their older son Henry, soon to turn 4, stayed with the Howlands in Maine for another two years, until the autumn of 1853. See: Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts [vol. 2], p. 152.
Much love to all your children. Tell them to be watchful and press their way to the kingdom. They must be sufferers with Jesus if they would be partakers with Him of His glory. Gaze upon the lovely Jesus until you reflect His lovely image. Pray for us, all of you that love God, and do not neglect to write to us. James sends love to you both and all the children and Sister Gorham. 1EGWLM 298.2
In love and great haste. 1EGWLM 298.3