- Abbreviations
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- Series Introduction
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- Key Dates in Ellen G. White's Life (1827-1859)
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- Ms 2, 1850
- Lt 18, 1850
- Ms 4, 1850
- Lt 4, 1850
- Lt 10, 1850
- Published in PT
- Unauthenticated
- Published in PT
- Published in PT
- Ms 5, 1850
- Ms 5a, 1850
- Lt 8, 1850
- Lt 12, 1850
- Ms 6, 1850
- Ms 7, 1850
- Ms 7a, 1850
- Unauthenticated
- Lt 14, 1850
- Ms 14, 1850
- Ms 15, 1850
- Unauthenticated
- Lt 26, 1850
- Lt 28, 1850
- Published in PT
- Lt 31, 1850
- Lt 30, 1850
- Ms 10, 1850
- Ms 11, 1850
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- Lt 9, 1856
- Published in RH
- Lt 8, 1856
- Lt 2a, 1856
- Nonextant
- Published in YI
- Lt 10, 1856
- Published in YI
- Published in RH
- Published in YI
- Located Elsewhere
- Ms 2, 1856
- Published in YI
- Published in YI
- Lt 1, 1856
- Published in YI
- Published in YI
- T2 Published
- Ms 1, 1856
- Lt 4, 1856
- Published in AY
- Lt 6, 1856
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- Ms 2, 1859
- Ms 5, 1859
- Ms 6, 1859
- Ms 7, 1859
- Ms 8, 1859
- Lt 1a, 1859
- Lt 13, 1859
- Lt 31, 1859
- Lt 18, 1859
- Published in RH
- Published in YI
- Published in YI
- Lt 2, 1859
- T5 Published
- Lt 28, 1859
- Lt 32, 1859
- Ms 4, 1859
- Lt 3, 1859
- Lt 4, 1859
- Lt 5, 1859
- Lt 9, 1859
- Lt 6, 1859
- Lt 8, 1859
- Published in AY
- Published in AY
- Published in AY
- Lt 7, 1859
- Ms 1, 1859
- Ms 1a, 1859
- Lt 20, 1859
- Lt 21, 1859
- Lt 10, 1859
- Lt 19, 1859
- Published in AY
- Lt 22, 1859
- Lt 30, 1859
- Lt 11, 1859
- Uncertain
- Lt 16, 1859
- Lt 17, 1859
- Published in AY
- Published in GS
- Ms 3, 1859
- Lt 1, 1859
- Lt 15, 1859
- Lt 27, 1859
- Ms 9, 1859
- Ms 10, 1859
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- The James and Ellen White Family Tree
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- AMADON, George Washington (1832-1913) and Martha Dormer (1834-1937)
- ANDREWS, Edward (1798-1865) and Sarah L. (1803-1899)
- ANDREWS, John Nevins (1829-1883) and Angeline Spaulding (1824-1872)
- ANDREWS, William P. (1838-1878) and Martha (1842-1901)
- ARNOLD, David (1805-1889) and Lucretia K. (c. 1812-after 1889)
- ASHLEY, Melora Atwood (née CRAPO) (1820-1904) and Josiah Leonard (1819-1845)
- AUSTIN, Horatio Nelson (1818-1889) and Caroline R. (1821-1915)
- BACHELLER, John Warren (1839-1917) and Arvilla M. (1837-1911)
- BACHELLER, Roxanna. See CORNELL, James and Roxanna.
- BAKER, Joseph (c. 1801-after 1873) and Mary (c. 1796-1876)
- BALLOU, James Madison (1816-1888) and Hulda Amelia (1820-1903)
- BANGS, Elizabeth N. (1827-1891) and Reuben M. (1820-1893)
- BARNES, Robert (1815-1859) and Hannah L. (c. 1824-1856)
- BARR, Eli L. (c. 1813-1864)
- BARTON, Harriet Augusta (née STOWELL) (1833-after 1913) and Major (1822-after 1900)
- BATES, Joseph (1792-1872) and Prudence M. (1793-1870)
- BEAN, Lewis (1823-1888) and Sophia R. (1823-1911)
- BELDEN, Albert (1800-1893) and Hannah (c. 1800-1886)
- BELDEN, Stephen T. (1829-1906) and (first wife) Sarah B. (c. 1823-1868) and (second wife) Charlotte (c. 1830-1897?) and (third wife) Melvina (Lavina) (c. 1831-1928)
- BELOW, Elsie Philomela (1811-1889) and (first husband) John Gregg (? -1839) and (second husband) John C. Below (c. 1786-1855)
- BENEDICT, Diantha. See WILKINSON, Diantha.
- BENEDICT, Joseph Perry (1805-1865) and Millie (1810-1882)
- BINGHAM, Hiram (1804-1874) and Mary (c. 1809-1882)
- BONFOEY, Clarissa M. (c. 1821-1856)
- BOURDEAU, Augustin Cornelius (1834-1916) and (first wife) Charlotte (c. 1836-1883) and (second wife) Martha (1842-1901)
- BOURDEAU, Daniel T. (1835-1905) and Marion Elizabeth (1842-1929)
- BOVEE, Louisa C. (née LEWIS) (1836-1876) and Seymour C. (1830-1913)
- BOWLES, John C. (c. 1802-1853) and Phebe (c. 1808-after 1850)
- BOYER, Elijah (1821-1903) and Mary (1823-1898)
- BRACKETT, Ezra (1805-1889) and Mary D. (1807-1882)
- BRACKETT, Louisa (née FOSS) (1824-1861) and Benjamin (1821-after 1880)
- BRAZEE (BRISSEE), Cornelius (c. 1808-1890) and Emily C. (c. 1821-1889)
- BRIGHAM, William Henry (c. 1819-1866) and Polly A. (c. 1831-after 1866)
- BUCK, Harry G. (1822-1902) and Jane Eliza (1823-1918)
- BUCKLAND, Curtis P. (1804-1891) and Eliza (1806-1889)
- BURTON, Samuel G. (c. 1805-after 1880) and Lydia A. (c. 1818-after 1880)
- BURWELL, Anna Lucretia. See KING, Anna Lucretia.
- BURWELL, Anthony Lee (c. 1806-1873) and Achsah (1810-1886)
- BUTLER, Ezra Pitt (1796-1875) and Sarah (1799-1866)
- BUTLER, George Ide (1834-1918) and (first wife) Lentha Ames (1826-1901) and (second wife) Elizabeth Jane (1845-1927)
- BYINGTON, John (1798-1887) and (first wife) Mary Priscilla (c. 1803-1830) and (second wife) Catherine (1803-1885)
- BYINGTON, John Fletcher (1832-1872) and Martha Louisa (née SMITH) (1834-1920)
- BYINGTON, Martha. See AMADON, George Washington and Martha Dormer.
- CARMAN, John Frost (1827-1923) and Maria Louisa (1829-1916)
- CARPENTER, Caroline. See WEED, Caroline and Eber.
- CASE, Hiram S. (1814-1882) and Rebecca Ann (1816-1887)
- CHAMBERLAIN, Mary Ann (née BILL) (1819-1900) and Ezra L'Hommedieu (1798-1855)
- CHAPEL, Levi R. (1816-1901) and Jane Eliza (1818-1903)
- CHAPIN, Roderick R. (c. 1816-before 1880) and Desdemona (1812-after 1891)
- CHASE, Lewis (1814-1896) and Almira (1816-1881)
- CHASE, Mary S. (née WHITE) (1810-1889) and Daniel (1798-after 1873)
- CLAFLIN, Nancy J. (née HILDRETH) (1814-1899) and (first husband) John Post (?-1841) and (second husband) Andrew Claflin (1814-1877)
- CLARKE, Joseph (c. 1818-after 1901) and Sarah (c. 1827-1898)
- COLLINS, Deborah L. (1839-1852)
- COLLINS, Gilbert N. (1836-1905) and Arline F. (1847-1927)
- COLLINS, Philip (c. 1809-1859) and Nancy (c. 1809-1882)
- CORNELL, James (1832-1897) and Roxanna (1837-1895)
- CORNELL, Merritt E. (1827-1893) and Angeline M. A. (1828-1901)
- CORNELL, Myron J. (1829-1920) and Cornelia A. (1836-1922)
- COTTRELL, John Harvey (1817-1881) and Maryette (1816-1879)
- COTTRELL, Roswell Fenner (1814-1892) and Catherine M. (1818-1899)
- CRAIG, Stephen B. (1819-1904) and (first wife) Miranda B. (c. 1821-1863) and (second wife) Marilla S. (1833-1905)
- CRAMER, Christopher G. (1809-1873) and (first wife) (unknown) and (second wife) Mary (?-died before 1850) and (third wife) Jane Electa (1828-1892)
- CRAMER, James I. (1832-1914) and Sarah A. (1833-1915)
- CRANSON, Samuel T. (1822-1855) and Mary Jane (c. 1825-1860); (daughter) Lucretia (1847-1879)
- CRAWFORD, Marion Concordia (née STOWELL) (1829-1913) and (first husband) Delos Lagrange Truesdail (1829-1892) and (second husband) Franklin A. Crawford (1827-1902)
- CURTIS, Robert G. (c. 1812-after 1880) and Mercy A. (1818-1907)
- CUSHMAN, Horace (1796-1870) and Mary (c. 1797-1874)
- CZECHOWSKI, Michael Belina (1818-1876) and (first wife) Marie Virginie (c. 1821-1870) and (second wife) Wilhenmina (née SCHIRMER) (?-?)
- DAVIS, Charles (1815-1884) and Harriet (1818-after 1884)
- DAY, John C. (c. 1811-after 1880) and Phebe (c. 1821-after 1880)
- DAY, John S. (1830-1894) and Ruth D. (1831-1892)
- DICKINSON, Preston (1807-1868) and Celesta B. (1806-1869)
- DODGE, Abram A. (1817-1892) and Caroline Elizabeth (1830-1915)
- DREW, Hiram (c. 1810-after 1880) and Martha (c. 1814-1880)
- EDSON, Hiram (1806-1882) and (first wife) Effa (1810-1839) and (second wife) Esther Marier (1816-1893)
- EVANS, D. T. (c. 1826-after 1910) and (first wife) Lucinda (c. 1823-1871) and (second wife) Lucia (c. 1826-1881) and (third wife) Caroline (c. 1835-after 1920)
- EVERTS, Elon (c. 1807-1858) and Maria (c. 1810-1856)
- FARNSWORTH, John P. (1834-1918) and (first wife) Frances Jennette (c. 1834-1868) and (second wife) Laura L. (c. 1846-1870) and (third wife) Amelia M. (1843-1930)
- FERGUSON, Justus (c. 1831-1878) and Lucretia (c. 1833-after 1880)
- FINCH, Truman P. (1822-1890) and Mary Sophrona (1824-1913)
- FISHER, John (c. 1789-after 1859)
- FLANDERS, Samuel W. (c. 1822-1888) and Elizabeth M. (c. 1826-after 1888)
- FOLSOM, Paul (c. 1818-?) and Margaret (c. 1820-?)
- FOSS, Louisa. See BRACKETT, Louisa.
- FOSS, Mary Plummer (née HARMON) (1821-1912) and Samuel Hoyt (1817-1888)
- FOY, John Quincy (1843-1924) and Mary (1863-1949)
- FRASER, Jane (“Jenny”). See ROGERS, Jane and Sanford.
- FRISBIE, Elihu (1785-1859) and Esther (c. 1784-1858)
- FRISBIE, Joseph Birchard (1816-1882) and Delphia Jane (1830-1908)
- GEROULD, Lyman (1819-1887) and Sophia (1826-1897)
- GLOVER, Charles Smith (1814-1898) and (first wife) Jane (1815-1873) and (second wife) Clarissa E. (1826-1905)
- GODSMARK, Richard (1822-1905) and Huldah Jane (c. 1818-1899)
- GORHAM, Elizabeth (c. 1813-after 1873) and Henry M. (?-after 1850)
- GORSLINE, Richard (c. 1806-1864)
- GRAHAM, Andrew (c. 1836-after 1883) and (first wife) Abigail (c. 1840-1862) and (second wife) Sophronia (c. 1838-1871) and (third wife) Amelia A. (c. 1850-1883)
- GRAHAM, Bruce (1833-1919) and (first wife) Lavina (c. 1835-1870) and (second wife) Caroline V. (1849-1928)
- GRAHAM, William Henry (1831-1925) and Mary A. (1834-1908)
- GRANT, Harrison (1821-1901) and Chloe S. (1821-1904)
- GRANT, Walter (1814-after 1880) and (first wife) Nancy E. (1821-1877) and (second wife) Jane (c. 1832-after 1880)
- GREGORY, John (c. 1826-?) and Esther C. (c. 1829-1862)
- GURNEY, Heman Stetson (1818-1896) and Ann Eliza (1831-1921)
- HADDEN, Lewis (1819-1893) and Mary E. (c. 1824-after 1893)
- HARDY, William J. (1823-1888) and Eliza (1820-1890)
- HARMON, John B. (1815-1883) and (first wife) Dorcas N. (?-c. 1842) and (second wife) Abigail (c. 1824-c. 1850) and (third wife) Lucy J. (1829-1911)
- HARMON, Robert (1786-1866) and Eunice (c. 1787-c. 1863)
- HARMON, Sarah B. See BELDEN, Stephen T. and Sarah B.
- HARRIS, William (c. 1803-1873) and Lydia (c. 1808-after 1873)
- HART, Josiah Rice (1817-1858) and Orvilla (1810-1861)
- HASKELL, Lewis (1801-1882) and Salina (c. 1803-1891)
- HASKELL, Stephen Nelson (1833-1922) and (first wife) Mary E. (1812-1894) and (second wife) Hetty (1857-1919)
- HASTINGS, Emma A. (1841-1865)
- HASTINGS, Harriet Arabella (c. 1834-1854)
- HASTINGS, Leonard (1803-1883) and (first wife) Elvira (c. 1808-1850) and (second wife) Martha (c. 1819-1888)
- HASTINGS, Sarah Amelia (c. 1839-before 1918)
- HEWETT, Oren (c. 1805-1855)
- HEWITT, David (1805-1878) and Olive (1809-1876)
- HILLIARD, Aaron Henderson (c. 1820-1875) and Lydia Ann (c. 1819-1883)
- HILLIARD, Henry (1815-1892) and (first wife) Pheba (c. 1818-c. 1855) and (second wife) Lucinda C. (c. 1828-1887)
- HOLLAND, Robert (c. 1834-1876) and Elizabeth (c. 1837-after 1880)
- HOLLIS, Nelson A. (1806-1885) and Polly (c. 1815-after 1885)
- HOLT, George W. (1812-1877) and Elizabeth (c. 1815-after 1880)
- HOWARD, Daniel (1818-1898) and (first wife) Clarissa (1819-1865) and (second wife) Elvira (c. 1831-1896)
- HOWELL, John (c. 1820-1861) and Lucinda S. (later BURDICK) (c. 1828-after 1908)
- HOWLAND, Stockbridge (1801-1883) and Louisa M. (1806-1897)
- HOWLETT, John (1796-1892) and Caroline (c. 1811-1861)
- HUNGERFORD, Sealey (Seley) P. (1811-1868) and (first wife) Mary Ann (1816-1857) and (second wife) Cynthia (1822-1875)
- HUTCHINS, Alfred S. (1823-1894) and (first wife) Esther M. (1834-1860) and (second wife) Abigail (“Abbie”) D. (1836-1902)
- INMAN, Eldad (c. 1814-after 1880) and (first wife) Catharine (1813-1864) and (second wife) Rebecca (1819-after 1880)
- IRVING, Agnes. See IRVING, William and Catherine.
- IRVING, William (c. 1813-1859) and Catherine (c. 1818-?) and (daughter) Agnes (c. 1842-1891)
- JONES, Charles (1822-1904) and (first wife) Sarah A. (c. 1824-1882) and (second wife) Jane Cordelia (1831-1910)
- JONES, Leander M. (1824-1902) and (first wife) Harriet (c. 1818-1869) and (second wife) Caroline M. (c. 1843-?)
- JONES, Orrin B. (1825-1883) and Elizabeth (c. 1830-after 1883)
- JONES, Victor (“Victory”) V. (c. 1826-?) and (first wife) Elizabeth L. (1833-1908) and (second wife) Emily (fl. 1863)
- KELLOGG, Albert (1836-1913) and Lucina (1840-1916)
- KELLOGG, John Preston (1807-1881) and (first wife) Mary Ann (1811-1841) and (second wife) Ann Janette (1824-1893)
- KELLOGG, Smith Moses (1834-1927) and Maria Susan (c. 1837-1911)
- KELSEY, Eunice Rebecca (1820-1906) and Asa Post H. (1818-1857)
- KING, Anna Lucretia (née BURWELL) (1844-1931) and James Henry (1842-1922)
- LAMSON, David Henry (1835-1897) and Elizabeth Louise (1838-1926)
- LAMSON, Joseph Bradley (c. 1829-1870) and Drusilla (c. 1831-1919)
- LANDON, Warren E. (1824-1913) and (first wife) Mary F. (1824-1883) and (second wife) Adeline E. (1828-after 1900)
- LANE, James (1807-1880) and Sarah (1810-1905)
- LAY, George Talbot (1822-1901) and (first wife) Mary Exene (1825-1862) and (second wife) Elizabeth L. (1833-1908)
- LAY, Horatio S. (1828-1900) and Julia M. (1831-1893)
- LEIGHTON, George (1812-1902) and (first wife) Rocksilda (c. 1812-1867) and (second wife) Emily (1822-after 1900)
- LILLIS, Henry (c. 1807-after 1860) and Eliza (c. 1811-after 1860)
- LINDSAY, John M. (c. 1807-1895) and Eliza A. (1816-1890)
- LOBDELL, Edward (1817-1883)
- LOCKWOOD, Ransom G. (1824-1897) and (first wife) Mary (?-1851) and (second wife) Aurora (1827-1902)
- LOTHROP, Howard (c. 1805-after 1880) and Olive (c. 1807-after 1880)
- LOUGHBOROUGH, John Norton (1832-1924) and (first wife) Mary J. (1832-1867) and (second wife) Maggie A. (c. 1840-1875) and (third wife) Anna Mariah (1840-1907)
- LOVELAND, Reuben (1807-c. 1898) and Belinda (1812-1906)
- LUNT, Noah Norton (1821-1902) and (first wife) Rebecca E. (c. 1828-1851) and (second wife) Sarah H. (1833-1868) and (third wife) Frances (1830-after 1910)
- LYON, Henry (1796-1872) and Deborah (1796-1874)
- MARTIN, John (1820-1889) and Clara M. (c. 1829-1880)
- MASTEN, Luman V. (c. 1829-1854)
- MC CANN, Harriet (née Harmon) (1813-1876) and Samuel (c. 1812-c. 1874)
- MC PHERSON, Samuel A. (c. 1823-1898) and (first wife) Polly M. (c. 1824-1863) and (second wife) Sarah (c. 1842-after 1898)
- MEAD, Stephen Newell (1820-1888) and Sarah Phelps (1833-1920)
- MEAD, Thomas B. (1827-1861) and Mary Jane (1834-1890)
- MILES, Alonzo (c. 1818-after 1870) and Martha (c. 1825-after 1870)
- NARAMORE, John (c. 1820-c. 1897) and Eliza A. C. (1830-1914)
- NICHOLS, Henry Otis (1828-1917) and (first wife) Harriet (1836-1880) and (second wife) Harriet L. (1853-1917)
- NICHOLS, Otis (1798-1876) and (first wife) Sally Orne (1803-1824) and (second wife) Mary (c. 1800-1868)
- ORTON, Alva (1845-1917) and Valerie E. (1843-after 1900)
- ORTON, Jonathan T. (c. 1811-1866) and Caroline (c. 1813-1873)
- PALMER, Dan R. (1817-1897) and Abigail (1823-1902)
- PEABODY, William (1791-1866) and Hannah (1787-1876)
- PEARSALL, Alfred B. (1823-1895) and Adaline (1823-1906)
- PECKHAM, Job B. (1823-1859) and Sophronia (1825-1887)
- PHILLIPS, Daniel C. (c. 1813-1882) and (first wife) Amanda (c. 1812-1859) and (second wife) Mary (c. 1843-1884)
- PIERCE, Henry Harlow (1833-1901) and Esther Ann (1837-1908)
- PIERCE, Stephen (1804-1883) and Almira (1806-1875)
- POOLE, Ezra A. (c. 1807-1894) and Sally Marilla (1819-after 1900)
- PRESTON, Almira (Elmira) (née Barnes) (1811-1888) and (second husband) John S. (c. 1804-1879)
- PRESTON, Chandler Bristol (1806-1891) and Eliza Ann (1810-1883)
- PRIOR, Edward (c. 1815-?) and Georgianna (c. 1820-1850s)
- RALPH, Richard (1812-1897) and (first wife) Minerva (c. 1815-1854) and (second wife) Sarah F. (1832-1920)
- RATELLE, Marguerite (née Dion) (1829-1923) and Joseph (1820-after 1900)
- RHODES, Samuel W. (c. 1810-1883) and (first wife) Betsey E. (?-1867) and (second wife) Sophronia L. (1825-1887)
- ROGERS, Jane (née FRASER) (1821-1896) and Sanford (1830-1917)
- ROOT, Ephraim Henry (1828-1906) and Hezzy (1832-1913)
- ROSS, Alexander (1810-1888) and (first wife) Caroline (c. 1810-1866) and (second wife) Melissa S. (1832-1915)
- ROSS, Manley T. (1824-1911) and Susanna (1825-1906)
- RUMERY, Sylsbre R. (1820-1884) and (first wife) Nancy M. (?-before 1848) and (second wife) Betsey Jane (1826-1916)
- RUSSELL, Charles P. (c. 1810-1879) and Eunice (c. 1810-after 1880)
- RUSSELL, Lester (1814-1898) and (first wife) Ordelia (c. 1820-before 1860) and (second wife) Paulina P. (1819-1898)
- SAXBY, William L. (1827-1876) and Euphemia H. (1826-1902)
- SCOTT, Mary A. (1820-1904) and David W. (1818-after 1904)
- SEELEY (SEELY), David Ross (1811-1901) and (first wife) Laura (c. 1822-1860) and (second wife) Ellen Amelia (1830-1907)
- SHARP, William D. (1830-1910) and Sarah F. (c. 1831-1910)
- SMITH, Cyrenius (1804-1874) and Louisa (1806-1881)
- SMITH, Stephen (1806-1889) and Matilda (1809-1891)
- SMITH, Uriah (1832-1903) and Harriet Newall (1831-1911)
- SMITH, William (c. 1808-after 1872) and Laura (1810-1872)
- SPERRY, Charles W. (c. 1820-1861) and Rachel Ann (c. 1831-1863)
- STEVENS, Angeline S. See ANDREWS, John Nevins and Angeline.
- STEVENS, Cyprian (1795-1858) and Almira T. (c. 1803-1873)
- STEVENS, Harriet Newall. See SMITH, Uriah and Harriet Newall.
- STONE, Albert (1803-c. 1893) and (first wife) Lurena (1803-1868) and (second wife) Ayer (c. 1805-after 1880)
- STOWELL, Harriet Augusta. See BARTON, Harriet Augusta.
- STOWELL, Lewis Barnard (1793-1886) and Laura B. (1805-1868)
- STOWELL, Lewis Oswald (1828-1918) and Mary Melissa (1839-1899)
- STOWELL, Marion Concordia. See CRAWFORD, Marion Concordia (Stowell).
- STREET, Sherman A. (c. 1827-1888) and Sarah Jane (1834-1915)
- TAYLOR, Charles O. (1817-1905) and (first wife) Matilda W. (c. 1824-1880) and (second wife) Mary Jane (1838-1913)
- TEMPLE, Elizabeth (c. 1808-1884) and (first husband) James L. (c. 1814-before 1862) and (second husband) Ransom HICKS (1802-1872)
- TENNEY, Elizabeth (née White) (1818-1885) and Thomas Boynton (1800-1875)
- THOMPSON, Jesse (1795-1858) and Nabby Maria (1805-1866)
- TOWLE, John R. (1812-after 1885) and Mary M. (1818-after 1885)
- TREADWELL, William (1831-1904) and Lurana Lucretia (1834-1917)
- TUBBS, Ira B. (1800-1882) and (first wife) Hannah (c. 1800-1872) and (second wife) Amelia L. (c. 1808-1892)
- WAGGONER, Joseph Harvey (1820-1889) and Maryetta (1823-1908)
- WEED, Caroline (née Carpenter) (1838-1909) and Eber (1841-1913)
- WHEELER, Frederick (1811-1910) and Lydia (1814-1886)
- WHIPPLE, John G. (1817-1902) and Sarah B. (1822-1905)
- WHITE, Anna (c. 1829-1854)
- WHITE, Henry Nichols (1847-1863)
- WHITE, James Edson (1849-1928) and (first wife) Emma L. (1848-1917) and (second wife) Rebecca (1884-1953)
- WHITE, James Springer (1821-1881) and Ellen Gould (1827-1915)
- WHITE, John (1785-1871) and Betsey (1788-1871)
- WHITE, John Whitney (1812-1886) and Anna Catherine (1818-after 1885)
- WHITE, Nathaniel (1831-1853)
- WHITE, William Clarence (1854-1937) and (first wife) Mary (née Kelsey) (1857-1890) and (second wife) Ethel May (née Lacey) (later Currow) (1873-1969)
- WILCOX, Henry H. (1819-1911) and (first wife) Diadama (c. 1825-1892) and (second wife) Eliza Anna (c. 1822-1896) and (third wife) Mary A. (1859-?)
- WILCOX, John Y. (1834-1910) and (first wife) Mary S. (c. 1823-1877) and (second wife) Annie K. (1845-after 1900)
- WILKINSON, Diantha (née Benedict) (1833-1907) and James M. (1837-1908)
- WOODRUFF, Azmon (1802-1889) and (first wife) Elizabeth Norton Hart (1796-1851) and (second wife) Harriet Newell Cole (1823-1870) and (third wife) Elizabeth Barber Pierce (later DeGarmo) (1801-1891)
- Appendix A: Unauthenticated Visions Attributed to Ellen G. White
-
- The American Religious Background That Influenced Adventists
- Methodism's Rise in America
- The “Christian Connection”
- James White and the Christian Connection
- Ellen White's Methodist Environment
- Experiences With the Pearson Family
- The Experience of Samuel Brown and Other Millerite Adventists in Portland
- Religious Enthusiasm in Ellen G. White's Experience After Being Called to Prophetic Ministry
- Ellen White's Interaction With Fanatics During 1845 and 1846
- Spiritualizers
- Extreme Literalization
- Extreme Sanctification
- Animal Magnetism
- Other Fanatical Views
- Religious Enthusiasm Not Connected to Fanaticism
- The Mackin Experiences
- Summary
- Bibliography of Works Cited
- List of Correspondents
-
September 1850,1
The Whites attended a conference in Sutton, Vermont, September 26-29. The exact date of the vision is not known; it may have been prior to, during, or after the conference. See: “Conferences,” Advent Review, November 1850, p. 72.
A Vision the Lord Gave Me at Sutton, Vermont.1EGWLM 236.2
This manuscript is published in entirety in Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, pp. 246-252. See also The Present Truth, November 1850, pp. 86, 87.1EGWLM 236.3
Some weaknesses in the teaching and practice of Joseph Bates; On the sequence of earth's final events.1EGWLM 236.4
A vision the Lord gave me at Sutton, Vermont, September 1850.1EGWLM 236.5
I saw the loveliness of Jesus and the love that the angels have for one another. Said the angel, Can ye not behold their love? Follow it. Just so, God's people must love one another. Rather let blame fall on thyself than on a brother.1EGWLM 236.6
I was then pointed back to western New York and saw that Bro. Bates [Joseph Bates]2
Identity: Although several persons with the surname “Bates” appear in the Review in the period up to 1853, only Joseph Bates fits this document's general description of a writer, preacher, close associate of James White, etc. More specifically, “Brother Bates's” radical views on selling property (note 5) and his writing for non-Sabbatarian Adventist papers (note 13) identify him as Joseph Bates. See: Search term “Bates” in Words of the Pioneers. In a parallel account Ellen White elaborates on this thought: “I saw that the object of selling was not to give to those who are able to labor and support themselves; but to spread the truth. It is a sin to support and indulge those who are able to labor, in idleness.” See: E. G. White, “Dear Brethren and Sisters,” Present Truth, November 1850, p. 86. “Lenity” is probably used here in its now-obsolete sense of a “lenitive,” i.e., something capable of easing pain or discomfort. The meaning of this passage would then be that some of the poorer members took comfort from—indeed, rejoiced in—Bates's radical demand that wealthier members should sell their properties, for they expected that some of the proceeds would be used to alleviate their poverty. The situation described in this paragraph had been touched upon by James White some months earlier. In November 1849 he complained of “some fiery spirits” in western New York “whose principal message was ‘Sell that ye have and give alms.’” The influx of means brought about by such appeals had not always been used wisely. Two months later White wrote of “means … squandered away, and worse than lost in W. New York.” Ellen White's vision given here places some responsibility for this state of affairs on Joseph Bates. Bates's radical interpretation of Christ's instruction can be seen in a tract published in January 1849. He cites the revolutions taking place in Europe as portents of the time of trouble and urges members to sell their properties and not to delay with the hope that prices would rise. Ellen White, also writing in January 1849, had a considerably more qualified message. “I saw that God had not required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time, but in a time of need He would teach them … when to sell and how much to sell.” See: James White to Bro. Howland, in Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts [vol. 2], p. 119; James White to Leonard Hastings, Jan. 10, 1850; Joseph Bates, A Seal of the Living God, pp. 68, 69; Ellen G. White, “To Those Who Are Receiving the Seal of the Living God,” (broadside, Jan. 31, 1849).
I saw that Bro. Bates erred again in praying for the sick before unbelievers. I saw if any among us were sick and called for the elders of the church to pray over them we should follow the example of Jesus. He went into an inner chamber, and we should go into a room by ourselves separate entirely from unbelievers, and then the atmosphere would not be polluted by them. By faith we could take hold on God and draw down the blessing. I saw that God's cause was dishonored and reproached in W. New York at the general conference by praying for the sick in the midst of unbelievers.1EGWLM 237.1
I also saw that Bro. Bates erred in attending the washing of saints’ feet and the communion among unbelievers. It only caused reproach to come on the cause of God. I saw that the example of Jesus should be followed. He took His disciples away alone, separate from the wicked, and first washed their feet, and then gave them to eat of the broken bread to represent His broken body and gave them to drink of the juice of the vine to represent His spilled blood.6
The position taken here needs to be seen in the context of the times. The bitter disputes of 1845 over the rite of foot washing had pitted the majority of Adventists against this, as it seemed to them “fanatical practice.” When Sabbatarian Adventists subsequently continued to practice foot washing, the opprobrium of other Adventist bodies was clear. Joseph Bates wrote in 1848 of Sabbatarians as “very despised,” and that they were given derogatory names, such as “‘door-shutters,’ ‘mystery folks,’ ‘Jewdeizers’ [sic], ‘feet washers,’ ‘deluded fanatics,’ etc.” Adding to the controversy was the question of foot washing between the sexes. In this context the instruction to avoid causing unnecessary “reproach” by practicing foot washing with nonmembers present can be understood. See: Joseph Bates, A Vindication of the Seventh-day Sabbath, p. 6; Donald D. Reiber, “An Investigation Into the Development of Feet-Washing Among Advent Believers From 1844 to 1860”; George R. Knight, Millennial Fever, pp. 251, 252, 271.
I saw that Bro. Bates and all the shepherds should be careful in these things, and move understandingly, and follow the example of Jesus in these things. I saw that a Judas might be among us from time to time, that would appear to be with us, but they would eat and drink to their own damnation,7
1 Cor. 11:29: “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.”
I saw that the above named errors of Bro. Bates, and others more dangerous, brought confusion and had destroyed James's [James Springer White] confidence in Bro. Bates; I saw that James at first had godly jealousy for the truth, then other jealousy crept in until he was jealous of most every move Bro. Bates would make.8
Scarcity of sources prevents any adequate insight into the personal relationship between James White and Joseph Bates during this period. However, one sign of discord can be found in Bates's opposition to White's publication of The Present Truth, which had driven White to despair at the end of 1849. Another sign is White's complaint in a letter that Bates's radical call for members to sell their properties had led to money being “squandered away, and worse than lost.” Despite this criticism White continues the letter on a conciliatory note. “I do not doubt for a moment Brother Bates’ good will and kindness toward us. Still he does not see everything correctly at one glance.” In a chapter entitled “Patriarchs in Conflict and the Transfer of Leadership,” Joseph Bates's biographer George R. Knight surveys a range of theological and policy issues on which Bates and White differed, mainly in the years before 1851. See: James White to Leonard Hastings, Jan. 10, 1850; Lt 4, 1850 (Feb. 18), note 4; George R. Knight, Joseph Bates, pp. 152-171.
Then I saw Bro. Bates. Said the angel, Be not quick to receive error, nor too slow to receive the truth. I saw that the women of Rev. 14:4 meant the churches and that we were bid to “come out of her” that we be not defiled, partake of her sins, and receive of her plagues. I saw that Bro. Bates had not applied Rev. 14:4 correctly, and his error had caused confusion.9
Exactly how Bates differed with his colleagues on the interpretation of Revelation 14:4 is not clear from Bates's published comment on this text.
I saw that at the voice of God the saints will be mighty and terrible as an army with banners, but they will not then execute the judgment written. But after they are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and are caught up with the sleeping saints, and receive their harps, crowns, &c, and enter the city, Jesus and the saints sit in judgment, the books are opened, the book of life and the book of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the saints, and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books were compared with the statute book—the Bible—and according to that they were judged. The saints in unison with Jesus passed their judgment upon the wicked dead. Behold ye, said the angel, the saints sit in unison with Jesus and mete out to each of the wicked according to the deeds done in the body, and it is set off against their names what they must receive at the execution of the judgment. This I saw was the work of the saints with Jesus through the 1000 years.10
Ellen White's vision of the judgment and last-time events was given at Sutton, Vermont, possibly during the conference held September 26-29, 1850. According to the account given in The Present Truth, there was significant disagreement among the conference participants “relative to the Judgment, etc.” Earlier that same month James White had again taken a strong stand against Joseph Bates's views on the subject. The account continues, however, that “before we left the place of meeting our trials were all removed. Errors were confessed, and perfect union, as sweet as heaven, was felt among us all.” It may be that the instruction Ellen White received in vision, as outlined in this section of the manuscript, was instrumental in helping to bring about agreement. See: “Conferences,” Advent Review, November 1850, p. 72; “The Day of Judgment,” Advent Review, September 1850, pp. 49-51; George R. Knight, A Search for Identity, pp. 80, 81; EGWEnc, s.v. “Judgment, God's.”
At the end of the 1000 [years] Jesus, with the holy angels and all the saints, leave the city, and while He is descending with them the wicked dead are raised, and then the very men that pierced Him will see Him afar off in all His glory, and all the holy angels and the saints with Him. They will see the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet, and where they thrust the spear into His side, and they will wail because of Him. I saw that the prints of the nails and of the spear were His glory.11
See: EGWEnc, s.v. “Eschatology.”
Then it is that Jesus stands upon the Mount of Olives and the Mount parts asunder and becomes a plain, and the city comes down from God out of heaven and settles on the plain. Then Satan imbues the wicked that have been raised, with his spirit, and he flatters them that the army in the city is small and that his army is large and that they can overcome them and take the city.1EGWLM 239.2
While Satan is rallying his army the saints are in the city beholding the beauty and glory of the paradise of God. Jesus was at their head leading them. All at once the lovely Jesus was gone from our company, but soon we heard His lovely voice saying, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.1EGWLM 239.3
We gathered about Jesus and just as He closed the gates of the city the curse from God was pronounced upon the wicked. The gates are shut. Then the saints use their wings and fly to the top of the wall of the city. Jesus is also with them. His crown looked brilliant and glorious. It was a crown within a crown, seven in number. The crowns of the saints were of the purest gold, and were decked with stars, and shone like the sun, as they moved all together to the top of the city. Their faces shone with glory, for they were in the express image of Jesus.1EGWLM 239.4
Then the wicked saw what they had lost. And fire was breathed from God upon them and consumed them. Then was the execution of the judgment. The wicked received according as the saints in unison with Jesus had meted out to them through the 1000 years. The same fire from God that consumed the wicked purified the whole earth. The mountains melted with fervent heat, the atmosphere also, and all the stubble was consumed. Then our inheritance opened before us glorious and beautiful. Then we inherited the whole earth made new. We shouted with a loud voice, Glory Alleluia.1EGWLM 239.5
Then I saw that God had not given to Bro. Bates the gift of discernment; but his gift was to talk the Word. None had a gift like his. He could talk to a small company when there was not more than two present, as well as to a large company. This gift is greatly needed in the church. I saw that he had prepared the way in many places for the Lord to speak through visions. The angel then pointed to Bro. Bates and said, Be careful how thou treadest, lest the flock be torn. Draw near to God. Thou hast been in danger. Can ye not see it? That must be healed every whit. This people must be humble.1EGWLM 240.1
I begged of Jesus to forbid that there should be any discord among the shepherds, for then the flock would be scattered as sheep without a shepherd. I prayed Jesus to encircle them now in His lovely arms. I saw that the disunion between the shepherds had affected the flock. Then I saw that in the scattering time12
See: EGWEnc, s.v. “‘Scattering’ and ‘Gathering’ Times.” Joseph Bates's contributions to “dying” Adventist papers may be illustrated by two letters with substantial theological content that he had had submitted to S. S. Snow's Jubilee Standard during its brief existence of four months during 1845. By contrast, Bates had written nothing for The Present Truth or The Advent Review until September 1850. Part of the reason for his reticence to contribute articles may well have been his objection, in principle, to the publishing of periodicals, an objection that had brought deep discouragement to James White. However, the admonition to Bates found in this vision of September 1850 appears to have given him a strong impetus to write. When the new periodical, the Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, began publication two months later, Bates became not only a frequent contributor of substantial articles but also a member of the publishing committee. See: Joseph Bates, “Letter From Bro. Joseph Bates,” Jubilee Standard, May 29, 1845, p. 90; idem, “Letter From Bro. Bates,” Jubilee Standard, June 12, 1845, p. 110; George R. Knight, Joseph Bates, pp. 162-166.
I saw that Bro. Bates's heart must be open, ready to yield up a dear point when the clear light shines. I saw that we must be more like Jesus. Everything in heaven is in perfect order, and the events of the judgment will come in perfect order. Then I saw James and Bro. Bates. Said the angel, Press together, press together, press together, press together, ye shepherds, lest the sheep be scattered.14
The evidence, as assessed by George Knight, is that the two men did indeed come to “press together.” After 1850 their differences were “relatively minor.” “The two men would sustain a generally supportive relationship with each other between 1851 and 1872, when Bates died.” See: George R. Knight, Joseph Bates, pp. 168, 169.
I saw that Bro. Bates with the other shepherds should consult those in whom they have reason to have confidence, and who have been in all the messages, and are firm in all the present truth, and have not wavered upon it, before they receive and advocate any new point of importance which they think the Bible sustains. Then I saw that all the shepherds would be perfectly united, and that union the church would feel and the shepherds would be strong, and each one would know just what work the other was doing, and thereby they could hold up each other's hands, and the church would be benefited, and then there would be but little danger of any of the shepherds’ receiving dangerous error with which to divide the precious flock.1EGWLM 241.1