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.

1EGWLM 296.5

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.

You speak of Sister Gorham [Elizabeth Gorham]^{3
Identity: See Lt 5, 1849 (Apr. 21), note 25.} and want advice. We cannot see how there can be any wrong in her boarding that man providing that she will not have to work so hard and will not have to cook for him on the Sabbath. I have conversed with James about it and with some others. They see it just as I do. We do not think that God will condemn Sister Gorham in the least.1EGWLM 296.7

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.

(at whose table we are now writing). He and his wife are wholehearted in the truth. They have four daughters with them in the faith. Their ages are 24, 22, 20, and 12. They are good-hearted girls and are trying to serve God. Their voices were never heard in prayer until after the Milton [New York] conference.^{5
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.} We had a powerful season of prayer and the burden of their cases was rolled upon me. I pled the promises of God for them, and could not give it up, and finally their voices were raised in prayer to God. It was a sweet season. God has commenced to work for this family and our prayer is that it may be carried on to His own glory.1EGWLM 297.1

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.”

has been around here and has injured some but our prayer to God is that He would palsy the influence that he has had, and that He would let the clear light upon His truth shine out, so as to establish the wavering. My health had been quite poor for a few days but I am now better. I have been writing out the visions that God has of late given me that will benefit His children and we shall have all the visions published in a pamphlet in a few weeks.^{7
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.} Were it not for this, I would write the visions to you, had I time. I suppose you have got the last paper by this time.^{8
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.} The next paper will contain many good letters, I trust.1EGWLM 297.4

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.

We should love to see you all very much. Will you not write to us, and tell us all how you get along? We feel interested for you. We have not forgotten you although we have been silent so long. May the Lord bless and strengthen you. We love you and will never cease to pray for you. Remember me to Sister Gorham. Tell her not to be bound and oppressed by the enemy but keep up good courage. Our warfare is almost over.1EGWLM 298.1

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

Published in RH

Lt 3, 1851