[Battle Creek, Michigan]^{2
According to James White's report, Ellen and he were in Battle Creek, Michigan, on Sabbath, May 5, 1855, the date given to this manuscript.
See: Ibid.}1EGWLM 449.1

Fragments.1EGWLM 449.2

Portions of this manuscript are published in Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Years, p. 318.

Prospects of recovery for James White. Future of publishing house.1EGWLM 449.3

I then inquired if James [James Springer White] would be spared or would be removed before the time of trouble.³

Ellen White's question probably reflects her anxiety concerning James's state of health throughout most of 1855. After his sister Anna White, who lived in the White home, died of tuberculosis in November 1854, Ellen was “greatly alarmed, that the disease that has preyed upon Nathaniel and Anna is preying upon James” (Lt 5, 1854 [Dec. 16]). Although he gained some relief during the spring of 1855, his condition again worsened, and Ellen White later confessed that for months prior to their move to Battle Creek in November 1855 she “greatly feared” that her children “might be left without a father's care.”

See: Ellen G. White, Lt 5, 1854 (Dec. 16); idem, “Communication From Sister White,” Review, Jan. 10, 1856, p. 118; idem, Spiritual Gifts [vol. 2], pp. 194-198; EGWEnc, s.v. “Time of Trouble.”

Said the angel, What is that to thee?^{4
An allusion to John 21:22, 23.} Follow Jesus, follow the opening providence of God. Have unwavering faith in His promises. Walk by faith and not by sight.1EGWLM 449.4

In regard to the office and what our duty is in regard to it, had no light,⁵

The future of the publishing house (“the office”) had been under intense discussion for several months. In the February 20, 1855, issue of the Review James White had publicly issued a cry for help, citing overwork, poor health, and lack of financial support as reasons that fundamental changes had to be made. One of the options considered to ease the situation was relocation. During the week prior to the May 5 vision the Whites had consulted with members in Battle Creek, Michigan, about locating the publishing house in their town. James White felt that “the climate, water, prices of rent, fuel, provisions etc. seem favorable to the location,” but he was not ready to make a decision yet. Ellen White's statement that she had “no light” probably refers to this relocation issue. The question was decided only in late August 1855, after James White had investigated the relative advantages of locating in Vermont.

See: “The Office,” Review, Feb. 20, 1855, p. 182; James White, “Meetings at Battle Creek,” Review, May 15, 1855, p. 228. For a survey of events leading to the move to Battle Creek, see Gerald Wheeler, James White, pp. 81-83.

but was sighted to other visions that God had given.^{6
An example of an earlier vision dealing with possible relocation of the press was Ms 4, 1854, written in April 1854: “I then saw that the church must be united, and if they could not endure straight testimonies when they were needed and we were bound, we must move the office and go where we could bear them.”} Look at them carefully; lose not sight of the opening providences of God; carefully regard all His teachings and obey them. I saw that no longer should those connected with the office bear the burdens they have borne.^{7
Willing sacrifice had been a central motif for the 15 or so persons working at the publishing house. “Those who … joined us in this enterprise,” James White noted, “toiled for no more than food and clothing. Their deprivations at times, and their toils were not small.” Ellen White provides further insights in an 1853 letter: “Luman is coughing again; his lungs are affected. … He has overdone often. Stephen Belden and Fletcher Byington do not return from the office until 10, 12, 2 or 3 o'clock. They have labored uncommonly hard of late, and God has strengthened them, or they must have broken down.” Luman Masten subsequently died of tuberculosis (1854, age about 25), as did two other colleagues, Anna White (1854, age 26) and Annie Smith (1855, age 27). Conditions of employment did improve after the move to Battle Creek in November 1855. According to the February 21, 1856, edition of the Review, “those who labor in connection with the Review, receive moderate wages.”
See: “The Office,” Review, Feb. 20, 1855, p. 182; Ellen G. White, Lt 7, 1853 (Aug. 24); “The Church at Battle Creek: To the Churches and Brethren Scattered Abroad,” Review, Feb. 21, 1856, p. 168; Gerald Wheeler, James White, pp. 77, 78.} They must, they must, be free in mind and then their health will improve. There has been none to help them bear their burdens, but if faint or discouraged the comfort they had was to see others in the same state.1EGWLM 449.5

Lt 6, 1854

Published in RH