Lt 27, 1859

[Circa 1859],¹

The date of this undated extract of a letter to William Peabody cannot be later than June 1860, when it first appeared in print in pamphlet form. However, it could have been written up to one year earlier when the same material, with only slight verbal differences, appeared in a letter from Ellen White to John Byington that has been dated to June/July 1859 (Lt 28, 1859). Hence, this Peabody letter is assigned to “circa 1859.”

See: Ellen G. White, in S. T. Belden, G. W. Amadon, and William Hall, To Brother J. N. Andrews and Sister H. N. Smith (PH016), pp. 35-38.

n.p.1EGWLM 758.1

Extract of letter to
William Peabody.²

When this letter first appeared in print, in 1860, it was titled “Extract From a Communication to Bro. William Peabody.”

See: Ellen G. White, in S. T. Belden, G. W. Amadon, and William Hall, To Brother J. N. Andrews and Sister H. N. Smith (PH016), p. 35.

1EGWLM 758.2

This extract is published in S. T. Belden, G. W. Amadon, and William Hall, To Brother J. N. Andrews and Sister H. N. Smith (PH016), pp. 35-38.

To those who murmur at the leadership of James White.³

One may wonder why Ellen White sent this vision concerning those who questioned James White's leadership to William Peabody. The same message had been sent as an admonition to John Byington, who clearly was not happy with James White (see note above and Lt 28, 1859). It might be that Peabody also opposed White at this time, although it could well be that Ellen White included this material for other reasons. Since not all of Ellen White's letter has been preserved, which would give more context, no safe conclusion can be drawn. It should be noted, however, that William Peabody, a wealthy New York farmer, was one of the most generous donors to the fledgling Sabbatarian movement, as evidenced by the many receipts listed in the Review, including a legacy of more than $2,000 at the time of his death in 1866.

See: Search term “Peabody” in Review and Herald online collection, www.adventistarchives.org.

1EGWLM 758.3

I was shown that God would reward those who will bear responsibilities and with energy push His work forward and stand in the forefront of the battle. God will choose those who will venture something in His work, but there are those who will not fill the place that God would be pleased to have them fill.1EGWLM 758.4

I saw that God had chosen James to fill an important place, and has made him His agent to forward His work. I saw that God had made him a burden-bearer from the commencement of his work since 1844. God thrust him out that he should obtain an experience to fill the place He designed for him to occupy, as one to manage in His cause to forward the work. In order to do this he has had to take responsibilities and to risk something on the success of this message.1EGWLM 758.5

God would be pleased if others would feel the same interest and move with the same energy, but they will not venture. I saw that God was displeased with those who do not take the burden themselves, and then stand ready to murmur at the one upon whom He lays the heavy burden.⁴

In her parallel letter to John Byington, Ellen White names specific individuals who had been involved in the “murmuring” against James White. “I was shown that Brother Byington, Brother Fletcher, and Brother Smith have looked with suspicion and distrust upon James because he ventured out to do so much. They shook their heads doubtfully, thought he was going too far, moving too fast. I saw that if these should have their will and their way how the work should move, how it should progress, it would not move at all.”

See: Ellen G. White, Lt 28, 1859 (June/July).

I saw that if others would come up and bear the burden he has borne for years, and venture all—life, life, health, strength, time, everything—to push this work ahead, trusting alone to the success of this message, then God would relieve him from such heavy responsibilities. God has made him His agent to stir up to zealous action.1EGWLM 759.1

I saw that the blessing of the Lord has rested upon every essential move that has been made to advance His cause, and steadily has the work progressed and one difficulty after another been surmounted. It is because God's hand was in the work.1EGWLM 759.2

I saw that some do not realize that selfishness is at the bottom of their murmuring. God's humble instrument moves too fast for their faith, and his venturing out as he has done has reproved their slow, unbelieving pace. And there has been satisfaction taken in watching and finding fault. Hints have been thrown out, doubts expressed, which have had their influence. Those responsible were at fault in this. Their faith was not strong enough to keep pace with him. Had they the strong faith and self-denial that they should have, those who have the ability and means might do a great deal in stirring up the people of God, and if they would venture out and risk something in the result and success of this message, it would inspire faith in the hearts of the remnant, and there would be activity and zeal in pushing forward this great work.1EGWLM 759.3

I was shown that the work was not left in the hands of James or any other one upon earth.⁵

The portrayal of James White's leadership position given in this passage and elsewhere in the letter carefully avoids according him some kind of permanent preeminent position in the church. When G. I. Butler in 1873 tried to steer the General Conference toward giving James White special authority and preeminence, he (White) successfully counteracted the attempt. Andrew Mustard traces the issue of leadership authority during this period in James White and SDA Organization, pp. 175-178.

Angels of God have charge of the work, and they counsel and direct the people through chosen agents and thus the work moves forward. I was shown that God in His own wise providence raised James above dependence and want that his testimony and influence might not be crippled by the galling sense of dependence.6

As J. N. Andrews and others noted some years later: “When Eld. White, in 1848, began the business of publishing, in Middletown, Conn., he did it without any capital at all, and almost without friends. … He was dependent upon a few friends in quite humble circumstances for a shelter and for the necessities of life.” During the early 1850s, while in Rochester, New York, “he lived in a hired house … [that] was furnished with the plainest articles of second-hand furniture. The food of his family was of the least expensive character.” After the move to Michigan in 1855, James White's personal financial situation began to improve.

See: J. N. Andrews et al, Defense of Elder James White and Wife, pp. 2, 3. For a recent analysis of his sources of personal income, see Gerald Wheeler, James White, pp. 72, 81, 147-153.

God will use him as His instrument to speak with freedom, independent of man, and in His strength and Spirit raise his voice, and with his example call upon the people to arouse and with energy to assist with their substance, their influence, ability, and judgment in moving forward this great work. And any that wish to be convinced can be, that it is not from selfishness or to obtain any advantage for himself that he pursues this course. His object is to advance the work of God, which is dearer to him than life.1EGWLM 759.4

I saw that God will have a voice to speak in the Office and in His cause. I saw that it was easier for those who look on to complain and find fault than to suggest and lead in a better course. It is very easy and cheap to suggest doubts and fears, but it is not so readily undertaken to tell what shall be done. I was pointed back and saw that amid all the hatred and devices of Satan, God had spared the life of James, although Satan has pressed him sore to take it away.⁷

Although James White had survived a number of crises, the one that Ellen White described with the most pathos took place during the winter of 1854-1855 and continued through most of 1855. James was, she wrote, “fiercely buffeted by Satan” during this period. She greatly feared that he was fast heading “to a consumptive's grave” and that her “three little boys” would “be left fatherless.” “Three times a day we went alone before God … in earnest prayer for the recovery of his health. … The Lord graciously heard our earnest cries, and my husband began to recover.”

See: Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts [vol. 2], pp. 194-199.

A few years since the Lord wrenched him from the enemy's grasp and from his power, and raised him up still to act for Him, to walk out on his faith, to be a succorer to the needy, and to strengthen and uphold His servants whom He has called into the field. I saw that God had stayed him on the right hand and on the left, that he should not go to extremes, and He has inspired confidence in the hearts of the remnant generally to confide in his integrity and judgment.1EGWLM 760.1

This has not been the work of man, but the marks of God's hand are seen in it all. His work will go forward. God will choose simple instruments to carry forward this great work, but they only carry out the mind and will of the great Master at the head of the work.1EGWLM 760.2