Speaking Appointments in Europe

A few years later Mrs. White visited Europe. Here also her work was not confined to Seventh-day Adventists. The record of her labors includes a meeting in a concert hall with the platform made of “beer tables,” and on one occasion in Norway, in the “military gymnasium.” Listen to her account of this important meeting:EGWMR 114.6

“On Sunday, by request of the president of the temperance society, I spoke upon the subject of temperance. The meeting was held in the soldiers’ military gymnasium, the largest hall in the city. An American flag was placed as a canopy above the pulpit; this was an attention which I highly appreciated. There were about sixteen hundred assembled. Among them was a bishop of the State Church, with a number of the clergy; a large proportion were of the better class of society. I took up the subject from a religious standpoint.”—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 207.EGWMR 114.7

So it was through her long and busy life. She met literally thousands of speaking appointments. “When I stand before large congregations,” she told Elder Daniells in 1902, “it seems as if I were reined up before the great white throne, to answer for the souls that have been presented before me as unready to meet the Lord in peace.”—Letter 138, 1902.EGWMR 114.8

Often it seemed that she would not be physically able to stand before the people, but her trust was in the Lord who gave her work. At the Sanitarium, California, church in 1901, she made reference to this oft-repeated experience:EGWMR 114.9

“When I have been expected to speak to many people, at times I have felt that it was impossible for me to appear day after day before great congregations. With trembling steps I have walked into the desk to speak to assembled thousands; but the moment I have stood before the congregation, the Spirit of God has always come to me with strengthening power.EGWMR 114.10

“Often I said to my husband while he was with me, ‘If only I could have the assurance beforehand, how much good it would do me.’ He would answer, ‘God has never failed to bless you the moment you rise to speak; so whatever may be your feelings, you must put your trust in Him.’”—Manuscript 111, 1901.EGWMR 114.11

Nor was her burden alone for congregations of thousands. The messenger of the Lord did not lose sight of her responsibility to small audiences. We discover in 1903 that she not only took active part at Sabbath services in near-by churches but was also one of the speakers at the open-air missionary meetings held in a resort town nine miles from her home in northern California. Here is her account:EGWMR 114.12

“In our vicinity, we are doing what we can to carry the truth to those around us. Three open air meetings have been held at Calistoga, in the Hot Springs Park. I spoke at each of these meetings. I did this that I might reach those who do not attend church. The Lord greatly blessed me in this effort.”—Letter 122, 1903.EGWMR 114.13

Before we close this picture of a very important phase of Mrs. White’s work, let us look through the eyes of a writer of the world:EGWMR 114.14

“Mrs. White is a woman of singularly well-balanced mental organization. Benevolence, spirituality, conscientiousness, and ideality are the predominating traits. Her personal qualities are such as to win for her the warmest friendship of all with whom she comes in contact, and to inspire them with the utmost confidence in her sincerity... Notwithstanding her many years of public labor, she has retained all the simplicity and honesty which characterized her early life.EGWMR 114.15

“As a speaker, Mrs. White is one of the most successful of the few ladies who have become noteworthy as lecturers, in this country, during the last twenty years. Constant use has so strengthened her vocal organs as to give her voice rare depth and power. Her clearness and strength of articulation are so great that, when speaking in the open air, she has frequently been distinctly heard at the distance of a mile. Her language, though simple, is always forcible and elegant. When inspired with her subject, she is often marvelously eloquent, holding the largest audiences spellbound for hours without a sign of impatience or weariness.EGWMR 115.1

“The subject matter of her discourses is always of a practical character, bearing chiefly on fireside duties, the religious education of children, temperance, and kindred topics. On revival occasions, she is always the most effective speaker. She has frequently spoken to immense audiences, in the large cities, on her favorite themes, and has always been received with great favor.”—American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men of the State of Michigan, Third Congressional District, p. 108. (1878.)EGWMR 115.2

Such is the picture of Ellen G. White the speaker.EGWMR 115.3