The Midwinter Tour in Western New York

Leaving Saratoga Springs on December 22 or 23, James and Ellen White were in Camden for the conference held on December 25 ( The Review and Herald, February 3, 1852), and for the next seven weeks visited scattered groups of believers and churches over a wide area in northern and western New York. They stopped at Oswego going, and also on their return trip six weeks later (Ibid., February 17, 1852). At the David Arnold home in nearby Volney they found Marion Stowell helping in the home, for Mrs. Arnold was quite ill. Marion had been there two and a half years and was much worn. The Whites saw that a change in her surroundings was absolutely essential. They urged her to go with them as they continued their homeward trip by sleigh. First, there was the fifteen miles north to Oswego for the weekend meetings of February 8 and 9, and then to Lorain forty miles beyond as they traveled east. Marion being ill, it was a difficult time for her, especially as the snow was melted in places, leaving bare ground for the runners of the sleigh to traverse. Marion recounted the events after leaving Lorain for the White home in Saratoga Springs in a letter to Ellen White written in 1908:1BIO 224.7

We left all greatly encouraged, as you started for your home at Saratoga. We had not gone many more miles when you said, “James, everything that was shown me about this trip has transpired but one. We had a little meeting in a private family. You spoke with great freedom on your favorite theme, the near coming of Christ.”—DF 439, Marion Stowell Crawford to EGW, October 9, 1908.1BIO 225.1

To this James White responded:1BIO 225.2

“It is impossible to transpire on this trip as there is not an Adventist family between here and Saratoga. We will put up at a hotel tonight, and we surely wouldn't have a meeting there, and tomorrow afternoon will reach home. It must occur on our next trip.”

[Ellen replied:] “No, James, it was surely on this, as nothing has been shown me of the next one, and it is three months before we take another. It was shown me on this trip, yet I can't see how it can come to pass.”—Ibid. 1BIO 225.3

Marion recounts that the subject was dropped at that point. Near sundown, James said, “Ellen, who did Emily Cady marry?” She gave him the name and said, “I do not know where they live.” He replied, “I do, and I think this is the place.” On inquiry, it was found that they lived a house or two away, and the traveling party was heartily welcomed. Marion Stowell reported:1BIO 225.4

Supper over, Emily said, “Brother White, would you mind speaking to my neighbors on the near coming of Christ? I can soon fill both rooms. They have heard me tell so much about you both, they will come.”— Ibid. 1BIO 226.1

They did come, and every corner of the two rooms was filled. After the meeting James White exclaimed, “Ellen, I never spoke to a large crowd with greater freedom than this evening.” It seems that the connection between the vision and the evening meeting was not thought of till they were driving into Saratoga Springs. Wrote Marion Stowell in her letter to Ellen White. “Not once from that time to this has Satan ever tempted me to doubt your visions.”— Ibid. 1BIO 226.2