Remarks by Ellen G. White

As Smith concluded his remarks, Ellen White quite unexpectedly arose from her couch to speak to the large audience. She later described the experience:3BIO 175.4

After Elder Smith had given the funeral discourse I did so long to say something to let all know that the Christian's hope was mine and sustained me in that hour of bereavement, but I feared I could not stand upon my feet. I finally determined to make the trial, and the Lord sustained me. The doctor stood ready to catch me, he said, if I fell.... Brother John and Willie and Edson were also watching to aid me, but I went through with what I had to say with clearness.—Letter 9, 1881.3BIO 175.5

“As I arose,” she later declared, “strength was given me, and I spoke about ten minutes, exalting the mercy and love of God in the presence of that crowded assembly.”—Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 252. Her remarks were stenographically reported. Standing and steadying herself with a hand on the casket, she spoke in a clear voice:3BIO 175.6

I want to say a few words to those present on this occasion. My dear Saviour has been my strength and support in this time of need. When taken from my sickbed to be with my husband in his dying moments, at first the suddenness of the stroke seemed too heavy to bear, and I cried to God to spare him to me—not to take him away, and leave me to labor alone. Two weeks ago we stood side by side in this desk; but when I shall stand before you again, he will be missing. He will not be present to help me then. I shall be alone, and yet not alone, for my Saviour will be with me....3BIO 175.7

And now I take up my lifework alone. I thank my Saviour I have two sons He has given me to stand by my side. Henceforth the mother must lean upon the children; for the strong, brave, noble-hearted husband is at rest. The turmoil with him is over.3BIO 176.1

How long I shall fight the battles of life alone I cannot say; but there is one thing that I will say to you, and that is, that when I saw my husband breathe his last, I felt that Jesus was more precious to me then than He ever had been in any previous hour in my life.3BIO 176.2

When I stood by my firstborn and closed his eyes in death, I could say, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” And I felt then that I had a Comforter in Jesus Christ. And when my little one was torn from my arms, and I could no longer see its little head upon the pillow by my side, then I could say, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”3BIO 176.3

And now he upon whose large affections I have leaned, with whom I have labored—and we have been united in labor for thirty-six years—is taken away; but I can lay my hands upon his eyes and say, I commit my treasure to Thee until the morning of the resurrection.—In Memoriam, pp. 40-42.3BIO 176.4

She spoke at length of the Christian's hope and of Jesus, who from henceforth would be her counselor and friend till she would meet her husband in that land “where there is no parting, where there is no separation, and where none shall anymore say, ‘I am sick’” (Ibid., 43). The prospects were too bright for the shedding of tears. In closing she remarked:3BIO 176.5

I look to that morning when the broken family links shall be reunited, and we shall see the King in His beauty, and behold His matchless charms, and cast our glittering crowns at His feet, and touch the golden harp and fill all heaven with the strains of our music and songs to the Lamb. We will sing together there. We will triumph together around the great white throne.—Ibid.3BIO 176.6

Ninety-five carriages joined in the funeral procession to Oak Hill Cemetery; in addition, nearly a hundred people went on foot. White was laid to rest in the family plot, where his two sons and his father and mother, John and Elizabeth White, were buried.3BIO 176.7

After the funeral Ellen White was taken back to the Sanitarium for the night. On Sunday she was taken on a bed out to their home, where she was joined by the members of the family who had attended the funeral. James's brother John was delighted with the place, but as for Ellen, she declared:3BIO 177.1

The light of my home had gone and henceforth I should love it for his sake who thought so much of it. It just met his taste.... But how can I ever regard it as I could if he had lived?—Letter 9, 1881.3BIO 177.2