PREFACE The story of the early Christian experience and public labors of Mrs. Ellen G. White was first printed in the year 1860, in a little volume of three hundred pages, entitled, "My Christian Experience, Views, and Labors, in Connection with the Rise and Progress of the Third Angel's Message." This narrative of her life and labors to 1860, was amplified by her, and was republished in 1880 as a part of a larger work, entitled, "Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White." This, as well as the earlier autobiography, has long been out of print. In the present volume will be found, as told in her own language, a brief story of her childhood days, her conversion, and her early Christian experiences in connection with the great second advent movement of 1840 to 1844. In a vivid way she tells of the sorrows and joys of her youthful ministry in the years that followed. She pictures the trials, the struggles, and the successes that attended the labors of a few earnest souls from whose endeavors sprang the churches that afterward united to form the Seventhday Adventist denomination. The story of her more extended travels and labors in connection with her husband, Elder James White, she (5) briefly relates from the time of their marriage in 1846 to his death in 1881. With chapter forty-two, on page 255, her life-story is continued by C. C. Crisler, who, with the assistance of her son, W. C. White, and D. E. Robinson, has completed the sketch. In the closing chapters many interesting incidents regarding travels and labors have been passed over briefly, in order that place might be found for the quotation of some of her most inspiring and instructive utterances regarding the development of Christian experience, and the duty laid upon every follower of Christ to be a true disciple of Him who gave His life for the salvation of the world. The final pages give an account of her last sickness, and of the funeral services. Of Mrs. White it may assuredly be said, "She hath done what she could. Hers was a life filled with inspiration for all engaged in soul-winning service. PUBLISHERS. CONTENTS I. CHILDHOOD Misfortune Education II. CONVERSION Early Impressions "In Newness of Life" Uniting with the Methodist Church 17-19 20-25 Dream of Seeing Jesus Friendly Sympathy and Counsel A View of the Father's Love Laboring for Young Friends V. SEPARATION FROM THE CHURCH Doctrinal Differences The Hope of the Second Advent The Church Trial 43-53 |