[October 1857],1 See: Note 3.
Letter to Identity: There are indications in the letter that “Brother Rumery” is a man of means who lives in or near Monterey. The only church member who fits this description is Sylsbre Rumery, of Monterey, Michigan. His real estate value is listed in the 1860 census at a comfortable $4,000 and in 1870 at an impressive $20,000. Rumery was also a man of influence, holding several civic offices at various times in the township of Monterey, including treasurer and highway commissioner. See: 1860 U.S. Federal Census: “Sylsbre Rumery,” Michigan, Allegan County, Monterey, p. 144; 1870 U.S. Federal Census: “Sylsbre Rumery,” Michigan, Allegan County, Monterey, p. 266; History of Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan, p. 288.
Sylsbre R. Rumery.2
Previously unpublished.
An appeal to Sylsbre Rumery, a man of considerable means and a “love of money,” to act more generously toward Victor Jones, a poor fellow member of the Monterey, Michigan, church. 1EGWLM 538.3
Given in Monterey.3 The original/earliest copy bears no date. However, the words “Given in Monterey” appear at the top of the letter in Ellen White's handwriting, no doubt referring to the vision “given last Thursday eve.” Only one vision given to Ellen White in Monterey on a Thursday evening is known, viz., that of Thursday, October 8, 1857. As the first line indicates, this account of the vision was written some days later. See: J. W. [James White], “Report of Meetings!” Review, Oct. 22, 1857, pp. 196, 197.
Dear Brother Rumery:
You remember the vision given last Thursday eve.4 On Thursday evening, October 8, 1857, as reported by James White in the Review, a meeting was held in Monterey “in the school-house near Bro. George Lay's. … Mrs. White arose and spoke with much freedom. The place was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Some rejoiced, others wept. … When seated, Mrs. W. began to praise the Lord, and continued rising higher and higher in perfect triumph in the Lord, till her voice changed, and the deep, clear shouts of Glory! Hallelujah! thrilled every heart. She was in vision.” Sylsbre Rumery, it appears, was present on this occasion. The Monterey vision contained specific instruction for several individuals: Sylsbre Rumery (Lt 9, 1857 [Oct.]), Anthony Burwell (Lt 2, 1857 [Oct. 21]), and Uriah and Harriet Smith (Lt 3, Lt 6, 1857 [Oct. 8]). Counsel of a more general nature was published the following month in the Review and also in Testimony No. 4. See: J. W. [James White], “Report of Meetings!” Review, Oct. 22, 1857, p. 196; E. G. W., “He Went Away Sorrowful, for He Had Great Possessions,” Review, Nov. 26, 1857, pp. 18, 19; Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 170-178. In his report of the Monterey meeting James White mentions a “poor, discouraged brother” who also witnessed Ellen White in vision on October 8. Partly because of “neglect by his wealthy brethren … [he] was returning to strong habits.” Although he does not give his name, the description makes it reasonably certain that James White is speaking of Victor Jones. Ellen White's vision included “a most touching and encouraging message” for Jones, such that he “raised his head… and he and his good wife are again happy in hope.” The 1860 census listed the value of Victor Jones's real estate at a paltry $100 compared to Rumery's $4,000. Apart from his poverty Jones had other “reasons for discouragement,” including a “propensity” for strong drink and a wealthy Adventist neighbor, George T. Lay, who showed too much interest in Jones's wife. See: J. W. [James White], “Report of Meetings!” Review, Oct. 22, 1857, p. 196; 1860 U.S. Federal Census: “Victor Jones,” Michigan, Allegan County, Monterey, p. 142; George T. Lay; Ellen G. White, Ms 2, 1863 (June 6).
Brother Rumery, you could in many little acts have eased Brother Jones's burden, and never felt it; but for years you have loved money better than religion, better than God, and it is like taking out the right eye, cutting off the right arm, to part with this money. You do not realize it, but it is your god. You cannot appreciate the worth of the soul until you die to this world, and overcome your love of money. God is displeased with, and looks with a frown6 On God's displeasure and “frown,” see Ms 2, 1853 (Mar. 1), note 3.
I saw that instead of inquiring into Brother Jones's wants, feeling a kindly sympathy for him, you have coldly shut up the bowels of compassion toward him. He expected when you embraced the present truth7 Rumery was a recent convert, having “embraced the views of Seventh-day Adventists” in 1857, “under the labors of Eld. Joseph Bates.” See: Obituary: “Sylsbre Rumery,” Review, Dec. 2, 1884, p. 766.
God calls for noble-hearted men, and the love of the world has eaten out this nobleness that shows forth in them the image of their Maker. Now God designs the truth to purify, to purge from you this love of the world. It must do it or your case is hopeless. You have not dealt generously and truly with Brother Jones. You let the love of money crowd out all the noble principles of the soul. Every noble, generous act is written in the book; every neglect of a brother, every selfish advantage taken of a brother, is written in the book. 1EGWLM 540.1
Dear brother, in the vision God has given me as it has unfolded to my mind I have felt distressed, distressed. I have many fears that you will never get the world out of your heart.8 Ellen White's description of Rumery in 1859 and 1860 indicate that he did make serious efforts at reform, but in the long run there appears to have been little change to his basic materialistic bent. “This world is his god,” Ellen White wrote in 1869, “he has not heeded the warning given him years ago.” According to his obituary written in 1884, Rumery “made no profession of religion at the time of his death, yet he cherished a love for the truth held by this people.” See: Ellen G. White, Ms 5, 1859 (diary entries for Jan. 11, 12); Ms 4, 1860 (c. 1860); Ms 16, 1868 (diary entries May 8, 9); idem, Testimony for the Churches at Allegan and Monterey (1869) (PH099), pp. 29-41; obituary: “Sylsbre Rumery,” Review, Dec. 2, 1884, p. 766.
I saw that at present God does not call for the houses His people need to live in,9 Although the visions of Ellen White had through the years consistently called members to financial sacrifice, they had also opposed extreme interpretations of what such sacrifice might entail. When Joseph Bates in 1849 urged members to sell their properties without delay, Ellen White responded that “God had not required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time, but in a time of need He would teach them … when to sell and how much to sell.” Similarly, in 1857 in the wake of the Laodicean call for revival “a few taught that the brethren must sell all out before they could be free.” Thus Ellen White's statement here is a call for moderation in the face of the extremism of a few, while still calling for sacrificial giving by all members. See: Ellen G. White, Ms 14, 1850 (Sept.), note 5; idem, Spiritual Gifts [vol. 2], p. 223.
One dollar is held more tightly by you than ten are by the day laborer. It will be hard for you to see this. Oh, the deceitfulness of riches! The more the possessor has the less does he see the wants of the cause and the more difficult it is to hear the voice of Jesus when it calls for his means. He is sorrowful. 1EGWLM 541.1
Brother Rumery, it is very hard for you to deny self and take an upright, generous, noble course that all who see you can know that a reformation is wrought in you by the truth. This change is looked for in you. You must cut loose, cut loose from the world. You can have this world if you pursue the same course you have pursued, but you cannot have heaven nor its treasure. Choose ye whom ye will serve, God or Mammon. The time has come for you to choose. Dear Brother Rumery, I came to your house purposely to tell you the vision but my heart sank within me. I knew my weakness and knew I should feel the deepest distress for you while relating it to you, and I was afraid I should not have strength to do it, and should mar the work. Now brother, I am afflicted and distressed for you, and when at your house was so burdened I could not stay. I send this communication to you with much trembling. I fear from what I have seen that your efforts will be too weak. You will make no change. Oh, will you get ready for Jesus’ coming? I kept the vision from every one, even my husband, but I must speak plainly to you. You must have a thorough work done for you or you will fail of heaven. Said the angel, “It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:25. 1EGWLM 541.2
In trial. 1EGWLM 541.3