South Lancaster, Monday, October 20, 1890

I have risen at three o'clock a.m. I am not feeling well this morning. Was suffering much pain in my left ear from seven o'clock until ten. Then obtained rest in sleep. Praise the Lord for the restorer, Sleep. What a blessing it is! The malaria seizes me whenever it can have a chance and I have a continual warfare to keep from being incapacitated for labor on this account; and I do pray that this afflicted ear may recover and I shall not lose my hearing.MR1033 10.1

The rain continues to pour down from the heavens. I have had an interview with Brother Chadwick, consulting him upon important subjects. Had about one hour's conversation with Brother Miles and Sister Sanderson, sister to Dr. Maxson's wife. She is doing a good work in canvassing for Volume IV. [Ellen White referred to the Great Controversy as “Volume IV” since it replaced Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. IV.] Advice was solicited as to whether she should enter the three years’ training school under Dr. Kellogg with a view to foreign missions.MR1033 10.2

I had no special light on her case but decided to say some things which have rested upon my mind for the year that is nearly past....MR1033 10.3

Elder Prescott called upon me. His age is about the same as mine. We had a profitable talk of past, present, and future. We then bowed in prayer and had a most precious, melting season before God.—Manuscript 42, 1890, 6, 8 (Diary 16, pp. 227-228, 231).MR1033 10.4