A Trying Time for Ellen White

Sunday afternoon, June 20, at the Orange meeting, Ellen addressed a tent filled with “those who listened with the utmost attention and apparent candor” (Ibid., June 29, 1869). Such an effort was particularly difficult at this time, for she was passing through menopause. She mentioned it in a letter to Edson:2BIO 272.1

I have told you a period I had entered in my life untried by me which would determine in a short period the chances of life or death with me. I have more indications of going down into the grave than of rallying. My vitality is at a low ebb. Your aunt Sarah died passing through this critical time.2BIO 272.2

My lungs are affected. Dr. Trall said I would probably go with consumption in this time. Dr. Jackson said I should probably fail in this time. Nature would be severely taxed, and the only question would be, were there vital forces remaining to sustain the change of nature.... How I shall come out I cannot tell. I suffer much pain.—Letter 6, 1869.2BIO 272.3