1915

February 25, 1915

A message from the home of Mrs. E. G. White

EGW

A serious accident befell Mother Sabbath noon, February 13. As she was passing through the door into her large writing room, she tripped and fell. May Walling, her nurse, was near, and endeavored to help Mother to her feet, but found that her left leg was injured. An x-ray examination at the Sanitarium revealed a fracture of the femur.PUR February 25, 1915, par. 1

During the last year, Mother's general health has been as good as could be expected of one eighty-six years of age. She has often said that at no other time in her life has she been so free from physical suffering, as during the last two or three years. while gradually showing more and more feebleness of old age, she has freely walked up and down stairs without assistance, and has enjoyed her customary carriage ride every pleasant day.PUR February 25, 1915, par. 2

It was about five years ago that she discontinued her constant writing of letters and articles for the papers. The last camp-meeting she attended was the one held in Oakland, July 6 to 16, 1911. Since then she has spoken a few times at the St. Helena Sanitarium Chapel and at Pacific Union College; also a few times at Loma Linda and at St. Helena Church. As she gave up public speaking, her mind was more wholly directed to the work in her office, where her writings of former years were being gathered into form for publication.PUR February 25, 1915, par. 3

Until July, 1914, she spent much time reading the Review and Herald and the Signs of the Times, and in studying her manuscripts and planning for their publication. Then, as a result of a complication of difficulties, she gave up steady reading, and has preferred much of the time since to have us read to her.PUR February 25, 1915, par. 4

When I went to the General Conference Council, last October, I thought to return home quickly, but was detained till my absence covered sixteen weeks. During these weeks, I received many cheering messages from brother C. C. Crisler about Mother's health and courage. December 2, 1914. he wrote:PUR February 25, 1915, par. 5

“Today Sister White became reminiscent, which of late is rather out of the ordinary. she tried to recall the name of some brother of long ago who expressed discouragement over the prospect of the very large work that would need to be done before the world had been warned; and she said that another brother, one of large faith, turned to him, his face white with strong emotion, and said: ‘My brother, would you permit such a prospect to bring discouragement? Do you not know that God would have us press the battle to the gate? Do you not know He would have us labor on, and on, and on, knowing that victory lies ahead?’PUR February 25, 1915, par. 6

“Sister White says she feels continually the uplifting presence of the Spirit of God. She says she would not speak discouragingly, and yet she would not wish to convey the impression that no disappointments come to her. The enemy will bring us disappointments, but these need never bring discouragement. When disappointed, we are to labor on until triumph comes; and this is working by faith.” PUR February 25, 1915, par. 7

His next letter contained the following:PUR February 25, 1915, par. 8

“Sister White says that during the night season she hears voices, saying ‘Advance! Advance! Advance! Press the battle to the gate!’PUR February 25, 1915, par. 9

“She seems to apply this to the completion of the work of the Lord in all parts of the earth; also to the completion of important book work. She rejoices that you are able to make real progress in your efforts to advance the book work in the South, by perfecting that which has been nearly ready for some time.PUR February 25, 1915, par. 10

“I believe the Lord would have us all take courage, and press forward steadily.”PUR February 25, 1915, par. 11

Since the accident, Mother's bed has been placed in her writing room, where she is surrounded by her familiar furniture and books.PUR February 25, 1915, par. 12

Sara Mcenterfer, who most of the time for thirty years was her traveling companion and secretary, is with her; and so is May Walling, who was brought up in her home, and who has been her faithful nurse for about two years. Mrs. Hungerford, a trained nurse from the Sanitarium, is also with her.PUR February 25, 1915, par. 13

Twenty-four hours after the accident, Doctor Klingerman said: “We find Sister White's condition very satisfactory this morning. The usual symptoms of shock are entirely absent, and we feel that no complications will intervene to retard progress.” Thursday afternoon he said: “Sister White's condition continues to be satisfactory in every respect.”PUR February 25, 1915, par. 14

Mother often expresses thankfulness that her sufferings are no greater. And this morning, in speaking with Sister Minnie Hawkins-Crisler regarding the goodness of the Lord, she said: “I see light in His light. I have joy in His joy, and peace in His peace. I see mercy in His mercy, and love in His love.”PUR February 25, 1915, par. 15

“Elmshaven,” Sanitarium, Cal.,

February 19, 1915

W. C. White