A kumnmAL ANALYSIS or m: SPIAKINO or ‘ MRS. ELLEN a. wnm _ A norm: LIAM: AND SPOKISVIOMAN OII Tfll IWY AMN'ns'r cauncu mm W ”W -;»»j;:;~.ij‘— ‘ MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1959 1A1 NIVE 111111111111111111111111111111111 ' This is to certify that the thesis entitled ”A Rhetorical Analysis of the Speaking of Mrs. Ellen G. White A Pioneer Leader and Spokes woman of the Seventh—Day Adventist Chruch.“ presented b1] Horace John Shaw has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements [or Ph. D. Speech degree in '\ Major proleswr August 10, I959 Date LIBRARY Michigan State University 1 .1 ‘ 1 1' ‘1‘ 11 :l 1 l .U Copyright by HORACE JOHN SHAW 1961 A RHETORICAL ANALYSISOF THE SPEAKIM 0? MRS. ELLEN G. WRITE A PIONIIR LEADER AND svonswaum O? m SEVENTH-DAY MST CHURCH by Horace John Shaw A 01883111131” Sublittad to the College of mication Art- Iicum State Univeruty In patttal fulfill-nut: of the requirement:- for the degree mammm Depart-ant: of Speech 1959 ABSTRACT This study examines the speaking practices of Hrs. Ellen G. traits and the responses secured by her as a speaker-leader. Subsidiary purposes seek; (i) re place her in a speaker perspective within her church and among other felinine speakers; (2) To provide for further re- search asterials in the field of honiletics; (3) to present the initial texts and topics of her discourses; (Is) to prepare chronological, geo- graphical, and topical listings of her discourses; (5) To survey the liv- ing persons who heard her speak with a vista to classifying and preserving their co-ents. Chapter I surveys Hrs. White's life, spanning 1827-1915, and traces the circmstsnces Leader which she grew up, and points out the contributions she made during her years of public speaking. Chapter II amines the intellectual currents of her day; and her relationship to any of the refom novaents. Chapter III shows lire. White's spokeswo-en role for a minority Stout: which hecslse a world-wide done-instinct. Chapter IV deals with her Health and Temperance speaking. Chapter V surveys 279 Faith and Living discourses. Chapter VI considers 166 discourses that relate to Mrs. White‘s Pro-ution of church-sponsored activities. Chapter VII analyses lire. White's speaking by considering the “non of delivery. To aid in evaluating her delivery. the responses of 367 Peeple who heard her speak are utilized. 1901 General Conference ”Dim m"e Tabernacle IoNIe Crealt. Michigan Camp Meeting MW. Norway Camp Meeting June. ill? Eagle Lake, Minnesota 3. ‘ About l875 ‘ ’ (my 6. Wm” n' ’ u ssle. Swilserlssd abet 17. less '"'Dlme Tabernacle IoHIe Creek Michigan Dedication—May 8. l879 flamed—«January 7 1922 Dodlcoflen: College of Madleal lvengelish Lem aLlnda. Colllornlo April “.1906 Chapter VIII seeks to determine lira. White's effectiveness by analysing the 367 responses, and other source materials. Chapter Ix provides sis-nary and conclusions. “this study of 465 discourses hire. White presented in eighty- two known cities or towns in ten countries of three continents, suggests certain conclusions: 1. Invention-vise, Hrs. White deveIOped ideas, mainly admon- itory in nature, that depended little upon elaborate processes of reason- ing. In exposition she used chiefly explanation. For confirmation she frequently used Biblical examples, cause-effect reasoning, and reasoning by analogy. Her own ethical appeal was enhanced by the generally accepted designation of her as an appointed "messenger." In her pathetic proofs she was sensitive to her listeners' emotions and appealed to most of the {spelling actives. 2. Arrangement-wise, lire. White evidenced no restraints in- Possd by pre-planned discourse outlines. Ber sequence of ideas follows a pattern of one idea growing naturally out of another. Formally stated main or sub-headings are absent. 3. Style-vise, lire. White used more than a normal amount of restatement to achieve both clarity and force. In brief, through all aspects of her speaking, simplicity is the one canon denominator . lo. Delivery-wise, in all of her speaking, lira. White's own PhilOIOphy of speech paralleled in large measure her actual practice. 5. Audience response-wise, Hrs. White achieved both imadiate and long-tern effectiveness. The insaediate responses were characterized by respectful listener attitudes of awe and silence; verbal responses ,,_._ _. — A l-‘—. -‘ that included testimonies of confession and personal intention, frequent rejoinders of agreuent expressed with hearty "Amens"; physical responses of rising to the fest, going forward, not infrequently amid tears and seeping. l‘hese inediate audience responses often had through-the-years carry-over values. 6. Effect-wise, perhaps the prime factor in Hrs. White's per- suasive pover resides not so much in what are consonly called the rhetor- ical skills, as in her personal ethos. To herself and to her hearers she was inspired of God. ‘lhe truth of her past utterances were so fully proved by succeeding events that the people of her church, as well as others, viewed her with great respect, eagerness, and concern. In this way at least, she was unique as a speaker, and the effects of her speaking vars unusual. —--m ”an-'- _ W‘s-mun, w- ii GRAIEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT is accorded Katee-ed Teacher and Friend DOCTOR KENNETH GORDON NANCE Who as Head of the Speech Department and Chairman of the Guidance Committee has provided that rare extra AN UNCEASING STREAH.OF INSPIRAIION iii Special recopilion is due Dr. David C. Ralph, who, as lead of the Rhetoric and Public Address Area, has given thoughtful reading and helpful suggestion to chapter-by-chapter development of this study: Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Gordon 1.. Thomas, for originally suggesting, in his class "The History of American Public Address," an analysis of the speaking of lira. I. G. White; and to Dr. Donald B. Icroyd for helpful assistance in final proofing. Particular appreciation is accorded Arthur L. White, Secretary of the Waite Publications Office, for his magnanimous cooperation in asking available source materials from the Washington Office, for offer- ing valuable suggestions in his helpful letters sent from Australia and lumps. the author is also indebted to the following individuals: Dr. M1" t“ “”13“- M of the Seventh-day Adventist rheological “at” f” “11081!“ and Seminary inspirations: Pastor R. Allen M'“* 3”““1'7 of the Ministerial Association of the General Conf- au“ °f 3"“t5‘4W Adventists, for his project concept and guidance; “11°?“ 0- littenhouse, President of hanuel Missionary College and Pm.“ kiwflity, for arranging leave of absence and ever encouraging an“ "that strides"; Dr. Blaine Ciddings, Head of the Department of 'Puch, um“ “”10“?! manage, for "holding the fort" and graciously and“ extra class load that has aided an intensification of study; ““3“: Adair, Assistant Treasurer of the General Conference, for send- flflrthu' “'3 Wltiomnaire to sustentation beneficiaries: D. A. Dela- the 1&1 1sociate Secretary of the White Publications Office, for taking “mama" in sending out questionnaires and arranging clearance for larcis 3. ug of th' I. G. White speech manuscripts; Robert Bainer and for WI. for technical help in microfilming: Raymond and Doris Bill, dean. Dru“ Isny nesdful urgenciea and energencies too nuserous to listing. . " ‘° Venue "1'0. Head of the History Department of [manual :14: 11 U 9°11.» Ind Pets-ac University for denominational, historical t 8M" “t” ““5010. for volunteering her dictionary and gran; Shem 11:: hum" Whose devoted help is not unsung - Lois Webster, Genevieve J. huh “"1““. Carolyn Wilson, the Schuelers, Kay Austin, Iislion. “a" llncl. "rt and ilildred Wade, the 8-inary and manual Suharto at! “11'” I"l‘mlrimu: the lively though inanimate, "Schwinn r “'1’- ¢leared the mental cobwebs. the “yin: of “I I ‘PPreciate beyond words the "One and Only" who left M in We “1. ”t” °“ ‘3 "My desk "Please know that l a right with ”m" " God is our Strength." And is has been! iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Page W........ ..... ....... ii muopcm......o.o...ee.....eeo 1v usrormmsoOOOoeeoeeeeoeeeeeoeoeeo xiv HSTOmeIo'seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee antis- piece Immmnoqueoeseeoeeooooeoeoooeoeo xvi Chapter Lnusroussronmzsunmmmn 1 Thelarly Life of lllen harmon: 1827-181: . . . . . i Thelsrmonfanily................ 2 Cirlhoodaccident................ 3 lllen'sconversion.... ..... ”“9001“ religious experience . . . . . . . . . 13 The bitter disappointment of IBM . . . . . . . . 13 The challenge to public speaking . . . . . . . . . The larried Life of Ellen Harmon White: 1846-1881 . 15 The marriage of lllen and James White . . . . . . :3 Publishing as well as speaking . . . . . . . . . . 19 The nova to Battle Creek, Hichigan . . . . . . . . 22 Th0 expanding work of the Whites . . . . . . . . 23 ThedeathofJamesWhite........... . 24 The Later Life of [lion 6. White: 1881-1915 . . . . 24 Visittolurope................. 25 s'i‘yiuAustralia ......... 26 IsturntoAmerica............... 27 Lasttriplaat.................. 28 An Overview of lira. White as a Religious Spokesman . 28 ”‘Wuker 29 Mswriter ..................- I1°“-Lllltz.marsinstalmentsnnnncnsastrvss 31 Learning About the World Aromd Her . . . . . . . . g: “fluorinterests................ 32 lducstiouthroughuving............. 3‘ Mainsworid................. 3‘ ‘3'“1nscountry................ 35 Ascisntificworld................ 36 A"l'llssliusmn'ld................ 41 mlntellectualWorld............... 41 Politicalcurrents................ Chapter Attitudes toward personal involvement in politics . . lvolution as an issue . . Concurrent religious movements . . . . . . . 81-.” O s O O O O s I O O O O O O O O O o O 111. BS. “'8 “LATIN 10’ m arm-as! MST cm Participation in the Development of Church Paith and M trin. O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 O O 0 e O O O O O e s o s e O O O I O Belief in the second advent of Christ . . . . . . . . Acceptance of the seventh-day Sabbath . . .V . . . . Dealing with fanaticism . . . . . . . . . Contribution to Unity and Church Organisation . Early advent bodies without effective organisation Clarifying and binding the doctrines together . First steps in denominational organisation . . An example of personal endeavor to preserve unity and encourage leadership . . . . . . . . . Plan for the support of the ministry . . . . Selection of a church name . . . . . . . . . Camp meetings contribute to organization and unity Further organisational deve10pment . . . . . . . . Changing the ninisterial pattern of preaching . . . M91091“ union organisation . . . . . . . . . . . The reorganisation of 1901 . . . . . . R-oval of the headquarters from Battle Creek to wa.h1n8tm' D. Ce 0 s e e e e e e e o e e e e e 0 0 Contribution to unity and church organization in rGCEOIPOct e e e e e e e e o 0 Ellen harmon's early use of the press . . . . nefirstperiodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . Thefirstbooks....... ....... . Publishing begins in the West . . . . . . . . Publishing begins abroad . . . . . . . . . . colportQurplmeeeeeeeeeoOO' Guiding the abinistration of publishing hous s lditorialguidance . . . . . . . . . . . Subseqmt publishing expansion . . . . Pronotion of Church-Sponsored Education lat philosophy of education . . . . . he first denominational school . . . School for the Pacific Coast . . . - O o e o e O O 0 O Pducational pioneering and advising in Australia bssinning of secondary and elementary schools The removal of Battle Creek Cellos. to herrien Springs A M kind of church college for the South APP“! for a college at the nation's “Pint A r“W'Psctive look at lira. White's promotion 00000000000... 0 O O O O O O O O Encouragement of Denominational Publishing Endeavors of church"P°usored education . . . . . . . - - 62 62 62 65 70 76 76 79 83 86 87 88 90 92 93 99 103 103 103 105 108 109 110 113 115 121 125 125 131 135 137 156 148 151 156 158 .14 “.... I.‘ We L2. 1.... are. LA Chapter Influence on the Radical Hissionary Activities ofthechurch ................ An awakening interest in healthful living . . A wr.b1. “.tm O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 Promotion of health by the printed word . . . The call for a denominational nedical institution Giving guidance to the new medical institution . . Launching sanitarit-s in Southern California . . . lstablishing a medical-educational center . . . . An overview of lira. White's influence on the nsdical missionary activities of the church . . . Sinsry: Ira. “site's Relation to the Seventh-day AdventistChurch.................. IV. ”.m's MT! AID mass-cs SW . OccasionsandAudiences . . . . . . . . . Acceptance of speaking appoint-ants . . At the headquarters' church . . . . . . . Appeal to the Oakland, California, citizens . Ierlsrgestaudience. . . . . . . . . . . . . laverhill, llassachusetts, City Iall audience . larmm's Circus provides temperance rally . . Atlokomo,1ndiana.............. Talk to the inmates of an Oregon prison . . . Speaking at Washingtonian Wall in Chin“ - ° Abeer platform at Dre-en, lorway . . . . . . . . A full house at the largest hall in lorway's capital. 3Pflk1ng on teqerance in Australia and War Zealand St-sry of the occasions and audiences centered around lira. White's tuperance speaking . . . . . Social Issues and Spokesnen Contqorary With the T-perance Nov-ant . . . Social backgrounds and issues . . . Puinine speakers of prominence . Plan of Treatment for the Analysis . . 1The textual basis of the study . '. . . Establishing a criteria for evaluation Invention .~. . . logical proof Ithical Proof Pathetic proof “rang-ant . . Style . . . . . Delivery . . , , Applying the criteri . . heretical Analysis--Invention . 1‘31“]. PM e s e e e s O 0 ”0.1“” e ., e e e e 0 9 . 1e hplm.uMseeeee Mfimttm...._.. “Us of reasoning by examp O O O O O O O O O O O O O l O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C O O O O O O O O C O O O O O O O O O O 0 I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O I O O O O O 0 O O D O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O D O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 vi Page 161 161 163 165 167 179 189 L/ Chapter Use of reasoning by analogy Use of causal reasoning Use of reasoning by sign . . Ethical proof Integrity and somd judgment . Knowledge and authority Benevolence and good will Identification with the audience Pathetic proof . . . Self-preservation Property . Power Reputation Affections Sentinents Tastes . . . O O O O O llixed appeals Suary of invention Rhetorical Analysis-yArr Type of arrangement Discourse introductions Arrangement of materials the discourse proper . Discourse conclusions Si-ary of arrangcent . Rhetorical Analysis--8tyle Clesrness Directness . . . . . . Rhetorical questions . Question and answer g-ent . . . within Antithesis, cqarison, contrast Si-ary of clearness . . . . . . Pores Repetitive linking . Climax development . mphor‘ . O O O O 0 Challenge and cmd St-ery of force ...‘ty 0 e e e O e lletapher . . . , Personification n"my-7.... Periphrasis Epigrams and aphori Alliteration . . . . . Balanced sentence Reiteration of words and phrases Allusion and beauty of O O o e s e e e e e e e e s e s s e O o e e e e e e e O O O o e s e e s O O O o O O o e O style O O O O C O O O O O O O O O O O o O O o s O o O O o e e e e s e e e e e e O o e O O O O O O O o e s O O O O O o O o O O O O O C O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O . O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 O O O O O O O O O I O O O C O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 vii Page —'- viii Chapter Page 8.” of mt, . O . . . . . . O . . . . . . 281 3.17 Of Otle O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 282 V. ‘3. “HE'S 8m in CHRISTI“ PAI'm AID LIVIIIC . 283 OccasionsandAmdiences ...... Anoverviewofthetimeendplaces........ 283 Australiaandlewzealandmeetings........ 289 mmmtim OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ”‘ UnitedStatesmeetings.............. 303 8-i-y of occasions and audiences centered around lira. White's Christian Faith and Livingspeaking ..... Rhetorical Analysis-elevation . . . . 318 uuulpmfeeeeeeeeee 319 Enposition........... 319 hlmu" O O O O O O O O C 320 Confinstion.......... 321 Use of reasoning by enamle . 322 Use of reasoning by analogy . 325 Use of causal reasoning . . . 325 Use of reasoning by sign . . . 327 Use of "reductio ad ebsurdu" Ethicslproof ....... Integrity and sound judgment . . Knowledge and authority . . . . Ianevolenceandgoodwill . . . Identification with the audience Personal sample . O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Personal testinony . . . . . . 336 Personal intention . . . . . . 337 P.mt1c PME O O O O O O e e e O 338 8.1!.pm.u°. O O O O O O O 338 M0“! O O O e e O O O O O O O “0 M: O O O O O O O O O O O O O m Wfluun O O O e e O O O O O O 3‘2 “EOCEIOIO O O O O O O O O O O O “3 Sentiments........... 3“ Tastes............. 3“ 8“” OE iwention O O e e e e O 3‘7 Rhetorical Analysis-derangement . . 3“ Discourse introductions . . . . . 349 Arrangement of materials within m “OM". PM“ a e O O O s O O 0 0 P ' ’ 358 :13me “lain. O O O O e e O O O O O 0 0 33:: ”Gimme............. “tonal Mn‘hst’1O O O O O O O s O O O O O 3“ clumOO O O O O O O O O O O s O O O O O O 0 9 3“ Dim”. O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 9 ° ‘ ° 36‘ n.t°uc‘1 "0:10” O O O O O O O O O 0 ° ' ° 36‘ Chapter '1- Ins. sun's am a m omen mutant is Aw r—ww-w—~— — ¥_"‘ ‘ Marissa and contrast Si-sry of clearness . ’OrCO O O O O O O O O O O Choiceofterms . . . . Simle and expressive words Striking expressions . . . Use of comparative or contrasting ntsserical ratios. . . . . . . . Sentence structure . . . . . . . . Reiteration of words and phrases Repetitive linking . . Changeofteslse..‘.. Maphora ....... Challengeandco-and. Si-aryofforce .... Eeauty........... Pictures for the mind 1'...” O e e O SUI. e e O O O letsphor . . . . Personification . lstonymy . . . . Apboriam . . . . lessages for the ear . Alliteration . . . “film and cadence. ApostrOphe . .. . . Exclamation . . . . St-ery of beauty . . 8—sry of style . . . Occasions and Audiences . . . . . . . - . United States neetings General survey of the themes, places, and times . Australia and low Zealand meetings - EurOpeanleetings............o--o 3'"? of audiences and occasions centered Hrs. White's Church lilitant speaking ‘- . Rhetorical Analysiso-Invention l”Oi‘c.lpr”£Oeeeeeeee Exposition......... hlmtimOeeOOOO' Continatinn........ Use of reasoning by ”I. Use of reasoning by sill-087 :se of causal reasonin: - - se of reasonin b at . 'mc‘l pm: O O .8. T O 99' ° O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 O O O O O O O 0 . O O O O O O O O O O aromd O O O . O O O O O O O 0 O O O O o O O . ix 399 613 614 616 416 417 617 618 419 621 Chapter Integrity and sound judpent . . ...... . Knowledgeandsuthority . . . . . . . . . . benevolenceandgoodwill . . . . . . . . . Identification with audialce . . . . . . . . Personal mle. intention, and testinony Pathetic proof . . . Self-preservation Property . . . . Power . . . . . Reputation . . Afiections . Sentinents . tastes . . . s-ary of invention Ihetorical Analysis--Arrang.ent Discourse introductions . . . . Arrangement of materials within the Discourse conclusions . . Suary of arrang-nt . . Ihetorical AnalysisuStyle . Clearness ........ i Directness . . . . . . Rhetorical questions . Question and answer . Conparison and contrast . . Smary of clearness . . . . . Ports Choiceofterns .......... OOOOOOO eeeeeeeaee Siqle and expressive words . . . . sttiuns pht‘... O e e s e e e O o O 0 0 0 Use of cigaretive or contrasting nuerical ratios . . . . . . . . Sentence structure . . . . . . . . . hiteration of words and phrases . Repetitive linking . . . . . . . Change of tnse . . . Anaphora . . . . . Challenge and co—end 3.“? of force . . . . quty............ Pictures for the nind . Simile . . . . . . lletaphor . . . . . Personification . letonyny . . . . . APhol'isn . . . . . '"3‘800 for the ear Alllteration . . . “NI end cadence . APO-trophe....... O O O O E Chapter '11. Exclanation . . smryo‘buut’OOOOOOOOOOOOOO Suaryofstyle ............... A men. “813 or m. man's uuvm . . Ibo lleasurenents o! lvaluation . lstablishing the criteria . . . . . . . Surveying the listeners . . . . . . . . lrs. White's Philosophy of Speech . . . . First endeavors in public speaking . Physical limitations and dependence on divine power 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O OUIIWCO at 0th.: OMOO O O O O O e e O concept of the inortance of speech . . . . Pactors of delivery stressed by llrs. “lite Method of Discourse Preparation . . Reference to secular authorities Intonation by revelation .‘ . . . lode of Delivery . . leading from moript lisnori tar speaking Impromptu speaking Ixteqore speaking Physical Pactors in Delivery O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Overview of constitutional makeup Physical build . . Pace . . . . . . I!“ . . . . . hit 0 O s O O Dress . . . . . Densanor . . . Bodily Action . . . Intrde to the pla e Posture . . . , , , Gestures . . . . . c""lwsure . . . . . Use of the Voice . . M: dlffOrOut plgcgg O O O O O O of speaking under varying O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O r circa-stances c‘Nl’arison of lira. White's conversation voice with her public speaking voice c°Qarison of Ira. Uhite's voice with that o(Oth.rp.wl.eaeeseeOOO."° ore-antics Vecal variables and the problem breathing and support Articulation Pitch late . ; , . . . . loudness and Porce Quslity , , . . . . O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O xi 510 510 513 $15 516 517 517 518 519 519 521 O. .. Km ‘9}. l tOu. xii Chapter Page Depression................... 522 lengthofspeaking............... 52‘ 3‘17 ofllrs.flhite's Delivery. . . . . . . . . 526 ml.nsmsrronms.mn'ssrunlc 529 Generalconsideratiens.............. 529 Probl-sofevaluation............. 529 Prior consideration to response to llrs Hhite's ..pmn‘OOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOO 531 Kindotresponses............... 531 I-ediate Responses . . . . . . . ........ 532 Attitudes of_listeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532 Verbalresponses................ 534 Physicalresponses... .......... 538 W'TOTI "Om... e ‘O O O O O O O O O O O O O “3 chasedvayofliie.......... .. 543 Ahinistration responses . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’06 flmcialresponses.............. 5‘7 Suary oi lasponse to llrs. Hhite's Speaking . . . 549 RMMMLUSIGD ........... ... 551 smryOOOOOOOOOOO‘OOOOOOOOOO 551 “111.1“. ee........eeeeOOOOO 555 mums LWHMWDIWSDYWG. mu "mummmmwwu 560 11. mm; umsc cs ”mu DY run G. van: "mmrunmunsc.......... 562 In. mum-mt drums DY lull 6. ma Hmonorcrmnurm......... 567 "-umotmmmuvaomnlms.vnn‘srflxm ” Y um, 1957-4959, 1'0 ammo-mun: . Imnosasourrun mmuasamam". . 589 V.m.nmsmoccasmssmnusrmmn n8.nznsnA‘OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 598 ' Vlnnsmmxcsm'mcmammmn ! Mlumummnms.mnmmrm- g {fl-L! um, 1957-1959, to aura-1m: Monuments c. "IIIIASAM". . 606 "I'mnIGInac-novsummnumrvmum “N.mnsrmmrnsmwrm, MIC“ 1957-1959, 11: Qammm: "W0. Am ”.muuisruna"............. VIII. mmum.mnmmum man's Ml. A? m urn: can more. arm m, norms, mu. Am 13, 1881. unmc.mnnoors IlcmCIEULA‘l'IOB. . . . . . xiii Page 626 645 646 648 fable 1. 2. 10. 11. LIST OF TABLES anrison of lira. mite's Use of Questions . . . . . . Annual tabulation of Christian Paith and Living Mucourses lbs Years of lirs. Uhite's Public Speaking which Contain lo Recorded lisnuscripts or Public Discourses on Christian Paith and Living . . . . . . . . Ceographical Tabulation of Discourses by lllen C. White onChristianPaithandLiving . . . . . . . . . . . . Suary of Initial Scripture Parts Used by Rllen C. White in Discourses on Christian Paith and Livia: . - Initial Scripture texts Used in Discourses on Christian "tthMUflngby‘llOflcomtO OOO'..... Discourses With lbre than One Initial text and Discours- “Vitbout Initial ‘l'exts . . . . . . . . . . . mfl‘l’hical ‘labulation or Discourses by Ellen e. White a m “nun “litnc O O e e O O O O O O O O O O O sultry of Initial Scripture rents Used by Illen G. White in Discourses on the Church Militant Initial Scripture texts Used in Discourses on the Church lung“: by Ellen 9, white . . . . . . . . . . Mtcourses With here than 0n e Initial Text and Discours- " Without Initial mg. xiv Page 266 283 285 285 350 351 355 389 M1 M2 LIST 0’ ILLUSTRATIMS Figure Page 1. Illa C. white (center) . . . . . . . . . . . . Prontispiece 2. 1901 General Conference, "Dine" tabernacle, battle Creek. fichigan (center top) . . . . . Prontispiece 3. Can fleeting, loss. lorway, June, 1887 (l.£tM)OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO h”t1"1.c. 4. Deep fleeting, lagle Lake. lilnnesota, About 1875 (“fit“)ooeooeeeoeeeenoeo "mtiwiwe S. ”Iqrinsrie Polyglotte." Dasle, Switzerland, Septder 27, 1885 (left bottom) . . . . . . Prontispiece 6. "Dine" tabernacle, Battle Creek. nichigan Dedication-day 8, 1879 Burned-~1anuary 7, 1922 (right bottom) . . . Prontispiece 7. Dedication: College of lledical lvangelists, lens Linda, California, April 15, I906 (centerbottn)............... Prontispiece I‘, . , 1 VI 4" . 'Ol,‘ *0}- WC Purpose of the Study “the basic purpose of this study is to em-iue the speaking practices of lire. Rllen G. Shite by means of the resources and procedures iaherent 1a the traditional pattern of rhetorical criticism to determine the nature of her practices and the responses secured by her as a speaker-- leader. Subsidiary to this over-all purpose are several aims of a epecialitsd nature that it has been hoped would evolve: (l) 'l'b place lira. hits in perspective as a speaker within her church and in relation to other famine speakers; (2) to provide a body of materials for further research in the field of homiletics; (3) ‘Po usable and arrange a body of aaterials that presents the initial tents and topics that coqosed he: discourses ; (i) to prepare chronological, geographical, and topical listings of her discourses; (5) to survey the known living persons who m and heard lirs. White speak with a view to classifying and preserving that counts before the generation of r-aining hearers passes. Limitations of the Study the collation of lire. White's discourses is limited in selection to these that exist in nanuscript or published Porn in rather full content, this being ruled out which give only the time and the place of present “fluent! include only fragmentary references. It does not sin to pre- ‘It in diary fashion all the places where Hrs. white is reported to h" MOI. bless there is substantial discourse material or the 3"h' IO. .U a O v ‘ O .jO ‘l xvii occasion is otherwise significant, the address does not appear within the fraaework of this study. this research has not attupted an analysis of her conversational or casual speaking; but it has included representa- tive interviews and couittee reports of a formal nature that provide insight into Ilrs. White's nannsr of speaking under a variety of circu- IIICOS . Justification for the Study Intrinsic nerit.--A rhetorical study of lira. White appears to be justified in the light of her proninent status as a person and also in the light of the central position which speaking played in all her activ- itios. With respect to the toner, the following citations suggest some- thing of her stature: ”hiring a long life span, she exerted the nost powerful single influence on Seventh-day Adventist believers."1 "One of the nest rusrkable women that America has produced."2 ”those who are concerned with the better-ant of ham health nust pay tribute to the writings of Ellen G. White because . . . of the genius of this pin- neer nutritionist.”3 "lira. White was the acknowledged inspiration of ¥ lDictiona of rican in re , Vol. xx, p. 99. Por full context, see Chapter I, footnote 35, of this study. 2"Use and Abuse of Nutrition Research" (introductory remarks node by Clive ll. HcCay, PhtD., in an address presented to the latural Food Associates held at timephis, Tennessee, Hatch, 1958). , 3"‘Counsels on pie: and Poods' in the Light of lodern Outrition," heme given at the Unitarian Church, April 9, 1958, by Clive 1!. May, 5.5-. Professor of lutrition, Cornell thiversity, Ithaca, New York. Dr. May is a biochmaist who specialises in nutrition, having taught for a lunar of a century a course for graduate students dealing with the history of foods and nutrition. Dr. lcCay incorporated the following statuants in his lecture: . . . Whatever may be the religious belief of a reader, he or she cannot help but gain sauch guidance in a better and healthier way of 1 s n{ . ’I » .‘I' ' As V, .' xviii the [Seventh-day Adventist] nov-ent. . . . her ideas established the sold of Adventian in its nedical, educational and nissionary work around the and.“ Anong the institutions that reflect lirs. White's viewpoints and hear the inress of her public ninistry are: the widely known Battle Creek Sanitarism, the College of lledical lvangelists, nany sanitarim and hospitals in nany countries, and publishing plants and schools widely scattered but strategically located. ‘lhe Western health Institute, which see the first of its kind in lichigan, required for its incorporation a special act of the state legislature,5 and growing out of this institu- tion was the pioneer work done in prepared cereal manufacture that placed life fun reading the najor works of lllen C. White. Ivery nodsrn specialist in nutrition whose life is dedicated to binsn welfare nust be inpressed in four respects by the writings and leadership of Ellen G. White. In the first place, her basic concepts about the relation between diet and health have been verified to an unusual degree by scientific advances of the past century. In the second place everyone who att-pts to teach nutri tien can. hardly conceive of a leadership such as that of llrs. White that was able to induce a substantial ns-bar of people to improve their diets. In the third place one can only speculate about the large umber of sufferers during the past century who could have had braved health if they had accepted the teachings of lire. “site. Finally one can wonder how to make her teachings nore widely known in order to benefit the overcraded earth that seas inevitable tOlvrrow unless the rate of increase of the world's population is decreased. ‘lartrell Spence, "the Story of Religions in Amarica--Sevanth-day Adventists," £935, m1 (June 24, 1958), p. 79. Spence further observes: . . . When lira. White died in 1915, m-bership had grown to 140,000, ml the clergy had increased to 2,500. There were now 40 publishing houses scattered around the world, and 80 medical institutions. Ihe Adventist educational systu had burgeoned to 5,000 Sabbath Schools, 700 day schools and 70 advanced acadaies and colleges. there were Adventist nissions on each continent. (p. 82.) 58» Chapter III, footnote 2‘8, of this study. Battle Creek, lichigan, on the nap as the prepared cereal center of the world. With respect to the central position of speaking in lira. White's activities, it nay be said that probably no leader of a novement or of an organisation used speaking more fully and consistently than did lire. White. (It nay be noted, also, that no woman in history wrote and pub- lished sore books.6) Distinctiveness.--It is noted that though several studies have been node of hits. White as a.speaker,7 none is as comprehensive in scope as the present study, which (1) encompasses all of lire. White's public career; (2) draws upon all available manuscripts, letters, and diaries in the White Publications Office, as well as some 367 responses to a quotionnaira sent to persons who heard lira. White speak; and (3) analys- tlher speaking in terns of all of the canons of rhetoric and all of the lccopted topics of rhetorical criticisia. It is further noted that lire. White's published works are con- stantly used in church schools, academies, colleges, and seminary classes; but to date there is no prepared index of her discourses, either topical, h 68“ Chapter I, footnote 60, and Appendix I! of this study. 7leslia C. Isrdinge, "An Rx-ination of the Philosophy of Pet- suasion in Pulpit Oratory Advocated by R1 len Could White" (unpublished :Iztet's thesis, Seventh-day Adventist rheological Seminary, Washington, ° '3 1950). Leslie C. Hardinga, "A Survey and Rvaluation of the Theory of Illustration of lllen Could White" (unpublished bachelor of Divinity “‘9'“. Seventh-day Adventist ‘lhnological 8-inary, Washington, D.C., 1953). Glen Hilton Carley, "A Rhetorical Study of Selected Setnons of men c. White on ughteousness by Paith" (unpublished llaster's thesis, Seventh-day Adventist rheological Sainary, Washington, D.C., 1951s). Ll'ls _ ,e Agfiy—a. , kurr-r '- textual, or chronological . laterials or Sources for the Study Watsrials for this study may most conveniently be described in tens of the najor sections of the study: 1. Por the section which deals with the life of tits. White the following are the note inortant sources: Juisen, I. housel, A Egphet Among You. laughhorough, J. W., ‘fho Crpat Second Advent fluent. Olsen, Ii. 3., A history of the Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adv tists Spslding, Arthus W., Captains of the host. .W. Teasdale, loner W., "Ellen G. White: Pioneer, Prophet." Waite, Arthur L., Rllen C. White--hiessonger to the Remant. , Rates _a_pd Pppers Concerning Rllen g. mite and the Spirit of grpphscz. White, Ellen C., 51 Christian morience, Views and Lean. . 91:11 spitings. , EEO Sketches of Rllen E. White. 2. Per that section which deals with the climate of Opinion and the world in which lire. White lived, such source material as: ills-cs, Willi- Worwood (ed.), germ ad gripicisn of Inericg Public Address -. . VOIO IO Curti, Rerle, gs Growth of grican mat. lichoLa, 'i'bnas Low, ortz Years 0 Anorican Life. Perry, Lanneth 8., "lducational Trends in Anerica fron 1830-1870 In- fluencing the Pornation of the Seventh-day Adventist Rducational Systen." Weniger, Charles Rlliott, "A Critical Analysis and Appraisal of the Public Address of William Miller, Early American Advent Lecturer." Wish, larvey, Sccippz and Ihouét in _ii_e_dprn Anericp. 3. Per that portion of the study concerned with the Seventh-day Mrsntist Church and hire. White's relation to it are the following rapt... Isstative natarials or sources: Cedrallader, I. W., "Principles of Bducation in the Writings of Ellen G. White." Christin, 1.. 8., Es 52;th of Spiritual gifts. xxi Daniella, A. C., E: Abiding Gift of ngphegp. Proon,'leRoy Rdwin, hetic Paith of r Pathers, Vol. IV. General Conference Depart-ant of Education, lhe Stog of Our spurch. Gilbert, P. C., Divine gradictions zulfilled. s tical S tches of the Pot i liiesiens of e v t -da Adventists. Jesison, I. housel, A Prpphpt mpg You. is Sketches cost Earl Life Christian eri co and l a tire. Rllen . White. lichel, Prancis D., Ellen G. White and her Critics= , IE! Rikigpt Cg; a gpfense of Willi- liillpr and the gllgrites. 01sec, Ii. 3., g gptog pf the Orign .929 Proggess of Sevgth-dap Adventists. lebinson, Dares Rug-e, Ea Stop: of Our Uealth Message. Spalding, Arthur W., Cpptains of the goat. , Qtist's get Legion. , Ibere Shian a Light. Spicet, W. A., ‘fho Spirit of Prophecy. ________, Pioneer Daxs of the Advent loves-ht. White, Arthur l.., llen G. White-- seen or to the R-nant. ___r__, Wotas and gapprs Concerning Rllen G. White and the Spirit E grpphecy. ts, Illen C., m sprintisn prgrippcp, Vino as Ms. ____._, Lifp Sketches of [1139 C. Whitp. Wilton, P. 11., the Iastinonz of =Issue. 8. Per the section that is concerned with the discourses then- selves, the netsrials are: White, Ellen C., lianuscripts file containing (a) letters, (b) diary, (c) Australi , and (d) other nanuscripts, in the archives of the Illen C. White Publieations, General Conference of Seventh- day Adventists, 'fakoma Park, Washington, D.C. “Incas referred to in Appendices I, II, III, IX of this study. 5. Per that section dealing with lire. White's delivery and Audience responses, the sources are as follows: Mindless IV, V, VI, VII, VIII of this study. 6. Representative sources pertaining to rhetorical theory and Mid! criticise are the following: “all“, Willi- Iorwood (ed), ech--I s echni s Disci lin a s Pr” Egg Wt. Lane, translator, ES. Rhetoric of Aristotlp. xxii Genmg, John l‘ranklin, m Working Principles of Rhetoric. Iclurney, Jnnes L, and hence, Kenneth 6., Discussion in linen Affairs. Phillips, Arthur ldverd, Effective Speeking. Sanford, Willi- Phillips, and Ieeger, Hillerd Hayes, ginciples of lifective aging. Mush, Lester, Selected legdiggs in gatoric end Public Speaking. lhonssen, Lester, and Ieird, A. Craig, Sgggch Criticism Orgeniaation of leteriels This survey of the speaking of hire. White proceeds on the fol- lowing hesis: 'Chepter I surveys the life of lire. White from the tine she wee bore in Gorhan, Heine, on love-her 26, 1827, until her passing on July 16, 1915. It treces the circtnstences under which she grew up, then points out the contributions she nede during her years of public speaking. Chspter II exnnines the intellectuel currents thnt were domi- sent in the econonic, sociel, end political life of her dey; end her re- lationship to any of the reforn novenents that bid for the ettention of Pwplc during the lost helf of the nineteenth century end the forepert of the mentieth. Chapter III shows Mrs. Hhite‘s eerly interests in the religious refere ssvsnents of her tins, and how she begen to essuse the role of religious spekeswonan for s very ensll end ninority group; and then how the cue to essnne the role of religions lender and spokesman for thet Weintioesl group which sprend to all the continents. Chepter IV begins with an exeninetion of fire. White's Reelth and lesperence speaking. After observing the places and cousins where the pnguted gm. selected group of discourses, noted es 'Appendix I, the tmrsl charscteristics of the her-teen public platforn receiver consid- eration, end especially the vonen speekerfl 0‘ the period '50 "mice for f. . n xxiii the cause of Ienperance. The sane chapter sets up the criteria for an evaluation of lira. White as a speaker as analyzed in this chapter and in chapters V and VI. However, chapters V and VI pertain only to the inter- nal textual natters that deal with invention, arrangement, and style. The man of delivery in all three of these types of discourses, as well as Mrs. “site's entire speaking career is reserved for consideration in a separate chapter. Chapter V surveys 279 discourses classified under the heading of Christian faith and Living as listed in Appendix II. After an analysis of the occasions and audiences where Hrs. White delivered these discourses they are subnitted to a rhetorical analysis based on the sane criteria established in the proceeding chapter. Chapter V1 is a consideration of 166 discourses that relate to Mrs. White's pronotion of church-sponsored activities. These are appro- priately classified in Appendix III under the topic Church Militant and mder the following subtopics: General, Educational, Radical, ninistry, and Publishing. With this chapter concludes the special phase of the rhetorical analysis that deals with the internal textual natters of Mrs. “site's 665 discourse. Chapter VII is a general analysis of Mrs. White's speaking by considering the fourth canon of rhetorical analysis; nonely, delivery. The broad concept of delivery used in this chapter includes the section dealing with Mrs. White's preparation of her discourses. As an instrument to aid in evaluating her delivery the responses of 367 people who heard in. Vhite speak, as listed in Appendices IV and V, are utilized. Chapter VIII seeks to deternine Hrs. White's effectiveness as a maker by making use of all historical natations in manuscript and in xxiv published fora that shed light on both the in-ediate and the long-term audience responses to her speaking. These sources are supplemented by the audience reactions to her speaking as found in the responses of the 367 people who heard her speak, as listed in Appendix VI. Appendix VII also has bearing on this chapter, presenting as it does a listing of the types of texts, topics, and consents that the respondents recall having heard lire. Vhite use in her speaking. Chapter I! brings into focus by way of sins-nary and conclusions the entire study of lira. white as a speaker. CHAPTER I RELIGIOUS 3mm: ELLEN GOULD HARMON VBITE The Early Life of Illen semen: 1827-13136 fig llernon fanily.--kobert and Eunice Barron were longtine residents of the state of Maine. At the tine of the birth of their tvin daughters, Ellen and Elisabeth, they were living ten niles north- vest of Portland at the town of Corhan. the twins' arrival, Novenber 26, 1827, cmleted the family circle of two boys and six girls. Early in the 1830's Robert Earnon noved his fanily from the rolling country- side of the Gerhan fern cosnsunity to Portland, the largest city of Raise. The nove to the city offered better educational opportunities for the children and afforded business advantages to the father, who was s hatter.1 An ems-pie of the practical training which the children received is seen in the sharing of the father's hat-asking craft. no trained his children in weaving straws, pressing felts, and shaping hats.2 As a girl, Ellen displayed nornsl interests and had a disposi- tion that was cheerful and friendly. A brief picture of her girlhood day- shows that k ———— lArthur u, Spglding, Earp Shines a Light (Nashville: Southern Publishing Association, 1953), p. 15. Cited hereafter as Spalding, mtg Shines a Light. 2Arthur w. Spalding, Qaptains of the East (Washington, D.C.: WI! and herald Publishing Association, 1969) , p. 62. Cited hereafter “ sholding, Captains of thp nost. \ The twins, while sharing nany ashairable traits, were different in tenperanent. Elisabeth was a confiding child, placid but given to tears; Ellen was self-reliant, buoyant, sociable, courageous, and persevering. She was regarded by her parents with peculiar interest, and they entertained high hopes of a brilliant career for her. She herself, fross her first school days, entertained the ssbition to become a teacher. “the feel 1y were deeply religious, snebers of the Methodist contusion, in which Robert and Eunice larnon led their children in spiritual service, as one after the other they entered the church. Ellen testified in later life to the spiritual influence of the Parsons . In early life they because earnest and devoted nelnbers of the liethodist Church. In that church they held proninent connection, and labored for the conversion of sinners, and to build up the cause of God, for a period of forty years. During this tine they had the joy of seeing their children, eight in nuaber, all converted and gathered into the fold of Christ.“ Cirlhood accigptn-When nine years of age, Ellen suffered an accident which not only brought great personal suffering but affected her entire after-life. Eer parents feared she would not survive, and her recovery was a concern of the whole llsr'non family. When she and her twin sister. were returning house from the Erackett Street School, next to The Canon, Ellen was struck on the nose by a stone thrown in a hidden fit of anger by an older play-ate. The injury proved to be very serious. She was taken hone, where she renained in cone for three weeks. Then after a long and painful recovery, Ellen's defornity resulting from the accident caused her to have feelings of inferiority and rejection. The accident had trausatic effects on her nervous system. She was “his”, rebellious, and wanted to die. Portmately these feelings did -—_ ———— 3min“, gore Shines a high . PP. 14-15. l‘suau c. mite, Life Sketches of Ellen c. 1:. (Hountain View, California: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1915), p. 17. Cited hmatter as E. C. White, Life satches. . IOe 9'. 'I'l' not persist. She sought relief through Divine help, and renewed courage case to her. The care with which her parents watched over her can be seen in the special "great cradle" they had suede for her,5 and later in their encourage-eat for her to work with her hands.6 Several conplications developed from the accident. For two years thereafter, she couldn't breathe through her nose, as it had been broken. lhe nervous breakdown caused her hand to trouble as she tried to write. Whenever she applied herself to her studies, the letters on the page ran together, and she because faint and dizzy. In addition, a. suffered free a bad cough. 7 ‘ Having to give up school was as trying submission for Ellen, for it scant having to give up the hope of a fornal education. The story of the next half-doses years is a record of trials and triunphs inter- singled with linited physical reserve and continuing reliance upon Divine resources. As will be observed at nany subsequent points in this Study, this episode and its afternaths will be found to be extraner relevant to an analysis of lira. White as a speaker. Ellen's cgpvgrsion.--Even before her accident, Ellen had an m for the doctrine of the isnninent return of Christ. the day on her way to school, she picked up a scrap of newspaper that told about use in England who preached that the world would come to an end in M— 5a. c. mu. Life Sketches, p. 18. 6!. C. White, Life Sketches, p. 47. Ellen was given the task 0‘ “king the crowns of the hats which her father nanufactured, since that was the easiest part of the work. She also knit stockings whi 1. 9‘0”“ up in bed. Prose this she earned about twenty-five cents a day. 7s. e. White, Life arches, p. 19. x thirty years. This impressed her as being decidedly different from the conventional views. Then, too, an interest in the second coming of Christ was created by William Miller's visit to Portland, when he gave a course of lectures at the Casco Street Christian Church. The entire Parson family were attracted to these solemn, scriptural discourses. Pros far and our, people came in the early morning, bringing their lunch baskets and staying until the close of the evening meeting. The annotate-ant that the Saviour would come in three short years took instant effect. Terror and conviction spread through the entire city. Prayer neetings were established, and there was a general awakening among the various denominations.8 At the meetings, when sinners were invited forward, Ellen pressed through the crowd and took her place with "the seekers." She felt un- worthy to be called a child of God. She also lacked confidence in her- self and hesitated to seek the counsel of Christian friends. The «user following the Miller meetings, the Ramona took Ellen to the Methodist canpneeting at Duxton, Heine. While there, her longing for a deeper Christian experience prompted her to seek God's pardon for her sins. Soon she felt her burden of sin lifted; and when she returned f“ll canpmeeting, she and several others were taken into the Methodist Chute}! on probation. When the question of the mode of baptism one up, 3110, along with eleven others, chose scriptural baptisn in place of wrinkling. The service took place on the beach of a bay, in front of M 8Ellen G. White, :eetinonies for the Church, Vol. I (Maintain View, California: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1913). p. 1’s. Cited hereafter as E. C. White, Testinonies. ‘9 . " "r x'" the poet bongfellow's house.9 She was completely happy with this new experience. In her thirteenth year, Ellen again attewted to resume her education by entering a young ladies' Seeinary in Portland. However, a decline in her health and the disturbing ”worldliness" of the girls at the Shinsry discouraged her to the point of giving up formal educa- tion. Upon her return hone, her brother, Robert, two years older, and her sister, Sarah, four years older, encouraged her and her twin sister to undertake a missionary project of buying and distributing Christian literature. Ellen could earn only about twenty-five cents a day, but work with her hands helped to take her mind away fron herself and to stabilise her experience. Deepenipg religious gperience.--E11en, now fourteen years of age, attended a second course of lectures given by William Miller in Portland is 1842. Shortly after this she had two dreans. In the first she saw a noble tsqsle where a few people were entering amidst ridicule and threats bHaired nultitude; in the second she was invited by an angel to a conversation with Jesus in which He said, "Pear not," and then with a Ilile laid llis hand upon her head.10 Ellen, at her mother's encouragement, sought counsel regarding her two dreams and her discouragement and doubt of such doctrines as an ' eternally burning hell. She sought her counsel from a Methodist pastor, Elder Stochsn. When she told him of her dreams and spiritual longings, he Placed his hand affectionately upon her head and said with tears in ~_. —~—_— 9Spelding, There Shines a Lifit, p. 18. 10:. G. White, Testimonies, Vol. I, pp. 28-29. -'Li’ a s. s a . ' s n w m 'i' w. s ’ ‘. s \ e H. s I. a 's . his eyes, "Ellen, you are only a child. Yours is a most singular experi- ence for one of your tender age. Jesus nust be preparing you for some special work."u Tron this minister’s counsel and prayers Ellen received courage and inspiration. He assured her that the nisfortune that had come to her night be according to God's purpose and she might well trust Him to direct her life. The influence of that visit was far-reaching on Ellen. She tells of it in these words: . . . liy mind was nuch relieved, and the wretched slavery of doubt and fear departed as I listened to the wise and tender counsel of this teacher in Israel. I left his presence comforted and en- couraged. During the few minutes in which I received instruction from llder Stock-an, I had obtained more knowledge on the subject of God's love and pitying tenderness, than fr” all the sermons and erhortations to which I had ever listened. Up to this time feelings of inferiority and tinidity kept her free participating in public prayer among churcb mesnbers. I-ediately after this encouraging visit, however, she determined to perforn her duty in public prayer; and that very evening the opportunity came in a testing at her uncle "a house. She bowed tremblingly with the others; Ind after a few prayed, her voice suddenly arose in fervent prayer. Her foraer agony of soul left her. The power of God, it is reported, rested upon her in a special manner. Sone nistook it for a sudden and dang“. ous indisposition, but were restrained by her mother from sending for a Physician. Ellen's mother, and some of the other experienced Christians, finely believed that it was the power of God that had prostrated Ellen. Of this experience, Ellen herself said: M. 11s. a. White, Life Sketches, p. 36. 123. C. White, Life Sketches, p. 37. . . . As I prayed, the burden and agony of soul that I had so long enthared, left me, and the blessing of the Lord descended upon me like the gentle dew. I praised God from the depths of my heart. Every- thing seemed shut out from me but Jesus and His glory, and I lost consciousness of what was passing around me. The Spirit of God rested upon me with such power that I was enable to go hosts that night. . . . When I did return home, on the following day, a great change had taken place in my mind. It seened to no that I could hardly be the sane person that left my Father's house the previous evening. . . . Paith now took possession of sy heart. . . . I could even praise God for the misfortune that had been the trial of my life, for it had been the neans of fixing sy thoughts upon eternity. Naturally proud and ambitious, I might not have been inclined to give my heart to Jesus had it not been for the sore affliction that had cut me off, in a manner, from the triumhs and vanities of the world. Por six months not a shadow clouded my mind, nor did I neglect one known duty. Ily whole endeavor was to do the will of God, and keep Jesus and heaven continually in mind.1 The night following Ellen's spiritual ecstasy that case during her first public prayer, she attended the advent meeting. When the time use for personal testimony, she arose and related her experience and the siqle story of Jesus' love. Although her remarks were not pro- seditated, she found no difficulty in expressing her thoughts except for the tears of gratitude that choked her utterance. Elder Stockman was present at this occasion and wept aloud for what be regarded as the Proof of God's kindness. his, her first public prayer, marks the beginning of Ellen's Public ninistry. lot long afterward she was invited to speak at a conference meeting at the Christian church in Portland, where Elder litmus pastor. Here she told the simple story of Jesus' love, speak. 1118 "with subdued heart and tearful eyes." Many were weeping and pr“... 1386“ as a result of the power that came upon the assembled people. After this, Ellen was invited to many religious gatherings to M 13x. G. White, Life Sketches, pp. 35-39. I". ‘r 'e ‘c- tell her story. Often she arranged meetings with her young friends, use of whom were married, and at these little meetings she exhorted and prayed for each one personally. She reports that several entire nights were spent by her in prayer for these youthful friends. Some cue to hear her fron curiosity, but this soon changed. The indifferent and careless became deeply concerned for their own salvation. Before long, "every one was converted to God," Ellen later reported. One day overbearing a conversation concerning the non-inortality of the soul, Ellen was greatly distressed, but her mother assured her that the MU held conception that the soul was i-ortal was without Bible support. A few months later when she heard the subject presented with strong Bible support by one of the ninisters who preached the second advent. She believed it to be the truth and found that the mystery surrounding the resurrection vanished. Ellen and the six other members of the Harmon family faithfully adhered to the cardinal tenet of Millerisn, which was a belief in the Hunt return of Christ. Devotedly they sought to share this faith with others, noting that not a few in other countries had likewise been led to a study of the prophecies bearing on the end of the world.15 At this point there came an event which served to deepen even sore fully her religious convictionso-the "disfellowshipping" of the entire llarnon family from the Hethodist Church and the subsequent finding _—__ — ”‘3. G. White, Life Sketches, p. 42. l'slor a full discussion of the Advent Awakening in other coun. tries and a full treatnent of the Millerite Movement, the reader is referred to Leroy Edwin Proou, The Pro hetic Faith of Our Fathers, Vols. III 5. W Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association 1945. 1954) . Cited hereafter as Freon, W. ' of fellowship with those who held the Advent belief. Briefly the facts were these: In 1840, the Methodist Maine Conference decided against Miller, castle-ring his views and requiring its ministers to refrain from dis- seainating them. Discipline was duly applied to lay members; and non- conforlists in time were disfellowshipped with, of course, the Harmon family wrong then. In the minutes of the church clerk's records this explanation of their expulsion was given: . . . "long absence from our Church and ordinances and supporting anti-Methodist doctrines and congre- gation, viz; Malaria-3‘16 This was a serious blow to the Harmon family as "Father Harmon was the main pillar in the local Methodist church, being an exhorter end class leader."l7 They soon found fellowship, however, with others-- long then pastors of the Methodist, Baptist, and Christian churches-- who, like then, had recently lost their church membership because of their Advent beliefs and met with them to worship and study in Portland's Beethoven llall. bong local ainisters who accepted expulsion, loss of credentials, and support, was the Iethodist pastor, Elder Stockman, from whom Ellen Md received encouragement. Though the loss of church membership was a 911!nt experience, it served to draw Ellen closer to those who expected the lord to come and deepened her own religious experience. As the ——‘_ 16!. n. lichol, ‘l'he Hidniflt C31; a Defense of William Miller "Id the lillerit s (Washington, 0.6.: Review and Herald Publishing Allocation, 19M , note to p. 457. Cited hereafter as Nichol, The Mid- Ema 17Spalding, I'here Shines a 1432 , p. 25. L.. A: Gs .e. ‘ s 10 expected day of hope drew nearer, there was much introspection and heart searching. All this took place while Ellen was in her mid-teens, and this ispressionable period of life felt the force of a deep religious convic- tion brought through the certain expectancy of a world cataclysm. It served to intensify her seal to warn and save others from the impending does to be meted out to the "ungodly and unready." _111_e_ bitter disappointment of 1841+.--In the study of the time prophecies of the book of Daniel, the Baptist layman, William Miller, focused upon the culmination of a period of 2300 days.“8 This span of sysbolic time, when calculated on the "year-day" principle of prophetic interpretation, had its beginning with "the con-encement to restore and to build Jerusalem.""9 History records this event as taking place in the fall of 457 3.0. Miller first held that the span of 2300 years would thus close in the year 1843 A.D., and because the Jewish time reckoning brought the year to a close in the spring the prophetic period could be uvetted to extend to larch, 1844.” Keen indeed was the disappointment that came to Killer and his followers when the Lord did not come within the period of expectation. In reviewing that period just prior to the disappoint-ant, Ellen noted: liorldly business was for the most part laid aside for a few mks. We carefully examined every thought and emotion of our hearts, as if upon our deathbeds, and in a few hours to close our eyes for- ever upon earthly scenes. . . . But the time of expectation passed. This was the first close test brought to bear upon those who believed and hoped that Jesus M 18llaniel 8:14: "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then ““11 the sanctury be cleansed." ‘9 Daniel 9:25. 20A thorough discussion of Killer's prophetic calculations appears in on. tests: lichel, be sung: 951. pp. 444-53; and "rich S-ith» 1'22 In; 11 would come in the clouds 8f heaven. The disappointment of God's waiting people was great. The mistake that William Miller and several of his associates nade in reckoning the time elements of the prophetic periods was not at first discovered, but after re-study, it was ascertained that the decree to rebuild Jerusalem was given near the close of 457 and hence the prophetic period must reach, so it was calculated, to the fall of the year 1844 A.D. Accordingly, the believers looked to October 22, 1844, as the date for the return of the Lord. The specific day was arrived at by drawing an analogy with the day of atonement of the typical service in the ancient tabernacle service of Israel of old. Again deep piety and devotion marked the Advent believers. Dur- ing the Inner of 1844 the cry,"Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to nest him,"22 went from city to city and into the remote country regions. Hos Ellen related herself to the revised expectation is expressed in these words: This was the happiest year of my life. My heart was full of glad expectation; but I felt great pity and anxiety for those who were in discouragement and had no hope in Jesus. . . . We needed great patience, for the scoffers were many. We were frequently greeted by scornful references to our former disappoint- sent. The orthodox churches used every means to prevent the belief in Christ's soon coming from spreading. No liberty was granted in their meetings to shose who dared to mention a hope of the soon casing of Christ.2 To Ellen every moment of the 1844 expectant year seemed of utmost fl .Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation (Washington, D.C.: Review and herald Publishing Association, 1897). PP. 208-23. “a. G. White, Life Sketches, pp. 56-57. 228cc Matthew 25:1-13. 12 importance. She often visited families, engaging in earnest prayer with those oppressed by fears and despondency. Often she joined with the other believers who assembled in orchards and groves to co-une with God. As the expected day drew on The waiting people of God approached the hour when they fondly hoped their joys would be complete in the coming of the Saviour. But the time again passed unmarked by the advent of Jesus. It was a bitter disappointment that fell upon the little flock whose faith had been so strong and whose hope had been so high. But we were sur- prised that we felt so free in the Lord, and were so strongly sus- tained by His strength 'and grace. The experience of the former year was, however, repeated to a greater extent. A large class renounced their faith. . . . We were disappointed, but not disheartened. . . . We were in in the belief that the preaching of definite time was of Cod. After the disappointment of 1844, the Hillerite movement lost Isabership, some moving to other localities and many who had accepted the teachings, for fear of the end of the world, denied ever being associated with it. Those who sincerely believed the message gave thus- selves to renewed study of the scriptures, and in this study they found ”lace and new direction. Speaking of this, Ellen Harmon wrote: But after our disappointment the Scriptures were carefully searched with prayer and earnest thought; and after a period of suspense, light poured in upon our darkness; doubt and uncertainty were swept my. Instead of the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 referring to the purifying 0f the earth, it was now plain that it pointed to the closing work of our High Priest in heaven, the finishing of the atonement, and the Preparing of the people to abide the day of liis coming. As Ellen came to her seventeenth birthday in the fall of 1844, h“ Physical condition was poor. Though she had spiritually weathered the stern of disappointment that brought scorn and ridicule. she was far 5..“ 2‘8. G. White, Life Sketches, pp. 61-62. 25:. a. White, Life Sketches. p. 63. 13 iron well. ’Among other things, for a number of weeks she had scarcely been able to speak above a whisper. One physician concluded that her trouble was "dropsical consumption," noting a decay of her right lung and considerable disease in the left one and an impairment of her heart. He gave her but a short time to live and sapressed his judgment that she was likely to drop away at any time.26 Because it was almost iqossible to breathe when lying down, at night she was propped up in a sitting position. Frequent coughing and hemorrhaging from the lungs reduced her physical strength. with such unpromising circunstances one might wonder how such a frail girl would ever accept the challenge of public ministry. Leslie Hardinge postulates this thesis which is quite typical of the Advent believers. With such a background did Providence prepare His messenger, a girl of seventeen, to bear llis messages to the disheartened remnant of the Millerite movement. Ellen Harmon, the weakest of the weak, was beirzlg fitted for service. The fires were hot; the steel proved worthy. ‘l'he challgge to public speaking-«In December, 1844, Miss Harmon was Visiting in the home of lira. liaines at Portland, Maine. ‘l'hey earnest- 17 sought light concerning their experience of the disappointment of October 22. In the morning five women knelt in family worship. Each one Frayed; and lastly liiss Harmon began to pray, speaking only in a ““9“ because of her weakness. In the midst of her prayer, Ellen, in relating this experience said, "The power of God came upon me as I had —— M 26.1. N. Loughborough, The Great Second Advent lbvfl (Washing- “'1. D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1909), p. 202. Cited hereafter as ioughborough, The Great Secogd Advent Movement. 27Leslie Bardinge, "An Examination of the Philosophy of Persua- 31” 1!! Pulpit Oratory Advocated by Ellen Gould White" (unpublished “let's Thesis, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Washington, Mu 1950). p. 46. Cited hereafter as Hardinge, "Persuasion." f‘L‘ 14 never felt it before-.5":8 A11 present were affected as they bore witness to what came to be known as Ellen's first vision. In the vision she seemed to witness the travels of the Advent peOple to their heavenly hone. It gave assurance that God had not forsaken those who were faith- ful in their trust in God. Commuting on this experience, she said, After I came out of this vision I was exceedingly troubled. My health was very poor, and I was but seventeen years old. . . . I went to the Lord in prayer and begged Him to lay the burden on some one else. It seemed to me that I could not bear it. I lay upon my face a long time, and all the light I could get was, "Blake known to others what I have revealed to you."29 About a week after the first vision, Ellen was given a second. Instead of scenes of glory, she beheld a view of the trials through which she would pass. She was told to go and relate to others what God had revealed, and would reveal, to hero-messages of rebuke, of encourage- sent, of correction. "It was shown me that my labors would meet with great opposition, and that my heart would be rent with anguish; but that the grace of God would be sufficient to sustain me through all."30 Con- Iclous of her poor health and being unable to depend upon her brother, Robert, only two years older than herself and even more timid than she, Ellen became very hesitant to go unattended from place to place. Though her on father encouraged her to follow the biddings of her vision, she expressed her reluctance with these words: "I coveted death as a release tn! the responsibilities that were crowding upon me."31 Nevertheless, _—__ 2‘s. c. white, Life Sketches, p. 64. We: and Herald Publishing Association. 1929). p- 20. Cited hereafter ‘8 B. G. White, Early Writing_. 30 B. G. White, Life Sketches, p. 69. 31E. G. White, Life Sketches, p. 70. H44 15 Ellen began to travel and speak in public at the request of Advent be- lievers in different places. With strong resolution and prayer this frail girl, weighing only seventy pounds,"32 undertook speaking appoint- ssnts. One of the first was at Poland, Maine. Because of irritated lungs and throat she could but speak in a whisper and continued that way for about five ninutes when the soreness and obstruction left and her voice became clear and strong. She spoke with perfect ease and freedom for two hours . 33 When she was through speaking, her voice again left her until she stood once more before the people, and then she experienced the sane singular freedom and force in speaking. Soon Ellen Harmon gained confidence and assurance in the thought that she was "doing the will of God," and she noted marked results attending her efforts. The harried Life of Ellen Harmon White: 1846-1881 The narrigge of Ellen and James White.--Uhen visiting Orrington, Heine, Ellen met an er-schoolteacher-preacher, James White, then 24 years of age. He heard her nessage and believed that her visions were from the lord. lie also felt that Ellen needed a protector and a companion; accordingly be arranged to travel with her, in company with a member of her fanily. He already was an ardent Christian worker, having been Ordained a member of the Christian Connection in 1843. . He also adhered to the Advent faith. 3“ h. 32Glen Hilton Carley, "A Rhetorical Study of Selected Sermons of Ellen G. White on Righteousness by faith" (unpublished Master's thesis, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Washington, D.c. , 1954). p. 9. Cited hereafter as Carley, "Rhetorical Study." 33!. G. White, Life Sketches, p. 72. “Carley, "Rhetorical Study," pp. 9-10. 16 James White's and Ellen Harmon's traveling associations brought about a bond of affection between them; and after assuring themselves that the Lord was guiding them, they were united in marriage August 30, 1846 . 35 During the next thirty-five years they shared a joint ministry, each having complementary gifts that brought organization and expansion to the Advent believers. They had born to than four children, all boys, only two of whom survived. The first-born, Henry, died when sixteen years of age. Herbert, the youngest, died as a babe. The two remaining, Janos Edson and William Clarence, lived to manhood. The Whites also took into their home several other children and provided training and education for them. 36 . During the first few weeks following their marriage, the Whites studied earnestly a tract published by Joseph Bates of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The tract, which was entitled "The Seventh Day Sabbath," set forth scriptural evidence for the sacredness of the seventh day. They accepted the views presented in the Bates' tract as correct. Later, on Sabbath, April 7, 1847, Ellen White reported that she was shown in vision the law of God in the heavenly sanctuary with a halo of light about the fourth comanchent. This view is said to have brought I clearer understanding of the importance of the Sabbath and confirmed the confidence of Adventists in the Sabbath doctrineu"7 From this time ‘_ ”Everett K. Dick, "Ellen Gould Harmon White," Dictionary of herican Biography, XX (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1936), p. 98. 36Spalding, There Shines a Light. 9- 47- 37B. G. White, Early Writggs, pp. 32-35 4. T. ~—~.