The Autobiography by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 17, 1868

The Autobiography

By James White

Of Elder Joseph Bates, embracing a long life on shipboard, with sketches of voyages in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas; also impressment and service on board British warships, long confinement in Dartmoor prison, early experience in Reformatory Movements, travels in various parts of the world, and a brief account of the Great Advent Movement of 1840–1844.

This is the title of one of the most interesting books in our country. It was prepared for the press by our venerable and much-beloved Bro. Bates, after he had reached the good old age of seventy-five years. A few years earlier he wrote much of the book from memory, without the help of any sort of memorandum.

The work shows the author to have possessed a strong and clear memory, an independent mind, a noble and courageous soul, and a heart imbued with love to God, and to his fellow-man. The book is rich in historical sketches of different countries, and of men and things. It spreads open the life of a temperate man, a praying man, a philanthropic man, a man of God whose hopes take strong hold of the world to come, inspiring in him the prayer, “Thy kingdom come.” No wonder that he is an Adventist. Having been a rigid vegetarian for more than twenty years, he lives to bless the world at his advanced age with a book showing the mental vigor of youth. It is one of the best books in the world. It is especially adapted to the youth.

It should be in every family. The old friends of Father Bates should all take a special interest in this book. We have all been blest with the labors of this good man. Let none be too stingy to purchase a copy of his good book. When the printer and binder are paid, what remains from the sale of the book will go for the benefit of this pioneer of the cause, whom we all love. For sale at the Review Office, Price, $1.00. Postage, 12 cents. Send for the book. Turn out some of those worthless books from the library, and let good ones take their places. Read good books, and let the youth and children have the benefit of them.

JAMES WHITE.

Berlin, Conn., Nov. 12, 1868.