A Reminiscence by N. W. Vincent

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 5, 1914

A Reminiscence

By N. W. Vincent

About fifteen years before his death, Elder James White was in poor health, and it was feared that he might die. We had sweet, solemn seasons of prayer for him in Rochester, N. Y., in 1865. His wife, Elder J. N. Andrews, Hiram Edson, and others prayed for him in holy earnestness. Fifteen years seemed to be added to his very active, exemplary life.

At this time I was a novice in "present truth," but a thankful one. I had seen, while a Union soldier (from Ex. 24:12 and 31:18), that God called the ten commandments "a law" ("the law," Revised Version). I loved the Edenic Sabbath. Soon our other distinctive doctrines were precious to me; but how about their fruits in the people that embraced them? So I watched closely such men as Elders Albert Stone and A. S. Hutchins, of my native State, Vermont, and while in Rochester, Elders J. N. Andrews, James White, and J. N. Loughborough, and others.

I found them uniformly very conscientious, lovable men. Their children were amiable. Sister E. G. White was a humble, sympathetic, everyday Christian. Brethren R. F. Cottrell, D. T. and A. C. Bourdeau, Edson, and Place, I found to be men whom I could love more the longer I knew them. God's threefold message through them, though persecuted, was shining brightly.

How often have come to my mind these words of the hymn which I heard Elder James White read at a meeting in Stowe, Vt., in 1855:—

"So let our words and lives express The holy gospel we profess!" N. W. VINCENT.