Of the eight Harmon children, two became active Seventh-day Adventists:
Ellen and her older sister Sarah, whose son was hymn-writer F. E. Belden. Both
of Ellen White's parents died Sabbathkeepers and believers in the Advent
message, as did her brother Robert, who died a little more than 10 years before
the church officially organized in 1863. Mary, six years older than Ellen,
considered herself a Seventh-day Adventist, although there is no record of her
formally joining the church.
Ellen White maintained close relationships with her remaining three sisters
and older brother, John, corresponding and visiting with them, and sending them
copies of her books and subscriptions to Adventist journals. At one time she
wrote of her sisters, "Although we were not practically agreed on all points
of religious duty, yet our hearts were one" (Review and Herald, Apr.
21, 1868).
Thought for the Day
Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might become one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that we are to come forth from the grave,--not merely as a manifestation of the power of Christ, but because, through faith, His life has become ours. Those who see Christ in His true character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting life. It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal. Desire of Ages, p. 388