The winter of 1864-65 was a time of stress and trial. While uniting with his wife in the preparation of matter on health and temperance for publication, Elder White found it necessary to labor untiringly in behalf of Sabbath keepers who were being drafted for service in the army. This work was attended with perplexity and anxiety, and drew heavily on his sympathies, besides overtaxing his physical strength. The administrative cares in the session of the General Conference held in May, 1865, added to his weariness. {LS 167.5}

Vinteren 1864-65 var en presset og prøvende tid. Da ældre White gik sammen med sin hustru i at udarbejde (168) materiale om sundhed og mådehold, med henblik på udgivelse, fandt han det nødvendigt at arbejde utrættelige for sabbatsholderenes skyld, som var indkaldt til tjeneste i hæren. Dette arbejde blev fulgt med rådvildhed og bekymring, og drog tungt på hans forståelse, udover at hans fysiske styrke blev overbebyrdet. Administrationsopgaverne i Generalkonferense samlingen i maj 1865, gjorde ham yderligere træt.