Dear Ellen,

I get emails all the time from your most ardent supporters. They call me all kinds of un-Christian descriptions like “Satanic” for objectively questioning your role as the “Spirit of Prophecy,” and what you teach in your writings.

Numerous times I have publicly stated that I am careful to be honest, prayerful, and thorough when I investigate you. But they still badger me, and tell me that me I am doing the devil’s work. They end their aggressive and judgmental emails with a condescending “I will be praying for you,” or a polite “God Bless”. I am most distraught by this because there are so many examples in the Holy Bible of God’s true followers questioning anyone who says that they have had a direct message or prophecy from Him.

I have noticed you are not afraid to speak your mind. How would you suggest I deal with these kinds of people?

Sincerely, Jeff Barron Editor, EllenWhiteExposed.com

Answer:

Dear Brother Jeff,

Normally I charge for this kind of professional advice. My current rate is $250 an hour. But since you are the editor of a website that has more fair and balanced reporting about me than the other Ellen White websites, I’m going to let you in on some of my trade secrets — from one editor to another, if you will. First, you have to believe in yourself. No matter what anyone says, you have to believe in yourself.

When I first started out, many people said lots of mean things about me. Character assassinations. That’s what they were! I was young and new to the business of having visions. And there was lots of competition in the vision business. Plus, I was just learning the "language of Canaan." Now, that is a language that no one else knew. But I couldn’t depend on that. I even copied William Foy’s vision, but that wasn’t enough either.

Another problem was keeping my visions current. Take for example, my visions about William Miller’s 15 Proofs. I thought I had something solid here, but then everytime I would commit to a date it would fail. I even tried claiming in the beginning that God had intentional deceived us by holding his hand over the date October 22, 1844. Of course, I couldn’t use that for 1849, 1850, 1851, 1856, 1884 and 1885. But you can see that I didn’t give up. How’s that for persistence!

Some people blamed my vision failures on my medical condition. People would try to compare my visions with the visions of Bible prophets.

During the 1919 Bible Conference at the General Conference it looked as though I might loose my influence. Fortunately the Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership stayed the course, and President A. G. Daniels decided to lock up the minutes of the meetings for 50 years.

Even today, almost 162 years after 1844, the second date my early visions stated that God was going to come, the Seventh-day Adventist Church still teaches that my writings are a "continuing and authoritative source of truth." Just like the Catholics with their reliance on "tradition", the Seventh-day Adventists even use my writings to help them "understand" the Bible.

They actually have done one better. One of their theologians has rewritten the Bible so that it agrees with my writings, and calls it the "Clear Word Bible". They even have a version for children! Now, how’s that for an endorsement! Of course they say that they don’t have anything to do with it. They just "happen" to sell it at their Adventist Book Centers and promote it in full page advertisements in the Adult Sabbath School Quarterly Lesson Studies.

Now that I’ve shared with you just a few of my credentials, let’s look at ways I have found that are highly successful at shutting up people who question your reputation. Here’s what you do. You blast them back so badly that no one believes them anymore. When you are done people are even afraid to associate with them. Some people call it "character assassination. I call it "getting even." I crush the opposition. Here’s how it’s done.

During my early attempts at visions in the 1840’s many of the Adventist people began to question why my predictions had failed. Here’s how I dealt with them.

People in all the churches soon began to get their eyes open, and came out decidedly against her visions; and, just as soon as they did so, she used to see them ‘with spots on their garments,’ as she expressed it. I was personally acquainted with several ministers, whom she saw landed in the kingdom with ‘Oh! such brilliant crowns, FULL of stars.’ As soon as they took a stand against the visions, she saw them ‘doomed, damned, and lost for ever, without hope.’" (Miles Grant, An Examination of Mrs. White’s Visions, Boston: Advent Christian Society, 1877)

I thought I could count on the president of the Iowa conference, B.F. Snook. I wrote a very complimentary endorsement of him and his family.

Marion, Iowa, March 18, 1861. My Dear Children, Henry, Edson, and Willie: We are now at Bro. Snook’s. This is a good home. When I see their little babe, and take it in my arms, I yearn for my own dear babe which we laid in Oak Hill Cemetery; but I will not permit one murmuring thought to arise. I enjoy the society of this family. Sister Snook is an excellent woman. (An Appeal to the Youth, pp. 63,64)

But then B. F. Snook and W.H. Brinkerhoff began to openly question my divine inspiration! I had no choice but to issue a scorching rebuke. Here is how you stick it to them! Remember you may not have a second chance. And so the first one has to do the job.

When B. F. Snook embraced the truth, he was very destitute. Liberal souls deprived themselves of conveniences, and even of some of the necessaries of life, to help this minister, whom they believed to be a faithful servant of Christ. They did all this in good faith, helping him as they would have helped their Saviour. But it was the means of ruining the man. His heart was not right with God; he lacked principle. He was not a truly converted man. The more he received, the greater was his desire for means. He gathered all he could from his brethren, until he had been helped, through their liberalities, to a valuable home; then he apostatized, and became the bitterest enemy of the very ones who had been most liberal to him. (Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 625)

When H.E. Carver wrote some uncomplimentary statements about me an Adventist minister got involved. That meant that I had two people to deal with — Carver and the Adventist pastor. Here’s how I dealt with the Adventist pastor.

Your time can be better employed in having a more general interest and giving to the people food, meat that will feed them now. While your time is employed in following the crooks and turns of Preble you are not wise. You are bringing to their notice a work which has but limited circulation, and interesting minds in objections that they would never have been troubled with. You manufacture a train of quibbles and doubts for thousands of people and present his work to those who would never have seen it. This is just what they [our opponents] want to have done, to be brought to notice and we publish for them. This is what Carver wants. This is their main object in writing out their falsehoods and misrepresentations of the truth and the characters of those who love and advocate the truth. (Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, p. 346)

D.M. Canright was a real disappointment. He was a close associate of ours. James and I trusted him. He was part of the upper leadership of the SDA church for 25 years. He was a high church official, an insider, whose high position in the church allowed him access to information that most others didn’t know about. But then he started questioning my visions! I had no choice but to move into high gear with damage control. Here is one of my finest pieces.

Battle Creek, Oct. 15, 1880

Elder D. M. Canright

Dear Brother: I was made sad to hear of your decision, but I have had reason to expect it. It is a time when God is testing and proving His people. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Only those will stand whose souls are riveted to the eternal Rock. Those who lean to their own understanding, those who are not constantly abiding in Christ, will be subject to just such changes as this.

If your faith has been grounded in man, we may then expect just such results. But if you have decided to cut all connection with us as a people, I have one request to make, for your own sake as well as for Christ’s sake: keep away from our people, do not visit them and talk your doubts and darkness among them.

Satan is full of exultant joy that you have stepped from beneath the banner of Jesus Christ, and stand under his banner. He sees in you one he can make a valuable agent to build up his kingdom. You are taking the very course I expected you would take if you yielded to temptation. You have ever had a desire for power, for popularity, and this is one of the reasons for your present position. But I beg of you to keep your doubts, your questionings, your skepticism to yourself.

The people have given you credit for more strength of purpose and stability of character than you possessed. They thought you were a strong man; and when you breathe out your dark thoughts and feelings, Satan stands ready to make these thoughts and feelings so intensely powerful in their deceptive character, that many souls will be deceived and lost through the influence of one soul who chose darkness rather than light, and presumptuously placed himself on Satan’s side in the ranks of the enemy.

The Influence of Doubt I do not ask an explanation of your course. Brother Stone wished to read your letter to me. I refused to hear it. The breath of doubt, of complaint and unbelief, is contagious; if I make my mind a channel for the filthy stream, the turbid, defiling water proceeding from Satan’s fountain, some suggestion may linger in any mind, polluting it. If his suggestions have had such power on you as to lead you to sell your birthright for a mess of pottage–the friendship of the Lord’s enemies–I want not to hear anything of your doubts, and I hope you will be guarded, lest you contaminate other minds; for the very atmosphere surrounding a man who dares to make the statements you have made is as a poisonous miasma.

I beg of you to go entirely away from those who believe the truth; for if you have chosen the world and the friends of the world, go with those of your own choice. Do not poison the minds of others and make yourself Satan’s special agent to work the ruin of soul. (Letter 1, 1880, published in Notebook leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, pp. 73-75.)

A.T Jones was another one. Initially I endorsed him as God’s messenger. What more could a person want? But then he and others began to question my prophetic ministry. In 1906 a number of concerns had been raised by the brethren in Battle Creek regarding my ministry. And so I wrote a letter to the brethren asking that their concerns be written out and sent to me, and I would respond. This is what I wrote:

Recently in the visions of the night I stood in a large company of people. There were present Dr. Kellogg, Elders Jones, Tenny and Taylor, Dr. Paulson, Elder Sadler, Judge Arthur and many of their associates. I was directed by the Lord to request them and any others who have perplexities and grievous things in their minds regarding the testimonies that I have borne, to specify what their objections and criticisms are. The Lord will help me to answer these objections, and to make plain that which seems to be intricate.

The brethren obeyed my request, and sent a letter detailing their concerns. I realized that I had backed myself into a corner, and so I had no choice but to pronouncing it was not the Lord’s will for me to answer these questions. But then A.T. Jones turned on me. Since he was familiar with these events, he also soon began to question my prophetic ministry. I had no choice but to "deal" with him. These people are like weeds. They have to be eliminated before they can cause more damage. Here’s how I handled him.

July 3, 1906 J -242- ‘06 Sanitarium, California July 3, 1906 Elder A. T. Jones: Dear Brother, Again and again your case has been presented before me. I am now instructed to say to you, You have had a large knowledge of truth, and less, far less, spiritual understanding. When you were called to the important work at Washington, you had need of far more of the humble grace that becometh a Christian. Since the Berrien Springs meeting, your attitude and the attitude of several others has grieved the Spirit of God. You have been weighed in the balance and found wanting. Kress Collection, p. 33

There you go, Brother Jeff. When you really get in a tight spot just tell the person who sends you nasty emails that they have been "weighed in the balance and found wanting." The problem with A. T. Jones was that I was afraid that his Satanic influence would spread. I had to do damage control, and so I wrote this:

A. T. Jones, Dr. Kellogg, and Elder Tenney are all working under the same leadership. They are classing themselves with those of whom the apostle writes, "Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." In the case of A. T. Jones, I can see the fulfillment of the warnings that were given me regarding him.

I want this message to come to you before you shall make a wrong move. I do not want you to imperil your souls. Heed the message that the Lord sends, and have nothing to do with those at Battle Creek who are opposing the messages of the Spirit of God. Clear light has been given me regarding those who are thus departing from the faith. Loma Linda Messages, p. 276, 277

Albion Fox Ballenger was a Seventh-day Adventist minister in England. While studying the book of Hebrews he discovered that he could not establish the SDA doctrine of the Sanctuary from the Scriptures. His conscience bothered him so much that he decided not to preach on the subject again until he could explain it from the Scriptures. After spending many months studying the subject, he decided that my writings were in error. Against my urgent advice, he made his studies public. Naturally he was expelled from the church. He wrote me this letter:

And now Sister White, what can I do?

If I accept the testimony of the Scriptures, if I follow my conscientious convictions, I find myself under your condemnation; and you call me a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and warn my brethren and the members of my family against me. But when I turn in my sorrow to the Word of the Lord, that Word reads the same, and I fear to reject God’s interpretation and accept yours. Oh that I might accept both. But if I must accept but one, hadn’t I better accept the Lord’s? If I reject his word and accept yours, can you save me in the judgment?

When side by side we stand before the great white throne; if the Master should ask me why I taught that ‘within the veil’ was in the first apartment of the sanctuary, what shall I answer? Shall I say, ‘Because Sister White, who claimed to be commissioned to interpret the Scriptures for me, told me that this was the true interpretation, and that if I did not accept it and teach it I would rest under your condemnation? (A.F. Ballenger, Cast Out for the Cross of Christ, 1909)

Obviously he didn’t understand that preserving my reputation was the most important thing. It was obvious that he was lost. I had to contain any influence that he might have. Here’s how I did it:

I declare in the name of the Lord that the most dangerous heresies are seeking to find entrance among us as a people, and Elder Ballenger is making spoil of his own soul. (A.L. White, The Early Elmshaven Years, vol. 5, p. 409)

I testify in the name of the Lord that Elder Ballenger is led by satanic agencies and spiritualistic, invisible leaders. Those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will turn away from these seducing spirits. (Manuscript 59, 1905. Manuscript Release #760, p. 4)

So there you have it. There is an ugly side to this business. This is how I handled it — and I survived. When people start calling you all kinds of un-Christian descriptions like “Satanic” this is how you’ve got to deal with it. Always take the high road. Remember, this is not for the public to know. They wouldn’t understand. It’s strictly from one editor to another.

Ellen White

Dear Ellen,

I am on a special diet, and I recently started eating whole grapefruit. Shortly afterward I started experiencing this fist-sized lump in the left side of my neck. At about the same time, I started experiencing severe neck aches. I think I may need to go see a doctor, but I wanted to consult with you first. I can’t wait much longer!

Signed, Sister Neck Ache

Answer:

Dear Sister Neck Ache,

You came to the right place! You most likely will need to go and see a doctor. First some questions. Are the grapefruit going through whole, or are they just disappearing? Something is definitely obstructing their normal passage through your digestive tract. Are you perhaps wearing a corset?

By lacing, the internal organs of women are crowded out of their positions. There is scarcely a woman that is thoroughly healthy. The majority of women have numerous ailments. . . .Some women have naturally small waists. But rather than regard such forms as beautiful, they should be viewed as defective. These wasp waists may have been transmitted to them from their mothers, as the result of their indulgence in the sinful practice of tight-lacing, and in consequence of imperfect breathing. (The Health Reformer, Nov. 1871.)

I wrote about a case similar to yours in the Health Reformer.

At the hotel ‘Dieu,’ the great hospital at Paris, a young girl of eighteen lately presented herself to Breschet for his advice. On the right side of her throat, she had a tumor of variable size, but never larger than one’s fist. It reached from the collar-bone as high as the thyroid cartilage. When pressed downward, it wholly disappeared; but as soon as the pressure was removed, it was indolent, soft, and elastic. It was observed to be largest when the chest was tightly laced with corsets. In short, by placing the ear on it, the murmur of respiration could be heard in the tumor which proves that a protrusion of the lungs had taken place, or, in other words, that the poor girl had been laced so tightly that her lungs, having no longer sufficient space in their natural position, were squeezed out of it, and were forcing their way up along the neck. (The Health Reformer, Dec. 1871)

It sounds like you may be suffering from a similar affliction. It sounds like the grapefruit, unable to move downward through your wasp waist, are causing your lungs to force their way up along your neck. If left untreated they could erupt out of the top of your head — not the grapefruit, but your lungs. This would be serious indeed, and could end in death! I would recommend immediate corrective surgery to increase the size of your waist. Another way to increase your waist size is with the world-renown McDonald’s SuperSize diet. In the mean time don’t eat any more grapefruit until the lump in your neck disappears!

Ellen White

Ellen,

How do I ask a question to you. I am having trouble with my teenage son. He is dating a girl I am not fond of. How did you handle when your sons dated. I am most anxious to read, because I need some inspiration, I am being rather impatient I am afraid.

Signed, Mrs. E E Basset

Answer:

Dear Mrs. Basset,

Please forgive me. After that last confession about my vinegar addiction, I had to take a break. I have been working on replacing vinegar with soy milk, and chicken with Fri-Chik. But then I was shown that just as there is physical adultery and spiritual adultery, there can also be dietary adultery. If I imagine that I am eating real chicken when I eat Fri-Chik, then I have already committed dietary adultery in my heart. So much for meat substitutes! Sometimes life is such as struggle. It is your questions though that gives me strength, and make it all worthwhile.

Oh. Back to your question, Sister Basset — about your teenage son dating a girl that you are not fond of. As I have been shown additional light, I realize that there are things that I allowed my sons to do that were not for their best good. For example, had I known then what I know now, I would have recommended that they not even consider any activities which could lead to marriage. My dear sister — I have been shown that time is too short for young people to think about things like that. As you know, I was shown first that the Lord would come on October 22, 1843.

I saw God was in the proclamation of the time in 1843. It was his design to arouse the people and bring them to a testing point, where they should decide for or against the truth. Thousands were led to embrace the truth preached by William Miller. (Early Writings, p 232)

I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them. (Early Writings, p 74)

And then I was later shown that we had been deceived, and that the correct date was October 22, 1844.

The Lord showed me that … His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until his hand was removed. (Review and Herald, Nov 1, 1850)

I saw the people of God, joyful in expectation, looking for their Lord. But God designed to prove them. His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of the prophetic periods. Those who were looking for their Lord did not discover it… God designed that his people should meet with a disappointment. (Spiritual Gifts, p 137)

I was also shown in 1849 that the pestilence described in Revelation was beginning, and very soon the dead and dying would be all around us. Make certain that your son fully understands this. You may wish to purchase a poster with scenes such as this, from your local Adventist Book Center or Doug Batchelor evangelistic crusade, to place on his bedroom wall.

What we have seen and heard of the pestilence, is but the beginning of what we shall see and hear. Soon the dead and dying will be all around us. (Present Truth, September 1849)

I testify with a sense of urgency that you must convey to your son the importance of not developing any earthly entanglements. Time is too short!

The mighty shaking has commenced. (Present Truth, April 1850)

In a view given June 27, 1850, my accompany angel said, "Time is almost finished."… Said the angel, "Get ready, get ready, get ready." (Early Writings, p 64, June 27, 1850)

Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. (Early Writings, p 67, June 27, 1850)

I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished and that time cannot last but a very little longer… The sealing time is very short and soon will be over. (Early Writings, p 57, Sept 1850)

I was shown in my Camden, N.Y. vision on June 29, 1851 that the Close of Probation had already taken place.

Then I saw that Jesus prayed for his enemies, but that should not cause us to pray for the wicked world, whom God had rejected — when he prayed for his enemies, there was hope for them… but now his spirit and sympathy were withdrawn from the world; and our sympathy must be with Jesus, and must be withdrawn from the ungodly… I saw that the wicked could not be benefited by our prayers now… I saw that the scripture did not mean the wicked whom God had rejected that we must love, but he meant our neighbors in the household, and did not extend beyond the household. (Camden, N.Y. vision on June 29, 1851)

In my letter to Brother and Sister Loveland I wrote:

My vision comes up before me and the words of the angel even now seem to ring in my ears, "Get ready, get ready, get ready. Time is almost finished, almost finished, almost finished. Cry, cry, for the arm of the Lord is to be revealed, for the arm of the Lord is to be revealed. Time is almost finished. What you do, ye must do quickly! (Letter 26, 1850, p. 2, Manuscript Releases, Vol 8, p 222,223)

My dear sister! You must help your son to understand this message. Then he will have no interest in developing relationships such as you describe — or any for that matter. In 1856 I was shown:

I was shown the company present at the Conference. Said the angel: ‘Some food for worms, some subjects of the seven last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus. (Testimonies, Vol 1, p 131)

And God would have come if the Adventist people had converted enough people to Adventism so God did not have to delay His plan to return. At that point we were no where near the required 144,000. By 1884 I again saw signs of Christ’s imminent return. At that time I sent out a testimony calling for celibacy among Adventists.

It was not in accordance with our faith or God’s will that our missionaries should fill their hands with cares and burdens that were not essential to the work… I was shown that Brother and Sister V___ had departed from God’s counsel in bringing into the world children… The time is and has been for years, that the bringing into the world is more an occasion of grief than joy… Satan controls these children, and the Lord has but little to do with them… The time has come when, in one sense, they that have wives be as though they had none. (MS 34, 1885)

But people were not faithful in following my testimonies.

That testimony was read before gatherings of people, but it was evidently destroyed when it met with so much resistance, and the proof of its previous existence can be only had from those who heard it read or was an eye witness to the consternation it caused… Many tried to live up to her instructions. I sat in the Adventist church in Missoula, Montana, and heard the minister, Rollin D. Quinn, get up before the congregation and with tears streaming down his cheeks, confess that Satan had tempted him during the dark hours of the night and he had sinned but with God’s help he would stand firm from now on, only to repeat the scene the following Sabbath. One minister told my father that he did not dare trust himself home with his wife, so he had her meet him at the railroad station. (The Story of Ellen White’s Suppressed Testimony, Limboline, Glendale, California: Church of the Advent Fellowship), Jan 7, 1984, p 10,11)

Unfortunately the Adventist people failed to accomplish God’s work of warning the world. My dear sister Basset. My heart goes out to you. I have been shown that you were expecting some advice from Messages to Young People, or perhaps An Appeal to Mothers. As you can see from my latest testimonies, time is much too short for that. I would suggest that if your son must continue meeting this girl, that you recommend that he visit with her at the local railroad station. If you don’t have one then perhaps he could meet at a local bus station, or the local police or fire station — somewhere safe where human affections can be restrained.

Ellen White

Dear Ellen,

Someone told me that you got addicted to vinegar, and it almost killed you. How can that be? I told them I did not believe it, and that they must have read that rumor at one of those anti-Ellen White websites. If you did have an addiction, how many letters and testimonies were written while you were "under the influence" of vinegar? Could the alcohol content of your vinegar have affected your judgment and discernment? I need to know the truth.

Signed, Shocked

Answer:

Dear Shocked,

Well, first of all we are each human. That is why I wrote:

I do not say that I am perfect, but I am trying to be perfect. I do not expect others to be perfect; and if I could not associate with my brothers and sisters who are not perfect, I do not know what I should do. No one is perfect. If one were perfect, he would be prepared for heaven. As long as we are not perfect, we have a work to do to get ready to be perfect. (Pacific Union Recorder, April 29, 1915, paragraph 7-8)

Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they are saved. This is misleading. (Christ Object Lessons, page 155)

As long as man is full of weakness–for of himself he cannot save his soul–he should never dare to say, "I am saved." (Selected Messages, vol 1, page 314)

It could have happened to you, too! I am just happy to be alive.

I had indulged the desire for vinegar. But I resolved with the help of God to overcome this appetite. I fought the temptation, determined not to be mastered by this habit. For weeks I was very sick; but I kept saying over and over, The Lord knows all about it. If I die, I die; but I will not yield to this desire. The struggle continued, and I was sorely afflicted for many weeks. All thought that it was impossible for me to live. You may be sure we sought the Lord very earnestly. The most fervent prayers were offered for my recovery. I continued to resist the desire for vinegar, and at last I conquered. Now I have no inclination to taste anything of the kind. This experience has been of great value to me in many ways. I obtained a complete victory." (Letter 70, 1911, reproduced in Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 485)

Those were hard times. You have to understand how we made vinegar in the mid-1800s. Here are two recipes for homemade vinegar taken from Miss Leslie’s Directions for Cookery, published in 1851:

CIDER VINEGAR: Take six quarts of rye meal; stir and mix it well into a barrel of strong hard cider of the best kind; and then add a gallon of whiskey. Cover the cask, (leaving the bung loosely in it,) set it in the part of your yard that is most exposed to the air; and in the course of four weeks (if the weather is warm and dry) you will have good vinegar fit for use.

WHITE VINEGAR: Put into a cask a mixture composed of five gallons of water, two gallons of whiskey, and a quart of strong yeast, stirring in two pounds of powdered charcoal. Place it where it will ferment properly, leaving the bung loose till the fermentation is over.

As you can see from these recipes, vinegar in the mid-1800s was made with ingredients such as "strong hard cider" and "whiskey." In your grocery stores today the alcohol content of vinegar is much lower — around .5% alcohol, which is quite small. The vinegar addiction I had almost killed me. I don’t like to dwell on these "human imperfections". In regard to my judgment and discernment while writing, I have been instructed to say the following:

In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write one article in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision–the precious rays of light shining from the throne. (Testimonies, vol 5, page 67)

The Spirit of God works upon my mind and gives me appropriate words with which to express the truth. I am also greatly strengthened when I stand before large congregations.– (Selected Messages, vol 3, page 51, Letter 90, 1907)

I am trying to catch the very words and expressions that were made in reference to this matter, and as my pen hesitates a moment, the appropriate words come to my mind. (Selected Messages, vol 3, page 51, Letter 123, 1904)

Although I am dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own. (Review and Herald, Oct. 8, 1867)

Believe me. Stick with Soy Milk, Fri-Chik and Big Franks. I have been shown that you will be much better off!

Ellen White

Dear Ellen,

I am so excited! I just turned old enough to vote. As you know a national election is coming up soon in November. My mother is a Democrat and my father is a Republican. Me? I’m not sure. I’m neither "left wing", nor "right wing". I guess you’d say I’m kind’a "middle-of-the-bird". I want to be patriotic. Do you have any advice for me?

Signed, Patriotic

Answer:

Dear Patriotic,

It’s important to keep things in the proper perspective. We’re just "pilgrims" passing through this world. Keep that in mind. One thing about trusting my advice — you can count on it. In fact the folks at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists call it the "continuing and authoritative source of truth". They even made a doctrine out of it. A number of doctrines, in fact! I don’t know if I would have dared call it that. But one thing I’ll tell you. It’s timeless. Well, pretty close! Anyhow, here is what I recommend.

The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political schemes. (Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 475)

Our work is to watch, and wait, and pray. Search the Scriptures. Christ has given you warning not to mingle with the world. We are to come out from among them and be separate, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor. 6:17, 18). Whatever the opinions you may entertain in regard to casting your vote in political questions, you are not to proclaim it by pen or voice. Our people need to be silent upon questions which have no relation to the third angel’s message. If ever a people needed to draw nigh to God, it is Seventh-day Adventists. There have been wonderful devices and plans made. A burning desire has taken hold of men or women to proclaim something, or bind up with something; they do not know what. But the silence of Christ upon many subjects was true eloquence. (Selected Messages, vol 2, page 336 - Chapter 39, Counsel on Voting)

So thar you have it. They don’t call me the "Pen of inspiration" for nothing. Keep yourself pure. Don’t vote for either side. That way no one can blame you for voting for the wrong side. Oh. One more thing. Remember — the "Pen of inspiration" is a colloquial phrase used to describe my writings, and it should not be used when writing for the public. It is ok though to call me the "continuing and authoritative source of truth". Well. It looks like my next patient has arrived. See you tomorrow.

Ellen White

Dear Ellen,

A friend loaned me a copy of a book called White Washed by Sydney Cleveland. Such terrible material! I don’t see how people can write things like this about you. Anyway, there is something I need to know the honest truth about. On page 142 it has a photograph of your handwritten manuscript for page 184, "Objections to the Bible". And there in your own handwriting you wrote:

Human minds vary the minds of different education and thought receive different impressions of the same words and it is difficult for one mind to give to a different temperament education and habits of thought by language exactly the same idea as that which his clear and distinct in his own mind. (Manuscript 24, 1886, written in Europe in 1886)

And it appears that your copyists changed your inspired writing in Selected Messages to say:

Human minds vary. The minds of different education and thought receive different impressions of the same words, and it is difficult for one mind to give to one of a different temperament, education, and habits of thought by language exactly the same idea as that which is clear and distinct in his own mind. (Selected Messages, vol 1, page 19)

In any event, I am trying to understand exactly what you are saying here. Can you help me understand?

Signed, Searching for Truth

Answer:

Dear Searching,

You came to the right place! These additional statements of mine should clear up any confusion.

Yet now when I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God. You know how the Lord has manifested Himself through the spirit of prophecy. Past, present, and future have passed before me. (Testimonies, vol 5, page 65)

In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write one article in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision–the precious rays of light shining from the throne. (Testimonies, vol 5, page 67)

It has been presented to me that, so far as possible, I am to impart instruction in the language of the Scriptures; for there are those whose spiritual discernment is confused, and when their errors are reproved, they will misinterpret and misapply what I might write, and thus make of none-effect the words of warning that the Lord sends. He desires that the messages He sends shall be recognized as the words of eternal truth.–Letter 280, 1906, p. 4. (To "My Brethren and Sisters in Denver and Boulder," August 27, 1906.) {5MR 151.1}

The Lord speaks to human beings in imperfect speech, in order that the degenerate senses, the dull, earthly perception, of earthly beings may comprehend His words. (Selected Messages, vol 1, page 22)

I intended to say what I meant to say, which is what I said. But my copyists changed it to mean something different. So the way that it got published does not mean what it meant. I appreciate this opportunity to share with you the light that I have received, and look forward to your questions.

Ellen White

Dear Ellen,

I am currently enrolled in the Seminary at Andrews University. We are studying about The Gospel, 1844, and Judgment. My professor has assigned me the responsibility of writing a special paper on the heavenly Ark of the Covenant. I know you have some additional insights. Could you share those with me?

Signed, Future Pastor

Answer:

Dear Future Pastor,

Yes! I would be delighted to. The Ark of the Covenant is one of my favorite subjects. It was an important part of one of my very early visions. I wrote about it in April, 1847, in A Word To The Little Flock. I still remember that vision just like it was yesterday. You will find it in the section of my writings called "To The Remnant Scattered Abroad". Those were hard times, but I was blessed with additional insights that you won’t find in the Bible. For example, did you know that the Ark of the Covenant also contained almonds and pomegranates? Here — let me share my vision with you!

At first I thought I saw two trees. I looked again and saw they were united at the top in one tree. So it was the tree of life, on either side of the river of life; its branches bowed to the place where we stood; and the fruit was glorious, which looked like gold mixed with silver. We all went under the tree, and sat down to look at the glory of the place, when brothers Fitch and Stockman, who had preached the gospel of the kingdom, and whom God had laid in the grave to save them, came up to us and asked us what we had passed through while they were sleeping.

We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that surrounded us, that we could not speak them out, and we all cried out Hallelujah, heaven is cheap enough, and we touched our glorious harps and made heaven’s arches ring. And as we were gazing at the glories of the place our eyes were attracted upwards to something that had the appearance of silver. I asked Jesus to let me see what was within there.

In a moment we were winging our way upward, and entering in; here we saw good old father Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, Daniel, and many like them. And I saw a vail with a heavy fringe of silver and gold, as a border on the bottom; it was very beautiful. I asked Jesus what was within the vail. He raised it with his own right arm, and bade me take heed.

I saw there a glorious ark, overlaid with pure gold, and it had a glorious border, resembling Jesus’ crowns; and on it were two bright angels - their wings were spread over the ark as they sat on each end, with their faces turned towards each other and looking downward.

In the ark, beneath where the angels’ wings were spread, was a golden pot of Manna, of a yellowish cast; and I saw a rod, which Jesus said was Aaron’s; I saw it bud, blossom and bear fruit. And I saw two long golden rods, on which hung silver wires, and on the wires most glorious grapes; one cluster was more than a man here could carry. And I saw Jesus step up and take of the manna, almonds, grapes and pomegranates, and bear them down to the city, and place them on the supper table. I stepped up to see how much was taken away, and there was just as much left; and we shouted Hallelujah - Amen.

We all descended from this place down into the city, and with Jesus at our head we all descended from the city down to this earth, on a great and mighty mountain, which could not bear Jesus up, and it parted asunder, and there was a mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the great city, with twelve foundations, twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate, and all cried out, "the city, the great city, it’s coming, it’s coming down from God, out of heaven;" and it came and settled on the place where we stood.

Then we began to look at the glorious things outside of the city. There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars, set with pearls, most glorious to behold, which were to be inhabited by the saints; in them was a golden shelf; I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no. A glorious light shone all about their heads, and they were continually shouting and offering praises to God. (A Word To The Little Flock — To The Remnant Scattered Abroad)

You may be able to get extra credit from your professor if you point out that at this time the two tables of stone containing the 10 Commandments were not in the heavenly Ark of the Covenant. Very few people know that, and I was not shown the reason why. They just weren’t. It is my fervent hope that these additional insights that I have received will be a blessing to you, and your seminary class. I appreciate this opportunity to share with you the light that I have received, and look forward to your questions.

Ellen White

Dear Ellen,

Should I kneel when I pray?

Signed, Troubled

Answer:

Dear Troubled,

I’m glad you asked. Others have asked me the same question, and I have advised the following: 

I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, "Get down upon your knees." This is the proper position always.  (Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 311)

We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be. (Selected Messages, Vol. 3, p. 266)

It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511)

As you can see, the proper position is to always get down on your knees. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel, and it is not always necessary to bow upon your knees when you pray.

I appreciate this opportunity to share with you the light that I have received, and look forward to your questions.

Ellen White