A) INTRODUCTION.

B) THE BIBLE THE ONLY RULE OF FAITH.

C) SDA CHURCH STATEMENTS.

D) BOOKS OF A NEW ORDER.

E) C-O-N-S-I-D-E-R.

F) THE PRACTICE STILL CONTINUES.

G) ELLEN GOULD WHITE SPEAKS FOR HERSELF.

H) OTHER DENOMINATIONS STATEMENTS.

I) THE CHURCH ATTACKS.

J) HISTORICAL BREAKDOWN.

 

 

A) INTRODUCTION

 

 

“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”  First Corinthians 14:3.  “Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper,” Second Chronicles 20:20.

 

The entire reason for Mrs. White’s ministry is summed up in this statement:  “Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light.”  CM:125; Colporteur Evangelist, p. 37 (1902); AUCR, March 15, 1905; RH, January 20, 1903; SW, February 2, 1904; Ev:257; 3SM:30; YRP:231; PH164:6.

 

 

B) THE BIBLE THE ONLY RULE OF FAITH

 

 

From 5T:663 we read:  “That the Testimonies were not given to take the place of the Bible, the following extract from a testimony published in 1876 will show:  ‘Brother J would confuse the mind by seeking to make it appear that the light God has given through the Testimonies is an addition to the Word of God, but in this he presents the matter in a false light.  God has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His word, to give them a clearer understanding of it.’  [VOL. 4, P. 246 (1876).]  The Word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it.  But notwithstanding all this, some who profess to make the Word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings.  Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the Word that they have neglected to follow.’  [VOL. 2, P. 455 (1870).]”

 

Continuing on in 5T:665 (see also 2T:605; FLB:295):  “The written testimonies [“testimonies,” not “prophecies”] are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed.  Man’s duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God’s Word, yet but few of you are obedient to the light given.  Additional truth is not brought out; but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His Own chosen way brought them before the people to awaken and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse.”

 

“The Testimonies of Sister White should not be carried to the front.  God’s Word is the unerring standard.  The Testimonies are not to take the place of the Word of God. . . Let us prove all our positions from Scripture and substantiate every point they claim from the revealed Word of God.”  Evangelism, p. 256.

 

From the Review and Herald, April 21, 1851; and on October 16, 1855:  “There is a class of persons who are determined to have it that the Review and its conductors made the views of Mrs. White a test of doctrine and Christian fellowship.  It may be duty to notice these persons on account of the part they are acting, which is calculated to deceive some.  What has the Review to do with Mrs. White’s views?  The sentiments published in its columns are all drawn from the Holy Scriptures.  No writer of the Review has ever referred to them as authority on any point.  The Review for five years has not published one of them.  Its motto has been ‘The Bible and the Bible alone, the only rule of faith and duty.’  Then why should these men charge the Review with being a supporter of Mrs. White’s views?”  1BIO:327.

 

“Let all prove their positions from the Scriptures and substantiate every point they claim as truth from the revealed Word of God.”  Letter 12, 1890; Ev:256.

 

“Lay Sister White right to one side:  lay her to one side.  Don’t you never quote my words again as long as you live, until you can obey the Bible. . . And don’t you give a rap any more what ‘Sister White said’ -- ‘Sister White said this,’ and ‘Sister White said that,’ and ‘Sister White said the other thing.’  But say, ‘Thus saith the Lord God of Israel,’ and then you do just what the Lord God of Israel does, and what He says,” SpM:167.

 

“The Lord desires you to study your Bibles.  He has not given any additional light to take the place of His Word.  This light {her own ministry} is to bring confused minds to His Word, which, if eaten and digested, is as the lifeblood of the soul.”  SM3:29.

 

“The Bible must be your counselor. Study it and the testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His Word.”  Letter 106, 1907; 3SM:32.  “If the Testimonies speak not according to this word of God, reject them.  Christ and Belial cannot be united.”  T5:691; 3SM:32-33.

 

“The testimonies of Sister White should not be carried to the front.  God’s Word is the unerring standard.  The Testimonies are not to take the place of the Word.  Great care should be exercised by all believers to advance these questions carefully, and always stop when you have said enough.  Let all prove their positions from the Scriptures and substantiate every point they claim as truth from the revealed Word of God.”  Letter 12, 1890; Ev:256.

 

“But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines, and the basis of all reforms.  The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority, -- not one or all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith.  Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord’ in its support.”  GC88:595; GC:595; RC:369; 4SP:413; RH, June 7, 1906.

 

In regards to promotion of her visions we have this statement:  “Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word.  They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths.  This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end.  But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth.  Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God’s word, and discourage any further investigation of the Scriptures.  They become conservative, and seek to avoid discussion.”  CW:38-39.

 

Therefore, she taught not to seek her, but God (1888M3:975; 1888M4:1735; 5MR:140; 4RH:486; 2PRC:319; M&S:167), because if the Bible had been sought, the Testimonies needn’t have been written (2T:605; 1888M4:1626).  In addition, the testimonies were not to take the place of the Bible (2PRC:319; 1888M3: 975).

 

 

C) SDA CHURCH STATEMENTS

 

 

The General Conference passed the resolution to teach in common with the other Churches.  Ministry Magazine, March 1966, p. 12.  And, the Autumn Council voted to teach in common with all Christianity.

Review and Herald, Dec. 18, 1969, p. 20.  “When the churches of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them in common. . .”  4SP:278.

 

“[W]e also must reject the idea of Biblical inerrancy and verbal inspiration!”  Review and Herald, Dec. 17, 1981, page 5, written by Neal C. Wilson.  The Bible is not inerrant:  “Adventists also find themselves uncomfortable with Evangelical inerrancy.  The idea of defending the error-free status of lost autographs rings hollow.”  Ministry Magazine, Nov. 1991.  Also quoted in The Christian News, Oct. 26, 1992, p. 9.  “Admittedly, and importantly for Seventh-day Adventists who do not subscribe to a position of inerrancy,”  Signed BY, Ron Anderson, Alf Birch, Wilfred Geschke, Jon Kattenhorn, Esther Littlejohn, Steve McPherson, Bryce Pascoe, Carlyle Raymond, David Thomas, WALLA WALLA COLLEGE, in Washington State.

 

“Thus Seventh-Day Adventists do not draw up and seek to defend artificial battle lines in the area of inspiration.  They do not make exaggerated claims for inspiration.  They do not declare that inspired writings are inherent in the original autographs, they know better.  They have original autographs.  They have Mrs. White’s original manuscripts.  And they know that these autographs, though bearing infallible truths regarding the way of salvation, give evidence of having been produced by an infallible human being.”  GC Bulletin, July 13, 1975, p. 847, by Mr. Woods, Editor of the Review and Herald.

 

“As the Churches {THESE ARE SDA “Churches,” THE TIME OF THE WORLDLY CHURCHES IS PAST THIS WRITING} depart more and more widely from the truth and ally themselves more closely with the world, the time will come when those who fear and honor God can no longer remain in connection with them.”  4SP:240.

 

When asked to explain further the authority of Ellen White, the General Conference put out a statement of “Affirmations and Denials.”  Here are a few:  “We believe that Scripture is the foundation of faith and the final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice.”  “We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White function as the foundation and final authority of Christian faith as does Scripture.”  “We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White may be used as the basis of doctrine.”  And, “We do not believe that Scripture can be understood only through the writings of Ellen White.”

 

STATEMENT TO A FEDERAL COURT:  “Although it is true that there was a period in the life of the Seventh-day Adventist Church when the denomination took a distinctly anti-Roman Catholic viewpoint. . . that attitude on the Church’s part was nothing more than a manifestation of widespread anti-popery among conservative Protestant denominations in the early part of this century, and the latter part of the last, which has now been consigned to the historical trash heap as far as the Seventh-day Adventist Church is concerned.”  Neal C. Wilson, President of the North American Division of SDA, in statement (deposition) submitted to the court, Menkay McLeod Lawsuit, EEDC vs. PPPA, C-74-2025-CBR, docket entry #84, sworn statement dated February 6, 1975.

 

VATICAN OBSERVER TO ATTEND DELEGATED ASSEMBLY:  “ADVENTISTS SPREAD ANTI-CATHOLIC TRACTS -- Indianapolis (CNS) – “A Seventh-day Adventist faction from Tennessee mailed an unknown number of anti-Catholic booklets [primarily composed of quotations from the book, Great Controversy] the week of July 8 to homes in Indianapolis, where 2,000 [delegates] gathered for the denomination’s 55th world convention, July 6-14. Shirley Burton, a spokesperson for the denomination, told the Indianapolis Star daily newspaper the tract was ‘trash.’  The pamphlet, United States in Prophecy, calls Catholicism a pagan religion and refers to the pope as a beast. . . John F. Fink, editor of the Criterion, Indianapolis archdiocesan newspaper [wrote this], ‘The Seventh-day Adventists have a history of anti-Catholicism, like many other Protestant religions in the U.S. during the 18th and 19th centuries.  However, the main body of the Church has moved away from an anti-Catholic position {REALLY}.  The new position [Here is “The new position”] of co-operation with the Catholic Church was exemplified by the invitation from the Seventh-day Adventists to the Vatican to send an official observer to the conference.’  Rev. Thomas J. Murphy, director of the Indianapolis archdiocesan office of ecumenism, acted as the Vatican observer.  He addressed the conference on July 10.” -- Adventists Spread Anti-Catholic Tracts, Arkansas Catholic, July 29, 1990, page 8.  Also published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

 

D) BOOKS OF A NEW ORDER

 

 

“Whereas, many of these testimonies were written under the most unfavorable circumstances [such as at home under the editorial skills of her husband], the writer being too heavily pressed with anxiety and labor to devote critical thought to the grammatical perfection of the writings [which the church appointed to her in later years], and they were printed in such haste as to allow these imperfections to pass uncorrected [7 or more years in the making]. . . Resolved, that in the republication of these volumes, such verbal changes be made as to remove the above named imperfections as far as possible [removing entire paragraphs and putting some in front and others in back, i.e. rearranging such as not being able to properly understand, as an example, Second Coming events in their order]. . .  Resolved, That this body appoint a committee of five [Members:  W.C. White -- Uriah Smith -- J.H. Waggoner -- S.N. Haskell -- G.I. Butler.  3SM:96.] to take charge of the republication of these volumes according to the above preambles and resolutions.”  RH Nov. 27, 1883, as recorded in Messenger to the Remnant p. 65&80 and Spirit of Prophecy Treasure Chest p. 62.  [“I expect to be betrayed, as was my Master, by professed friends.”  LY:229.]

 

Here is her own statement in regard to the above:  “The instruction I received in vision was faithfully written out by me, as I had time and strength for the work.  Afterward we examined the matter together, my husband correcting grammatical errors and eliminating needless repetition.  Then it was carefully copied for the persons addressed, or for the printer.”  SM3:89.

 

“With regard to changes, we will try to profit by your suggestions.  The fear that we may make too many changes or in some way change the sense haunts me day and night.”  Mary K. White to her husband and committee member W.C. White, Jan 7, 1882, as recorded in LY:218.

 

Another committee member, Uriah Smith, was “somewhat at variance” LY:224, Aug. 1883, and on “August 20,” 1883 “Uriah Smith’s rather cool attitude toward Ellen White and her work could be felt by those who worked around him at the publishing house.”  LY:228.

 

“At a late meeting of the book committee a vote was passed requesting that this book be revised, leaving out those portions which strike the new reader as flights of the author’s imagination, and unsustained by Scripture {IN WHO’S OPINION, the Holy Spirit Who wrote them?}. . . The book committee {MAN’S OPINION} recommends that the Life of Christ shall be revised, adapting it for use as a pioneer book and removing those things which create so many queries with the new reader {CAN YOU imagine doing these types of decisions with portions of the Bible?}. . . These points had a bearing in the preparation of Patriarchs and Prophets and would be kept in mind {“kept in mind?”} a decade later {WHEN SHE WAS IN Australia} in the preparation of The Desire of Ages.”  LY:444--445.

 

“Paragraphs have been rearranged [here they admit that the changed her writings] so that the selection ends on a positive note.”  This Day With God, 1979.  “The prime source has been the familiar books of the Conflict series, which in general present the fullest and richest accounts.  The task of selecting and arranging these sketches [now try to understand the original intent] has been undertaken in the office of the Ellen G. White Estate.”  Conflict and Courage, 1970.  “Certain necessary deletions [that were not seen by James White or others who early on edited her writings with care to “grammar only”] have been made [here again they admit the changes] in order to eliminate repetition or statements less pertinent to the topic presented [in who’s opinion, and, is it the opinion of the Holy Spirit or the committee?]. . .  Special care has been taken to ensure that these omissions in no way distort or alter the meaning [right].”  Maranatha -- The Lord Is Coming, 1976.

 

 

E) C-O-N-S-I-D-E-R

 

 

C-O-N-S-I-D-E-R:   E.G. White had her own working staff.  The General Conference could have told [or asked] her to correct these “grammatical” imperfections.  But instead, they decide to tell the gullible you, that she approved THEIR CHANGES.  Mrs. Whites original Great Controversy was written in 1884; entitled, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4.  This was mostly edited by James White before his death in 1881.  She was then sent to Europe with a very busy schedule (“most unfavorable circumstances” “too heavily pressed with anxiety and labor” remember?).  Let’s be honest.  She is traveling with a heavy schedule in Europe, arranged by the General Conference themselves, so they knew that she had no time for her to approve their 1888 “Edition” of the book, or for her to have written it.  And you should know and realize that also.  Remember, that the 1888 Great Controversy is now the 1911 Great Controversy (one and essentially the same except for the Easter discourse being removed (which is a shame as it was very good; whoever wrote it).

 

“We have far more to fear from within than from without.  The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the Church Itself than from the world. . . But how often have the professed advocates of the truth proved the greatest obstacle to its advancement!”  1SM:122 (1887); LDE:156.2.

 

 

F) THE PRACTICE STILL CONTINUES

 

 

From the book, Getting Ready To Meet Jesus [1998]:  “. . . the books Steps to Christ and The Story of Redemption have been [CHANGED] translated into easier English.”  Page 28.  “Both The Great Controversy and the Desire of Ages are currently being [CHANGED AGAIN] put into contemporary English.”  Page 127.

 

S-U-P-P-O-S-E-D-L-Y:  EGW was so occupied with her domestic duties from 1848 to 1884 that, 

S-U-P-P-O-S-E-D-L-Y:  The Testimonies “were printed in such haste as to allow these imperfections to pass uncorrected,” and

S-U-P-P-O-S-E-D-L-Y:  Neither she, nor her staff, nor James White, could “devote critical thought to the grammatical perfection of the writings,” and 

S-U-P-P-O-S-E-D-L-Y:  The General Conference could not relieve her of these burdens so she could “devote critical thought to the grammatical perfection of the writings,” so 

S-U-P-P-O-S-E-D-L-Y:  The “committee of five” were better qualified and could “devote critical thought to the grammatical perfection of the writings,” and 

S-U-P-P-O-S-E-D-L-Y:  The Lord and she needed the General Conference’s help in these matters.

 

From the Seminary Course S-270, pages 195 and 199, to the General Conference Council, October 30, 1922, W.C. White speaking:  “In 1885 Mother and I were sent to Europe, and there the question came up regarding its [GC] translation into German, French, Danish, and Swedish. . . intended for world-wide circulation. . . Therefore. . . there was left out about 20 pages of matter -- 4 or 5 pages in a place -- which was very instructive to the Adventists of America, but which was not appropriate for readers of other parts of the world. . . [Who is it “not appropriate for,” Catholics] Therefore, as it is probable that more souls will be won to Christ by the book without this passage [what passage, now he makes it sound as if it is only one] than with it, let it be omitted.”  The Appendix was also changed because it was “partly argumentative, and partly apologetic, but such notes seemed to us [who is “us,” the committee obviously] to be no longer necessary.”  S-270:193.

 

“In a letter sent to the Managers of our Publishing House, I wrote as follows on July 24, 1911. . . After taking counsel with ministers, canvassers, and other friends of the book -- we [probably the committee again] thought best to reset the text.”  S-270:192.  A portion of the Chapter “Snares of Satan,” four pages to be exact [“not appropriate for readers”], were deleted, which Willie White loosely terms “three pages or more,” S-270:199.  “Regarding these and similar passages, which might stir up bitter and unprofitable controversies,” S-270:194.  If you continue reading you can see by their carefully worded, but not totally without meaning remarks, that you can see and understand that they changed or took other statements out also.

 

 

G) ELLEN GOULD WHITE SPEAKS FOR HERSELF

 

 

You simply must see my Study:  “4SP VERSES GC,” in order to understand fully what these statements below are referring to without exposing the guilty parties openly; as our Lord did to the religious leaders in the sand.

 

Many Seventh-Day Adventists are taught and told that the 1888 General conference controversy was about “Righteousness By Faith,” brought about by A. T. Jones and E. J. Wagner.  Although that is true, it was not the MAIN problem as taught by the Church.  The MAIN problem was the changing of her writings.  Here is a profound statement of hers about the General Conference Session held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1888, although referencing “the Law in Galatians,” her writings were being changed as she spoke:  “I have been instructed by God [WHO?] that the terrible experience [WHAT?] at the Minneapolis [WHERE?] conference is one of the saddest chapters [WHY?] in the history of the believers of present truth [WHO is effected?].”  1888, The Forgotten Issue, page 5; Letter 179, 1902, page 10. (To C. P. Bollman, November 19, 1902); 1MR:142.2.

 

“I cannot but speak the Words given me.  I dare not withhold one Word of the testimony. . . I speak the Words given me by a power higher than human power {most likely referring to the committee of five and their 1888 addition}, and I cannot if I would, recall one Sentence. . . He gives me the Word, and I dare not refuse to give it to the people.”  MS:22, 1890, as recorded in Messenger to the Remnant, page 14.

 

“Every jot and tittle is essential and must appear at an opportune time {THEREFORE, TO EDIT ANYTHING OUT, OR TO REARRANGE IT, IS. . .}.  In the past, the testimonies were carefully prepared {THEY WERE WHAT?  “carefully prepared?” ACCORDING TO HER.  BUT REMEMBER, SHE COULD NOT “devote critical thought to the grammatical perfection of the writings,” ACCORDING TO THEM} before they were sent out for publication.”  (Written 1905) 1SM:57.

 

“My labors would be naught should I preach another gospel.  That which I have written is what the Lord [WHO] has bidden me write.  I have not been instructed to change that which I have sent out [BUT SOMEONE ELSE WAS MORE QUALIFIED TO DO SO].”  RH, January 26, 1905.

 

“And now, brethren, I entreat you not to interpose between me and the people, and turn away the light which God would have come to them.  Do not by your criticisms take out all the force, and the point and power, from the Testimonies [WHICH PORTIONS OF HER WRITINGS THEY MESSED WITH WE MAY NEVER TRULY KNOW].  Do not feel that you can dissect them to suit your own ideas [APPARENTLY], claiming that God has given you ability to discern what is light from Heaven and what is the expression of mere human wisdom [ATTEMPTING TO DISCERN OR DISCREDIT HER WRITINGS].  If the Testimonies speak not according to the Word of God, reject them.”  5T:691.  See also 2SG:292-293.

 

“And thou, Capernaum (Seventh-day Adventist, who have had great light) {SHE SAID THAT, NOT ME}, which art exalted unto Heaven (in point of privilege), shalt be brought down to hell:  for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.”  RH, August 1, 1893.  [AGAIN; SHE STATES:  “Seventh-day Adventist,” NOT ME.  LOOK IT UP].

 

“As the storm approaches, a large class {HOW MANY?} who have professed faith in the third message {WHO ARE THEY?}, but have not been sanctified through it {HERE IS WHY}, abandon their position {WHAT DO THEY DO?} and take refuge under the banner of the powers of darkness.”  4SP:426.

 

“To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority {HOW MANY} forsake us. . .” 5T:136.  “Many {HOW MANY} who went forth to meet the Bridegroom under the messages of the first and second angels, refused the third, the last testing message to be given to the world, and a similar position will be taken when the last call is made.”  RH, October 31, 1899; 16MR:269-270.

 

This is and please compare this RH, November 20, 1913 (THE ORIGINAL), with PK:187 (below):  “God has not {past tense} altered the thing that has gone out of His lips.  His Word will stand fast forever, as unalterable as His throne.  At the judgment, when every case shall be decided in the courts of Heaven, this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God.  The world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence. . .”

 

Here is PK:187:  “God will not break His covenant, nor alter the thing that has gone out of His lips.  His Word will stand fast forever as unalterable as His throne.  At the judgment this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God, and the world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence.”

 

The book “Prophets and Kings” came out in 1917, two years after her death.  It is a compilation of the Review and Herald articles.  However, they altered, doctored, and made many changes.  They cannot claim THIS TIME that she approved these changes.

 

Please compare the RH, November 20, 1913, THE ORIGINAL, with PK:187 to see one of many of their more careful arranging tricks.  This type of rearranging is consistently going on, such that it is difficult to find the original:  “God has not {past tense} altered the thing that has gone out of His lips.  His Word will stand fast forever, as unalterable as His throne.  At the judgment, when every case shall be decided in the courts of Heaven {here is a time line, why leave it out?}, this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God.  The world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence. . .”

 

Here is PK:187:  “God will not {future tense} break His covenant, nor alter the thing that has gone out of His lips.  His Word will stand fast forever as unalterable as His throne.  At the judgment this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God, and the world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence.”

 

 

H) OTHER DENOMINATIONS STATEMENTS

 

 

MEMBERS OF OTHER DENOMINATIONS [Demon-Nations]:  “Since 1968 the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has been actively represented at the annual meeting of ‘Secretaries of World Confessional Families.’  This participation is largely the result of WCC/SDA Conversations and contacts that were made at the time of the. . . Assembly.  It is hoped that expanded cooperation will ensue between the World Confessional Families in the vital realm of religious liberty.”  So Much in Common, pages 100-101.

 

 

I) THE CHURCH ATTACKS

 

 

“[685] For the last forty-five years the Lord has been revealing to me the needs of His cause and the cases of individuals in every phase of experience, showing where and how they have failed to perfect Christian character.  The history of hundreds of cases has been presented to me, and that which God approves, [686]

 

“that which He condemns, has been plainly set before me.  God has shown me that a certain course, if followed, or certain traits of character, if indulged, would produce certain results.  He has thus been training and disciplining me in order that I might see the dangers which threaten souls, and instruct and warn His people, line upon line, precept upon precept, that they might not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, and might escape his snares.

 

“The work which the Lord has laid out before me especially is to urge young and old, learned and unlearned, to search the Scriptures for themselves; to impress upon all that the study of God’s Word will expand the mind and strengthen every faculty, fitting the intellect to wrestle with problems of truth, deep and far-reaching; to assure all that the clear knowledge of the Bible outdoes all other knowledge in making man what God designed he should be.  ‘The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.’  With the light communicated through the study of His Word, with the special knowledge given of individual cases among His people under all circumstances and in every phase of experience, can I now be in the same ignorance, the same mental uncertainty and spiritual blindness, as at the beginning of this experience?  Will my brethren say that Sister White has been so dull a scholar that her judgment in this direction is no better than before she entered Christ’s school, to be trained and disciplined for a special work?  Am I no more intelligent in regard to the duties and perils of God’s people than are those before whom these things have never been presented?  I would not dishonor my Maker by admitting that all this light, all the display of His mighty power in my work and experience, has been valueless, that it has not educated my judgment or better fitted me for His work.”  5T:685-686.

 

“As inquiries are frequently made as to my state in vision, and after I come out, I would say that when the Lord sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to earthly things.  I can see no farther than the angel directs me.  My attention is often directed to scenes transpiring upon earth.

 

“[292] At times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown what is to take place.  Then again I am shown things as they have occurred in the past.  After I come out of vision I do not at once remember all that I have seen, and the matter is not so clear before me until I write, then the scene rises before me as was presented in vision, and I can write with freedom.  Sometimes the things which I have seen are hid from me after I come out of vision, and I cannot call them to mind until I am brought [293] before a company where that vision applies, then the things which I have seen come to my mind with force.  I am just as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in relating or writing a vision, as in having the vision.  It is impossible for me to call up things which have been shown me unless the Lord brings them before me at the time that He is pleased to have me relate or write them.”  2SG:292-293.

 

 

J) HISTORICAL BREAKDOWN

 

 

1881) Let’s Start with the summer of 1881 A.D., which marked the death of James White, the husband of Ellen Gould White.  He was the editor of all or most of her writings up to this point in time.  He had helped with the publication of “Spirit of Prophecy,” Books One, Two, and Three.  These are the original “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Prophets and Kings,” “Desire of Ages,” and “The Life of Paul.”

 

“Spirit of Prophecy,” Book Four, was about 3/4 finished and edited by James White when he suddenly died.  This left Ellen White to herself mostly, and she took another three years to complete it.

 

1884) Thus, in 1884 A.D., “Spirit of Prophecy,” Book 4, was completed and published.

 

1885) A committee of 5 was assembled to revise this Book 4.  In order to achieve their revamping of this Book, the Church would need to send Ellen away; which they did, sending her to Europe.

 

1888) In 1888 A.D., Ellen White returns from Europe, only to discover the changes they had made to her “Spirit of Prophecy,” Book 4; which in turn they had named, “The Great Controversy.”  Later published as the 1888 Edition (Note the word, “Edition,” i.e., “Who Edited It?”).

 

Most Adventists, knowing their history, associate the year 1888 as a year of controversy in the Church.  However, what they are told is that the issue was all about “Righteousness By Faith.”  Although that is true, it was a minor concern for Mrs. White, as she was battling the conference over the changing of her writings.  Thus, that was the true issue, not known by the majority of Adventists.

 

Most Adventist are also told and believe that when Mrs. White stated that this Book was to go out to all the world, she was speaking of “The Great Controversy.”  That is true.  But not the changed, 1888 “Edition.”  But “Spirit of Prophecy,” Book Four, is what she was speaking of.  For how can she make that statement in 1884 about a book in 1888?

 

1891) In order to silence Mrs. White, the Church sent her to Australia, to which she objected, but God told her to let them do what they were going to do, and go ahead and go.  “I have many thoughts that I am not sent to this country [Australia] of the Lord.  I feel at times an assurance that the Lord’s Will was for me to remain in California,” TDG:61.3.

 

Ellen White Unclear as to Whether She Should Go to Australia -- “There is much talk in regard to our journey to Australia, but I cannot see my [way] clearly to go.  Brethren say that Sister White will have no such burdens to bear as she has here in America, that she can write her books so much more readily without carrying so many responsibilities, but I know it is no use to tell them that all their flattering anticipations in my behalf do not lessen my ideas that going to Australia means work, responsibility to bear a message to the people who are not what the Lord would have them to be.  If it were not thus, I would feel authorized to remain in America.  As it is I dare not mention the state of things in the Office presented to me, for I am then sure they would firmly conclude I must go.”  Ms 29, 1891, p. 1. (Untitled Ms, August 20, 1891.).

 

“Can it be the Will of God that I go to Australia?”  18MR:155.1.

 

1900) However, by 1900 our Lord had given them all the leash He could stand and sent Mrs. White back to the U.S. to combat the constant changing of her writings.  She purchased a home that is now known affectionately as “Elmshaven.”  There she continued her ministry.

 

1911) In 1911 A.D., the conference sent men to Ellen Whites home to validate their changed version of “The Great Controversy,” 1911 “Edition.”  Whether or not she complied in clouded in history.  And what all Adventists have in their libraries is the 1911 “Edition” of this book; most unaware that it is almost exactly the same as the 1888 changed edition.  In other words, they do not have the Ellen White original and sanctioned “Edition,” “Spirit of Prophecy,” Book Four.

 

For those who believe the Book was not tampered with in such a way as to effect its importance, once again I appeal to you to see my Study:  “GC VERSES 4SP.”

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