Ellen G. White

The Gift of Prophecy in Full View

Spirit of Prophecy SeriesSabbath, April 20, 2013Sabbath Afternoon, April 20, 2013Wednesday, April 24, 2013

New Haven SDA Church

What About the Critics?

April 20, 2013Prepared by: Nathalee McKnight

Review-Spilling the Secret3

Before every major chapter of salvation history, God raised up a prophet to announce the divine secret of impending salvation event. Remember the seven chapters of Salvation History we shared..Salvation History4

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Secret Spillers

Secret Spillers

Chapter 4 - The Exile7Jeremiah et alSecret Spillers

Secret Spillers

Chapter 6 - The Coming of the Messiah Part 19John the BaptistSecret Spillers

Chapter 7 The Coming of the Messiah - Part 2John the RevelatorSecret Spillers

It is consistent that before every major event, God would raise up a prophet.11Secret Spillers

Why was Ellen G. White raised up?What secret must she spill?Secret Spillers

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 as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority-13

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. Great Controversy p.59514

In brief, she was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world.Spiritual Gift

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During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender.

Spiritual Gift16

Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, includingreligion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages.

Spiritual Gift17

Seventh-day Adventists Believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams.

Spiritual Gift18

The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized, by casual readers as well as scholars

Spiritual Gift19

As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . , The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject

(Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227).Spiritual Gift20

As Ellen White herself noted, The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings (The Great Controversy, p. vii).Spiritual Gift21

Ellen White is a remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Spiritual Gift22

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

My MisfortuneAt age nine, while returning from school one afternoon, Ellen Harmon suffered a tragic accident. She was struck and severely injured on the nose by a stone hurled by a classmate angry at some childish trifle.

For three weeks she was in a coma, and in the years that followed she suffered greatly as a result of the serious injury to her nose. She later wrote this , "was to affect my whole life" (LS 17)."I was reduced almost to a skeleton." (Life Sketches 18)

My Misfortune

Ellen was also physically disfigured for the rest of her life."Every feature of my face seemed changed. The sight was more than I could bear. The bone of my nose proved to be broken. The idea of carrying my misfortune through life was insupportable. I could see no pleasure in my life. I did not wish to live, and I dared not die, for I was not prepared." (2SG 9)My Misfortune

Ellen's formal education ended abruptly, and it seemed to all that the formerly promising little girl could not live long.In the year 1840, Ellen, with her parents, attended a Methodist camp meeting at Buxton, Maine, and there, at the age of 12, she gave her heart to God.

My Misfortune

Ailments Throughout LifeNeuralgia of the nerves Inflammatory rheumatism Malaria Bleeding of the lungs Oppressed lungs Brain fever Hip and spine difficulties

Kidney problems Dropsical consumption (a form of tuberculosis)Right lung decayed Left lung considerably diseased Fainting fits Dropsy (heart condition)Heart disease Paralysis Swollen face and gums Loose teeth

Ailments Throughout Life

The Aftermath of the AccidentEllen Harmon never resumed formal schooling.Some 50 years after the accident, she wrote that that "which for a time seemed so bitter and was so hard to bear, have proved to be a blessing in disguise. The cruel blow which blighted the joys of earth, was the means of turning my eyes to heaven. I might never have known Jesus, had not the sorrow that clouded my early years led me to seek comfort in Him" (RH, Nov. 25, 1884; cited in 1Bio 30-31).

A Problem with TimidityMay be as a residual effect from her accident (which physically scarred her for life).At age 17, she was commissioned to public ministry.Her reaction: "I was exceedingly troubled. . . . My heart shrank in terror from the thought (LS 69-70).

Reasons why:(1) Poor health(2) "I was only seventeen years of age, small and frail(3) "I was young and timid

A Problem with Timidity

Her calling was most remarkable only 17 years of age sick with a dropsical consumption and confined to the house for most of the time for 5 years and been given over by physicians to die. In this state God called her and told her to go out and tell the flock what he had revealed to her--Called by God

that an angel should accompany her all the time and sometimes two in time of need--that no wicked power on earth should have dominion over her if she would obey the Lord.

Biographical Portion without Editing Page 54Called by God

The Harmon family were Methodists but became interested in the teachings of William Miller, whose reading of the Bible had convinced him that Jesus was returning soon. Eventually the date of October 22, 1844 was calculated. (17 years)The Great Disappointment

Jesus did not of course return and many of the Millerites gave up their beliefs in the second coming. Some 2 months after this Great Disappointment, Ellen White received her first vision from Goda message of hope and encouragement to the Millerites. Ellen White received about 2,000 visions and dreams.The Great Disappointment

For a time after the disappointment in 1844, I did hold, in common with the advent body, that the door of mercy was then forever closed to the world. This position was taken before my first vision was given me. It was the light given me of God that corrected our error, and enabled us to see the true position.The Great Disappointment

"In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of stone, which folded together like a book. Jesus opened them, and I saw the Ten Commandments written on them with the finger of God. On one table were Four and on the other six. The four on the first table shone brighter than the other six. But the fourth, the Sabbath commandment, shone above them all; for the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God's holy name. " [Early Writings of Ellen G. White, page 33]. Adventism

The holy Sabbath looked glorious, a halo of glory was all around it. I saw that the Sabbath commandment was not nailed to the cross. If it was, the other nine commandments were; and we are at liberty to break them all as well as to break the fourth. I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for he never changes. But the pope had changed it from the seventh day to the first day of the week; for he was to change times and laws. [Early Writings of Ellen G. White, page 33]. Adventism

What About the Critics?

Why do you remain as silent as the dead? Is this the way you defend the truth?.... Truth will triumph. I expect that the raid will be made against me till Christ comes... Why I ask is all this zeal against me?... Selected Messages, Volume 3 p. 350, 351What About the Critics?

I am watched, every word I write is criticises, every move I make is commented on. I leave my work and its results until we gather around the great white throne. Selected Messages, Volume 3 p. 350, 351

What About the Critics?

The Secrets of Living LongerNational Geography What if I said you could add up to ten years to your life? A long healthy life is dependent on good genes but is also dependent on good habits. Experts say you may live up to a decade longer Study funded by US National Institute on Aging

It is found that Adventist are among those who live longest. The SDA Church was born during the era of 19th century health reform, they popularised a life of vegetarianism, gram cracker and breakfast cereal. From inception the SDA Church has practiced a message of health. The Secrets of Living Longer

It expressly forbid smoking, alcohol consumption and eating biblically unclean food such as pork. It also discourages the consumption of other meats, caffeine, carbonated drinks and stimulated condiments and spices.

The Secrets of Living Longer

Grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator wrote Ellen White an early figure that help shape the Adventist Church. Adventist also observe the Sabbath on Saturday and socialising with other church members which helps to relieve stress. Today, most Adventist follow the prescribed lifestyle a testimony perhaps to the power of health and religion.The Secrets of Living Longer

Popular BooksThe Ministry of HealingEducationSteps to ChristThe Great ControversyThe Desire of AgesMessages to Young PeopleStewardshipTemperanceLast Day Events..

Health PrinciplesAfter coming into contact with the health principles of Ellen White through Helen Chen, a 20-year-old SDA graduate student, he wanted to know more about her church and its health teachings. Eventually he received Counsels on Diet and Foods at his request.

This book, a compilation of Ellen White materials on a healthful diet and its relation to physical, mental, and spiritual health, also dates and lists the source of the various extracts. Since McCay believed that anything written before 1900 was unscientific, he urgently asked Helen: Where did she [Ellen White] get her information?185 Health Principles

Later, Dr. McCay talked to F. D. Nichol, editor of the Review and Herald, about his new interest in Adventist health principles as set forth by Ellen White. Nichol, knowing that the Unitarian scientist probably would not understand the Biblical doctrine of spiritual gifts, kept asking questions about Ellen White. He told McCay that her critics dismissed her as a plagiarist, copying from contemporaries.

Health Principles

Nonsense! McCay responded. I simply cannot accept that explanation: it creates a much bigger problem than it resolves! If she merely copied her contemporaries, how did she know which ideas to borrow and which to reject, out of the bewildering array of theories and health teachings current in the 19th century? Most were quite irrational and have now been repudiated! She would have had to be a most amazing person, with knowledge beyond her times, in order to do this successfully.

Health Principles

The record stands: Compared to the relatively few health reformers in her day, Ellen White was unique. When compared to or contrasted with conventional medical wisdom and practice, she was decades ahead of her time.

Health Principles

In what way was Ellen White unique? Contemporary health reformers were prescient in some areas, but gravely wrong in others. Many held extreme positions on discarding milk, sugar, and salt, etc. Others believed that rest, not physical exercise, was indicated for those recuperating from illness.

Health Principles

But the health principles found in her nineteenth-century writings, distinctively coherent, have stood the test of time. Her principles relating to disease prevention as well as health restoration are not today viewed as fads. They were not the result of a shotgun approach.Health Principles

of the principles are integrally related; specifics are seen relating to the whole persons total health. The lifestyle of Seventh-day Adventists is reflected in the phenomenal accumulation of published research papers concerning the Adventist lifestyle. . . . It seems probable that no other religious group has attracted so much recent interest from scientists.8

Health Principles

The word on the street is that everything she wrote she got from someone else. How come no one else has come up with the same positive results.A Charge of Plagiarism

Leonard Brand & Don McMahonThe critics claim that Ellen Whites writings can be explained as originating from strictly human sources do not stand up to critical evaluation. The research reveals a dramatic difference in quality between Mrs. Whites health principles and those advocated by other health reformers in the 1800s

Other Health Reformers at the TimeSylvester Gram Dont eat your houseGo nakedDont rock a baby to sleepDont drink water, only liquids from fruits

William A AlcockWear very little clothing even when its coldDont use eye-glassesDont comfort children crying, crying is good for themAvoid sweating in hot weather

Other Health Reformers at the Time

Larken B. ColtAvoid excessive spittingDont rock a child in a cradleDont nurse babies at nightDrink little waterOther Health Reformers at the Time

James C. JacksonDont wear blackMarital sexual activity is dangerous to your healthRubbing the body with the hands will substitute for a bath

Other Health Reformers at the Time

This difference between the health reformers indicates that Mrs. White had health information that could not have come from any human source available anywhere at the time she lived and wrote.Leonard Brand & Don McMahon

The information she shared regarding health was extra-biblical and extra-human. There was no source from which her health reform statements could have come. Such did not exist.Leonard Brand & Don McMahon

Exodus 15:26If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.

Roman Catholic lawyer, Vincent L. Ramik, undertook a study of Ellen G. White's writings during the early 1980s, and concluded that they were "conclusively unplagiaristic."A Charge of Plagiarism

When the plagiarism charge ignited a significant debate during the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Adventist General Conference commissioned a major study by Dr. Fred Veltman. 66

The ensuing project became known as the "'Life of Christ' Research Project." The results are available at the General Conference Archives. Dr. Roger W. Coon, David J. Conklin, Dr. Denis Fortin, King and Morgan, among others, undertook the refutation of the accusations of plagiarism. At the conclusion of Ramik's report, he states:67

"It is impossible to imagine that the intention of Ellen G. White, as reflected in her writings and the unquestionably prodigious efforts involved therein, was anything other than a sincerely motivated and unselfish effort to place the understandings of Biblical truths in a coherent form for all to see and comprehend. 68

Most certainly, the nature and content of her writings had but one hope and intent, namely, the furthering of mankind's understanding of the word of God. Considering all factors necessary in reaching a just conclusion on this issue, it is submitted that the writings of Ellen G. White were conclusively unplagiaristic." 69

In responding to the charge of suppression in 1883, Ellen White wrote, "So far from desiring to withhold anything that I have ever published, I would feel great satisfaction in giving to the public every line of my writings that has ever been printed" (Selected Messages, 1:60). 70Mrs. Whites response to Plagiarism

Such a statement would hardly be made by one whose motivation for changes in her writings was to suppress embarrassing statements. At the same time, an author has the right (some would say, duty)71

to make sure that his or her ideas are expressed as clearly as possible-- even if this should mean deleting and/or revising passages liable to be misinterpreted by readers.

F. D. Nichol's Ellen G. White and Her Critics, pp. 267-285 and 619-643.72

Critics have especially targeted Ellen White's book The Great Controversy arguing in contains plagiarized material. However, in her introduction she wrote... In some cases where a historian has so grouped together events as to afford, in brief, a comprehensive view of the subject, or has summarized details in a convenient manner, his words have been quoted; 73

but in some instances no specific credit has been given, since the quotations are not given for the purpose of citing that writer as authority, but because his statement affords a ready and forcible presentation of the subject. In narrating the experience and views of those carrying forward the work of reform in our own time, similar use has been made of their published works. The Great Controversy, p. xi.4 1911 edition74

Seventh-day AdventistThe undeniable record of educational and medical achievements throughout the world are then compared to Catholics, Lutherans, Mormons, and the thought arises that perhaps this fruit of Ellen Whites ministry may not be especially distinctive.

But Adventist schools and medical facilities are distinctive because of the carefully chiseled principles outlined by Ellen White, not because religious people imitate secular programs.

Seventh-day Adventist

Further, Seventh-day Adventists today, because of principles set forth by Gods messenger, are known as a giving people, a longer-living, healthier people, and a mission-oriented people.

Seventh-day Adventist

Ellen Whites consistent focus on Jesus as the center of both her spiritual life and her theological principles emphasizes how convincingly she cooperated with the Spirit of prophecy. In hundreds of instances she emphasized the center of her own devotions and ministry:Jesus is the Centre

The object of all ministry is to keep self out of sight, and to let Christ appear. The exaltation of Christ is the great truth that all who labor in word and doctrine are to reveal.13 Her sermons uplifted Jesus as humanitys Source of peace and power. Jesus is the Centre

One of the more practical tests of a prophet is found in the quality changes that the prophets messages make in the lives of adherents. In reviewing the chief findings of the 1980 research done by the Institute of Church Ministry at Andrews University, Jesus is the Centre

we note that Seventh-day Adventists who regularly study the writings of Ellen White are also more likely to be stronger Christians in their personal spiritual life and in their witness to their communities than those church members who dont.14 Jesus is the Centre

Surprising as it may be for students of nineteenth-century religious movements, Ellen White left no monument to herself, no demand for adulation and the amenities that she surely deservedcharacteristic of all Biblical prophets. Jesus is the Centre

Her life was driven by a sense of destiny wrapped up in her call to be Gods messenger. She focused on making God better understood as she relayed to others His messages. Presenting Biblical truths as they are in Jesus was a favourite task.

Jesus is the Centre

Her words to friends and relatives during the closing weeks of her life indicated a feeling of cheerfulness, a sense of having faithfully performed the work God had entrusted to her, and confidence that the cause of truth would finally triumph.

Confident to the End

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The life of Ellen White ended July 16, 1915, at the age of 87 + years. She was laid to rest at the side of her husband in Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan. Ellen White lived to see the Advent movement grow from a handful of believers to a world-wide membership of 136,879 that, by 2000, had exceeded 11 million.

Confident to the End

Human but Special MessengerBattled disease and illnessesSuffered the loss of a husband and two sonsLived in povertyHad her shortcomings like any human

Worked hard at raising a family and serving the churchShe had her own struggles, weaknesses, strengths, and difficulties, like any other human personHuman but Special Messenger

God called this human being with all her challenges and shortcomings to proclaim last day messages of health, education, evangelism, christian living and to prepare the way for Christ second coming.

Human but Special Messenger

God is Calling YouYou are battling disease and illnesses...You are suffering from anxiety, depression, the loss of loved oneYou live in poverty, you are struggling to make ends meetYou have many shortcomings, you are timid, afraid God is calling you now in whatever state you are in. God does not call the perfect. He calls the willing. Are you willing to accept Jesus now?