INSPIRATION - Part 03

  INSPIRATION -  Part 03


‘Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.  Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:  And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:4-6 

        Presenting the Divinely Revealed Message
[The statements reproduced below, are excerpts taken from: Selected Messages Vol. 3, 48-86. It is not intended to be a full reproduction. For a complete selection please refer to the mentioned testimony.]

     “Instruction to Ellen White.--As the Spirit of God has opened to my mind the great truths of His Word, and the scenes of the past and the future, I have been bidden to make known to others that which has thus been revealed.”--The Great Controversy, p. xi.  [3SM 48.1]
     “From the beginning of my work . . . I have been called upon to bear a plain, pointed testimony, to reprove wrongs, and to spare not.--Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 678.  [3SM 48.2]
     “Bearing Testimony--Aided by the Spirit of God.--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 before a company where the vision applies, then the things which I have seen come to my mind with force.”  [3SM 48.3]
     “I am just as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in relating or writing the 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
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time that He is pleased to have me relate or write them.--Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, pp. 292, 293.  [3SM 48.4]
     “Must Be Impressed by the Holy Spirit.--I cannot at my own impulse take up a work and launch out into it. I have to be impressed by the Spirit of God. I cannot write unless the Holy Spirit helps me. Sometimes I cannot write at all. Then again I am aroused at eleven, twelve, and one o'clock; and I can write as fast as my hand can move over the paper.--Letter 11, 1903.  [3SM 49.1]
     “When Pen Taken in Hand.--As soon as I take my pen in hand I am not in darkness as to what to write. It is as plain and clear as a voice speaking to me, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go." "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct [make plain] thy paths."--Manuscript 89, 1900.  [3SM 49.2]
     “I am very busy with my writing. Early and late, I am writing out the matters that the Lord opens before me. The burden of my work is to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord.--Letter 371, 1907. (Published in Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church, p. 15.)  [3SM 49.3]
     “The Integrity of Her Message.--I speak that which I have seen, and which I know to be true.--Letter 4, 1896.  [3SM 49.4]
     “In the line of my work I speak the things the Lord gives me. And in my words to you I would . . . not dare to say that the Lord did not move me to make the remarks which I made in that talk all the way through.--Letter 18d, 1890.  [3SM 49.5]
     “I write all that the Lord gives me to write.--Letter 52, 1906.  [3SM 49.6]
     Testimony Expressed in Her Own Words.--Although I am as 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, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in remarks of quotation. [GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSION ACTION ON INSPIRATION: "WE BELIEVE THE LIGHT GIVEN BY GOD TO HIS SERVANTS IS BY THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE MIND, THUS IMPARTING THE THOUGHTS, AND NOT (EXCEPT IN RARE CASES) THE VERY WORDS IN WHICH THE IDEAS SHOULD BE EXPRESSED."--GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, REVIEW AND HERALD, NOV. 27, 1883.]--Review and Herald, Oct. 8, 1867.)  [3SM 49.7]
     “I Must Write These Things Over and Over.--I have faithfully written out the warnings that God has given me. They have been printed in books, yet I cannot forbear. I must write these same things over and over. I ask not to be relieved. As long as the Lord spares my life, I must continue to bear these earnest messages.--Manuscript 21, 1910.  [3SM 50.1]
     “Ellen G. White's Understanding of Her Writings.--  [3SM 50.2]
     a. The Testimonies: Those who carefully read the testimonies as they have appeared from the early days, need not be perplexed as to their origin. The many books, written by the help of the Spirit of God, bear a living witness to the character of the testimonies.-- Letter 225, 1906. (Published in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 49.)  [3SM 50.3]
     b. The Conflict of the Ages Books: Sister White is not the originator of these books. They contain the instruction that during her lifework God has been giving her. They contain the precious, comforting light that God has graciously given His servant to be given to the world.--Colporteur Ministry, p. 125.  [3SM 50.4]
     c. The Articles: 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, p. 67.  [3SM 50.5]
     d. The Letters (testimonies): Weak and trembling, I arose at three o'clock in the morning to write to you. God was speaking through clay. You may say that this communication was only a letter. Yes, it was a letter, but prompted by the Spirit of God, to bring before your minds things that had been shown me. In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me.--Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 67.
 [3SM 50.6]
     e. The Interviews: He [Elder G. A. Irwin] has with him a little notebook in which he has noted down perplexing questions which he brings before me, and if I have any light upon these points, I write it out for the benefit of our people, not only in America but in this country [Australia].--Letter 96, 1899.  [3SM 51.1]
     f. When There Was No Light: I have no light on the subject [as to just who would constitute the 144,000]. . . . Please tell my brethren that I have nothing presented before me regarding the circumstances concerning which they write, and I can set before them only that which has been presented to me.--Quoted in a letter by C. C. Crisler to E. E. Andross, Dec. 8, 1914. (In White Estate Document File, Number 164.)  [3SM 51.2]
     “I am not at liberty to write to our brethren concerning your future work.... I have received no instruction regarding the place where you should locate.... If the Lord gives me definite instruction concerning you, I will give it you; but I cannot take upon myself responsibilities that the Lord does not give me to bear.--Letter 96, 1909.  [3SM 51.3]
     “God-given Representations Reproduced as Vividly as Possible.--I want every jot and tittle of my strength to reproduce the representations the Lord has given me, and to make them as vivid as possible while I can do so.--Letter 325, 1905.  [3SM 51.4]
     “Holy Spirit Gives Appropriate Words.--The  goodness of the Lord to me is very great. I praise His name that my mind is clear on Bible subjects. 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.-- Letter 90, 1907.  [3SM 51.5]
     “The Spirit's Help in Choice of Appropriate Words.--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. Letter 123, 1904.  [3SM 51.6]
     When writing these precious books, if I hesitated,
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the very word* I wanted to express the idea was given me.--Letter 265, 1907.  [3SM 51.7]  * [we have considered previously - see above statements, that the thoughts were inspired, not every word! Now we are told that the very word was given. What is it in fact? Have these statements been compiled in this volume to hide expressions not found in the originals and convey the idea that every word is to taken as inspired?]
     Choosing Words Carefully.--I am exceedingly anxious to use words that will not give anyone a chance to sustain erroneous sentiments. I must use words that will not be misconstrued and made to mean the opposite of that which they were designed to mean.--Manuscript 126, 1905.  [3SM 52.1]
     Not One Heretical Sentence.--I am now looking over my diaries [SEE FOOTNOTE, P. 32. - these have appeared on the previous article: Inspiration - part 02] and copies of  letters written for several years back. . . . I have the most  precious matter to reproduce and place before the people in  testimony form. While I am able to do this work, the people must have things to revive past history, that they may see that there is one straight chain of truth, without one heretical sentence, in that which I have written. This, I am instructed, is to be a living letter to all in regard to my faith.--Letter 329a, 1905.  [3SM 52.2]
    “Case Not Varnished Over.--In the last vision given me your case was presented before me.... From what has been shown me you are a transgressor of the seventh commandment. How then can your mind be in harmony with the precious Word of God, truths which cut you at every turn? If you had been betrayed into this folly unwittingly it would be more excusable, but you have not. You have been warned. You have been reproved and counseled. . . .”  [3SM 53.1]
     My soul is stirred within me. . . . I will not varnish over your case. You are in a fearful state and you need to be entirely transformed.--Letter 52, 1876.  [3SM 53.2]
     “Not Always a Special Vision.--I write this for I dare not withhold it. You are far from doing the will of God, far from Jesus, far from heaven. It is no marvel to me that God has not blessed your labors. You may say, "God has not given Sister White a vision in my case, why, then, does she write as she does?"  [3SM 53.3]
     “I have seen the cases of others who like you are neglecting their duties. I have seen many things in your case in your past experience. And when I enter a family and see a course pursued that God has reproved and condemned, I am in grief and distress, whether the special sins have been shown me or the sins of another who has neglected similar duties. I know whereof I speak, I feel deeply over the matter. I say, then, for Christ's sake make haste to come on the right ground, and harness up for the battle.--Letter 52, 1886.  [3SM 53.4]
     Testimony Counsel Based on Many Visions.-- God has given me a testimony of reproof for parents who treat their children as you do your little one.--Letter 1, 1877.   [3SM 53.5]
     “This matter has been brought before my mind in other cases where individuals have claimed to have messages for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of a similar character, and the word has been given me, "Believe them not."--Letter 16, 1893. (Quoted in Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 63, 64.)  [3SM 54.1]
     “Bearing Testimony Unexpectedly.--Sabbath morning early, I went into meeting and the Lord gave me a testimony directly to them, all unexpected to me. I poured it out upon them, showing them that the Lord sent His ministers with a message and the message they brought was the very means God had ordained to reach them, but they felt at liberty to pick it in pieces* and make of none effect the Word of God. . . . I can tell you there was great astonishment and marveling that I dared to speak to them thus.--Letter 19, 1884.  [3SM 54.2] [* while the messenger was yet alive, the ministry did not take every word as inspired! Were they right or wrong? It must harmonize with the word of God and God’s Spirit speaks to our individual soul about the testimony in consideration also!]
     “Bearing Reproofs an Unpleasant Task for Ellen White.--Were I to go to the [General] Conference [session], I should be compelled to take positions that would cut some to the quick. It greatly hurts me to do this, and it is a long time before I recover from the strain that such an experience brings on me.--Letter 17, 1903.  [3SM 54.3]
     “Work Made Sure by Both Oral and Written Messages.--The messages that God has given me have been communicated to His people both by word of mouth and in printed form. Thus my work has been made doubly sure.”  {3SM 54.4}
     I am instructed that the Lord, by His infinite power, has preserved the right hand of His messenger for more than half a century, in order that the truth may be written out as He bids me write it for publication in periodicals and books.--Letter 136, 1906.  {3SM 54.5}
    

    
     “Minds Must Be Prepared Spiritually.--I have tried to not shun to give to our people the whole counsel of God, but have sometimes deferred matters with the injunction, "They cannot bear them now." Even truth cannot be presented in its fullness before minds that are in no preparation spiritually to receive it. I have many things to say, but persons to whom the messages apply cannot in their present unconsecrated state bear them.--Letter 55, 1894.  [3SM 57.3]
         “No Claim for Special Light for Biographical Writings.--In preparing the following pages [Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, which is an autobiographical account], I have labored under great disadvantages, as I have had to depend in many instances on memory, having kept no journal* till within a few years. In several instances I have sent the manuscripts to friends who were present when the circumstances related occurred, for their examination before they were put in print. I have taken great care, and have spent much time, in endeavoring to state the simple facts as correctly as possible.”  [3SM 57.5]  [*No accuracy of facts can be claimed either. There are many seemingly contradictory statements and expressions!]
     “I have, however, been much assisted in arriving at dates by the many letters which I wrote.--Preface to Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2.  [3SM 58.1]
     “A special request is made that if any find incorrect statements in this book they will immediately inform me. The edition will be completed about the first of October; therefore send before that time.--Ibid., Appendix in first 400 copies.  [3SM 58.2]
     “Distinction Between Common and Religious Subjects.--There are times when common things must be stated, common thoughts must occupy the mind, common letters must be written and information given that has passed from one to another of the workers. Such words, such information, are not given under the special inspiration of the Spirit of God. Questions are asked at times that are not upon religious subjects at all, and these questions must be answered. We converse about houses and lands, trades to be made, and locations for our institutions, their advantages and disadvantages.-- Manuscript 107, 1909. (Published in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 39.)  [3SM 58.3] [Not all E. G. White writings can be safely taken as inspired instructions coming from the Lord].
     “The Point Illustrated.--I have not been given the message, Send for Brother C to come to Australia. No; therefore I do not say, I know that this is the place for you. But it is my privilege to express my wishes, even though I say, I speak not by commandment.  [3SM 58.4]
     “But I do not want you to come because of any persuasion of mine. I want you to seek the Lord most earnestly, and then follow where He shall lead you, I want you to come when God says, Come, not one moment before.”  [3SM 58.5]
     “Nevertheless, it is my privilege to present the wants of the work of God in Australia. Australia is not my country only as it is the Lord's province. The country is God's; the people are His. A work is to be done here, and if you are not the one to do it, I shall feel perfectly resigned to hear that you have gone to some other locality.--Letter 129, 1897. (From a letter concerning the need for a sanitarium in Australia and the possibility of this man coming to Australia to launch such an enterprise.)  [3SM 58.6] [individuality respected and individual conviction urged upon all].
     Information Gained From Those Who Should Know.--The information given concerning the number of rooms in the Paradise Valley Sanitarium was given, not as a revelation from the Lord, but simply as a human opinion*. There has never been revealed to me the exact number of rooms in any of our sanitariums; and the knowledge I have obtained of such things I have gained by inquiring of those who were supposed to know. In my words, when speaking upon these common subjects, there is nothing to lead minds to believe that I receive my knowledge in a vision from the Lord and am stating it as such.--Manuscript 107, 1909. (Quoted in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 38.)  [3SM 59.1] [ Sirter White opinions should not be regarded as a “Thus says the Lord”].
     Sister White's Judgment.--You have evidenced your opinion of your own judgment--that it was more reliable than Sister White's. Did you consider that Sister White has been dealing with just such cases during her life of service for the Master, that cases similar to your own and many varieties of cases have passed before her that should make her know what is right and what is wrong in these things? Is a judgment that has been under the training of God for more than fifty years of no preference to those who have not had this discipline and education? Please consider these things.--Letter 115, 1895.  [3SM 60.2] [No man’s judgment is infallible].
     Dared Not Speak When There Was No Special Light.--I find myself frequently placed where I dare give neither assent nor dissent to propositions that are submitted to me; for there is danger that any words I may speak shall be reported as something that the Lord has given me. It is not always safe for me to express my own judgment; for sometimes when someone wishes to carry out his own purpose, he will regard any favorable word I may speak as special light from the Lord. I shall be cautious in all my movements.--Letter 162, 1907, p. 2.  [3SM 60.3]
     NOTE: EXCEPT FOR THAT WHICH IS IN THE NATURE OF EVERYDAY MATTERS OR BIOGRAPHICAL, THAT WHICH MRS. WHITE SET BEFORE THE PEOPLE WAS BASED UPON THE VISIONS GIVEN TO HER, WHETHER OR NOT SHE USED THE TERM "I SAW." SHE, IN HER DAY, AND WE TODAY, DRAW THE LINE, NOT BETWEEN BOOKS AND LETTERS, ET CETERA, BUT
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BETWEEN THE SACRED AND THE COMMON. NO ONE NEED BE CONFUSED.  [3SM 60.4]
     MRS. WHITE, IN BOOKS INTENDED FOR THE READING OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, DESIGNEDLY LEFT OUT ALL EXPRESSIONS SUCH AS "I SAW" AND "I WAS SHOWN," LEST THE READERS, BEING UNFAMILIAR WITH HER EXPERIENCE, SHOULD HAVE THEIR MINDS DIVERTED FROM THE MESSAGE ITSELF. ONE LOOKS IN VAIN THROUGH THE FIVE VOLUMES OF THE CONFLICT SERIES FOR ONE SUCH EXPRESSION, YET IN HER INTRODUCTION TO THE GREAT CONTROVERSY, THE FIRST OF THE SERIES THAT APPEARED IN 1888, AND ELSEWHERE, SHE MAKES IT KNOWN THAT SHE WITNESSED EVENTS TAKE PLACE AND WAS "BIDDEN TO MAKE KNOWN TO OTHERS THAT WHICH HAS BEEN REVEALED" (P. XI). SEE ALSO STEPS TO CHRIST, THOUGHTS FROM THE MOUNT OF BLESSING, CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS, EDUCATION, AND THE MINISTRY OF HEALING. "SISTER WHITE IS NOT THE ORIGINATOR OF THESE BOOKS," SHE WROTE.  [3SM 61.1]
 
     Did Anyone Tell Her These Things?--Some are ready to inquire: "Who told Sister White these things?" They have even put the question to me: "Did anyone tell you these things?" I could answer them: "Yes; yes, the angel of God has spoken to me." But what they mean is: "Have the brethren and sisters been exposing their faults?" For the future, I shall not belittle the testimonies that God has given me, to make explanations to try to satisfy such narrow minds, but shall treat all such questions as an insult to the Spirit of God. God has seen fit to thrust me into positions in which He has not placed any other one in our ranks. He has laid upon me burdens of reproof that He has not given to any other one.-- Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 314, 315.  {3SM 62.2}
     “Someone Has Told Sister White.--Even now unbelief is expressed by the words, "Who has written these things to Sister White?" But I know of no one who knows them as they are, and no one who could write that which he does not suppose has an existence. Someone has told me--He who does not falsify, misjudge, or exaggerate any case.--Special Instruction Relating to the Review and Herald Office and the Work in Battle Creek, p. 16.  [3SM 63.1]
     “Untrustworthy if Influenced.--You think individuals have prejudiced my mind. If I am in this state, I am not fitted to be entrusted with the work of God.-- Letter 16, 1893.  [3SM 63.2]
     “Mrs. White Did Not Read Certain Letters or Articles.--You may blame me for not reading your package of writings. I did not read them, neither did I read the letters that Dr. Kellogg sent. I had a message of stern rebuke for the publishing house, and I knew that if I read the communications sent to me, later on, when the testimony came out, you and Dr. Kellogg would be tempted to say, "I gave her that inspiration."--Letter 301, 1905.  [3SM 63.3]
     I have not been in the habit of reading any doctrinal articles in the paper [the Review and Herald], that my mind should not have any understanding of anyone's ideas and views, and that not a mold of any man's theories should have any connection with that which I write.--Letter 37, 1887.  [3SM 63.4]
     A Question Raised in Early Ministry.--What if you had said ever so much, would that affect the visions that God gives me? If so, then the visions are nothing. . . . What you or anyone else has said is nothing at all. God has taken the matter in hand. . . . What you have said, Sister D, influenced me not at all. My opinion has nothing to do with what God has shown me in vision.-- Letter 6, 1851.  [3SM 63.5]
     An Attempt to Guide Mrs. White.--Brother E suggests that it would please the people if I speak less about duty and more in regard to the love of Jesus. But I wish to speak as the Spirit of the Lord shall impress me. The Lord knows best what this people needs. I spoke in the forenoon [Sabbath, October 17] from Isaiah 58. I did not round the corners at all.--Manuscript 26, 1885.  [3SM 64.1]
     “Manipulated by One Mighty in Counsel.--There are those who say, "Someone manipulates her writings." I acknowledge the charge. It is One who is mighty in counsel, One who presents before me the condition of things.--Letter 52, 1906.  [3SM 64.2]
     “Why Inquiries Were at Times Made.--I am told by one who made a confession to me that doubts and unbelief had been cherished by them against the testimonies because of the words spoken to them by Sister F. One thing mentioned was that the testimonies to individuals had been told me by others and I gave them, purporting to be a message from God. Does my sister know that in this she is making me a hypocrite and a liar? . . . “ [3SM 64.3]
     “One case was mentioned by Sister F, that she had told me all about the case of Brother G's family, and the next thing she heard I was relating the very things she had told me as what the Lord had shown me.”  [3SM 64.4]
     “Let me explain. I am often shown families and individuals and when I have an opportunity with those who are acquainted with them, I make inquiry how that family is standing for the purpose of ascertaining if ministers or people have any knowledge of the existing evils.”  [3SM 64.5]
     “This was the fact in the case concerning Brother G's family. I wished to see if the testimony was substantiated by facts. But that information given did not
originate the testimony, although shortsighted, tempted souls may thus interpret it.--Letter 17, 1887.  [3SM 64.6]
       
     “I Stand Alone, Severely Alone.--I have a statement to make. When the Lord presents before me any matter and instruction and I have a message to bear concerning the said matter, then I shall, to the best of my God-given ability, make known the matter, presenting the mind and will of God just as clearly as my human capabilities, guided and controlled by the Holy Spirit, shall bring all the matter before me to present to others. In regard to the serious matters given me I have not given anyone--man or woman--any right to have the least control over my work the Lord has given me to do.” [3SM 66.3]
     “Since twenty-one years ago, when I was deprived of my husband by death, I have not had the slightest idea of ever marrying again. Why? Not because God forbade it. No. But to stand alone was the best for me, that no one should suffer with me in carrying forward my work entrusted to me of God. And no one should have a right to influence me in any way in reference to my responsibility and my work in bearing my testimony of encouragement and reproof.”  [3SM 66.4]
     “My husband never stood in my way to do this, although I had help and encouragement from him and oft his pity. His sympathy and prayers and tears I have missed so much, so very much. No one can understand this as myself. But my work has to be done. No human power should give the least supposition that I would be influenced in the work God has given me to do in bearing my testimony to those for whom He has given me reproof or encouragement.”  [3SM 67.1]
     “I have been alone in this matter, severely alone with all the difficulties and all the trials connected with the work. God alone could help me. The last work that is to be done by me in this world will soon be finished. I must express myself plainly, in a manner, if possible, not to be misunderstood.”  [3SM 67.2]

     On Being an Inspired Messenger
-

     “Experiences as God's Messenger Recounted.-- For half a century I have been the Lord's messenger, and as long as my life shall last I shall continue to bear the messages that God gives me for His people. I take no glory to myself. In my youth the Lord made me His messenger, to communicate to His people testimonies of encouragement, warning, and reproof. For sixty years I have been in communication with heavenly messengers, and I have been constantly learning in reference to divine things, and in reference to the way in which God is constantly working to bring souls from the error of their ways to the light in God's light.”  [3SM 71.1]
     “Many souls have been helped because they have believed that the messages given me were sent in mercy to the erring. When I have seen those who needed a different phase of Christian experience, I have told them so, for their present and eternal good. And so long as the Lord spares my life, I will do my work faithfully, whether or not men and women shall hear and receive and obey. My work is clearly given me to do, and I shall receive grace in being obedient.”  [3SM 71.2]
     “I love God. I love Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and I feel an intense interest in every soul who claims to be a child of God. I am determined to be a faithful steward so long as the Lord shall spare my life. I will not fail nor be discouraged.”  [3SM 71.3]
     “But for months my soul has been passing through intense agony on account of those who have received the sophistries of Satan and are communicating the same to others, [REFERENCE TO PANTHEISTIC TEACHINGS.] making every conceivable interpretation in various ways to destroy confidence in the gospel message for this last generation, and in the special work which God has given me to do. I know that the Lord has given me this work, and I have no excuse to make for what I have done.”  [3SM 72.1]
     “In my experience I am constantly receiving evidence of the sustaining miracle-working power of God upon my body and my soul, which I have dedicated to the Lord. I am not my own; I have been bought with a price and I have such assurance of the Lord's working in my behalf that I must acknowledge His abundant grace. . . . “ [3SM 72.2]
    “ Why should I complain? So many times has the Lord raised me up from sickness, so wonderfully has He sustained me, that I can never doubt. I have so many unmistakable evidences of His special blessings, that I could not possibly doubt. He gives me freedom to speak His truth before large numbers of people. Not only when I am standing before large congregations is special help bestowed upon me, but when I am using my pen, wonderful representations are given me of past, present, and future.--Letter 86, 1906.  [3SM 72.3]
      {3SM 72.4}
    
     “Meet the Danger Positively.--Satan will continue to bring in his erroneous theories and to claim that his sentiments are true. Seducing spirits are at work. I am to meet the danger positively, denying the right of anyone to use my writings to serve the devil's purpose to allure and deceive the people of God. [ADVOCATES OF PANTHEISTIC TEACHINGS USED E. G. WHITE WRITINGS TO BOLSTER THEIR ERRONEOUS VIEWS.] God has spared my life that I may present the testimonies given me, to vindicate that which God vindicates, and to denounce every vestige of Satan's sophistry. One thing will follow another in spiritual sophistry, to deceive if possible the very elect.--Manuscript 126, 1905.  [3SM 73.3]
          “No Claim to the Title "Prophetess."--During the discourse [at Battle Creek, October 2, 1904], I said that I did not claim to be a prophetess. Some were surprised at this statement, and as much is being said in regard to it, I will make an explanation. Others have called me a prophetess, but I have never assumed that title. I have not felt that it was my duty thus to designate myself. Those who boldly assume that they are prophets in this our day are often a reproach to the cause of Christ.”  [3SM 74.2]
     “My work includes much more than this name signifies. I regard myself as a messenger, entrusted by the Lord with messages for His people.--Letter 55, 1905. (In Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 35, 36.)  [3SM 74.3]

     “I am again and again reminded that I am not to try to clear away the confusion and contradiction of faith and feeling and unbelief that is expressed. I am not to be depressed, but am to speak the words of the Lord with authority, and then leave with Him all the consequences.  {3SM 75.2}
     “I am instructed by the Great Physician to speak the word that the Lord gives me, whether men will hear or whether they will forebear. I am told that I have nothing to do with the consequences, that God, even the Lord Jehovah, will keep me in perfect peace if I will rest in His love and do the work He has given me.--Letter 146, 1902.  [3SM 75.3]
     “The Privilege of Being God's Messenger.--I am very thankful that the Lord has given me the privilege of being His messenger to communicate precious truth to others.--Letter 80, 1911.  [3SM 76.2]

          After Ellen White's Death

     “E. G. White's Writings to Continue to Witness.-- I am to trace this testimony on paper, that should I fall asleep in Jesus, the witness to the truth might still be borne.--Letter 116, 1905.  [3SM 76.3]
     “To Speak to the End.--Abundant light has been given to our people in these last days. Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last. My writings are kept on file in the office, and even though I should not live, these words that have been given to me by the Lord will still have life and will speak to the people.--Letter 371, 1907. (Published in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 55.)  [3SM 76.4]



[TO BE CONTINUED}