101 Questions - About Ellen White and Her Writings

Question 2: Is everything Ellen White wrote inspired? (“Did Ellen G. White Say That Only Some of Her Writings Are Inspired? [1]”)

Is it true that Ellen G. White says somewhere that only some of her writings are inspired from God? A friend of mine heard that she made the statement that only her testimonies are inspired. 101Q 19.1

Here are a few statements that Mrs. White made about the authority of her writings: 101Q 19.2

Many times in my experience I have been called upon to meet the attitude of a certain class, who acknowledged that the testimonies were from God, but took the position that this matter and that matter were Sister White’s opinion and judgment. This suits those who do not love reproof and correction, and who, if their ideas are crossed, have occasion to explain the difference between the human and the divine. 101Q 19.3

If the preconceived opinions or particular ideas of some are crossed in being reproved by testimonies, they have a burden at once to make plain their position to discriminate between the testimonies, defining what is Sister White’s human judgment, and what is the word of the Lord. Everything that sustains their cherished ideas is divine, and the testimonies to correct their errors are human—Sister White’s opinions. They make of none effect the counsel of God by their tradition (Selected Messages, 3:68 [Manuscript 16, 1889]). 101Q 19.4

Sister White is not the originator of these books [those she wrote]. 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, 125). 101Q 19.5

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 for the Church, 5:67). 101Q 19.6

When the Holy Spirit reveals anything regarding the institutions connected with the Lord’s work, or concerning the work of God upon human hearts and minds, as He has revealed these things through me in the past, the message given is to be regarded as light given of God for those who need it. But for one to mix the sacred with the common is a great mistake. . . . 101Q 20.1

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 (Selected Messages, 1:38, 39). 101Q 20.2