The Visions of Mrs. E.G. White

OBJECTION 37. — SISTER WHITE’S PAY

But, say the objectors, The pay that sister White gets shows that she is not a true prophetess. They then refer to some of the ancient prophets, and the privations and persecutions which they endured, and assert that if the visions of Sr. W. were genuine, she would receive the same treatment. They think it a horrible thing that her works gain her a support. They have grown wiser that Paul, who thought the laborer was worthy of his hire. They would doubtless be glad to see her reduced to penury, persecuted, imprisoned, stoned, and driven for shelter to the dens and caves of the earth. If this is not their idea, then there is no point to their objection. All we have to say is, that there is feeling enough against her to do all this; and the only reason it is not done is undoubtedly because people, the objectors with the rest, have not power to carry out the bitterness and malignity of their spirits toward her. In touching the question of her pay, they have struck the wrong vein; for their own course toward her is an utter refutation of their charge. VEGW 98.1

One individual, however, has the amusing presumption to appeal to figures to sustain this charge. He gives a list of the works prepared by sister White, and the amount they would bring at the retail price, amounting to $11,435.00. All this, he says, “in less that ten years! averaging $1,143.50 a year! And then he adds, “Is it not a paying business? Which of God’s ancient prophets got rich? Surely no one.” Here follows a quotation from Hebrews, “They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins,” etc., after which he continues: “Look at the contrast! This prophetess of the nineteenth century has a salary of more than eleven hundred dollars a year!” Before we look at the contrast, let us look a moment at this statement. 1. It proceeds upon the ground that none of Sr. White’s works are given away. But those who know anything about it, know that many are disposed of in this manner. 2. It considers the entire edition of every work sold and paid for; whereas all know that a large edition of any work is a long time finding its way to the market; and the great bulk of some of these works are even yet on hand. 3. It not only supposes them all sold, but all sold at full retail price; whereas all know that the larger portion of publications go off at wholesale, that is, at one-quarter or one-third, discount. 4. But most idiotic of all, it proceeds upon the assumption that the paper, typesetting, printing, binding, and mailing, of all these works, never cost a cent!! The entire proceeds are reckoned up as clear profits, and called “her salary!” A man of any sensibility whatever, would forever hide his head for shame, after having made an attack exhibiting an intellect so obtuse, or a disposition so contemptible. VEGW 98.2