The Testimony of Jesus

Human Counsel Not Ignored

The messenger of the Lord recognized that while God spoke to her directly in vision and dream, it was her privilege also to avail herself of the help that would come through counsel with her associates. God has set in His church various gifts, such as apostles, prophets, teachers, etc. The strength of His work in the earth rests largely upon the harmonious co-operation of His servants, upon whom these various gifts are bestowed. While the prophet may instruct the apostle, at the same time the prophet in His work may avail himself of the wisdom and judgment bestowed upon the apostle. TOJ 88.3

Notwithstanding the abundance of Paul’s revelations, he availed himself of the combined wisdom represented by the various gifts and talents which God had placed in the church. He had learned this lesson in the very beginning of his Christian ministry. On his way to Damascus to engage in the work of persecuting the Christian church, he was warned by a voice from heaven of the evil of his course, and that same voice called him to the apostleship to the Gentiles. Then he was sent to a humble disciple, Ananias, in Damascus, for further light and instruction. TOJ 88.4

It was in recognition of this principle that Mrs. White oftentimes consulted with others as to the manner in which she should send out her messages to the church. She availed herself of the judgment with which God had endowed her husband and other leaders in the work, to learn more perfectly her duty and the course she should pursue in presenting the messages to others. This is indicated in the following statement from her pen: TOJ 89.1

“While my husband lived, he acted as a helper and counselor in the sending out of the messages that were given to me.... 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.” TOJ 89.2

“It requires much wisdom and sound judgment, quickened by the Spirit of God, to know the proper time and manner to present the instruction that has been given.” TOJ 89.3

“In the early days of this cause, if some of the leading brethren were present when messages from the Lord were given, we would consult with them as to the best manner of bringing the instruction before the people. Sometimes it was decided that certain portions would better not be read before a congregation. Sometimes those whose course was reproved would request that the matters pointing out their wrongs and dangers should be read before others, that they, too, might be benefited.” TOJ 89.4

“Faithfully I endeavor to write out that which is given me from time to time by the divine Counselor. Some portions of that which I write are sent out immediately to meet the present necessities of the work. Other portions are held until the development of circumstances makes it evident to me that the time has come for their use.”—E. G. White, The Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church (Pacific Press, 1906), pp. 4-6. TOJ 89.5