Ellen G. White — Messenger to the Remnant

How the Doctrines Were Established

Those who had been led by Bible study to certain doctrinal conclusions, presented their findings to the group of workers at these conferences. They were united on some points, but on others they at first held widely divergent views. At one of the earlier meetings, “hardly two agreed. Each was strenuous for his views.”—Spiritual Gifts 2:97. At these conferences, the distinctive doctrines were restudied, and the several points of truth were formed into one unified belief. It was here that the foundations of Seventh-day Adventist doctrine were laid. And here again, God used the Spirit of prophecy to protect and lead His people, through giving one or two visions at each of the conferences. These visions, however, did not constitute a substitute for Bible study. Ellen White wrote of this experience in 1903. EGWMR 38.9

“Many of our people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the Word. EGWMR 38.10

“Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power. When they came to the point in their study where they said, ‘We can do nothing more,’ the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light was given that helped us to understand the Scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood. A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had given me. EGWMR 38.11

“During this whole time I could not understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend the meaning of the scriptures we were studying. This was one of the greatest sorrows of my life. I was in this condition of mind until all the principal points of our faith were made clear to our minds, in harmony with the word of God. The brethren knew that when not in vision, I could not understand these matters, and they accepted as light direct from heaven the revelations given.”—Ellen G. White, Special Testimonies, Series B 2:56, 57. (Italics mine.) EGWMR 39.1

Writing shortly after the time of the Sabbath conferences, Ellen White stated: EGWMR 39.2

“We had to search and wait the opening of truth, receiving a ray of light here and a ray there, laboring and pleading for God to reveal truth to us. But now the truth is plain; its rays are brought together. The blazing light of truth when it is presented as it should be can be now seen and brought to bear upon the heart.”—E. G. White Manuscript 3, 1854. (Feb. 12, 1854.) EGWMR 39.3

The implication of the foregoing statements is one of vital importance that should be clearly understood by all. Never in the experience of Seventh-day Adventists have visions been given to take the place of earnest Bible study. Writing in 1888, at a time when diligent study was being given to certain Bible truths, with some differences of opinion, Ellen White significantly asked: EGWMR 39.4

“Why was it that I lost the manuscript and for two years could not find it? God has a purpose in this. He wants us to go to the Bible and get the Scripture evidence. I shall find it again and present it to you. But this investigation must go forward.”—E. G. White Manuscript 9, 1888. (Italics mine.) EGWMR 39.5

By the year 1850 the lines of fundamental truth were quite well understood and clearly defined. The pioneers expressed unbounded confidence that what they held was “present truth.” Note the following: EGWMR 39.6

“Our position looks very clear; we know we have the truth.”—Ellen G. White Letter, March, 1849. Record Book I, p. 72. EGWMR 39.7

“Those who labor in the cause have much to discourage them; also they have much to encourage them. It seems that those who come into the whole truth now will stand. This is encouraging indeed. Much labor and money has been spent in time past where no visible good now appears, but those who spend time, talent, and money in the cause now are sure of a reward.”—James White Letter, March 22, 1849. Record Book I, pp. 41, 42. (Italics mine.) EGWMR 39.8

“We have the truth, we know it.”—E. G. White in letter. Record Book I, p. 54. EGWMR 39.9

Five years later, Elder White made this retrospective statement: EGWMR 39.10

“By care and incessant labor and overwhelming anxiety has the work gone on until now the present truth is clear, its evidence by the candid undoubted, and it is easy to work now to carry on the paper to what it was a few years ago. The truth is now made so plain that all can see it and embrace it if they will, but it needed much labor to get it out clear as it is, and such hard labor will never have to be performed again to make the truth clear.”—E. G. White Manuscript 2, 1855. (Aug. 26, 1855.) EGWMR 39.11