Ellen G. White — Messenger to the Remnant

Dropped Before Expiration of Time

With the publication of the view given to Ellen White, and James White’s clear-cut statement regarding the time, Joseph Bates and others who had taken up the time message, dropped it in the summer of 1851, before the expiration of the period. It was considered of such minor importance that it was not even mentioned in conferences held in the late summer, as noted by James White’s second and last reference to “the time” in his report on the Oswego [New York] conference: EGWMR 43.1

“The principal subjects presented were the 2300 days, the sanctuary, the commandments and law of God in the New Testament, gospel order in the church of Christ, and the ‘good works’ that God’s ‘peculiar people’ should, and will, be ‘zealous’ of. The subject of the seven years’ time was not mentioned. In fact, we know of no one in this State [New York] or in the West, who teaches it. Some may suppose from our remarks in No. 2 [August 19, 1851], that the seven years’ time is held by quite a large portion of the brethren; but it is not so. The view has been mostly confined to the State of Vermont, and we learn by Brother Holt that most of the brethren there have given it up.”—Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Sept. 16, 1851, p. 32, col. 3. EGWMR 43.2

Experience Of Time-Setters—Some, however, who did not have confidence in the visions, persisted in holding the view of the 1851 time. After the time passed, they found themselves in confusion. Ellen White, reporting the Washington, New Hampshire, conference (Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 1851), stated: EGWMR 43.3

“The time had passed and left those who believed in it very low and dark, and the influence of those who believed the time has been very distracting.”—E. G. White Letter, November 12, 1851. (Record Book I, p. 122.) EGWMR 43.4

“Such confusion and distraction has followed the time and fighting against the visions!! They had also lost the power of the third angel’s message, and some of them were in complete darkness.”—Id. p. 124. EGWMR 43.5

Two who were prominent in teaching the seven year’s time message, persisted in opposition and had to be dropped from church fellowship, but the others who were disappointed were brought to see their error and came into the full light of truth. Personal work, and the revelations given to Ellen White, were factors which aided souls that had been misled. EGWMR 43.6