A Prophet Among You

Years in Australia—1891-1900

At the General Conference of 1891, Elder S. N. Haskell made repeated appeals for workers to be sent to the distant lands he had recently visited. He particularly urged the establishment of a training school in Australia, and he believed that teachers should be appointed to launch such a project. He also asked that Ellen White and her son William C. White spend time in the Australian field, giving help and guidance to the developing work. The Mission Board accepted Elder Haskell’s suggestion and asked Mrs. White and her son to leave for Australia that autumn. The mother and son were willing to go, and they arrived there in December. Nine years were spent pioneering and developing the work, especially the educational and medical phases of it. APAY 242.1

During her first year in Australia, Ellen White spent most of her time in bed, suffering from inflammatory rheumatism and neuritis. Despite her illness and pain, she had a special armrest prepared so that she could be propped up in bed to continue her writing. During these months she wrote letters, testimonies, and many chapters of The Desire of Ages. In responding to the call of the General Conference to go to Australia she had received no indication from the Lord as to what her course should be. She followed her usual practice of accepting the suggestions and requests of the conference leaders as to where she should labor, when she had no divine instruction to the contrary. In the midst of illness she wrote concerning the struggle in her own mind. APAY 242.2

“When I first found myself in a state of helplessness I deeply regretted having crossed the broad waters. Why was I not in America? Why at such expense was I in this country? Time and again I could have buried my face in the bed quilts and had a good cry. But I did not long indulge in the luxury of tears. APAY 242.3

“I said to myself, ‘Ellen G. White, what do you mean? Have you not come to Australia because you felt that it was your duty to go where the conference judged it best for you to go? Has this not been your practice?’ APAY 242.4

“I said, ‘Yes.’ APAY 243.1

“Then why do you feel almost forsaken and discouraged? Is not this the enemy’s work?” APAY 243.2

“I said, ‘I believe it is.’ APAY 243.3

“I dried my tears as quickly as possible and said, ‘It is enough. I will not look on the dark side any more. Live or die, I commit the keeping of my soul to Him who died for me.’ APAY 243.4

“I then believed that the Lord would do all things well, and during this eight months of helplessness, I have not had any despondency or doubt. I now look at this matter as a part of the Lord’s great plan, for the good of His people here in this country, and for those in America, and for my good. I cannot explain why or how, but I believe it. And I am happy in my affliction. I can trust my heavenly Father. I will not doubt His love. I have an ever watchful guardian day and night, and I will praise the Lord; for His praise is upon my lips because it comes from a heart full of gratitude.” Ellen G. White Letter 18a, 1892. Also found in A. L. White, Ellen G. White, Messenger to the Remnant, page 102. APAY 243.5

Mrs. White’s years in Australia are probably best remembered for three major contributions: (1) the completion of The Desire of Ages; (2) the establishment of the Avondale school, and the extensive writings on all phases of the subject of education; and (3) the giving of instruction for the development of a more efficient conference organization. APAY 243.6

The work on The Desire of Ages was not completed quickly. When she was able to leave her bed, Mrs. White gave much of her time to speaking appointments and to council sessions in Australia and New Zealand. It was not until 1898 that the book finally came from the publishers. APAY 243.7

Hundreds of pages of counsel were written in connection with the establishment of the Avondale school. Principles stated earlier were expanded so that they applied in detail to the new institution and others that would follow. It was here that the pattern for the Seventh-day Adventist educational system was formulated and illustrated. The basic plan and principles are adaptable to any situation in the world. The school at Avondale prospered as the plan was followed. More will be said in a later chapter regarding the relation of this plan to other systems of education which have in the past incorporated many of its principles. APAY 243.8

The counsel on the organization of the church which Mrs. White gave during this period became the basis for the reorganization program mentioned by F. M. Wilcox, at the election of A. G. Daniells to the presidency of the General Conference. APAY 245.1

“Although Brother Daniells was comparatively little known to the church in America because of his long absence in Australia, his brethren intuitively turned to him for leadership. And they were not disappointed. In the Australasian field he had perfected, under the counsel of the spirit of prophecy, a form of reorganization which was to prove in large measure the model of the church organization in all countries. God had been preparing and training him for leadership of the world movement.” F. M. Wilcox, in The Review and Herald, April 18, 1935. APAY 245.2

The revelations given Ellen White not only kept pace with the needs of the growing denomination, but they stayed ahead and helped prepare the way to meet problems as they arose. God has repeatedly pointed to His foreknowledge of the future as one of the clearest indications that He is the only true God. “I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done.” Isaiah 46:9, 10. APAY 245.3