Ellen White: Woman of Vision

Christiania, Norway

The last of the northern countries to be visited before it got too late in the season was Norway. It was Friday morning, October 30, when they reached Christiania (Oslo), and were taken to the home of A. B. Oyen, the minister sent from Battle Creek to Norway to translate the Ellen G. White books. It was a relief to Mrs. White to be residing in the home of English-speaking friends. Lest she be misunderstood, she hastened to record in her diary that “although we were welcomed and treated with every attention by our Danish and Swedish brethren and sisters, we felt all the time crippled because we could not converse together, and it was thus made impossible to do them all the good we much desired to do” (Manuscript 27, 1885). WV 234.4

The church had a membership of 120, but 200 attended the Sabbath morning service, and 100 were present for the ordinances Sabbath afternoon (Ibid., 207). WV 234.5

Two full weeks, extending over three Sabbaths, were spent in Norway. Except for meeting a speaking appointment in Drammen, the entire time was devoted to the interests in Christiania, the principal city. Here a new publishing house was under construction, a sizable building that, as in Switzerland, would provide not only space for the publishing interests but a good meeting hall and living quarters for some of the workers. WV 234.6

After Ellen White had been in Christiania a week she had gained a feeling of the overall situation. She realized the need for these brothers and sisters to receive counsel on the high standards that God expects of His people, particularly in regard to the keeping of the Sabbath. WV 235.1

She dwelt on the point of the Sabbath. “It is God's test,” she declared. WV 235.2

It is no man-made test. This is to be the separating line to distinguish the loyal and the true—him that serveth God from him that serveth Him not (Manuscript 27, 1885). WV 235.3

She was concerned that professed believers were sending their children to the public school on Sabbath. “They were not compelled to do this, but [they did it] because the schools objected to taking in their children unless they should attend the six days in the week” (Ibid.). If they were unable to negotiate with the school authorities, then there was but one way—“to keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment strictly,” which might call for Seventh-day Adventists to establish schools among themselves. WV 235.4

She had opportunity to discuss some of these things in Christiania with a building contractor by the name of Hansen, a prominent and influential member but with rather lax views of Sabbath observance. Ellen described the visit as pleasant and profitable. They discussed health reform, and she related her experience in the rise and development of the work of the church. WV 235.5

When she came to the last weekend she knew it was a crucial time, for her pointed testimonies through the week had called for soul searching and reform. WV 235.6

During the week she had written a 16-page testimony to the Christiania church. A. B. Oyen had already translated much of it. Sabbath afternoon he read to the church the portion translated. WV 235.7

Ellen White's interest and concern is easily detected in her report to her son: WV 235.8

There was not time for many testimonies to be borne afterward. Brother Hansen made no response, but he sent word that he would be pleased to take me over the city on Sunday forenoon, and I responded that I would be pleased to go. WV 235.9

He showed me every attention and I managed to bring in again the vexed question of the Sabbath. He said he meant to get around to change his position just as soon as he could, and we had a very pleasant social time. He sat in the carriage where Sara generally sits. Annie sat beside him to interpret. He said if I would promise to come next spring he would make extra efforts to learn to talk and to understand English. I told him I thought without doubt I would come (Letter 35, 1885). WV 235.10

Her last meeting in Christiania was held that Sunday afternoon at 3:00 in the Good Templars’ hall, where she had met with the church Sabbaths and evenings. WV 235.11

As she closed the service she bade the people farewell, and thought to slip away while the congregation was singing, to the carriage she saw waiting for her: WV 236.1

But I was not to escape so easily. There was a rush for me and one and another took my hand, kissed it, and with tears running down their faces, told me how much good my message had done them. They held my hand so firmly and lovingly I could not withdraw it readily, while others were waiting to shake hands with me. The carriage was surrounded. We just had to wait, and then I was so sorry I had not waited in the house and shaken hands with every one of them.... WV 236.2

This last meeting left a good feeling with nearly all, and I am inclined to think that all has been done that could be done on this visit (Ibid.). WV 236.3

At 6:30 the next morning—long before daylight—she left by train. A large number of the believers, including Brother and Sister Hansen, were there to see her off. WV 236.4