Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6)

What About A Successor?

A reporter of the Battle Creek Enquirer cornered W. C. White to get from him word about a possible successor to Ellen White, and published the interview in the July 25 edition. “Has Mrs. White chosen anyone to be her successor?” White was asked. To this, he replied: 6BIO 442.3

“No, she has never considered that that was a matter over which she had any control, and has never expressed herself with reference to any individual as a probable candidate for this work.” 6BIO 442.4

“Did she know who her successor would be?” he was asked. 6BIO 442.5

“That is a question that has been asked her many times,” continued Mr. White, “and she always has stated that it is a matter that has never been revealed to her, and that she had no knowledge and no information upon the subject to impart.” 6BIO 442.6

“Does she know another person will be chosen to take up the work she lays down?” 6BIO 442.7

“That is another question that has been asked her many times, and she always has said she did not know. At the same time she expressed full confidence that God would care for His work, and that there was no need for her or others to be anxious about this matter.” 6BIO 442.8

“Will the leading men of the denomination select a person to take up the work she has carried?” was the next question asked him. 6BIO 443.1

“No. It is their belief that God will choose His messengers, and that it would be presumption for men to undertake to choose the persons through whom the spirit of prophecy is manifested.”—DF 758. 6BIO 443.2

As the questioning continued, he was asked whether any others had made the claim of being Ellen White's successor, and what tests would be applied to anyone who might make the claim. White pointed out that such a matter would be settled by the tests of Scripture. 6BIO 443.3