Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

Future of the Advent People

Regarding the future of the Adventist people, she wrote that same year, 1886: EGWE 252.3

“Our people have been regarded as too insignificant to be worthy of notice, but a change will come. The Christian world is now making movements which will necessarily bring commandment-keeping people into prominence. There is a constant supplanting of God's truth by the theories and false doctrines of human origin. Movements are being set on foot to enslave the consciences of those who would be loyal to God. The law-making powers will be against God's people. Every soul will be tested. Oh, that we would, as a people, be wise for ourselves, and by precept and example impart that wisdom to our children! Every position of our faith will be searched into; and if we are not thorough Bible students, established, strengthened, and settled, the wisdom of the world's great men will lead us astray.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:546. EGWE 252.4

The next morning as the workers were meeting to discuss church business they noticed a crowd gathering down the road a short distance. A man who had “celebrated” Christmas with too much liquor had stumbled into the deep snow the night before, and, unable to extricate himself, had frozen to death. “He had a mother living,” Ellen White wrote sadly. “He had been a great grief to that mother, and now there will be mourning for this poor son who died in consequence of strong drink.”—Manuscript 72, 1886. EGWE 252.5