Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

At the 1899 General Conference Session

The first of the E. G. White messages read before the 1899 General Conference session on March 1 carried the title “The Work for This Time,” and opened with the words: 4BIO 401.1

We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies are fulfilling. The last great conflict will be short, but terrible. Old controversies will be revived. New controversies will arise. The last warnings must be given to the world. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time; but how long will it continue? Only a little while. If ever there was a crisis, it is now. 4BIO 401.2

The message pointed out that with the advance of the work in its many features, dangers would arise that must be guarded against, and “as new enterprises are entered upon, there is a tendency to make some one line all-absorbing; that which should have the first place becomes a secondary consideration.” Then she addressed herself to the work for the social outcasts: 4BIO 401.3

Of late a great interest has been aroused for the poor and outcast classes; a great work has been entered upon for the uplifting of the fallen and degraded. This in itself is a good work.... This will have its place in connection with the proclamation of the third angel's message and the reception of Bible truth. But there is danger of loading down everyone with this class of work, because of the intensity with which it is carried on. There is danger of leading men to center their energies in this line, when God has called them to another work.—The General Conference Bulletin, 1899, 128. 4BIO 401.4