Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

Appropriate Meeting Places

Those planning for the work did not know how the general public would respond to Ellen White's ministry. Working in close financial circumstances, they made what seemed to her to be inadequate provision for her meetings. 3BIO 322.2

About this time Ellen White had a dream in which she seemed to overhear a conversation. The question was asked of a church worker, “How far would a light send its rays if it were placed under a bushel?” 3BIO 322.3

“No farther than the compass of the bushel” was the answer. 3BIO 322.4

“How far would it shine if put under a bed?” 3BIO 322.5

“It would not illuminate the room,” replied the one addressed. “It would be too low and too obscure.” 3BIO 322.6

“Then,” said the questioner, “place your light on a candlestick, and it will give light to all that are in the house. Your ideas need to be enlarged and elevated. The people have lost an opportunity to obtain light that God desired them to have.” 3BIO 322.7

Commented Ellen White, “When the Lord sends His people help, they should show that they value it. Those who stand at the head of the work in these countries should be careful that they do not give it a narrow mold.”—Ibid., 200, 201. 3BIO 322.8