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

Satan's Diverting Strategy

Here we see some of the fine points in the matter. In this statement she refers to the enemy; it is very clear that she considered what was taking place as a phase of the struggle between the forces of righteousness and the forces of the enemy. She had been forewarned: “I had presented before me in Europe chapters in the future experience of our people which are being fulfilled during this meeting. The reason given me was want of Bible piety and of the spirit and mind of Christ. The enemy has been placing his mold on the work for years, for it certainly is not the divine mold.”—Manuscript 21, 1888. 3BIO 401.4

Now, as she wrote of the 1888 session, she was particularly concerned that Seventh-day Adventist workers be alert to the perils of the threatening Sunday law issue, and recognize the relative insignificance of the topics being debated. She drew the curtain aside: 3BIO 401.5

Now, Satan had a council as to how he should keep pen and voice of Seventh-day Adventists silent. If he could only engage their attention and divert their powers in a direction to weaken and divide them his prospect would be fair. 3BIO 402.1

Satan has done his work with some success. There has been variance of feelings, and division. There has been much jealousy and evil surmising. There have been many unsanctified speeches, hints, and remarks. The minds of the men who should be heart and soul at work, prepared to do mighty strokes for God, at this very time are absorbed in matters of little consequence. Because the ideas of some are not exactly in accordance with their own on every point of doctrine involving minor ideas and theories which are not vital questions, the great question of the nation's religious liberty, now involving so much, is to many a matter of little consequence. Satan has been having things his own way.—Manuscript 24, 1888 (see also Ibid., 3:167). (Italics supplied.) 3BIO 402.2

As to the relative importance of the matter of the law in Galatians, Ellen White made several other statements: 3BIO 402.3

Hours ...were spent [by her at night] in prayer in regard to the law in Galatians. This was a mere mote. Whichever way was in accordance with a “Thus saith the Lord,” my soul would say, Amen, and Amen.—Ibid. (see also Ibid., 3:175). (Italics supplied.) 3BIO 402.4

The question at issue is not a vital question and should not be treated as such. The wonderful importance and magnitude of this subject has been exaggerated, and for this reason—through misconception and perverted ideas—we see the spirit that prevails at this meeting.—Ibid. (Italics supplied.) 3BIO 402.5

Two points stand out in the statements she made at the conference: (1) the proper handling of truth will not lead to sharp divisions—its integrity can be judged by its peaceable fruits; (2) the fact that some error of minor consequence may be linked with vital truth does not cancel out the truth. Waggoner could be stressing vital truths and doing so in a telling way, and at the same time hold some views unacceptable on minor points. In her addresses she had little to say about righteousness by faith per se, but she emphasized the importance of tolerance and of unity among brethren, and the manifestation of a Christian attitude. She commented: 3BIO 402.6

There are some differences of views on some subjects, but is this a reason for sharp, hard feelings? Shall envy and evil surmisings and imaginings, evil suspicion, hatred, and jealousies become enthroned in the heart? All these things are evil and only evil. Our help is in God alone. Let us spend much time in prayer and in searching the Scriptures with a right spirit, anxious to learn and willing to be corrected or undeceived on any point where we may be in error. If Jesus is in our midst and our hearts are melted into tenderness by His love we shall have one of the best conferences we have ever attended.—Ibid. (see also Ibid., 3:166). 3BIO 403.1