The Truth About The White Lie

Chapter 2—The Pioneers And The Prophet

What authority did Ellen White have for the pioneers of the Adventist Church? Did they believe in her inspiration? ¹

Truly, the pioneers should be allowed to speak for themselves. Of the 16 “witnesses” brought forward in The White Lie two are represented by statements made by other individuals (Andrews and Clough), one had no direct knowledge of what he was talking about (House), and several in no way express or imply disbelief in the inspiration of her writings (Starr, Lacey, and James and Ellen White). One was simply wrong (Colcord), and the Healdsburg Ministerial Association spokesmen were hostile opponents from the beginning. Fannie Bolton made numerous conflicting statements, and A. G. Daniells and Uriah Smith are misrepresented because their “witness” consists of only isolated comments. Contrary to The White Lie’s claim that these individuals were “in most cases” separated from the church after they made these statements, not more than three of the 16 were disfellowshiped for causes relating to their beliefs. TAWL 5.3

Neither the pioneers nor anyone else has ever claimed that every line Ellen White penned was inspired. She herself said that the “sacred” and the “common” must be distinguished, and that there were times when she had to write on everyday matters and business affairs. ² Consistent with Mrs. White’s statement that she was writing from memory in her autobiographical sketch, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, it has been noted that Mrs. White “did not lay claim to divine aid as she attempted to reconstruct the story of her life or in recounting the happenings at home or in her travels.” ³ TAWL 5.4