Ellen G. White’s Attitude Toward Her Work

25. E. G. White Understanding of Her Writings

The books: “Sister White is not the originator of these books. They contain the instruction that during her lifework God has been giving her. They contain the precious, comforting light, that God has graciously given His servant to be given to the world.”—Colporteur Ministry, 125. EGWATHW 12.4

The articles: “I do not write one article in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision—the precious rays of light shining from the throne.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:65. EGWATHW 12.5

The letters (testimonies): “Weak and trembling, I arose at three o’clock in the morning to write to you. God was speaking through clay. You might say that this communication was only a letter. Yes, it was a letter, but prompted by the Spirit of God, to bring before your minds things that had been shown me. In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:67. EGWATHW 12.6

The interviews: “He [Elder G. A. Irwin] has with him a little notebook in which he has noted down perplexing questions which he brings before me, and if I have any light upon these points, I write it out for the benefit of our people, not only in America but in this country.”—Letter 96, 1899 (In The Messenger, 117) EGWATHW 12.7

When there was no light: “I have no light on the subject (as to just who would constitute the 144,000).... Please tell my brethren that I have nothing presented before me regarding the circumstances concerning which they write, and I can set before them only that which has been presented to me.”—Quoted in a letter by C. C. Crisler to E. E. Andross, Dec. 8, 1914. EGWATHW 12.8

“I am not at liberty to write to our brethren concerning your future work. I have received no instruction regarding the place where you should locate.... If the Lord gives me definite instruction concerning you, I will give it you; but I cannot take upon myself responsibilities that the Lord does not give me to bear.”—Letter 96, 1909. EGWATHW 12.9

I could speak: “This morning I attended a meeting where a select few were called together to consider some questions that were presented to them by a letter soliciting consideration and advice on these subjects. Of some of these subjects I could speak, because at sundry times and in divers places many things have been presented to me.... As my brethren read the selections from letters, I knew what to say to them; for this matter has been presented to me again and again.... I have not felt at liberty to write out the matter until now.... The light that the Lord has given me at different times, etc.”—The Southern Work, 97, 98. EGWATHW 12.10