Ellen G. White’s Attitude Toward Her Work

9. Was Ellen G. White a Prophet—A Messenger with a Message?

“Some have stumbled over the fact that I said I did not claim to be a prophet; ¹ and they have asked, Why is this? EGWATHW 3.2

“I have had no claims to make, only that I am instructed that I am the Lord’s messenger; that He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to receive His word, and to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus. EGWATHW 3.3

“Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger.... EGWATHW 3.4

“Why have I not claimed to be a prophet?—Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my work includes much more than the word ‘prophet’ signifies.”—The Review and Herald, July 26, 1906. In Selected Messages 1:31, 32. EGWATHW 3.5

W. C. White’s statement regarding E. G. White’s work: “As regards Mother’s being a prophetess: There is no doubt in her mind or the mind of any of her family or helpers, but that she is a prophet of the Lord. But Mother takes the same position regarding this matter as did John the Baptist. Please read the first chapter of the Gospel of John, verses 19-23, and you will observe that John, in his modesty, said he was not Elias nor that prophet. He said: ‘I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.’ But we learn from the words of Christ that John was the Elias, and a prophet. Mother says of her work: ‘I do not care to be called a prophet. I am a messenger with a message.’ But she has never said that she was not a prophet.”—W. C. White letter to Mr. J. J. Gorrell, May 13, 1904. EGWATHW 3.6