Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Story of Growth Throws Light

In May, 1852, we find James White writing of the progress to date in the preaching of the truth. Says he: EGWC 612.1

“From the time of the great disappointment in 1844, to 1846, a number of the advent brethren in different States embraced the Sabbath.”—The Review and Herald, May 6, 1852, p. 5. EGWC 612.2

But the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath was a great cross to bear and heavy was the opposition to it on the part of former fellow believers in the Advent. That helps to explain a further statement by him in the same issue regarding the growth of the work: EGWC 612.3

“But this work is not confined to those only who have had an experience in the past advent movement. A large portion of those who are sharing the blessings attending the present truth were not connected with the advent cause in 1844. Their minds not being particularly called to it then, consequently they did not reject it, they are now prepared to receive the truth when presented to them in a proper manner. Some of this number have had their attention called to the advent since the great movement of 1844, others are leaving the churches where they may be free to observe the Sabbath of the Bible, and enjoy the advent hope, and not a few of the precious, tender youth, who are being converted, help make up this number.”—The Review and Herald, May 6, 1852, pp. 4, 5. EGWC 612.4

From 1846 onward to 1852, when he is writing, we are to conclude, then, that a rapidly increasing number of those accepting the present truth “were not connected with the advent cause in 1844.” Evidently there must have been evangelistic labor bestowed on a circle wider than what one would suppose from some of the statements made by the pioneers regarding the shut door. But on the other hand these pioneers, virtually from their first expressions in print, were declaring, either directly or by implication, that those who had not willfully rejected light might find salvation. EGWC 612.5

E. S. Sheffield, writing in the Review in October, 1852, presents, in introduction, a testimony in confirmation of James White’s statement: EGWC 612.6

“Although I have not participated in any of the former movements of the Advent cause, yet I feel bound to acknowledge my firm belief that it is the work of an Almighty hand.”—October 28, 1852, p. 103. EGWC 612.7

In a February, 1853, installment of a lengthy series entitled “The Sanctuary,” J. N. Andrews discusses Christ’s opening of the door into the most holy place: EGWC 613.1

“To this open door in the heavenly sanctuary, [Revelation 3, 7, 8; Isaiah 22, 22-25,] we invite those to come for pardon and salvation, who have not sinned away the day of grace. Our High Priest stands by the MERCY-SEAT (the top of the ark,) and here he offers his blood, not merely for the cleansing of the sanctuary, but also for the pardon of iniquity and transgression. But while we call men to this open door, and point them to the blood of Christ, offered for us at the mercy-seat, we would remind them of the LAW OF GOD beneath that mercy-seat, which made the death of God’s beloved Son necessary in order that guilty man might be pardoned.... EGWC 613.2

“The close of the third angel’s message is marked by the Son of man taking his position upon the white cloud. Revelation 14, 9-14. The last message of mercy will then have closed, and there will be no intercessor between an offended God and guilty, offending man.”—The Review and Herald, February 3, 1853, pp. 148, 149. EGWC 613.3