A Critique of the Book Prophetess of Health

Under the Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Attention should be given to the expression “Each, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his own mind.” Although the prophet must draw upon his facilities of expression in presenting his message, the work of the Holy Spirit must not be overlooked. This is a vital point. Ellen White put it this way: “Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation.”—The Review and Herald, October 8, 1867 (quoted in Selected Messages 1:37). In 1860, in answering certain questions, she also touched on this point: CBPH 116.15

Sometimes the things which I have seen are hid from me after I come out of vision, and I cannot call them to mind until I am brought before a company where that vision applies, then the things which I have seen come to my mind with force. I am just as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in relating or writing a vision, as in having the vision. It is impossible for me to call up things which have been shown me unless the Lord brings them before me at the time that He is pleased to have me relate or write them.—Spiritual Gifts 2:292, 293 (quoted in Selected Messages 1:36, 37). CBPH 116.16

The thought is again emphasized: CBPH 116.17

Through the inspiration of His Spirit the Lord gave His apostles truth, to be expressed according to the development of their minds by the Holy Spirit. But the mind is not cramped, as if forced into a certain mold.—Letter 53, 1900 (quoted in Selected Messages 1:22). CBPH 116.18

The prophet, then, received his message through the visions while totally under the influence of the Spirit of God. He bore his testimony under the influence of the Spirit of God, but not to the point of mechanical control, or in a forced mold. Rather, he communicated the message in the best manner consistent with his background and facility of expression. On certain rare occasions the very words to be used were called to his mind by the Spirit of God. Note this from Ellen White. In a letter of admonition, after dealing with certain situations, she stated: CBPH 116.19

I am trying to catch the very words and expressions that were made in reference to this matter, and as my pen hesitates a moment, the appropriate words come to my mind.—Letter 123, 1904. CBPH 117.1

Another statement reads: CBPH 117.2

While I am writing out important matter, He [the Holy Spirit] is beside me helping me... and when I am puzzled for a fit word with which to express my thoughts, He brings it clearly and distinctly to my mind.—Letter 127, 1902. CBPH 117.3