The Ellen G. White Writings

Ellen White Repeats and Applies the Counsel Given

At the turn of the century when called upon to meet the pantheistic views promulgated by Dr. John H. Kellogg, the leader of the medical work of the denomination, Ellen White on several occasions alluded to the experience of early days and of how she was called upon to meet similar teachings. Note the following written to Dr. Kellogg on November 20, 1903: EGWW 159.2

After the passing of the time, we were opposed and cruelly falsified. Erroneous theories were pressed in upon us.... Just such theories as you have presented in “Living Temple” were presented then. These subtle, deceiving sophistries have again and again sought to find place amongst us. But I have ever had the same testimony to bear which I now bear regarding the personality of God.—Letter 253, 1903. EGWW 159.3

In Early Writings ... are the following statements: EGWW 159.4

May 14, 1851, ¹⁹ I saw the beauty and loveliness of Jesus. As I beheld His glory, the thought did not occur to me that I should ever be separated from His presence. I saw a light coming from the glory that encircled the Father, and as it approached near to me, my body trembled and shook like a leaf. I thought that if it should come near me I would be struck out of existence, but the light passed me. Then could I have some sense of the great and terrible God with whom we have to do.—Page 70. EGWW 160.1

I have often seen the lovely Jesus, that He is a person. I asked Him if His Father was a person and had a form like Himself. Said Jesus, “I am in the express image of My Father’s person.” EGWW 160.2

I have often seen that the spiritual view took away all the glory of heaven, and that in many minds the throne of David and the lovely person of Jesus have been burned up in the fire of Spiritualism. I have seen that some who have been deceived and led into this error will be brought out into the light of truth, but it will be almost impossible for them to get entirely rid of the deceptive power of spiritualism. Such should make thorough work in confessing their errors and leaving them forever.—Early Writings, 77, 78. EGWW 160.3

There is a strain of spiritualism coming in among our people, and it will undermine the faith of those who give place to it, leading them to give heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.... EGWW 160.4

I could say much regarding the sanctuary; the ark containing the law of God; the cover of the ark, which is the mercy seat; the angels at either end of the ark; and other things connected with the heavenly sanctuary and with the great day of atonement. I could say much regarding the mysteries of heaven; but my lips are closed. I have no inclination to describe them.... EGWW 160.5

I am instructed to say that there is nothing in the word of God to substantiate your spiritualistic theories. You have followed the enemy step by step, striving to look into mysteries too high and holy for your comprehension. Then in your teaching the Holy One has been brought down to man’s scientific, spiritualistic ideas.... EGWW 160.6

Heaven is not a vapor. It is a place. Christ has gone to prepare mansions for those who love Him, those who, in obedience to His commands, come out from the world, and are separate.... EGWW 160.7

Ever since I was seventeen years old, I have had to fight this battle against false theories, in defense of the truth. The history of our past experience is indelibly fixed in my mind and I am determined that no theories of the order that you have been accepted shall come into our ranks.—Letter 253, 1903. EGWW 161.1

A number of other statements from sources published and unpublished could be presented here. Some of these go further than the above statements. In one such presentation published in 1904 Ellen White declared: EGWW 161.2

The spiritualistic theories regarding the personality of God, followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy.—Spec. Test., Series B, No. 7, p. 54. (Republished in Selected Messages 1:204.) EGWW 161.3