Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

Perils Pointed Out

About this time, or a little later, Ellen White wrote of a scene in which Elders Prescott and Daniells were conversing with Dr. Kellogg, listening to subtle reasoning prompted by the evil angels close by. Both Prescott and Daniells seemed confused concerning Ellen White's work, considering it a mystery. She described what to her seemed a life-and-death struggle on the part of the two men. Kellogg, in subtle reasoning, almost overwhelmed them. 10MR 333.3

Then, through the agency of a heavenly messenger, the thought came to the men to “review the past experiences of the people of God; review the history of the work from the first,” and the question was asked, “Has this work been what it has been represented to you to be?” Then the heavenly messenger caused to pass before them “scene after scene” until they saw truth bearing the signature of the heavenly in the past, then present, and still more decidedly in the future. (Letter 100, 1911—no doubt written earlier, but with 1911 the copying date.). 10MR 333.4

On May 22, 1908, while Prescott was still editor of the Review and Herald, Ellen White addressed him, sounding a warning: 10MR 334.1

At times, Elder Prescott, you have come very near making shipwreck of your faith. Only the grace of God and the confidence you have had in the messages He has sent through the Spirit of Prophecy have held you back. I was shown that although you have had many years of experience in the cause of God, you are still in danger of making grave mistakes. 10MR 334.2

You are inclined to catch hold of some minor matter which you consider important, and place great weight upon it. At such times Satan is waiting and watching for an opportunity to influence your mind, and through you to work upon many other minds, leading them to questioning and doubt. The Lord has not called you to such a work as this. Upon some questions silence will reveal a spirit of wisdom and discretion. (Letter 166, 1908) 10MR 334.3

And then Ellen White warns and counsels: 10MR 334.4

Satan is working with all his ingenuity to sidetrack souls. What shall we do? Let us believe that the Lord is willing to raise up and strengthen the weak.

You will find your greatest strength in dwelling upon that which is spiritual. Let sanctification of the truth of the Word of God be revealed in your life. Let this agency refine and ennoble the soul. The Lord would have His ministering servants walk humbly before Him. “Take My yoke upon you,” He invites, “and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls, for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Ibid.) 10MR 334.5

A few days later she addressed another message to Elder Prescott in which she made mention of his involvement in pressing his views on the question of “the daily” of Daniel chapter 8. She cautioned: 10MR 334.6

You have many times escaped from the snare of the enemy. But you are not beyond the danger of making mistakes. You sometimes allow your mind to center upon a certain train of thought, and you are in danger of making a mountain out of a molehill. Brother Prescott, there has been a serious weakness in your work of ministry.... I write this to caution you. (Letter 224, 1908.) 10MR 334.7