Ellen G. White and Her Critics

A Critic’s Own Testimony

No one can read any of Mrs. White’s works, very particularly the two cited so generally in the plagiarism charge—Sketches From, the Life of Paul and The Great Controversy—without sensing immediately that the historical, or merely descriptive, part of her writings is incidental to the spiritual, and though good, is not the real justification for the publication of any of her books; that even the occasional words of a Bible commentator that might be woven into the fabric of certain works are not indispensable to them. EGWC 463.3

We shall let Canright be witness to this fact. Here is what he wrote in 1885—two years before he left the Seventh-day Adventist Church—concerning the four volumes of The Spirit of Prophecy. First his statement on volumes 1 to 3: EGWC 464.1

“While I have carefully read the first, second, and third volumes of ‘Spirit of Prophecy,’ heaven has seemed very near to me. If the Spirit of God does not speak to us in these writings, then I should despair of ever discerning it. Oh, how precious the dear Saviour looks! How infinitely valuable the salvation of one soul! How hateful and inexcusable sin appears! God is good, and the sweetest thing on this earth is to love and serve Him.”—The Review and Herald, January 6, 1885, p. 16. EGWC 464.2

And in the same issue he comments on volume 4 of The Spirit of Prophecy, which is also called volume 4 of The Great Controversy: ^* EGWC 464.3

“I have read many books, but never one which has interested me so intensely and impressed me so profoundly as Vol. IV. of ‘The Great Controversy,’ by Sr. White. Perhaps it may be partly because I see things differently; but I am sure that is not wholly the reason. The historical part is good, but that which was of the most intense interest to me, was the last part, beginning with the ‘Origin of Evil.’ The ideas concerning the nature and attributes of God, the character of Christ, and the rebellion of Lucifer in heaven, carry with them their own proof of inspiration. They moved the depths of my soul as nothing else ever did. I feel that I have a new and higher conception of the goodness and forbearance of God, the awful wickedness of Satan, and the tender love of Christ. I wish everybody could read it whether of our people or not. Get it, brethren, and read it carefully.”—Spiritual Gifts 4a:9. EGWC 464.4

Canright did not have to write this eulogy of Mrs. White’s writings. He wrote it of his own free will as a spontaneous expression of his conception of the uniqueness of her work, its spiritual significance, and its effect upon his own heart. That testimony he could not have borne after reading all the histories in the world or all the other secular works from many of which Mrs. White might have drawn to provide background and framework for a presentation of spiritual truths. Nor do we think he would have written thus after reading all the Bible commentaries available. He confesses: “The historical part is good.” But what really stirred him, what he saw unique in the writing, was Mrs. White’s presentation of spiritual truths and her explanation of the ways of God to men that could not be found elsewhere. These presentations of the deep things of God, said he, “moved the depths of my soul as nothing else ever did.” EGWC 464.5

That two years later he should, in his enmity against all things Seventh-day Adventist, seek to indict Mrs. White’s writings, provides no grounds for invalidating this glowing testimony that he freely bore in 1885. EGWC 465.1