Ellen G. White and Her Critics

“Is Not Mrs. White Worth Millions?”

And here is a revealing statement made by her in 1904: EGWC 519.1

“Sometimes it has been reported that I am trying to get rich. Some have written to us, inquiring, ‘Is not Mrs. White worth millions of dollars?’ I am glad that I can say, ‘No.’ I do not own in this world any place that is free from debt. Why?—Because I see so much missionary work to be done. Under such circumstances, could I hoard money?—No, indeed. I receive royalties from the sale of my books; but nearly all is spent in missionary work. EGWC 519.2

“The head of one of our publishing houses in a distant foreign land, upon hearing from others recently that I was in need of means, sent me a bill of exchange for five hundred dollars; and in the letter accompanying the money, he said that in return for the thousands upon thousands of dollars royalty that I had turned over to their mission field for the translation and distribution of new books and for the support of new missionary enterprises, they regarded the enclosed five hundred dollars as a very small token of their appreciation. They sent this because of their desire to help me in my time of special need; but heretofore I have given, for the support of the Lord’s cause in foreign lands, all the royalties that come from the sale of my foreign books in Europe; and I intend to return this five hundred dollars as soon as I can free myself from debt.”—MS. 8, 1904. EGWC 519.3

To a brother from whom she was requesting a loan, Mrs. White wrote thus in 1904: EGWC 519.4

“I invest in the work of God all the means that I can possibly spare. I sent one thousand dollars to Eld. ------ to help in beginning the work in New York City.... EGWC 519.5

“It was thus that I helped in the advancement of the work in Australia.... I borrowed money for the erection of meeting houses, and to provide facilities for tent meetings.... I used the royalties on my books to help in starting a school in Melbourne, and then I borrowed money from those who were interested in the work.... EGWC 519.6

“Besides what I have invested in Australia and in Europe, I have also made donations to the Southern field. I have borrowed money to send to them when in strait places. I shall continue to do all I can to help the needy fields. Time is short, and I wish to see the money of our people that is tied up in banks put into circulation where it can help the work of God. EGWC 519.7

“When I receive what I have invested in my books, I hope to have money sufficient to repay what I have borrowed, and to have more of my own money to use.”—Letter 103, 1904. EGWC 519.8

In a letter written to a brother in 1905 Mrs. White says in part: EGWC 519.9

“I have recently added to my indebtedness by borrowing two thousand dollars from the bank to help in the purchase of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium property. I could not endure the thought that the opportunity to purchase this property for so low a price should not be improved, and Sister ------ and I clasped hands over the table in a resolution that we would purchase it and set the sanitarium in operation.”—Letter 81, 1905. EGWC 520.1

These exhibits of Mrs. White’s stewardship speak for themselves. They are but typical of many more exhibits found in her letter files. It is not difficult to see how Mrs. White, by following such a policy of liberality, could easily expend a substantial income annually. EGWC 520.2