Ellen G. White and Her Critics

The Influence of Sister White’s Helpers Over the Testimonies

By W. C. White

The supposition that those who are closely associated with Sister White have a potent influence over the character and contents of the messages that she sends to the people, is not a new thought. In the days of Jeremiah the princes questioned Baruch the scribe as to how he received and wrote the words of Jeremiah. They evidently suspected that he had brought in some of his own ideas. EGWC 648.2

For many years there has been brought against the testimonies to the church the charge that some one has influenced Sister White to write as she has done. Referring to early experiences, mother wrote, June 20, 1882, as follows: EGWC 648.3

“Many excused their disregard of the testimonies by saying, ‘Sister White is influenced by her husband; the testimonies are moulded by his spirit and judgment.’ Others were seeking to gain something from me which they could construe to justify their course, or to give them influence.” EGWC 648.4

In the early days of our denominational work, this experience was often repeated. Elder James White, in his preaching, brought out new expositions of Scripture, and new thoughts regarding the best way to advance the cause of present truth; and shortly afterward Sister White, in her testimonies to the church, advocated the same doctrine and policies. Then the critics cried out, “Is it not evident that she is following the lead of her husband’s mind?” EGWC 648.5

But the true explanation of this was not difficult to find by those who sought it. The facts were these: The Lord had given to Sister White clear light regarding doctrines and policies. As this new light was given to her, it was most natural that she should first tell it to her husband. Thus he learned enough about what had been revealed to her to give a new zest and direction to his studies, and a new mould and increased power to his discourses, and fresh vigor and greater breadth to his plans. Later on, when Sister White found time to write out her views for publication, they must necessarily agree with the teachings and plans of her husband, so far as his teachings and plans had been influenced by what he had learned from her. EGWC 648.6

It was most natural that James and Ellen White should discuss freely and interestedly between themselves, plans and methods and ways and means for the advancement of the publishing work and the work of the ministers in the field, and that she should tell him of the views given her regarding the most effective methods of labor. As a result, he would shape his plans to harmonize with these views. Often his brethren would criticize these plans, which seemed too broad, and urge other policies. Then when Sister White was appealed to, and it was seen that her testimony was in harmony with the plans and teachings of her husband, some said, “She is influenced by him; her testimony is a transcript of her husband’s mind.” EGWC 649.1

As James White gained experience and confidence as a leader, he sometimes made plans and inaugurated policies that were not in harmony with instruction given to his wife. But when reproved or instructed, through the testimonies to the church, for his error, he was quick to respond to counsel or reproof, and hearty in his confession of error. EGWC 649.2

Four years after father’s death, I went with mother to Europe, and during our two years of work there, I had extraordinary opportunities to learn, by listening to her counsels, admonitions, and advice, regarding the plans and policies that should be maintained in the work of our denomination. During the two years that we were in Eurpoe, so many questions were brought to mother, about all phases of our field and institutional work, that she sometimes said her past experience of thirty years was all being reviewed. EGWC 649.3

When we returned to America, I found myself in disagreement with some of my brethren regarding several features of the plans and policies being adopted. Later on, mother’s testimonies were found to be in agreement with some of the things I had been standing for, and the word went around that Brother W. C. White had been influencing his mother. But the truth was that I had been endeavoring in a very imperfect way, to stand for what I had learned from mother while we were in Europe. EGWC 649.4

From 1903 to 1909 the thought was entertained by some that Sister White’s movements, her testimonies, and her attitude toward certain men and enterprises, were largely influenced by the president of the General Conference, and by the editor of the “Review.” EGWC 649.5

The facts regarding this matter are that the views of these men, and the views of many of their associates, have been largely influenced by the written testimonies which they have received and read, and by the oral messages given them, in which they were warned of perils that threatened the church of God, and were charged in the most solemn manner to stand as faithful sentinels and wide-awake watchmen, guarding, warning, and protecting the church against the many wily attacks of the enemy. EGWC 649.6

Many times I carried messages from Sister White to Elder Daniells, to Elder Prescott, and to other brethren in leading positions of responsibility, asking them to visit her, and I have been present as a learner and as a witness at the interviews. During these interviews, she would question them regarding their plans and policies, and would relate to them what the Lord had shown to her regarding the work to be done, and the dangers and perils that surrounded the church, and the difficulties that confronted the various branches of its work. Often have I heard these men warned of the subtle and secret workings of the enemy to undermine the faith of our people in the peculiar truths which make us Seventh-day Adventists, and of his efforts to bring in discord that would rob the church of its strength. I have repeatedly heard the charge most solemnly given to Elders Daniells and Prescott that they must stand in defense of the truth, and must do all in their power to save the people from deception. EGWC 650.1

Having had this experience, it seems to be plainly my duty to testify that these men have not, as some have supposed, led Sister White to take strong positions to harmonize with their minds and their views; but that THEY were led to take strong positions because they heard and heeded the solemn messages borne to them by her. EGWC 650.2

I have known of messages of warning being sent to these men, pointing out that in their connection with ambitious leaders in certain branches of the work, there were dangers that they had not discovered. I have seen them read reproofs to themselves and to others, regarding the popular and accepted policies for the conduct of the publishing work and the medical work, and I have known of the struggle it cost them to decide that they would act upon the counsel received. I have knelt with them in prayer, and have heard their humble pleadings for grace to give up their will and way, and for strength and wisdom from on high to follow the course marked out for them. EGWC 650.3

Regarding the development of our institutional work in Washington, D.C., it is my duty to testify that I had abundant opportunity to know that Sister White’s visits to Washington, her interest in the institutions there, and her anxiety that the sanitarium and the nurses’ training school should be quickly put upon a strong footing, were the result of revelations from God, and not the result of the influence of men. EGWC 650.4

[See also Appendixes M and N.] EGWC 651.1