Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Questions of Fact Considered

I have addressed myself primarily to the second kind of charge, which, incidentally, constitutes the bulk of the accusations against her. For example, Did Mrs. White suppress abandoned views? Did she plagiarize? Did she give foolish counsel on a reform dress? These are questions of fact. In answer, the facts have been presented—all the facts that bear on the questions. Effort has been made to refute the charges against Mrs. White in terms of documented evidence placed in true historical context. And by this means it is hoped not only to quash the indictments against her but to make her counsels and conduct stand out as eminently reasonable and consistent with what would be expected of a messenger of God. In other words, I have sought to give a positive quality to the treatment of what might at first blush seem to be merely a negative undertaking. EGWC 16.2

In setting forth the various charges against Mrs. White I have generally given a composite of the critics’ arguments. When their exact words have been used quotation marks have been employed, though references have not been given. Those who have read the works of critics and turn to this book for answers will have little trouble in discovering the source of the quoted portions in the charges listed in the following chapters. They will also note that D. M. Canright is often cited. ^* This is because he first and most fully set forth in print the major accusations against Mrs. White. Others have largely copied from him. EGWC 16.3

In the very nature of the case this book cannot wholly escape having a controversial overtone, for it meets face to face the militant and, I regret to say, sometimes malicious charges that have been brought against Mrs. White and Seventh-day Adventists. This overtone has been suppressed as far as possible, but there are limits. Charges must be plainly stated and answers must be plainly given if the book is to meet its intended purpose. EGWC 17.1

When the word “critic” is used throughout this book—and it has been frequently used—reference is made to that kind of person who has frankly set out to attack some feature of Mrs. White’s life and writings. There are others, sincere but troubled in mind, who have expressed perplexities and sometimes doubts but who honestly wish to know the facts and are ready to listen to an explanation such as is here presented. EGWC 17.2