Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 16, 1905

Regarding the Work of Mrs. E. G. White

February 7, 1905 [typed]

Previously unpublished.

Much is being said in regard to my words, spoken in Battle Creek before a large audience, that I do not claim to be a prophetess. My work embraces much more than this name signified. I regard myself as a messenger, entrusted by the Lord with messages to bear to His people. He has given me a work that I cannot say is comprised under the name of prophetess. 20LtMs, Ms 16, 1905, par. 1

The Lord has given me great light on health reform. In connection with my husband, I was to be a medical missionary worker. I was to take the sick to my house and care for them. This I have done, myself giving the women and children most vigorous treatment. I was also to speak on the subject of Christian temperance, as the Lord’s appointed messenger. I have been called to many places to speak on temperance before large assemblies. 20LtMs, Ms 16, 1905, par. 2

With these different lines of work I have united that of a writer and have published many books, large and small. My work has included so great a variety of lines that I could not claim to be a prophetess. 20LtMs, Ms 16, 1905, par. 3

*****

Sanitarium, California

January 13, 1905

When I was last in Battle Creek, I said before a large congregation that I did not claim to be a prophetess. These words have aroused much wonder, and I wish to write something in explanation of them. Others have called me a prophetess, but I have not been able to see that it is my duty thus to designate myself. My work is a work that the Lord has given me, weak and feeble though I be; and trusting in Him, I have by His Holy Spirit been furnished with ability to perform this work. Visions have been given me. I have been given a representation of the various ways in which the Lord would use me to carry forward a special work in bearing messages of reproof to correct errors that would seek for entrance among the people of God after the passing of the time in 1844. After the passing of the time, some were in danger of accepting false theories. At this time, though I was then but a girl, I was given a decided message to bear against the false theories that were coming in. I was instructed that these theories, if accepted, would lead to great confusion. 20LtMs, Ms 16, 1905, par. 4

The message given me was so large and broad and deep that it seemed as if I could not bear it. 20LtMs, Ms 16, 1905, par. 5