Explanation of Early Statements
63
But the work which the Master has given us to do is our work still.
We must direct minds to Jesus, not seeking praise or honor of men,
but committing ourselves to Him who judgeth righteously. He knows
how to help those who while following in His steps suffer in a limited
degree the reproach He bore. He was tempted in all points like as we
are, that He might know how to succor those who should be tempted.
Whatever wrong construction may be placed upon my testimony by
those who profess righteousness, yet know not God, I shall in humility
go forward with my work. I will speak the words which God gives me
to speak in encouragement, reproof, and warning. There remains but a
little remnant of my life on earth. The work that my Father hath given
me, I will, by His grace, perform with fidelity, knowing that all my
deeds must pass the scrutiny of Jehovah.—
Manuscript 4, 1883
.
[74]
Ellen G. White Experience on Shut-Door Question Recounted
[
See
The Great Controversy, 426-432
, for a fuller presentation of the
“Shut Door.”]
Battle Creek, Michigan
August 24, 1874
Dear Brother Loughborough,
I hereby testify in the fear of God that the charges of Miles Grant,
of Mrs. Burdick, and others published in the Crisis are not true. The
statements in reference to my course in forty-four are false.
With my brethren and sisters, after the time passed in forty-four
I did believe no more sinners would be converted. But I never had a
vision that no more sinners would be converted. And am clear and
free to state no one has ever heard me say or has read from my pen
statements which will justify them in the charges they have made
against me upon this point.
It was on my first journey east to relate my visions that the precious
light in regard to the heavenly sanctuary was opened before me and
I was shown the open and shut door. We believed that the Lord was
soon to come in the clouds of heaven. I was shown that there was a
great work to be done in the world for those who had not had the light
and rejected it. Our brethren could not understand this with our faith
in the immediate appearing of Christ. Some accused me of saying that