A Word to the Reader
Together with the other volumes of Selected Messages, this book
preserves in permanent form choice counsels that have appeared in
articles, mimeographed documents, pamphlets, and Ellen G. White’s
letters and manuscripts. A statement about the compilation and pur-
pose of Selected Messages is given in “A Word to the Reader” in Book
1, hence is not repeated here
.
The counsels contained in this volume provide warnings against
fanatical and deceptive teachings, give principles for detecting false
prophets and misleading movements, and deal with such practical
issues as avoiding labor conflicts and providing fair pay for church
workers. They offer guidance for the aging, courage for the suffering,
assurance for the dying, and comfort for the bereaved. Also included
are counsels about miraculous healing, proper attitudes in prayer,
voting, saving money for future needs, serving in the military, and
many other practical topics
.
Counsels related to health form a significant part of this volume.
Section VII deals with the use of medications and medical procedures,
and Appendix 1 contains Mrs. White’s six articles on “Disease and Its
Causes” from her 1865 publication of Health, or How to Live. These
articles present some of her earliest health counsel
.
Each section of this book is preceded by an introduction. Prepared
by the White Estate Trustees, these introductions provide background
and context for the material that follows. In providing this historical
information, they also give the reader a better understanding of how
to apply the counsels in the section. Particularly noteworthy are the
introductions to Section VII and Appendix 1
.
Appendix items 2 and 3 have special value at this time as the
Advent message circles the globe and reaches all cultures: “Important
Factors in Choosing a Life Companion” and “The Brotherhood of
Mankind.”
The present volume closes with the section entitled “As We Near
the End.” Included are a number of specific messages that instill confi-
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