252
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
power which carried it into all the world, so in the last days God is to
bring out every ray of light in the everlasting gospel, and send it with
the power of His Spirit into all the earth.
In the afternoon Mrs. White spoke on the importance of preaching
the Word, and the danger of covering up, and keeping in the back-
ground, the distinctive features of our faith, under the impression that
prejudice will thereby be avoided. If there is committed to us a special
message, as we believe, that message must go, without reference to the
customs or prejudices of the world, not governed by a policy of fear or
favor. Some will receive it and be sanctified through it, though multi-
tudes will oppose and reject it. But it must go everywhere till the very
earth is lightened with its glory. She dwelt especially upon the danger
of leaving our first love, and upon the importance of all, especially
those connected with our leading institutions, having a vital connection
with Christ, the true vine. Patterning after the world and adopting a
worldly policy, must be guarded against. Men in responsible positions
should go to God as often as did Daniel in earnest supplication for
[315]
divine help.
Two or three times during the discourse she began to tell the story
of her experience at Salamanca, and each time she hesitated, and
leaving the story untold proceeded with other lines of thought. This
discourse made a profound impression on the large congregation.
Late in the afternoon a ministers’ meeting was held in the east
vestry of the Tabernacle. Mrs. White was present, and pleaded for
a deeper consecration. At the close of this special meeting she was
asked by Elder O. A. Olsen if she would attend the ministers’ meeting
Sunday morning. She replied that she had done her part, and would
leave the burden with him. Then it was planned that Elders Olsen and
Prescott should lead the meeting.
Sunday morning, about 5:20, Brethren A. T. Robinson, W. C.
White, and Ellery Robinson were passing Mrs. White’s residence on
their way to the early meeting. They saw a light in her room, and her
son ran up to inquire about her health.
He found her busily engaged in writing. She then told him that an
angel of God had wakened her about three o’clock, and had bidden
her go to the ministers’ meeting and relate some things shown her at
Salamanca. She said that she arose quickly, and had been writing for
about two hours.