Preface
When this compilation was produced, it was not intended for
general circulation. It was designed to assist church administrators
and other ministers in their efforts to maintain high moral standards
in the church, balancing mercy with justice in dealing with members
involved in question table or immoral conduct. However, the book has
proved so helpful, and the demand for it so widespread, that it is now
being made generally available as part of the Christian Home Library
series
.
Readers will note that many of the letters in this volume were ad-
dressed to errant ministerial laborers. Since Ellen White corresponded
largely with ministers and other gospel workers, this should come
as no surprise. However, in spite of the faults and sins of those to
whom she wrote, Ellen White had great confidence in the ministry
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At the age of 85 she sent two
messages to be read to the General Conference session of 1913. In the
first message she assured the delegates,
“While I still feel the deepest anxiety over the attitude
that some are taking toward important measures connected
with the development of the cause of God in the earth, yet
I have strong faith in the workers throughout the field, and
believe that as they meet together and humble themselves
before the Lord and consecrate themselves anew to his
service, they will be enabled to do His will.”—
Selected
Messages 2:401, 402
.
In her second and final message to the conference Ellen White
declared:
“When in the night season I am unable to sleep, I lift
my heart in prayer to God, and He strengthens me
[6]
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