Foreword
In Ellen G. White’s lifetime (1827-1915) psychology, the sci-
ence which treats of the mind and its powers and functions, was in
its infancy. Yet there emerges throughout her writings a distinctive
philosophy in which guidelines in this science and to mental health
are clearly portrayed.
The purpose of this compilation is to bring the Ellen G. White
statements in this broad, important, and sometimes controversial field
together for convenient study. Seventh-day Adventists and others with
their conviction that Ellen G. White wrote under the influence of the
spirit of God treasure guidance in a field so vital to all humanity at a
time when schools of psychological thought are varied and changing.
The soundness of Ellen White’s views in the areas of physiology,
nutrition, and education, as well as in other fields, has already been
demonstrated. There is no doubt that as research in psychology and
mental health progresses, her reputation for setting forth sound psycho-
logical principles will be still more firmly established. To the devout
Adventist this work, Mind, Character, and Personality, will supply
many answers. We are certain that as truth unfolds, the positions taken
here will appeal more and more to all thoughtful readers.
In these circumstances the occasional appearance of such expres-
sions as “I saw,” “I was shown,” “I have been instructed,” are not only
understood, but are welcomed for the assurance they give that the
concepts portrayed originated with Him who shaped the human mind.
In assembling this material in the White Estate offices there has
been no attempt to select passages that support views advocated by
various authorities in the fields of education and psychology. No
preconceived views held by the compilers are represented here. Rather,
an effort has been made to allow Ellen White to freely propound her
views. This has been accomplished by drawing from the vast store of
her published writings, penned through six decades, as they appear in
current or out-of-print books, pamphlets, her thousands of periodical
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