Introduction—The Prophetic Gift and Ellen G. White
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needs. Look at the way in which the testimony counsels enter in a
practical way into our everyday lives.
The high spiritual plane of the messages. They do not deal with
matters that are childish or common, but with grand, elevated themes.
The language itself is sublime.
The manner in which the visions were given. Many of the visions
were accompanied by physical phenomena as described earlier. Mrs.
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White’s experience in vision was similar to that of the Bible prophets,
the visions were definite experiences, not just impressions. In vision,
Mrs. White saw, heard, felt, and received instruction from the angels.
The visions could not be accounted for by excitement or imagination.
Mrs. White was not controlled by those about her. To one man she
wrote: “You think individuals have prejudiced my mind. If I am in
this state I am not fitted to be entrusted with the work of God.”
Her work was recognized by her contemporaries. Both those in the
church who lived and worked with Mrs. White, and many outside the
church recognized her as the “messenger of the Lord.” Those closest
to her had the greatest confidence in her call and work.
These four Bible tests and the additional evidences outlined above
assure us that Ellen White’s work is of God and is worthy of unques-
tioned confidence.
The many E. G. White books are filled with counsel and instruction
of permanent value to the church. Whether these testimonies were of a
more general nature or personal testimonies to families and individuals,
they are of service to us today. Concerning this point, Mrs. White
says:
“Since the warning and instruction given in testimonies for indi-
vidual cases applied with equal force to many others who had not been
specially pointed out in this manner, it seemed to be my duty to publish
the personal testimonies for the benefit of the church.... I know of no
better way to present my views of general dangers and errors, and the
duty of all who love God and keep His commandments, than by giving
these testimonies.” It is a mistaken use of the testimonies to read them
to find some point on which condemnation of a fellow church member
can be based. The testimonies must never be used as a club to bring
some brother or sister to see things just as we see them. There are
matters that must be left for the individual to settle alone with God.