A Word to the Reader
During the last half of the nineteenth century women were given
greater leadership roles in some protestant churches. This was true of
the Seventh-day Adventist Church
.
Three of the first eleven treasurers of the general conference (1871-
1883) were women. Of the nineteen editors of The Youth’s Instructor
who served between 1852 and 1899, eleven were women. L. Flora
Plummer headed the Sabbath school department of the General Con-
ference for 23 years. The Adventist Church during 1878-1910 licensed
31 women to preach
.
Ellen White often pointed out that “The Lord has a work for
women, as well as for men.... They can come close to the hearts
of those whom men cannot reach.” (
The Review and Herald, August
26, 1902
.)
Significant portions of Ellen White’s counsel to women in the
work of God have been brought together in this volume. Included
also are chapters on self-respect and on balance in all aspects of life.
Most of the counsel in these chapters, though originally directed to
men, is equally applicable to women. In today’s high-pressure society
many women are wage earners, often single mothers trying to provide
for their families. The content of these chapters will go far toward
restoring and sustaining a sense of self-respect, helping women to
know that they are important and valued in God’s sight
.
A few of the statements in this book must be understood in the light
of their cultural, social, and time context. “Regarding the testimonies,
nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be
considered” (1SM, 57). To assist the reader, we have endeavored to
provide enough context for a complete understanding. We also have
given the date and source of publication, or the original date of writing
when publication was after Ellen White’s death. In a few cases, when
the original publication is not readily available, we have given a more
recent source, along with the date of writing. Side headings throughout
the book have been supplied by the compilers
.
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