The present writer has in his files a book, published a hundred years ago, by a French monk who overheard a secret planning session of top leaders of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Taking it down in shorthand, he later published it. The unveiling of future plans can be shocking, as they were in this instance.

Ellen White, in vision, also overheard a top planning session,—but this one of Satan and his angels. Here is his plan to destroy you, and all who would wish to come to God or serve Him in these last days.

 "As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most successful plan of overthrowing their faith. He sees that the popular churches are already lulled to sleep by his deceptive power. By pleasing sophistry and lying wonders He can continue to hold them under his control. Therefore he directs his angels to lay their snares especially for those who are looking for the second advent of Christ and endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God.

“Says the great deceiver: 'We must watch those who are calling the attention of the people to the Sabbath of Jehovah; they will lead many to see the claims of the law of God; and the same light which reveals the true Sabbath reveals also the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and shows that the last work for man’s salvation is now going forward. Hold the minds of the people in darkness till that work is ended, and we shall secure the world and the church also.

" 'The Sabbath is the great question which is to decide the destiny of souls. We must exalt the sabbath of our creating. We have caused it to be accepted by both worldlings and church members; now the church must be led to unite with the world in its support. We must work by signs and wonders to blind their eyes to the truth, and lead them to lay aside reason and the fear of God and follow custom and tradition.

" 'I will influence popular ministers to turn the attention of their hearers from the commandments of God. That which the Scriptures declare to be a perfect law of liberty shall be represented as a yoke of bondage. The people accept their ministers' explanations of Scripture and do not investigate for themselves. Therefore, by working through the ministers, I can control the people according to my will.

"'But our principal concern is to silence this sect of Sabbathkeepers. We must excite popular indignation against them. We will enlist great men and worldly-wise men upon our side, and induce those in authority to carry out our purposes. Then the sabbath which I have set up shall be enforced by laws the most severe and exacting. Those who disregard them shall, be driven out from the cities and villages, and made to suffer hunger and privation. When once we have the power, we will show what we can do with those who will not swerve from their allegiance to God. We led the Romish church to inflict imprisonment, torture, and death upon those who refused to yield to her decree, and now that we are bringing the Protestant churches and the world into harmony with this right arm of our strength, we will finally have a law to exterminate all who will not submit to our authority. When death shall be made the penalty of violating our sabbath, then many who are now ranked with commandment keepers will come over to our side.

“But before proceeding to these extreme measures, we must exert all our wisdom and subtlety to deceive and ensnare those who honor the true Sabbath. We can separate many from Christ by worldliness, lust, and pride. They may think themselves safe because they believe the truth, but indulgence of appetite or the lower passions, which will confuse judgment and destroy discrimination, will cause their fall.

“Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with the cares of this Iife. Present the world before them in its most attractive light, that they may lay up their treasure here and fix their affections upon earthly things. We must do our utmost to prevent those who labor in God's cause from obtaining means to use against us. Keep the money in our own ranks. The more means they obtain, the more they will injure our kingdom by taking from us our subjects. Make them care more for money than for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom and the spread of the truths we hate, and we need not fear their influence; for we know that every selfish, covetous person will fall under our power, and will finally be separated from God's people.

" ‘Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we can gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God will be our most effective helpers. Those of this class who are apt and intelligent will serve as decoys to draw others into our snares. Many will not fear their influence, because they profess the same faith. We will thus lead them to conclude that the requirements of Christ are less strict than they once believed, and that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.

" 'Until the great decisive blow shall be struck, our efforts against commandment keepers must be untiring. We must be present at all their gatherings. In their large meetings, especially, our cause will suffer much, and we must exercise great vigilance, and employ all our seductive arts to prevent souls from hearing the truth and becoming impressed by it.

" 'I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false doctrines mingled with just enough truth to deceive souls. I will also have unbelieving ones present who will express doubt in regard to the Lord's messages of warning to His church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them in our ranks at last. God will not permit His words to be slighted with impunity. If we can keep souls deceived for a time, God's mercy will be withdrawn, and He will give them up to our full control.

" 'We must cause distraction and division. We must destroy their anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticize, to judge, and to accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish selfishness and enmity. For these sins, God banished us from His presence; and all who follow our example will meet a similar fate.' "—The Great Controversy, 1884 edition, pages 337-340. 

CHAPTER NINETEEN

COMPARING THE PROPHETS

 William F. Albright (1891-1971) was recognized in the field of archeology as the leading Biblical archeologist of the twentieth century. His research and articles on this subject of ancient remains in the Near East stand unrivaled. After receiving his Ph.D. in 1916, he began a lifework that produced more than 800 Biblical and archeological publications, including his major work, "From the Stone Age to Christianity," and 25 honorary doctorates.

In the 1950s, Alger Johns, one of Albright's doctoral candidates, showed him several of Ellen White’s books. Albright was astounded and began research into her works —and her life, concluding Ellen G. White to be an authentic prophet of God.

It is interesting to compare the prophets, and as we do so we can learn many things.

The Bible writers wrote directly as the thoughts flowed from remembrances of visions they had earlier received. An example of this will be found in the book of Revelation, penned by the apostle John.

And the prophets also used sources. These were inspirational or historical writings that other Christians or historians had already written.

But whether they wrote directly that which they had themselves received in vision, or whether they penned that which they obtained from the writings of others, they did it under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit.

An example of copying is to be found in Matthew and Mark. One of these two Gospel writers heavily copied from the other. It is generally believed that Mark wrote his Gospel account first. The present writer did research on this about twenty-five years ago: He read through Mark to determine every unique story in that book (every incident not to be found in Matthew). There were almost none. Mark 14:51 is one of the very few. It is fairly clear that Matthew had the scroll of Mark in front of him as he wrote his book. He included 99% of Mark's stories, but without going into the detail that Mark usually employed. In addition, Matthew added still more incidents and parables. Then, when Luke wrote, it appears that he had Matthew's Gospel in front of him and used a sizable amount of it, while adding especially unique material in Luke 10 to 20. Over half a century later, John wrote his Gospel, and although he had recollections of the three earlier Gospels, he apparently did not have them available as he wrote. It is for this  reason that the first three Gospels are called the "synoptic gospels:" because they are so much alike, and yet so much different than John's Gospel.

Another example is the one-chapter book of Jude, when compared with 2 Peter 2. Thoughtfully read one chapter and then the other. Especially note Jude 4-18 and 2 Peter 2:1-3:33. One copied from the other. It is generally believed that Jude must have written his book first, and then Peter copied it.

Several times Paul quotes passages from. Non-Christian writers and historians (Acts 17:28; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Titus 1:12, etc.) Here we find quotations from the Greek poet Aratus, the Greek writer Menander, and the Cretian author Epimenides.

In Jude 14-15, Jude quotes from the pseude-pigraphal book, "1 Enoch" (1 Enoch 1:9). This non-inspired book, of about a hundred years earlier, has this in 1 Enoch 1:9: "And behold! He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment upon all, and to destroy all the ungodly: and to convict all flesh of all the works of their ungodliness which they have ungodly committed, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."

Luke 1:1,3-4 is an explanation by Luke that he and others used sources in preparing their Gospels: "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, . . it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order."—Luke 1:1,3-4 (New American Standard Bible).

And then there were those passages in which God Himself spoke in Scripture—and direct quotations from Him are given.

All of these Biblical writing patterns are to be found in Ellen White's writings, just as they were found in the writings of the prophets before her time.

Probably the most striking example of copying from other writers by Ellen White is in the earlier portions of her book, "Great Controversy." Much of the first part of this book is composed of historical information from the past two thousand years. In vision, Ellen White saw the scenes that transpired during this time, but she was not usually given dates or names. Later, as she wrote, she researched into the writings of leading historians in order to locate this information. She was guided by the Holy Spirit in this work, for she would not have dared undertake it otherwise. On occasion, as she found suitable and brief historical quotations that clearly said that which she wished to say, she would quote from these historians.

"The great events occurring in the life of our Lord were presented to her in panoramic scenes as also were the other portions of 'The Great Controversy.' In a few of these scenes, chronology and geography were clearly presented, but in the greater part of the revelation the flashlight scenes which were exceedingly vivid and the conversations and the controversies which she heard and was able to narrate, were not marked geographically or chronologically; and she was left to study the Bible and history and the writings of men who had presented the life of our Lord to get the chronological and geographical connection."—W. C. White, Letter, January 8, 1932;

Ellen was shown in vision that God would guide her, both in the writing out of that which she saw in vision, and in that which she found in her studies of what others had written—so that the finished product would be accurate, in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and in agreement with the prophets before her: the Bible writers.

A careful reading of the largest Biblical historical books (1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, and 1-2 Chronicles) reveals that the writer of Chronicles extensively used detailed sources and lists—far more than the other two. This writer very likely was Ezra (compare 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 with Ezra 1:13a), and a similar use of sources is to be found in the book of Ezra.

Ellen White was not secretive about what she did, for one does not need to be secretive about that which is right. Books which she found to be especially accurate in providing a good coverage of history, she recommended in published articles that she wrote for her readers to purchase for themselves and read also. Examples of this were D'Aubigne's "History of the Reformation," and Conybeare and Howson's "The Life of Paul."

And she wrote that sources were used in her books:

"In some cases where a historian has so grouped together events as to afford, in brief, a comprehensive view of the subject, or has summarized details in a convenient manner, his words have been quoted; but in some instances no specific credit has been given, since the quotations are not given for the purpose of citing that writer as authority, but because his statement affords a ready and forcible presentation of the subject. In narrating the experience and views of those carrying forward the work of reform in our time, similar use has been made of their published works."—Author's Preface, Great Controversy, page xiii.

But it must also be remembered that Ellen White was divinely strengthened in carrying on the task assigned her, to provide the help needed so much by others. There are indications that she may have had a near-photographic memory in relation to her work. On one occasion a stenographer took down a sermon she gave. (She never used notes in her public talks.) Afterward it was found that an almost exact quotation from a contemporary writer had been included in that lecture. But she had not read in the book for quite some time. "

It is particularly significant that when Ellen White did quote from others the quotation was always decidedly improved upon. Errors were discarded and a better writing style was to be seen.

But probably most significant of all, is the fact that in the sixteen hundred years during which the Bible was, written, we find a dramatic uniformity of concepts—from Genesis through Revelation. And throughout the seventy-year writing ministry of Ellen White we find a parallel uniformity that is striking. All of us change—from month to month and from year to year. But the writings of Ellen White kept to the same views and concepts, from decade to decade. But those concepts gradually opened to Ellen as she had time to write them out and as the people were ready for them. An example of this would be her health vision of 1863, which included information that perhaps many might not have been as open to receive earlier. Yet, as we have seen in an earlier chapter ("Anticipating Science"), when the knowledge did come. it was more accurate, in terms of contemporary science and understanding, than was available anywhere in her time.

"A helpful first step toward understanding a prophet's view of her work is alluded to by her son, William C. White. He provides this key: 'In her early experience when she was sorely distressed over the difficulty of putting into human language the revelations of truths that had been imparted to her, she was reminded of the fact that all wisdom and knowledge comes from God and she was assured that God would bestow grace, and guidance. She was told that in the reading of religious books and journals, she would find precious gems of truth expressed in acceptable language, and that she would be given help from heaven to recognize these and to separate them from the rubbish of error with which she would sometimes find them associated.''

"This paragraph provides a crucial insight into why she did what she did in the way she did. The Lord was her Authority. She was following His instructions. . For Mrs. White, Christ is the ultimate Source of all truth, no matter where it may be found. That is the deeper reason why she did not feet concerned about citing historians as authorities. Any truth they had, had also originated with Christ."—John J. Robertson, The While Truth, pages 38-39.,

And so it is, as we compare the prophets, we discover that there are no first-class, second-class, or third-class prophets. All are equal, and this includes both canonical prophets, who wrote books that we have in the Bible (such as Moses, David and Paul), and non-canonical prophets, who did not (such as Elijah, Elisha, and John the Baptist). The first prophet on record was Enoch, and yet he was equal to all that followed him. For each wrote in harmony with all the rest, and each was fully inspired of God.

Each prophet conveyed the Lord's message; not his own. Truth is truth, no matter who expressed it first. And we have seen that the inspired writers of Scripture recognized this fact. They saw that truth comes from only one Source, and they were guided by the Holy Spirit, in locating it and sharing it with others. The experience of Ellen White was similar. "I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them. "—Review, October 8, 1867.

"Oh, how incapable I am of expressing the things which burn in my soul in reference to the mission of Christ. . I know not how to speak or trace with pen the large subject of the atoning sacrifice. I know not how to present subjects in the living power in which they stand before me. I tremble for fear lest I shall belittle the great plan of salvation by cheap words."—Letter 40, 1892.

But the information spoken or written out by the prophet is always based, ultimately, on underlying concepts and truths, revealed to him earlier in vision: "Some scenes presented before me years ago have not been retained in my memory, but when the instruction then given is needed, sometimes even when I am standing before the people, the remembrance comes sharp and clear, like a flash of lightning, bringing to mind distinctly that particular instruction. "—Selected Messages, Book 1, page 37.

"As the Lord has manifested Himself through the spirit of prophecy, past, present and future have passed before me. I have been shown faces that I have never seen, and years afterward I knew them when I saw them. I have been aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of subjects previously presented to my mind; and l have written, at midnight, letters that have gone across the continent and, arriving at a crisis, have saved great disaster to the cause of God. This has been my work for many years. A power has impelled me to reprove and rebuke wrongs that I had not thought of. Is this work of the last thirty-six years [ultimately seventy] from above or from beneath?"— Testimonies, Volume 5, page 671.

Attorney Vincent L. Ramik, a senior partner in a Washington, D.C., legal firm specializing in copyright law was asked to investigate the possibility that Ellen White was a "plagiarist."

"He began a critical examination of her books with a bias that she was a plagiarist, but something unexpected happened. Though he was looking for literary theft, after 300 hours studying the charges against her, he said there simply was no case. [Reported in "Review;" September 17, 1981, pages 3-7,] Besides the strictly legal facts of the case, something else impressed him to turn 180 degrees in his attitude.

" 'Now there are a lot of things that Mrs. White has put down on paper that will, if read seriously, perhaps cause a person to look inwardly, honestly. And if you do, the true self comes out; I think I know a little more about the real Vince Ramik than I did before I started reading the message of Ellen White, not simply her writings. . Quite honestly, I think I've left this task with more than I've put into it. And it's simply her messages. . It makes you believe a little more firmly in things you may have believed a little bit less in the past.

" 'Mrs. White moved me! In all candor, she moved me. I am a Roman Catholic; but Catholic, Protestant, whatever—she moved me. And I think her writings should move anyone, unless he is permanently biased and is unswayable.'

"Thousands can testify to the truth of that statement. In her writings is a power and originality which. . [is recognized] as the prophetic voice. Her messages reveal credentials of a kind many find nowhere else outside the Scriptures. The writings are authoritative because of their origin. Ellen White recognized that she was not the originator of her books and did not take credit to herself. 'Of myself I could not have brought out the truth in these books, but the Lord has given me the help of His Holy Spirit.' (Selected Messages, Book 1, page 35.) Those visions, those scenes that passed before her, and the accompanying explanations provided her, give to her writing the freshness of an, eyewitness and the richness of an authentic firsthand report.'

"Messages such as these have not been duplicated in any contemporary writer. . The same stark, literary simplicity and directness shines through these earlier books [of hers] as in her later, more expanded works. Even when she employed the beautiful and descriptive language of others, a certain something happened to those jewels as she reset them for her own purposes. In being recast to fit her message, they shone with more power, appeal, and beauty than the sources from which they were taken. This intangible and singular quality is evident in all of her books and is often recognized by those who come upon them for the first time." —John J. Robertson, The White Truth, pages 97-98.

Robertson's book is an interesting one. On the last page he tells the story of two men who wandered into a major art museum in Europe. The story goes something like this:

While others stood hushed in awe at the enraptured views and portraiture, these two would turn from one painting to another with a coarse laugh, "Who would want to pay anything for something like that?" And on it went, painting after painting.

Then a museum attendant drew near and said quietly, "It is not the masterworks that are on trial; it is our response to them."

Prophets are sent from God with special messages to mankind. The clear yet solemn truths in these messages witness to their genuineness and their Source.

Are the prophets on trial or is it our response? Who was being tested when John the Baptist stood before Herod? Who was on trial when Noah pled with the people? Who failed the test when the door of the ark was shut and probation closed?

CHAPTER TWENTY

THREE SCORE AND TEN

 The girl that was supposed to die before spring of 1845 did not do so. God had called her to the work of a prophet.

The years passed and they were filled with exhaustive traveling and writing. In 1881 her husband, James, passed away. Ellen kept at her work and the years continued on. And the years brought article after article, book after book. Gradually, 100,000 pages of handwritten  manuscripts were produced: This amounted to 25 million handwritten words (for she never used a typewriter or shorthand). She wrote 4,500 magazine articles. Over 100 books were published. Her first vision took place in December 1844; her last-known vision concerned the welfare of youth and was given on March 3, 1915. She received about two thousand visions and prophetic dreams during seventy years of public ministry (1844 to 1915).

After her husband's death on August 6, 1881, she was a widow for thirty-four years. Not only did she encourage Christians in North America, but she spent two years in Europe (summer of 1885 to the summer of 1887) and nine years in Australia (1891 to. 1900) doing the same.

Many of her books were translated into foreign languages. "Steps to Christ," telling the simple story of how to come to Christ and remain close by His side, has been translated into 117 languages. We mentioned earlier that she wrote more than any other woman in history. But in regard to the large number of her books that were translated: "She is the fourth most translated author [man or woman] in the history of literature, its most translated woman writer, and the most translated American author of either sex. "—Roger W. Coon, A Gift of Light, page 21. *

*In careful research at the Library of Congress, in Washington D.C., Roger Coon was able to tentatively identify the ten most translated authors in the history of literature: [1] Vladimir I. Lenin (Russian communist leader)—222 languages. [2] Georges Simenon (Franco Belgian detective-story writer)—143 languages. [3] Leo Tolstoy (Russian novelist)—122 languages. [4] Ellen G. White (American religious figure and writer)—117 languages. [5] Karl Marx (German socialist philosopher)—114. [6] William Shakespeare (English playwright)—111. [7] Agatha Christie (English mystery writer)—99. Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm (German fairy-tale writers)—"'97. Ian Fleming (British author of "James Bond" novels)—95. [10] Earnest Hemingway (American novelist)—91. —See Roger Coon, "A Gift of Light," page 30-31.

Yes, the years passed; but they were exciting years. Full of help to thousands, full of concern for many who refused to be helped. And the girl that was supposed to die in the 1840s, lived on past the turn of the century. Although frequently weary, yet God helped her continue on. The following experience took place on the night of March 2,1907. She was then 79 years of age:

"I was weary and retired early. I was suffering from rheumatism in my left side and could get no rest because of the pain. I turned from side to side, trying to find ease from the suffering. There was a pain in my heart that portended no good for me. At last I fell asleep.

"About half past nine I attempted to turn myself, and as I did so, l became aware that my body was entirely free from pain. As I turned from side to side, and moved my hands, I experienced an extraordinary freedom and lightness that I cannot describe. The room was filled with light, a most beautiful, soft, azure light, and I seemed to be in the arms of heavenly beings.

"This peculiar light I have experienced in the past in times of special blessing, but this time it was more distinct, more impressive, and I felt such peace, peace so full and abundant no words can express it. I raised myself into a sitting posture, and I saw that I was surrounded by a bright cloud, white as snow, the edges of which were tinged with a deep pink. The softest, sweetest music was filling the air, and I recognized the music as the singing of the angels.

"Then a Voice spoke to me, saying, 'Fear not; I am your Saviour. Holy angels are all about you.'

" 'Then this is heaven,' I said, 'and now I can be at rest. I shall have no more messages to bear, no more misrepresentations to endure. Everything will be easy now, and I shall enjoy peace and rest. Oh, what inexpressible peace fills my soul! Is this indeed heaven?—Am l one of God's little children? and shall I always have this peace?'

"The voice replied, 'Your work is not yet done.'

"Again I fell asleep, and when I awoke I heard music, and I wanted to sing. Then someone passed my door, and I wondered if that person saw the light. After a time the light passed away, but the peace remained."—Ellen G. White, Testimonies, Volume 9, page 65-67.

Her work was not done. More years continued, and more manuscripts and books were prepared. Her last talk given before a large gathering of missionaries from allover the world field occurred in 1909. Among her concluding words were these: "We do not have half faith enough. Let us do our part in warning these cities I all over the world the warning message must come to the people who are ready to perish, unwarned . . How can we delay?"—Life Sketches, page 424.'

Leaving the podium to sit down, she returned to it, and holding up a Bible, said, "Brethren, I commend to you the Word of God."

An uplifting of Christ, a concern for the salvation of souls, warnings against sin, a pointing to Scripture: this was the work of Ellen G. White, as it had been the work of all the prophets before her time.

Some time after this experience, Ellen White visited a small Christian college located in the hills behind her home in Northern California. Alma McKibbin relates what took place:

"There came a time when she didn't come [to visit us] for quite a while. And we became a little anxious about it and were asking for her. So Professor Irwin told her that we were all very anxious to have her come once more. So she was brought up the night before and put to bed in the dormitory. The next morning they brought her over. We were still having chapel. . and Professor Irwin [the president of the college] and Elder W.C. White, her son, just picked her up and carried her. She was so feeble and there were awkward steps up to the rostrum. And Brother White stood by her and supported her while she spoke. I don't think she spoke more than ten minutes. She wasn't able. But this was what she said, as nearly as I can remember.

"She said, 'My dear young people, I am grateful to God that He has given me strength to come and speak to you once more. You have a rare privilege of establishing a new school: You may have some inconveniences, but yours is a great privilege to found a school on right principles. . I was young like you when God called me to this work. And I've put my armor on—and I've never taken it off. And I never shall till my work is done. Dear young people, when you put your hands to the plow, never turn back! I hope each one of you has consecrated his life to God. Count the cost, my young friends, and when you have determined to do that, don't let anything hinder you. Don't be discouraged.'

"And then she said, 'I know what the evil one does; I know by what he has tried to do to discourage me, through seventy long years. But I put my armor on, way back when I was a girl, and I've never taken it off—and l never shall, till my work is done.'

“Then she paused: 'And it's almost done. My secretaries, are busy these days, gathering the material from my earlier papers for another book. You know, God has helped me to write a series of books [the "Conflict of the Ages" Series],  but there is one yet lacking: I haven't a book on the latter part of the Old Testament. But have written a good deal on that here and there, and my secretaries are gathering it together. And I help them as I can. . God will help me finish this book. I know He will [The book was completed the year of her death, using current and past materials that she had written.]

" . . Then she said, 'I think that I cannot speak to you more today, but remember: Put your armor on—and never take it off.'

"Then they took her away; took her out and put her in a chair on, the porch [just outside of the chapel] . Brother White went for the carriage. We could see her through the glass doors. I think we were all weeping. And, do you know, as she sat there, she began to sing. She loved to sing. And they told me that it was an old [second] advent hymn. The only words I remember are 'Jesus is coming again; coming again, coming again.' Then they took her away. And we knew that we had seen her for the last time. And I don't think anyone who was there will ever forget her last words: 'I put my armor on, and I'll never take it off till my work is done.' "—Alma McKibbin, Statement, c. 1965.

Ellen White had earlier hoped to live through to the Second Coming of Christ. Then she had a dream one night in which she awoke from the grave with her husband, James. "Were we both here?" she asked in her dream. From then on, she knew she was to pass through the grave before Jesus returned for His own. Again and again, during the earlier weeks of her [final] illness, her voice was lifted in song. The words oftenest chosen were: 

We have heard from the bright; the holy land,

We have heard, and our hearts are glad;

For we were a lonely pilgrim band,

And weary, and worn, and sad.

They tell us the pilgrims have a dwelling there

­No longer are homeless ones;

And we know that the goodly land is fair,

Where life's pure river runs.

We'll be there, we'll be there, in a little while,

We'll join the pure and the blest;

We'll have the palm, the robe, the crown,

 And forever be at rest."*

—Life Sketches, page 446.

*This song, written in 1845 by William Hyde, can be found in its entirety in 1 Testimonies, page 70, and in the "Church Hymnal," number 305. It was an early Advent hymn and was included in James White's first hymnbook, published in 1849.

A few weeks before her death, she said to her son:

"I am very weak. I am sure that this is my last sickness. I am not worried at the thought of dying. I feel comforted all the time that the Lord is near me. I am not anxious. The preciousness of the Saviour has been so plain to me. He has been a friend. He has kept me in sickness and' in health.

“l do not worry about the work I have done. I have done the best I could. I do not think that I shall be lingering long. I do not expect much suffering. . Do not worry. I go only a little before the others. "—Life Sketches, page 444-445.

Her last weeks were spent in a comfortable room on the second floor of "Elmshaven," her Northern California home. It was light and airy, with a large bay window through which the cheery sunlight entered and lit up the entire room. Frequently, she was lifted by loving hands and placed in a chair on the veranda. From this balcony she could gaze out upon the beauties of nature as it bloomed from spring into summer. Often she would have a Bible or one of her books in her lap when visitors came. Laying one down that she had been reading, she said, "I appreciate these books . . They are truth, and they are righteousness, and they are an everlasting testimony that God is true. "—Life Sketches, page 445.

Then, in mid-July, the end came.

"AII her trust was in the unmerited grace of Christ, the one hope of every believer. 'I am guarding every moment,' she said in last hours with the family, 'so that nothing may come between me and the Lord. . There will be a glorious meeting soon.' "—William A. Spicer, The Gift of Prophecy, page 64.

How thankful we can be that God cares for His little ones. Just as He cared for little Ellen, so He will care for us.

“The end came on Friday, July 16, 1915, at 3:40 p.m., in the sunny upper chamber of her 'Elmshaven' home where she had spent so much of her time during the last happy, fruitful years of her busy life. She fell asleep in Jesus as quietly and peacefully as a weary child goes to rest. . The last words that she spoke to her son were, 'I know in whom I have believed.'

“ 'God is love.' 'He giveth His beloved sleep.' To them the long night of waiting until the morning of the resurrection is but a moment; and even to those who remain the time of waiting will not be long, for Jesus is coming soon to gather His loved ones home. As our beloved sister [Ellen] herself declared to those about her one Sabbath day during her sickness, 'We shall all be home very soon now.' "—Life Sketches, page 449.

Ellen White was eighty-seven at the time of her death. A ministry of seventy years, since the first vision had been given to her, was ended. The lives of many thousands have been changed for the better because of that ministry. For she being dead yet speaketh—through the track of light which she left behind: her many books and papers which are ours to read today.

"Not only did she foretell the future, but she also gave wise counsel in the present. Certainly she was a spokesman for God. Like the prophets of old, her life was marked by humility, simplicity, austerity, divine learning, and devotion. And like them, she turned to God for healing and help. . [In all her books] which reached a circulation running into millions . . she represents the Bible as the Book of all books, the supreme guide for the whole human family". —Edith Deen, Great Women of the Christian Faith, 1959 edition (Harper & Brothers), pages 230-236:

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

TREASURE CHEST OF INSPIRATION

For over a hundred years, Christians on the path to heaven have found deep comfort and encouragement in the writings of Ellen G. White. How thankful we can be for the Bible; and for the precious help that God sends us through His messengers.

Here are but a few samples of the treasure house of inspiration that you will find in these, books. If you like what you read, you can purchase more. They are not expensive, and many are obtainable in inexpensive paperback.

"The vast confederacy of evil is arrayed against all who would overcome; but Christ would have us look to the things which are not seen, to the armies of heaven encamped about all who love God, to deliver them. From what dangers, seen and unseen, we have been preserved through the interposition of the angels, we shall. never know, until in the light of .eternity we see the providences of God."—The Desire of Ages, page 240.

"When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name."—Prophets and Kings, page 260..

"We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it." —Great Controversy, page 622.

"As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here . . Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness. As we walk with Jesus in this life, we may be filled with His love, satisfied with His presence. All that human nature can bear, we may receive here."— The Desire of Ages, pages 331-332.

"The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. No one who in penitence and faith has claimed H is protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power. It is true that Satan is a powerful being; but, thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven. Satan is pleased when we magnify His power. Why not talk of Jesus? Why not magnify His power and His love?"—The Ministry of Healing, page 94.

“It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His Spirit."— The Desire of Ages, page 83.

"We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God."— The Desire of Ages, page 363.

"His [God's] angels are appointed to watch over us, and if we put ourselves under their guardianship, then in every time of danger they will be at our right hand. When unconsciously we are in danger of exerting a wrong influence, the angels will be by our side, prompting us to a better course, choosing our words for us, and influencing our actions." —Christ's Object Lessons, pages 341,342.

"Turning from the ambitious, self-satisfied favorites of this world, He [Christ] declared that those were blessed who, however great their need, would receive His light and love. To the poor in spirit, the sorrowing, the persecuted, He stretched out His arms, saying, 'Come unto Me . . I will give you rest.' Matthew 11: 28.

"In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be, transfigured by His grace, —in the 'beauty of the Lord our God.' Psalm 90:17. Looking upon them with hope, He inspired trust. Revealing in Himself man's true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In His presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they longed to prove themselves worthy of His regard. In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life.

"Christ bound men to His heart by the ties of love and devotion; and by the same ties He bound them to their fellow­men. With Him love was life, and life was service. 'Freely ye have received,' He said, 'freely give.' Matthew 10:8."—Education, pages 79-80.

"God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works Of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning” —The Desire of Ages, page 311.

"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light."— The Desire of Ages, page 324.

“In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of God are the utterances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, but the darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded the under­standing is removed. The words, 'A new heart also will I give you,' mean, 'A new mind will I give you.' A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. He, who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence.

"The Bible contains the principles that lie at the foundation of all true greatness, all true prosperity, whether for the individual or for the nation. . The reading of the Scriptures causes light to shine into the darkness. As the Word of God is searched, life-giving truths are found. In the lives of those who heed its teachings there will be an undercurrent of happiness that will bless all with whom they are brought in contact.

"Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life; yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them and what they are to Christ. . Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. . Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded.”—My Life Today, page 24.

“Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan's counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression."— The Desire of Ages, page 126.

"The soul that has given himself to Christ is more pre­cious In His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom." The Desire of Ages, page 483.

"Christ is the great center, the source of all strength. His disciples are to receive their supplies from Him. The most intelligent, the most spiritually minded, can bestow only as they receive. Of themselves they can supply nothing for the needs of the soul. We can impart only that which we receive from Christ; and we can receive only as we impart to others. As we continue imparting, we continue to receive; and the more we impart, the more we shall receive. Thus we may be constantly believing, trusting, receiving, and imparting. . The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its accomplishment . . If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life."— The Desire of Ages, pages 370-371.

"All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. . Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue." —The Desire of Ages, page 668.

"When we have a realization "of our weakness, we learn to depend upon a power not inherent. Nothing can take so strong a hold on the heart as the abiding sense of our responsibility to God. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ . . The less you cherish self, the more distinct and full will be, your comprehension of the excellence of your Saviour. The more closely you connect yourself with the source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to work for God. Rejoice that you are one with God, one with Christ, and with the whole family of heaven."— The Desire of Ages, page 493.