Ellen G. White

The Gift of Prophecy in Full View

Spirit of Prophecy Series

Sabbath, April 20, 2013Sabbath Afternoon, April 20, 2013Sunday, April 24, 2013

New Haven SDA Church

Life SketchesEllen Gould White

April 24, 2013Prepared by: Nathalee McKnight

The Harmon FamilyFather: Robert F. Harmon, Sr. [1786-1866]

Mother: Eunice Gould Harmon [1787-1863]

Ellen and her fraternal twin sister Elizabeth were born on November 26, 1827 in Gorham, Maine to Robert and Eunice Harmon. They were the youngest of the eight Harmon children. The Harmon Family

Ellen White and her twin sister Elizabeth in 1878.The Harmon Family

Elizabeth ("Lizzie") N. Harmon Bangs (1827-1891)Ellen's fraternal twinMarried Reuben BangsLizzie never accepted Ellen's gift

The Harmon Family

Robert F. Harmon, Jr. (1825-1853)Only brother to become Sabbatharian AdventistThe Harmon Family

A few years after the birth of Ellen and Elizabeth, Robert Harmon gave up farming and moved to the city of Portland, about twelve miles east, where he began work as a hat-maker. Ellen assisted about the home and helped her father in the manufacture of hats. The Harbour- Portland, Maine, 1853. The Harmon Family

My MisfortuneAt age nine, while returning from school one afternoon, Ellen Harmon suffered a tragic accident. She was struck and severely injured on the nose by a stone hurled by a classmate angry at some childish trifle.

For three weeks she was in a coma, and in the years that followed she suffered greatly as a result of the serious injury to her nose. She later wrote this , "was to affect my whole life" (LS 17)."I was reduced almost to a skeleton." (Life Sketches 18)

My Misfortune

Ellen was also physically disfigured for the rest of her life. "Every feature of my face seemed changed. The sight was more than I could bear. The bone of my nose proved to be broken. The idea of carrying my misfortune through life was insupportable. I could see no pleasure in my life. I did not wish to live, and I dared not die, for I was not prepared." (2SG 9)My Misfortune

Ellen's formal education ended abruptly, and it seemed to all that the formerly promising little girl could not live long.In the year 1840, Ellen, with her parents, attended a Methodist camp meeting at Buxton, Maine, and there, at the age of 12, she gave her heart to God.

My Misfortune

On June 26, 1842, (14+ years old) at her request she was baptized by immersion in Casco Bay, Portland. That same day she was received as a member of the Methodist Church.

Baptism

The Aftermath of the AccidentEllen Harmon never resumed formal schooling.Some 50 years after the accident, she wrote that that "which for a time seemed so bitter and was so hard to bear, have proved to be a blessing in disguise. The cruel blow which blighted the joys of earth, was the means of turning my eyes to heaven. I might never have known Jesus, had not the sorrow that clouded my early years led me to seek comfort in Him" (RH, Nov. 25, 1884; cited in 1Bio 30-31).

A Problem with TimidityMay be as a residual effect from her accident (which physically scarred her for life).At age 17, she was commissioned to public ministry.Her reaction: "I was exceedingly troubled. . . . My heart shrank in terror from the thought (LS 69-70).

Reasons why:(1) Poor health(2) "I was only seventeen years of age, small and frail(3) "I was young and timid

A Problem with Timidity

Her calling was most remarkable only 17 years of age sick with a dropsical consumption and confined to the house for most of the time for 5 years and been given over by physicians to die. In this state God called her and told her to go out and tell the flock what he had revealed to her--that an angel should accompany her all the time and sometimes two in time of need--that no wicked power on earth should have dominion over her if she would obey the Lord.

Biographical Portion without Editing Page 54

Called by God

The Harmon family were Methodists but became interested in the teachings of William Miller, whose reading of the Bible had convinced him that Jesus was returning soon. Eventually the date of October 22, 1844 was calculated. (17 years)The Great Disappointment

Jesus did not of course return and many of the Millerites gave up their beliefs in the second coming. Some 2 months after this Great Disappointment, Ellen White received her first vision from Goda message of hope and encouragement to the Millerites. Ellen White received about 2,000 visions and dreams.The Great Disappointment

For a time after the disappointment in 1844, I did hold, in common with the advent body, that the door of mercy was then forever closed to the world. This position was taken before my first vision was given me. It was the light given me of God that corrected our error, and enabled us to see the true position.The Great Disappointment

"In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of stone, which folded together like a book. Jesus opened them, and I saw the Ten Commandments written on them with the finger of God. On one table were Four and on the other six. The four on the first table shone brighter than the other six. But the fourth, the Sabbath commandment, shone above them all; for the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God's holy name. " [Early Writings of Ellen G. White, page 33]. Adventism

The holy Sabbath looked glorious, a halo of glory was all around it. I saw that the Sabbath commandment was not nailed to the cross. If it was, the other nine commandments were; and we are at liberty to break them all as well as to break the fourth. I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for he never changes. But the pope had changed it from the seventh day to the first day of the week; for he was to change times and laws.

[Early Writings of Ellen G. White, page 33]. Adventism

During 1845, (18 years) Ellen Harmon was invited to share her early visions with Adventist groups. A young preacher, six years older than Ellen, became convinced that her visions were genuine and that her message of encouragement was needed. Adventism

And so James White entered young Ellens life, but not with romantic thoughtsat first.

James White

James WhiteBorn Aug. 4, 1821, at Palmyra, NY5th of nine childrenSuffered from poor eyesight which kept him out of school until the age of 19Formal education consisted of a total of 29 weeks

James Whites Religious Experience

Baptized into the "Christian Connection" denominationProfoundly moved by the preaching of William Miller and in September 1842He was successful in preaching the Millerite message: in the winter of 1842-43Ordained to the gospel ministry in April 1843

James Whites ContributionAfter his massive stroke in 1865, the Western Health Reform Institute in Battle Creek began in 1866. This was the beginning of what would become the Battle Creek Sanitarium. Thus, a college, a medical institution, publishing work, and the church organizationall began by James White, in response to visions given to his wife.

CourtshipBoth met prior to 1844, at Portland, MaineBecame acquainted on a trip to Orrington, Maine, where they both went to combat fanaticism.A courtship developed, but was allowed to mature only after both had assured themselves that the relationship had God's approval.

After realizing that his joint ministry with young Ellen, though always chaperoned by her sister Sarah or other faithful friends, was activating gossip, he proposed marriage.

Courtship

Ellen accepted his proposal and they were married by a justice of the peace in Portland, Maine, on August 30, 1846. James was 25 years, 1 month oldEllen was 18 years, 9 months old.

Marriage

Marriage

We were married August 30, 1846, and from that hour to the present she has been my crown of rejoicing....It has been in the good providence of God that both of us had enjoyed a deep experience in the Advent movement....This experience was now needed as we should join our forces and, united, labor extensively from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific.... James White Marriage

Marriage

Acute Privation in Their HomeIn the earliest days of their married life, they lived in the homes of others (6 years)Harmon homeStockbridge Howland homeThey started their home with borrowed furniture, but determined to be financially independent.

In vision Ellen was "shown that the Lord had been trying us for our good, and to prepare us to labor for others; that He had been stirring up our nest, lest we should settle down at ease. Our work was to labor for souls; if we had been prospered, home would be so pleasant that we would be unwilling to leave it; trials had been permitted to come upon us to prepare us for the still greater conflicts that we would meet in our travels" (LS 105-106).Acute Privation in Their Home

James and Ellen had four children, all boys: Henry Nichols, born August 26, 1847; James Edson (known as Edson), born July 28, 1849; William Clarence (known as W.C. or Willie), born August 29, 1854; and John Herbert, September 20, 1860. Four Children

Henry N. Whites picture taken when he was three or four years old. Preserve carefully. Signed Ellen G. White.Four Children

Henry Nichols White (1847-1863) eldest sonSpent many of his early years with the Stockbridge Howland family.Sweet singerIn late November 1863, Henry caught a cold which turned into pneumonia. He died prematurely at age 16.

Four Children

James Edson White (1849-1928)Known by his middle name (to differentiate him from his father)Missionary to former African American slaves in the southern United States (often at great personal endangerment, from violence at the hands of angry plantation-owners).Four Children

William Clarence White (1854-1937)Known affectionately as "Willie"After his father deceased he served as counselor, business manger, and traveling companion to his mother, a task to which God had especially called him.

Four Children

John Herbert White (1860)John Herbert died after living only three months, a victim of erysipelas (also known medically as "St. Anthony's Fire") a skin infection. The 33-year-old mother recalled this heartbreaking experience:Four Children

My dear babe was a great sufferer. Twenty-four days and nights we anxiously watched over him, using all the remedies we could for his recovery, and earnestly presenting his case to the Lord. At times I could not control my feelings as I witnessed his sufferings. Much of my time was spent in tears, and humble supplication to God. Spiritual Gifts , vol. 2, p. 296 Four Children

Ellen White described the infants final hours: My babe was worse. I listened to his labored breathing, and felt his pulseless wrist. I knew that he must die. That was an hour of anguish for me. The icy hand of death was already upon him. We watched his feeble, gasping breath, until it ceased, and we felt thankful that his sufferings were ended. Four Children

When my child was dying, I could not weep. I fainted at the funeral. My heart ached as though it would break, yet I could not shed a tear....After we returned from the funeral, my home seemed lonely. I felt reconciled to the will of God, yet despondency and gloom settled upon me. Spiritual Gifts , vol. 2, p. 296 Four Children

For Ellen White, her children were high priority. Her diary entries, letters to others and to her sons, all indicate her unending concern for them, especially their spiritual growth. She took their shortcomings as well as her own very seriously. After a difficult encounter with young Edson, she wrote in her diary: Had an interview with Edson. Felt distressed beyond measure, feeling that it was not conducted wisely. Manuscript 12 , 1868.Four Children

Interpersonal ProblemsInterpersonal problems between James and Ellen surrounded differences of opinion concerning the handling of children.James took a very stern, "tough love," attitude, refusing to bail Edson out from the consequences of his spendthrift ways.Ellen, however, took a more tender, lenient, conciliatory attitude, which caused James to disagree and, at times, explode.

Oh, say some mothers, my children bother me when they try to help me. So did mine, but do you think I let them know it? Praise your children. Teach them, line upon line, precept upon precept. This is better than reading novels, better than making calls, better than following the fashions of the world. The Adventist Home , p. 289 Interpersonal Problems

Problems caused by the deterioration of James condition.James eventually experienced a complete change of character and personality."I shall use the old head God gave me until He reveals that I am wrong. Your head won't fit on my shoulders. Keep it where it belongs, and I will try to honor God in using my own. I shall be glad to hear from you, but don't waste your precious time and strength in lecturing me on matters of mere opinion" (Letter 66, May 16, 1876).Interpersonal Problems

Nursing an Invalid HusbandJames White was never in robust health.Stricken with paralysis on Aug. 16, 1865.Hospitalized at "Our Home on the Hillside," a health reform institution operated by Dr. Jackson, at Dansville, New York.God instructed Ellen White to remove her husband from this hospital.

On Christmas Day, 1865, Mrs. White received a vision during a prayer session in which she was shown that Adventists had not done enough to promote health reform, and should establish a health institution:(a) To promote proper cures for healing those already ill.(b) To teach prevention of illness through proper diet and other reforms.Nursing an Invalid Husband

To hasten his convalescence they sold their home in Battle Creek, and relocated on a small farm purchased at Greenville, Michigan.James White was most reluctant to engage in any exercise, because he had been converted to Dr. Jackson's erroneous theory of total mental and physical inaction in the recovery of health.In the spring and summer of 1867, slowly James began to show an interest, and join in the garden work in a limited way.Nursing an Invalid Husband

Although James Whiterecovered from this first stroke,he experienced altogether aboutfive strokes before his death16 years later, in 1881, at the age of 60. (LS 248-249)Nursing an Invalid Husband

Rejection by the Battle Creek ChurchBy March, 1867, (40 years) after an extended absence from Battle Creek, Ellen White began to receive letters in Greenville "of a discouraging character" from some of the members of the Battle Creek church.

"Grieved in spirit beyond measure, I remained at home, dreading to go anywhere among the church for fear of being wounded. Finally, as no one made an effort to relieve my feelings, I felt it to be my duty to call together a number of experienced brethren and sisters, and meet the [false] reports which were circulating in regard to us. Weighed down and depressed, even to anguish, I met the charges against me. . ." (1T 580-581).

Rejection by the Battle Creek Church

Together, they gave strong leadership to the church for 35 years. James died at age 60 in 1881, leaving Ellen White (54 years) to continue her work alone for another 34 years.James and Ellen White

Widowhood and Loneliness"His sympathy and prayers and tears I have missed so much, so very much. No one can understand this as myself. But my work has to be done" (Ms 227, 1902, cited in 3SM 67)."I miss Father more and more. Especially do I feel his loss while here in the mountains. I find it a very different thing being in the mountains with my husband and in the mountains without him. I am fully of the opinion that my life was so entwined or interwoven with my husband's that it is about impossible for me to be of any great account without him" (Letter 17, Sept. 12, 1881).

Ellen recalled after Jamess death: It was not over a year before James White talked it over with me. He said something had come up, and he should have to go away and leave me to go with whomsoever I would, or we must be married. He said something had got to be done. So we were married, and have been married ever since. Although he is dead, I feel that he is the best man that ever trod shoe leather. Ellen White

Widowhood and Loneliness

Although I miss you very, very much, and love you, yet I feel at present I belong to God to wait for and do his will. I tell you freely it is a great sacrifice to my feelings to have you separated from me as you are, and yet it seems to be that it is as God would have it, and I must be reconciled. It has been hard, so hard. Ellen White about James White

Widowhood and Loneliness

Remarriage?"Since twenty-one years ago, when I was deprived of my husband by death, I have not had the slightest idea of ever marrying again. Why? Not because God forbade it. No. But to stand alone was best for me, that no one should suffer with me in carrying forward my work entrusted to me of God. And no one should have a right to influence me in any way in reference to my responsibility and my work in bearing my testimony of encouragement and reproof." (Ms. 227, 1902; cited in 3SM 66, 67)

What was Ellen White Like?Ellen White enjoyed many forms of travel. In 1876, (49 years) while in San Francisco, she enjoyed a cruise on a sailboat owed by church members: The waves ran high and we were tossed up and down so very grandly.

I was highly elevated in my feelings, but had no words to say to any one. It was grand. The spray dashing over us. The watchful captain giving his orders, the ready hands to obey. The wind was blowing strong and I never enjoyed anything so much in my life. Letter 5, 1896 What was Ellen White Like?

In her later years riding in her carriage became an important part of Ellen Whites life. What was Ellen White Like?

In 1913 she was taken for her first ride in an automobile by her twin grandsons Henry & Herbert. She commented: It is the easiest machine that I have ever ridden in. Letter 11, 1913 What was Ellen White Like?

Ellen White enjoyed the outdoors. While visiting Colorado she wrote: Mr. Walling took us up, up, up in the mountains. We feared sometimes that we should never reach the top. We had a commanding view of the country.It looked fearful so high, and below was a fearful precipice of rocks. If the horses had stepped over to one side we should have fallen hundreds of feet The mountain scenery of Colorado can never be described so that the imagination can gather distinct and correct ideas of this country. What was Ellen White Like?

It is wonderful! It is marvellous! The scenery of the grand old mountains, some bald and others covered with trees! Instinctively the mind is awed and deep feelings of reverence bow the soul in humiliation as the imagination gathers a sense of the power of the Infinite. I would not be deprived of the privilege of seeing what I have of the mountain scenery of Colorado. Letter 12, 1872. What was Ellen White Like?

Ellen White enjoyed helping others. In the 1890s Australiaand most of the world was undergoing an economic depression. Ellen White helped many people personally: While in Cooranbong I tried to set an example of how the needy should be helped. I tried to work in the way set before me by the Lord. Letter 105, 1902; Letter 33, 1897 What was Ellen White Like?

There were many here who were poor and in need. Men who were trying to serve the Lord and keep His commandments could not provide food for their families, and they begged us to give them something to do. We employed them, and they ate at our table. We gave them suitable wages until their families were fed and comfortably clothed. Then we let them go to find work somewhere else.

Letter 105, 1902; Letter 33, 1897 What was Ellen White Like?

Last evening we had a Dorcas Society in our home, and my workers who help in the preparation of my articles for the papers and do the cooking and sewing, five of them, sat up until midnight, cutting out clothing. They made three pairs of pants for the children of one family. Two sewing machines were running until midnight. What was Ellen White Like?

I think there was never a happier set of workers than were these girls last evening. We made up a bundle of clothing for this family, and thought it was about all we could do.There are also other families to be supplied.Thus it has been ever since we came to this country. We shall certainly heed the call to send a box of clothing to these needy ones. I merely tell you these things that you may know that we are surrounded by poverty. Letter 113, 1897 What was Ellen White Like?

Ellen White was not a stern or unhappy person. When you gather around the table to partake of Gods precious bounties, make this a season of cheerfulness. Do not make it season of grave decorum as though [you] were standing around a coffin, but have it a social season where every countenance is full of joy and happiness, where naught but cheerful words are spoken. Letter 19, 1886. What was Ellen White Like?

In 1900, while travelling from Australia to the USA, the ship Ellen White was travelling on stopped in the islands of Samoa. The ships boat was unable to travel right to the shore and as the women wore long dresses, the local men waded out to help them. Her daughter-in-law Ethel May recorded the following:What was Ellen White Like?

The natives of Samoa were hefty fellows who didnt wear too many clothes. Two of the men clasped their hands together, making a chair with their arms, and carried Mother White to the beach where she sat on a large rock. What was Ellen White Like?

Another man took my 4-month-old daughterin his arms and held an umbrella over her to shelter her from the sun. Then he motioned for me to get on his back. So I scrambled onto his back and wrapped my arms and legs around him, and off we went. Mother White laughed so hard at that sight that she couldnt stop. She laughed until she fell of the rock. (Adventist Review , July 7, 1983). What was Ellen White Like?

Ellen White enjoyed her grandchildren. Once, while in Switzerland there was a heavy snow the day before Christmas. White described the view of the large park in front of the publishing house as the most beautiful picture I have ever seen in winter. Then she wrote of playing with her 4-year-old granddaughter Ella: Ella, she said, has a fine time trying to snowball her mother and grandmother, but paid a price by way of a cold, thought to be from eating some of the snow. Manuscript 30, 1885 What was Ellen White Like?

What was Ellen White Like?Ellen White enjoyed gardening. On February 10, 1896 (almost 70 years of age), she wrote in her diary: I arose at half past 4 am. At five I was at work spading up ground and preparing to set out my flowers.

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I worked one hour alone, then Edith Ward and Ella May White united with me, and we planted our flowers. Then we set out twenty-eight tomato plants, when the bell rang for morning prayers and breakfast. Ellen White also enjoyed knitting. MS 62, 1896

What was Ellen White Like?

In brief, she was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world.Spiritual Gift

During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender.

Spiritual Gift

Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, includingreligion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages.

Spiritual Gift

Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams.

Spiritual Gift

The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers.

Spiritual Gift

As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . , The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject

(Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227).Spiritual Gift

As Ellen White herself noted, The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings (The Great Controversy, p. vii).Spiritual Gift

Ellen White is a remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Spiritual Gift

Two volumes of the Testimonies for the Church, volumes 7 and 8, were issued in 1902 (75) and 1904, (77) respectively. The book Education was published in 1903, (76) and Late in 1905, (78) The Ministry of Healing, a book dealing with the healing of body, mind, and soul, came from the press.

Busy Closing Years

During her stay in Washington, Mrs. White encouraged church workersin southern California to secure property for a sanitarium in Loma Linda, and she called for the opening of medical missionary educational work on the Pacific Coast.

Busy Closing Years

During the next few years Ellen White frequently interrupted her book work For trips to Loma Linda to encourage the workers there, and to the Paradise Valley Sanitarium near San Diego, which she had helped to establish in 1903. (76 years)

Busy Closing Years

At the age of 81 Mrs. White traveled again to Washington, attending the General Conference session in 1909. At the conference she spoke a number of times in a clear, firm voice. After this meeting, in fulfilment of a long-felt desire in her heart, she visited her old home city of Portland, Maine.

Busy Closing Years

There she again bore her testimony in that historic place where her work had had its beginning 65 years earlier. This was her last trip to the eastern states, and it made a lasting and vivid impression on the many Seventh-day Adventists who heard her speak or who met her at the General Conference session.

Busy Closing Years

Realizing that her remaining days were few, when Ellen White returned to Elmshaven she intensified her efforts to bring out a number of books presenting essential instruction to the church. Testimonies for the Church, volume 9, was published in 1909. (82 years)

Busy Closing Years

In 1911 The Acts of the Apostles appeared. In 1913 (85 years) Counsels to Parents And Teachers was issued, and in 1914 (86+) the manuscript for Gospel Workers was finished and sent to the press. The closing active months of Mrs. Whites life in 1915 were devoted to the book Prophets and Kings. (87+)

Busy Closing Years

On the morning of February 13, 1915, as Ellen White was entering her comfortable study room at Elmshaven, she tripped and fell, and was unable to rise. Help was summoned, and it soon became clear that the accident was serious. An X-ray examination disclosed a break in the left hip, and for five months Mrs. White was confined to her bed or wheelchair.

Accident

Her words to friends and relatives during the closing weeks of her life indicated a feeling of cheerfulness, a sense of having faithfully performed the work God had entrusted to her, and confidence that the cause of truth would finally triumph.

Confident to the End

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The life of Ellen White ended July 16, 1915, at the age of 87 + years. She was laid to rest at the side of her husband in Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan. Ellen White lived to see the Advent movement grow from a handful of believers to a world-wide membership of 136,879 that, by 2000, had exceeded 11 million.

Confident to the End

Human but Special MessengerBattled disease and illnessesSuffered the loss of a husband and two sonsLived in povertyHad her shortcomings like any human

Worked hard at raising a family and serving the churchShe had her own struggles, weaknesses, strengths, and difficulties, like any other human personHuman but Special Messenger

God called this human being with all her challenges and short- comings to proclaim last day messages of health, education, evangelism, christian living and to help prepare people for Christ's second advent.

Human but Special Messenger

God is Calling YouYou are battling disease and illnesses...You are suffering from anxiety, depression, the loss of loved oneYou live in poverty, you are struggling to make ends meetYou have many shortcomings, you are timid, afraid God is calling you now in whatever state you are in. God does not call the perfect. He calls the willing. Are you willing to accept Jesus now?