Tragic Consequences

She frequently warned of sad, sometimes tragic, personal consequences that would follow rejection of her writings. ^{20For examples, think of Stephen Smith (Bio., vol. 1, pp. 490-492); B. F. Snook and W. H. Brinkerhoff, Ibid., vol. 1, pp. 416, 473; vol. 2, pp. 23, 44, 146-151; J. M. Stephenson and D. P. Hall, Ibid., vol. 1, pp. 310-315, 323, 332, 336; Moses Hull, Ibid., vol. 2, pp. 53-58, 63, 65, 67, 74; Dudley Canright, Ibid., vol. 3, pp. 152, 153, 263-267, 290, 360; S. McCullagh, Ibid., vol. 4, pp. 275-286, 453.} Because she knew her visions were from the Lord and especially for preparing a people for the return of Jesus, she did not respond casually to those who treated her counsel with indifference. She saw the end of it all in the unfolding of that person’s life, and she was alarmed.MOL 172.2

The following is a sample of her insights regarding those who trifle with her messages: “It is Satan’s plan to weaken the faith of God’s people in the Testimonies. Satan knows how to make his attacks. He works upon minds to excite jealousy and dissatisfaction toward those at the head of the work. The gifts are next questioned; then, of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given through vision is disregarded. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable, and ends in destruction.... They rise up with bitter feelings against the ones who dare to speak of their errors and reprove their sins.” ^{21Testimonies for the Church 5:672.}MOL 172.3

Ellen White understood what motivated people to reject her writings. Some accepted the parts with which they agreed, and rejected “those portions which condemn their favorite indulgences.” ^{22Testimonies for the Church 9:154. “I realize that some are watching keenly for some words which have been traced by my pen and upon which they can place their human interpretations in order to sustain their positions and to justify a wrong course of action—when I think of these things, it is not very encouraging to continue writing.” Selected Messages 3:82, 83. “Sinful indulgences are cherished, the Testimonies are rejected, and many excuses which are untrue are offered to others as the reason for refusing to receive them. The true reason is not given. It is a lack of moral courage—a will, strengthened and controlled by the Spirit of God, to renounce hurtful habits.” Testimonies for the Church 5:675; see also vol. 4. p. 32.}MOL 172.4

Some who did not “understand” her writings “had the light but have not walked in it. What I might say in private conversations would be so repeated as to make it mean exactly opposite to what it would have meant had the hearers been sanctified in mind and spirit.” ^{23Selected Messages 3:82.}MOL 172.5

Others “made of none effect the counsel of God” because her writings did not agree with preconceived opinions or particular ideas.... Everything that sustains their cherished ideas is divine, and the testimonies to correct their errors are human—Sister White’s opinions.” ^{24Selected Messages 3:68.}MOL 172.6

One threat to faith that Ellen White hit without compromise was the practice of some to “dissect” her writings: “Do not feel that you can dissect them [Testimonies] to suit your own ideas, claiming that God has given you ability to discern what is light from heaven and what is the expression of mere human wisdom. If the Testimonies speak not according to the Word of God, reject them.” ^{25Testimonies for the Church 5:691. “My Instructor said to me, Tell these men that God has not committed to them the work of measuring, classifying, and defining the character of the testimonies. Those who attempt this are sure to err in their conclusions.” Selected Messages 1:49.}MOL 172.7

She believed her writings to be consistent and harmonious from beginning to end—“a straight line of truth.” That is a remarkable statement for any author to make, especially one who had been writing for more than sixty years. ^{26“The light that I have received, I have written out, and much of it is now shining forth from the printed page. There is, throughout my printed works, a harmony with my present teaching.” The Review and Herald, June 14, 1906, p. 8. “While I am able to do this work, the people must have things to revive past history, that they may see that there is one straight chain of truth, without one heretical sentence, in that which I have written.” Letter 329a, 1905, cited in Selected Messages, book 3, p. 52.} The defining principle that kept her writings coherent and harmonious was her “great controversy theme.” ^{27See p. 256.}MOL 172.8