How Shall We Use This Knowledge?

Now the question is, what shall we do with the information this communication contains? Ellen White placed in her books only the general statements which we find in Great Controversy. She did not choose to include in her books the blunt statement to the effect that there would be a revival of slavery in the South. Discussing the delicate situation of race relationships in the South and particularly the manner in which new Adventists should conduct themselves, she counseled that “The things which I have been presenting to you will need to be brought out with great care.” ^{2As she brought to a close her 1895 letter of counsel to Elder Tait in which she uses the term “surveillance” (Exhibit A), she added this parenthetical sentence before her signature: “(I would not advise that this be published in our papers, but let the workers have it in leaflets, and let them keep their own counsels.)”} She gave this information to our workers to impress them with the caution with which they should carry on certain lines of work. She advised against an indiscriminate publication of this information.SWR 9.1

The prophet, so well aware of human nature and the different frames of mind of those with whom they must deal, faced at times a problem as to what he should disclose in a general manner to the people. Jesus said even to his disciples, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” John 16:12.SWR 9.2

In 1911, Ellen White wroteSWR 9.3

“Regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be considered. Nothing must be done untimely. Some matters must be withheld because some persons would make an improper use of the light given. Every jot and tittle is essential and must appear at an opportune time.”—Selected Messages 1:57.

A knowledge of the fuller truth of some matters as presented in vision to the prophet, although he in turn did not disclose indiscriminately all the details, molded the message of counsel he bore. Note this interesting comment concerning the light given in vision to Paul:SWR 9.4

“The great apostle had many visions. The Lord showed him many things that it is not lawful for a man to utter. Why could he not tell the believers what he had seen? Because they would have made a misapplication of the great truths presented. They would not have been able to comprehend these truths. And yet all that was shown to Paul moulded the messages that God gave him to bear to the churches.”—E. G. White Letter 161, 1903.

We are living in days when an exercise of prudence and great restraint is timely. Shall we be content to handle this matter as guardedly as did Ellen White when she gave this information to some of the leading workers of the church?SWR 10.1