An Explanation Of This Document

In response to requests from leading officers of the General Conference we here provide a grouping of statements from the pen of Ellen G. White concerning the purpose and objectives of Seventh-day Adventist institutions. There are many many statements on these points which expressed at various times and often repeated give through their content, their repetition and their emphasis a clear picture of what God called for through the messages given through His servant, Ellen G. White.POSDAI 2.4

A statement of historical background relating to the starting of the three major lines of institutional endeavor appears as Section V, and should not be overlooked.POSDAI 2.5

The White Estate staff in its attempt to meet a close deadline have not been able to do an exhaustive work. More might be added from periodical articles and E. G. White manuscript files. It is their opinion, however, that the statements appearing here portray an accurate picture. It is our hope that what is presented may serve church leaders well.POSDAI 2.6

Arthur L. White and D. A. Delafield

The Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.

September 9, 1969

1. Chapter 1—Why God Called the Church to Establish and Operate Institutions 3 2. Chapter 2—The Object of our Publications and our Publishing Houses 5 3. Chapter 3—Objectives of SDA Medical Institutions 10    Objectives As First Enunciated 10    Advertised Objectives Of Our First Sanitarium 13    Through The Period Of Expansion 20    Objectives Restated 1900-1914 26    Dangers Of A Disproportionate Work 38 4. Chapter 4—Objectives of our Educational Institutions 46 5. Chapter 5—The Historical Setting of the Counsels Relating to the First Seventh-day Adventist Institutions 54    1. The First Publishing Institution 56    2. Medical: Battle Creek Sanitarium 64    3. Educational: Battle Creek College 69 6. APPENDIX A—A Distinctly Seventh-day Adventist Institution 78