Introduction

“I knew that this very race war would be introduced.”—Ellen G. White, April 29, 1907EGWUTRW 1.1

What did Ellen White mean when she made this statement? How is it to be viewed and interpreted today?EGWUTRW 1.2

This statement could have profound implications, therefore any honest attempt to explain this statement and others related to it would call for a thorough examination of the many associated factors.EGWUTRW 1.3

First, the context must be examined. Consequently, this paper will spend some time developing the various contexts of the “race war” statement that will help to clarify its usage.EGWUTRW 1.4

However, whenever one approaches the race-related statements of Ellen White in the post-Civil-War years there are a number of factors that initially must be weighed:EGWUTRW 1.5

(1) There was the volatile slavery/freedom question that was legally settled, but practically unanswered.

(2) There was the tense racial climate that took on different forms in different parts of the country.

(3) There was the low ebb of national unity when it concerned the “how to” of the Reconstruction era.

(4) There was the question of how the ex-slave and former master should relate themselves to each other.

(5) There was the myriad of civil and legislative perplexities facing a nation just out of a bloody civil war.

Particularly relevant in the midst of all these considerations was the fact that the infant Seventh-day Adventist Church was suffering growing pains as it faced an often hostile environment. Seventh-day Adventists were, by their very name and nature, confrontive to the religious and secular world surrounding them.EGWUTRW 2.1

Ellen White was faced with the unique challenge of being God’s messenger. In this setting she spoke out repeatedly as to what God’s counsel was concerning the most prudent approach to the question of race relations between whites and blacks. All the counsel appropriately fitted in historically and functionally, “until the Lord shows us a better way” (Testimonies for the Church 9:207). Her writings gave specific counsel as to how race relations were to be handled, particularly as they affected and involved the work and movement of Seventh-day Adventism.EGWUTRW 2.2

Without a balanced sensitivity to the above considerations, the modern reader may raise questions concerning the prompting rationale and motives for some statements. Statements concerning race in the Testimonies, volume 9, are among these. However, an understanding of the historical, sociological, and religious settings and current issues gives one a helpful and workable perspective. Such a perspective may reveal the wisdom of Ellen White, who was willing to forgo literary and social acceptance by both whites and blacks, and who risked misunderstanding to set forth views that would provide for the greater good and the long-range advantage of the temporal and eternal ramifications of the race issue.EGWUTRW 2.3

Mrs. White’s awareness of her pioneering and vulnerable role was classically set forth in a message entitled Our Duty to the Colored People. ^{1See Appendix A for a historical background to this message} This message, addressed to a group of church leaders March 21, 1891, in connection with a General Conference Session at Battle Creek, Michigan, contained the following statement:EGWUTRW 2.4

I know that that which I now speak will bring me into conflict. This I do not covet, for the conflict has seemed to be continuous of late years; but I do not mean to live a coward or die a coward, leaving my work undone. I must follow in my Master’s footsteps. ^{2Ellen G. White, The Southem Work, 10(Washington, D. C.: 1966). All further reference to this work is to the 1966 edition and will subsequently he notated as SW.}

She then went on to set forth a series of reformatory statements and principles that were ahead of her times.EGWUTRW 3.1

Fourteen years later, during an interview with three church leaders, on Tuesday, April 29, 1907, in Loma Linda, California, Ellen White predicted: “I knew that this very race war would be introduced.” ^{3Ellen G. White, Interview DF 151, 1907, p. 6. All subsequent references to this, the interview under study, will be notated as Interview.} Present at this interview were William C. White (1854-1937), Ellen White’s third son, who served as her editorial assistant and publishing manager; Percy T. Magan (1867-1947), physician, administrator, educator, and a co-founder and dean of what came to be known as Madison College; and Dores E. Robinson (1879-1957), compiler, editor, and secretary to Ellen White until her death in 1915.EGWUTRW 3.2

In the same interview and shortly before making the “race war” statement, Ellen White also said: “There will be slavery just as verily as it has been, only upon a basis that is more favorable and secure to the white people.” ^{4Interview, p. 5. Unquestionably this statement, along with that referred to in note #2 are among her more significant race statements.} The context neatly ties these two statements together and, as we shall see, each statement sheds light on the other.EGWUTRW 3.3

Statements such as these would catch the attention of even the most casual student of history. Questions such as “What did she mean?” “To what was she referring?” “Was this fulfilled?” are natural and legitimate inquiries.EGWUTRW 3.4

In this paper I shall attempt to make a clear explanation of these statements and their fulfillment. For clarity, I shall offer a Pre-Summary Statement at the outset. In the next section I shall examine the various Contexts. Then, to offer additional insights, I shall provide a section entitled, Considerations. The Conclusion will close this examination. The Appendices, while not essential to an understanding of the paper, can assist the reader in discovering the rich balance and unique perspective that Ellen White had on the sensitive and turbulent race issue.EGWUTRW 4.1

A study of the subject matter of this paper, beside clarifying what can be problematic statements, can be instructive in a number of other areas. It can show the unique guidance given by Ellen White to the church in the delicate area of race relations. It can disclose principles that can be of help today. It can admonish God’s people today by historically illustrating the need for greater activity based on the counsel given. It also can bring to light the solidarity derived from confidence in God’s prophet as voiced in Jeremiah 28:9: “When the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him.”EGWUTRW 4.2