Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Ellen G. White
1982
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Biographical Notes
Ellen Gould (Harmon) White, cofounder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, writer, lecturer, and counselor, and one upon whom Seventh-day Adventists believe the gift of prophecy was bestowed, was born in Gorham, Maine, November 26, 1827, one of eight children of Robert and Eunice Harmon. During her seventy years of active service to the church, she found time to write voluminously. She is credited with having written 100,000 manuscript pages. This remarkable legacy to the church could alone have occupied Ellen Whites entire life, had she dedicated her time to little else but writing. However, her service for the church embraces much more than writing. Her diaries tell of her public work, her travels, her personal labor, hostessing, contacts with neighbors, as well as of her being a mother and housewife. God blessed her abundantly in these activities. Her ambitions and concerns, her satisfactions and joys, her sorrowsher whole lifewere for the advancement of the cause she loved. Ellen G. White is reputed to be the most translated woman author and the most translated author in American history. For example, her little book Steps to Christ is available in more than 100 languages. After a full life dedicated to the service of God and others, she died on July 16, 1915, condently trusting in Him whom she had believed. Born on a late fall day in a farmhouse near Gorham, Maine, Ellen Harmon spent her childhood and youth in nearby Portland. She married James White in 1846, and the struggling young couple lived in a variety of New England locations as they sought to encourage and instruct fellow Advent believers by their preaching, visiting, and publishing. After eleven irregular issues of The Present Truth, they launched the Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald* in Paris, Maine, in 1850. Thereafter they followed a steadily westward courseto Saratoga Springs, New York, and then Rochester, New York, in the early 1850s, and nally, in 1855, to Battle Creek, Michigan, where they resided for the next twenty years. The 1860s saw Ellen White and her husband in the forefront of the struggle to organize the Seventh-day Adventist Church into a stable institution. The decade was also crucial in that it encompassed the beginnings of Adventist health emphasis. Responding to Mrs. Whites appeal, the church as a body began to see the importance of healthful living in the Christian life. In response to her Christmas Vision of 1865, our rst health institution, the Western Health Reform Institute, was opened in 1866. The institute later grew into the Battle Creek Sanitarium. Residing at Greenville and Battle Creek, Michigan, respectively, until late 1872, and then dividing her time between Michigan and California, Ellen White
known as the Adventist Review, it is one of the oldest continuously published religious journals in the, United States.
* Now
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spent her winters writing and publishing. During the summer she attended camp meetings, some years as many as twenty-eight! Testimonies, numbers 14-30, now found in Testimonies, volumes 2-4, were published during these years. Following James Whites death in August, 1881, Ellen White resided in California, at times in Healdsburg and at times in Oakland. She labored there, writing and speaking, until she left for Europe in August, 1885, in response to the call of the General Conference. During the two years in Europe she resided in Basel, Switzerland, except for three extended visits to the Scandinavian countries, England, and Italy. Returning to the United States in August, 1887, she soon made her way west to her Healdsburg home. She attended the 1888 General Conference session at Minneapolis in October and November; following the conference, while residing in Battle Creek, she worked among the churches in the Midwest and the East. After a year in the East she returned to California, but was called back to attend the General Conference session at Battle Creek in October, 1889. She remained in the vicinity of Battle Creek until she left for Australia in September, 1891. Responding to the call of the General Conference to visit Australia to aid in establishing an educational work, Ellen White arrived in Sydney, December 8, 1891. She accepted the invitation somewhat reluctantly, for she had wanted to get on with her writing of a larger book on the life of Christ. Soon after her arrival she was stricken with inammatory rheumatism, which conned her to her bed for some eight months. Although suffering intensely, she persisted in writing. In early 1893 she went to New Zealand, where she worked until the end of the year. Returning to Australia in late December, she attended the rst Australian camp meeting. At this camp meeting, plans for a rural school were developed that resulted in the establishment of what became Avondale College at Cooranbong, 90 miles north of Sydney. Ellen White purchased land nearby and built her Sunnyside home late in 1895. Here she resided, giving her attention to her writing and traveling among the churches until she returned to the United States in August, 1900. When Ellen White settled at Elmshaven, her new home near St. Helena in northern California, she hoped to give most of her time to writing her books. She was 72 and still had a number of volumes that she wished to complete. She little realized how much traveling, counseling, and speaking she would also be called upon to do. The crisis created by the controversies in Battle Creek would also make heavy demands on her time and strength. Even so, by writing early in the morning, she was able to produce nine books during her Elmshaven years.
Foreword
Beginning in 1945, the Review and Herald Publishing Association has published a yearly devotional book for our morning meditation. With The Upward Look, thirteen of these have been compiled from the writings of Ellen G. White. For many years an article from her pen appeared almost weekly in the Review and Herald, and many hundreds of articles were printed in the Signs of the Times and other church periodicals. Her manuscript and letter les are rich in materials on practical Christian living and counsels given to aid a people in preparing to meet the Lord when He comes. Though her pen has been still since her passing in 1915, this valuable counsel in books, periodicals, letters, and manuscripts has continued to guide Gods people heavenward. Through the years many new compilations from her writings have been made on various subjects. Usually these have focused on a specic theme, and most of the volumes for our morning inspiration have followed this format. However, as in This Day With God, the devotional book for 1980, which had the largest sale of any SDA devotional book, selections for The Upward Look have been made from letters and manuscripts written or orally presented by her on the same calendar day designated for our reading of it. For instance, the reading for January 1 was written on January 1, 1886. No central theme has been followed in the selection of these messages except that whenever possible the excerpts are intended to bring encouragement. The material in this volume either has never been published before or has appeared in journals transitory in their nature. Though written many years ago, all is appropriate admonition for Gods children in the 1980s. Mrs. Whites seventy years of public ministry were also seventy years of personal ministry. Her writings to her family and friends were messages of comfort, encouragement, and sometimes correction and reproof. Her testimonies to those for whom a message was given her by God were sent on their way as heaven guided, but always with her love and concern. Her very being was lled with affection and consideration, not only for her immediate family but for the entire family of God, and her writings bear a silent but unmistakable witness to the dedication that controlled her life. The names of people to whom these letters were directed appear here and there: James White, her husband; Edson and Emma White, her older son and his wife; Dr. J. H. Kellogg, medical superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium; J. A. Burden, sanitarium manager in Australia and California; Dr. J. H. Kress, medical superintendent of sanitariums in Australia and the United States; S. N. Haskell and A. G. Daniells, who both occupied various leadership positions in denominational work. Sometimes excerpts have been drawn from her daily writings in her journals, as well as from other manuscripts and sermons. v
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The work on this book has been done in the White Estate ofces at the General Conference. It is the prayer of those who compiled this volume of promises and instruction that it will help to prepare all of us for the imminent nal conict, which precedes the most glorious event of all the ages. The Trustees of the Ellen G. White Estate Washington, D.C. [15]
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Yokes, February 11
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6. There is a great deal of profession in our world, plenty of self-justication, but the evidences of the deep work of the grace in hearts is not so apparent. There is a very earnest, solemn question before us. The time has come when every soul should understand that he has a soul to save or a soul to lose, a heaven to win and a hell to shun. We need to understand what we shall do to be saved.... In the experience of Gods people there have been yokes ... that God never ordained, yokes that have greatly marred the experience and have offended the Lord God of Israel. Because a man carries responsibilities in the church, he is not given liberty to rule the mind and judgment of others with whom the Lord is working. The Lord wants every soul in His service to understand what is the kind of work required of him.... God has sent the instruction to break every yoke. We are oneone in Christ Jesus. Position does not make the man. Position does not give liberty to exercise power arbitrarily over others. It is counsel that is needed; righteousness in deportment that is to be made manifest with meekness and humbleness of mind, and a spirit to seek the Lord until He is found.... Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the nger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the aficted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day (Isaiah 58:9, 10). Praise God with heart and voice for this possibility! Praise God that we can bring this promise to the Lord for fulllment, when we comply with the conditions. When we do not know which way to turn, light direct from God will come to us, if we will follow His directions.... Let us each bring ourselves into submission to the Lord God of Israel. You may have your peculiar way, I may have my peculiar way, and some others their peculiar way; but under God that way will be agreeable. If we are not under the control of God, led by the inspiration of His Spirit, our way will not be agreeable. What we need is to stand in right relation to the great I AM. When we stand in right relation to Him, we can do as Christ has commissioned.Manuscript 9, 1909, copied February 11, 1909, Two Kinds of Service.
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Go Forward, April 29
Ye shall not need to ght in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you. 2 Chronicles 20:17. Into the daily life there come many perplexing problems that we cannot solve. There are those who wish to adjust every difculty, to settle every question, before they begin to work. Such will surely fail. In the end, the future will be just as indistinct, and the problems just as perplexing, as when they began to speculate. It is in following the light given that we receive greater light.... Move forward at the call of God. When He points out a work to be done, in His name and with full faith take up that work. You may not see the end from the beginning. Perplexities may surround you. Your brethren may tell you of the lions in the way. But, nevertheless, go forward, saying, The Lord wants this work done, and I will not fail nor be discouraged. I will act my part. ... There are critics who, if you listen to their words, will rob you of all heart and hope. Do not allow them to discourage you. Say, God abideth faithful. He cannot deny Himself. He has given to every man his work, and He calls upon all to begin to work just where they are. He cannot do what He desires to do until the human agent acts his part. At times the arm of faith seems too short even to touch the Saviours garment, but there stands the promise, with God behind it: Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the nger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the aficted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not (Isaiah 58:9-11).... It is not our efforts that bring victory. It is seeing God behind the promise, and believing and trusting Him. Grasp by faith the hand of innite power. The Lord is faithful who hath promised. Questions will arise that cannot be settled by any amount of thinking. Do not spend time trying to settle them. Take up the work waiting to be done, trusting in God as your wisdom. His righteousness will go before you, and the questions that have troubled you will answer themselves.Manuscript 54, April 29, 1902, How to Solve Perplexing Problems.
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Be Strong, June 3
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:6. For many months I have been troubled as I have seen how some of our sensible men whom God has used in His cause are perplexed over the scientic arguments of satanic agencies. [Dr. J. H. Kelloggs pantheistic theories.] I have not known what to do. While I was studying over these things Sabbath night a week ago, I had a vision of speaking before a large company, where many questions were asked concerning my work and writings. I was directed by a messenger from heaven not to take the burden of picking up the sayings and doubts that Satan is putting into minds. Stand as the messenger of God anywhere, in any place, I was bidden, and bear the testimony I shall give you. If the Holy Spirit is not received, but rejected, all your words will be as idle tales. Be free. Bear the testimonies that the Lord Jesus has for you to bear in reproof, in rebuke, in the work of encouraging and lifting up the soul; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. When I awakened from the vision, I was praying with great fervor and earnestness, and could not cease praying. My soul was strengthened, for the words had been spoken: Be strong, yea, be strong. Let none of the seducing words of ministers or physicians distress your mind. Tell them to take the light given them in publications. Truth will always bear away the victory. Go straight forward. Do not take up the unbelief of anyone in order to try to convince him. ... If the convincing representations and impressions of the Holy Spirit evidenced for the past half-century will not be accepted as trustworthy evidence, nothing hereafter will bring them to their senses, because the bewitching guile of Satan has perverted their discernment.... Go forward. Be of good courage. If the Spirit of God be entertained in the place of the underworking of evil spirits on mind and heart, all who have been working against God will come to their right bearings. A great work is to be done now in convicting souls. The message must in no case be changed from that which has been. As has been foretold in the Scriptures, there will be seducing spirits and doctrines of devils in the midst of the church, and these evil inuences will increase; but hold fast the beginning of your condence rm unto the end.... The perils of the last days are upon us. Devote not precious time in trying to convince those who would change the truth of God into a lie.Manuscript 61a, June 3, 1906, 61a, Gods Judgments on Cities.
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Today, June 15
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13. Dear Sister _____: ... we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec (Hebrews 6:19, 20). We have every reason to trust in God, and to bring all our worries and anxieties to Jesus Christ, that we may become better acquainted with Him. It should not be a difcult thing to remember that the Lord Jesus is desirous that we should bring all our troubles and perplexities to Him. Take it to the Lord in prayer, and then leave your perplexities and burdens with Him. How much happier we should be would we do this. You may come to Him as a child comes to his parents, saying, Here, Lord, I have carried my self as though I could save myself for a long time. My burdens are too heavy for me to carry longer. Thou canst bear them for me. He says, I will take them. With everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee. This love is [as] strong as it is tender. The love of Jesus is stronger than death, for He died to win your love, to have you lean upon Him fully and entirely, and to make you one with Him, mystically and eternally one. The love of Jesus is something expressed, more tender than even the love of a mother for her child. The most tender love we know is that of a mother for her child, but the love of Jesus exceeds this. She may change in her affection. Mothers may become unkind, but Jesus never, never will become unmindful or unkind, or cruel to His children. Then never, never will we show distrust and want of faith. So strong is His love that it controls all the affections of His nature, and [He] employs all His vast resources to do His people good. His love is durable, without variableness or shadow of turning. Never let us dishonor God by trying so hard to keep ourselves, xing our eyes upon ourselves, and keeping ourselves constantly in view. Look unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let us not do as we have done, make ourselves miserable over some supposed future tomorrows burden. Carry your duties of today cheerfully. Todays faith, todays trust in Jesus, we must have. Today I may look and live. Today I will put my trust in God. Today I will rest in quietude and peace kept by the power of God. Say, The Lord will be gloried by my being cheerful and happy in His assurance of His lovetoday. In much love, Ellen G. White.Letter 48, June 15, 1896, to a sister in need of encouragement.
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