Notice: This is only a section of our study called “Why you need to do your own research.” Please read the introduction first.
While surfing through the internet, we came across an interesting document written by Dr. Robert Morey, a well known author and scholar. His website is called Faith Defenders. The following is our research through Dr. Morey’s fact sheet, with some of the problems we have found:
As we studied through Dr. Morey’s Fact Sheet, we noticed some errors in regards to the references he gave. We wish to correct those before we continue.
The first two quotes, under the section called “Her Claims” are:
“God was speaking through clay. In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write an article in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision–the precious rays of light shining from the throne.” E.G. WHITE TESTIMONIES, vol. 3, p. 63.
“When I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God.” E.G. WHITE TESTIMONIES, Vol. 5, p. 661.
We had some trouble locating these quotes in the testimonies. We did however find the following. Match the Bolded Colors in his quotes above with the one we will now quote:
“Yet now when I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God. You know how the Lord has manifested Himself through the Spirit of prophecy. Past, present, and future have passed before me. I have been shown faces that I had never seen, and years afterward I knew them when I saw them. I have been aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of subjects previously presented to my mind and I have written, at midnight, letters that have gone across the continent, and arriving at a crisis, have saved great disaster to the cause of God. This has been my work for many years. A power has impelled me to reprove and rebuke wrongs that I had not thought of. Is this work of the last thirty-six years from above or from beneath? … {1SM 27.1} {in Testimonies this is actually in page 65, volume 5}
“When I went to Colorado I was so burdened for you that, in my weakness, I wrote many pages to be read at your camp meeting. Weak and trembling, I arose at three o’clock in the morning to write to you. God was speaking through clay. You might say that this communication was only a letter. Yes, it was a letter, but prompted by the Spirit of God, to bring before your minds things that had been shown me. In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write one article in the paper, expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision—the precious rays of light shining from the throne…. {1SM 27.2} {in Testimonies this is actually page 67, volume 5}
Are you also scratching your head? Well so were we. Why such deletions of context in the quotes? Again, as is our promise, we will never accuse our critics of doing this on purpose. But such irresponsibility makes us doubt the rest of what they have to say. Nevertheless.. let’s consider what else he had to say.
In the second section under the title “The Evidence: What of White’s Prophecies? Did she predict the Second Coming of Christ? Yes she did!” We find six quotes, one following the other, as if to say that this is how her predictions of the Second Coming took place. Take another look at this section before continuing by clicking HERE . At the end of his quotes, he concluded:
“Since White’s predictions of the return of Christ did not come true, we must conclude on the basis of Deut. 18:21-23 that she was a false prophet.
Well yea… anyone reading down this list without looking for context would logically conclude the same. Let us now examine each quote one by one, just as he quoted them, and let you be the judge:
First Quote:
“1843 I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord and that it should not be altered, that the figures were as he wanted them.” Early Writings, p. 64, 1882 ed.
Now notice the second quote:
1844 “We heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.” A Word To The Little Flock, p. 14, 1847 ed.
Take note how, without quoting them in their context, he adds their date, starting with the first quote he adds “1843” the second “1844” the third “1845” and so on finishing with the last quote at “1862” as if every time she makes a prediction and it fails, she makes another one the following year, which in turn fails, and so on. That’s why at his conclusion he uses the plural “predictions” as if she predicted his return this many times.
Let’s get some proper context.
“I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a
mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed.” -Early Writings, page 74
Again we find an error in the reference. Rather then being in page 64, its found in Early Writings page 74.
Take note at the portion of the quote we bolded. This was not included in his quote. Why? It’s very obvious why, because it contradicts his conclusions. This was not a prophecy of Jesus’ return, rather it was her saying that there was a mistake covered by God’s hand in the chart which at first could not be seen, but was later removed for viewing! Heres a quote from Dr. Jude Lake on the issue:
“This statement fits precisely with the history of the Millerite movement in its transition
from 1843 to 1844. They did, in fact, discover their error (the mistake in some of the figures) and corrected their error (His hand was removed). If one believes the pre-Advent Judgment is biblical and began on October 22, 1844, then it is not hard to see how the 1843 chart, in spite of its flaws, prepared the way for the 1844 movement.” –ellenwhiteanswers.org under Question 4.
“The problem people have with this quote, is where critics feel that after Mrs. White made this statement, she later changed her opinion and blamed God. This has nothing to do with her predicting Jesus is coming. For a response to this problem, read Dr. Jude Lakes” –Answers to Dale Ratzlaff’s Fourteen Questions” under the 4th question.
Okay, let’s put the second quote in context:
1844 “We heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.” A Word To The Little Flock, p. 14, 1847 ed.
“They fell all the way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many waters, [EZE. 43:2. JOEL 3:16. REV. 16:17.] which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. [EZE. 12:25. MARK 13:32.] The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. [JOHN 12:29.] When God spake the time, he poured on us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God as Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai. [ISA. 10:27.] {WLF 14.2}
By this time the 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious Star containing Jesus’ new name. [REV. 3:12.]
Notice the context. She was “in vision” viewing the “end times” not her days. This is evident by the people involved in the vision, the 144,000, sealed upon their foreheads (Rev. 3:12). The fact that she used phrases like “we” which would include herself does not cause a problem either… unless Paul’s use of the word “we” in describing the Second Coming makes him a false prophet also (see 1 Cor. 15:51, 1 Thess. 4:17).
Our critic seems concerned with Ms. Whites referance to the “day and hour” of Christs coming, and probably has Matthew 24:36 in mind. But, when reading a verse, one should note both what a verse says and what a verse does not say. What this verse does not say is that God will never reveal the time of Christs coming. But Christ, who is included in this verse, will in fact one day know the day and the hour, otherwise, how will he know when it is time for him to return?
Let us compare Matthew 24:36 with the following words:
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
(1) But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
(2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
(3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
(4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
(5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
(6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Note carefully that believers will not be left in darkness in regards to that “that day,” the day of his coming. This means that those truly repentant and awaiting his coming will know for sure at what moment Christ will come, for, they are all “the children of the light.”
Nevertheless, returning to her “day and hour” statement, Ellen White herself explained what she meant by this when a critic of her days brought it up:
“In my first book you will find the only statement in regard to the day and hour of Christ’s coming that I have made since the passing of the time in 1844. It is found in Early Writings, pages 11, 27, and 145, 146 [pages 15, 34, and 285, present edition]. All refer to the announcement that will be made just before the second coming of Christ.
By turning to page 145 [page 285, present edition] and reading from the commencement of the chapter you will see that the statements made refer to the deliverance of the saints from the time of trouble by the voice of God. Please obtain this book if you do not have it, and read the statements therein.” –Manuscript Release Volume 16, page 176.
In her defense, she uses her same book where the same voice was heard to explain that she did not here mean she heard the day and hour of the second coming of Christ, but of the time of the deliverance of the saints “from the time of trouble…” The time of trouble will be a moment in history which will take place just before Jesus comes the second time, when God’s people will be, as was Jacob, crying out to God for deliverance from their enemies. There will be a moment when they will be delivered, and afterwards Jesus will come to take them home.
Ellen White continued by saying:
“This is a portion of the paragraph. The statements on pages 11 and 27 [pages 15 and 34, present edition], refer to the same time. They contain all that I have ever been shown in regard to the definite time of the Lord’s coming. I have not the slightest knowledge as to the time spoken by the voice of God. I heard the hour proclaimed, but had no remembrance of that hour after I came out of vision. Scenes of such thrilling, solemn interest passed before me as no language is adequate to describe. It was all a living reality to me, for close upon this scene appeared the great white cloud, upon which was seated the Son of man. But read the book itself.” –Manuscript Release Volume 16, page 176.
The reason why it would seem like she is referring to the second coming is because towards the end she said… “… close upon this scene [the time of trouble] appeared the great white cloud, upon which was seated the Son of man.” The second coming is so close to the closing stages of the time of trouble event that it almost seems like there is no time between them, even though there is.
Here is how he quoted the next quote. The emphasis is ours:
“1845 “It is well known that many were expecting the Lord to come at the 7th month, 1845. That Christ would then come we firmly believed. A few days before the time past…Ellen was with the band at Carver, Mass., where she saw in vision, that we should be disappointed.” A Word To The Little Flock, p.22, 1847 ed.”
We found it strange that he would share this quote, since it proves quite the opposite. First, notice that the writer here is not Ellen, its James. Second, he says that they “believed” Christ would come, not that Ellen had a “vision” that he would come. That’s a big difference. Furthermore, in this same quote, we read…
“a few days before the time past… Ellen was with the band at Carver, Mass., where she saw in vision, that we should be disappointed..”
Notice she had the vision of the disappointment before the time came where they would be disappointed. She and other early Adventists might have personally believed Christ would return, but just before the disappointment it was shown to her in vision that they would be disappointed. This actually proves she was inspired, otherwise, how could she forsee their disappointed? Thanks Dr. Moray.
Here are the next three quotes as he quoted them:
1849 “Now time is almost finished and what we have been 6 years learning they will have to learn in months.” Early Writings, p. 57.
1856 “I was shown the company present at the conference. Said the angel: ‘Some food for worms, some subjects of the seven last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus.” Testimonies For The Church, vol. I, pp. 131-132.
1862 “The system of slavery, which has ruined our nation, is left to live and stir up another rebellion.” Early Writings, p. 256.
We have no idea why the last quote is here. It’s not even found in Early Writings… it’s in 1 Testimonies p. 254, and the context has nothing to do with the Second Coming.
The first quote, which is actually on page 67 (did he even look these up for himself?) can together with the second quote be summed up into two words “conditional prophecy.” What is this? It’s the same thing that happened in the time of Jonah and Nineveh. Notice the following quote from a well learned Adventist named Donn Leiske on the subject of “Conditional Prophecy.” After quoting this and related quote from the writings of Ellen White, he asks:
“Can the writings of EGW be trusted? If one of her prophecies did not happen, is she a liar and a false prophet? If the message was not from God, then who was it from? If EGW is not a prophet, then can SDA be false teachings? Or does it make God the liar?…”
Let’s continue down his study:
“Another Prophet In Trouble
Jonah 3:1-4 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city –a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. -Jonah 3:10-4:3”
He then ask the same questions:
“The Problems: Can the writings of Jonah be trusted? If one of his prophecies did not happen, is he a liar and a false prophet? If the message was not from God, then who was it from? If Jonah is not a prophet, then can the Bible be trusted? Or does it make God the liar? If God’s word cannot be trusted, maybe Jesus will never return as he promised? If Christianity is a lie, then maybe we should just party because there is nothing to look forward to but death. (John Lennon’s song “Imagine”: “Image there’s no heaven, above us only sky.”)
Answers: Yet Nineveh, wicked though it had become, was not wholly given over to evil. He who “beholdeth all the sons of men” (Psalm 33:13) and “seeth every precious thing” (Job 28:10) perceived in that city many who were reaching out after something better and higher, and who, if granted opportunity to learn of the living God, would put away their evil deeds and worship Him. And so in His wisdom God revealed Himself to them in an unmistakable manner, to lead them, if possible, to repentance. PK 265
“…though the event predicted did not come to pass, yet the message of warning was nonetheless from God. And it accomplished the purpose God designed it should. PK.273.001
Jer. 18:7-10 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.
The angels of God in their messages to men represent time as very short. Thus it always been presented to me. It is true that time has continued longer than we expected in the early days of this message. Our Savior did not appear as soon as we hoped. But has the word of the Lord failed? Never! It should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of God are alike conditional. 1SM 67
Would we be mad at God if he skipped the 7 last plagues?” –Read the entire study HERE .
Whats the point? After Ms. White made these quotes, she herself explains why it has taken the Lord so long to return:
“Had Adventists after the great disappointment in 1844 held fast their faith and followed on unitedly in the opening providence of God, receiving the message of the third angel and in the power of the Holy Spirit proclaiming it to the world, they would have seen the salvation of God, the Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts, the work would have been completed, and Christ would have come ere this to receive His people to their reward. . . . It was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be thus delayed. . . . ” -Last Day Events, page 37.
She goes on to explain how for forty years the sins of the nation of Israel delayed their entrence into the land of Canaan, so also the people of God today have delayed the Lord’s return because we have not changed our ways. In other words, its taken him so long because he is waiting for us! When this prophecy was made, none of those alive at that time truly gave themselves to the soul changing love of Christ. The prophecy did not failed, its been delayed. It will be fulfilled in its time.
She continues:
“The angels of God in their messages to men represent time as very short. [God has always presented to prophets time as being short -See Romans 13:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 7:29; 1 Thessalonions 4:15, 17; Hebrews 10:25; James 5:8, 9; 1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 22:6, 7.] Thus it has always been presented to me. It is true that time has continued longer than we expected in the early days of this message. Our Saviour did not appear as soon as we hoped. But has the Word of the Lord failed? Never! It should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of God are alike conditional. [SEE Jeremiah 18:7-10; Jonah 3:4-10]” -Last Day Events, page 38.
God presented to the apostle Paul that time is short, yet Jesus has not yet returned. Is Paul therefore a false prophet?
Finally, in his third section called “What about White’s visions?” Dr. Morey says:
“The biblical and historical material which White claimed to receive by way of visions were actually stolen from dozens of books. (See: Walter Rea, The White Lie, M&R Pub., 1982, Box 2056, Turlock, Ca. 95381). The health and nutrition visions were also stolen from medical books of that period. (See: Ronald Numbers, Prophetess of Health, Harper & Row, N.Y., 1976).
The only conclusion possible is that Ellen G. White was not only a dishonest woman who plagiarized the works of others, but she was also a false prophet.”
We are saddened that he reached these conclusions without actually reading the quotes in their proper context. The charge that Ellen White plagiarized most of her writings have also been refuted a long time ago, not just by Adventist scholars, but also by non Adventist scholars and lawyers well learned in the field of investigation. Take a look at our Websites specializing on the Plagiarism charges section in our Links page.
One should always read things in context. Its evident that Dr. Morey didn’t do that here. Ironically he states:
“Any text taken out of context is a pretext. This principle alone ultimately robs most of the cultic arguments of any validity.” -Robert Morey in Death and the Afterlife.
Your right Dr. Morey, we feel the same way.
Now take a look at what our next critic did:
