CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO: The Larger Aspect of Prophecy

Ellen White did not write a connected commentary or exposition as such, on either Daniel or the Revelation. But scattered through her writings there are illuminating comments on major aspects of the great outline prophecies and their related time periods. It is to be particularly noted, however, that in basic prophetic interpretation, as with fundamental Bible doctrine, Seventh-day Adventists did not receive a single major exposition of prophecy originally through the writings of Mrs. E. G. White.PFF4 1138.1

The counsel given through this channel was never intended to take the place of personal investigation or group study of the prophetic Scriptures. They never wrested from men the privilege of initiative. And never did Mrs. White run ahead of such Biblical research. Rather, she followed after, either to sustain an interpretation already discerned or to point out a fallacy in some reasoning pursued or conclusions reached—to foster unity and establish a right understanding. That was exemplified in the 1848 Sabbath conferences, and thenceforward throughout her lifetime. Certain of Mrs. White’s utterances did, however, serve as clues to initiate a study of new aspects of prophecy, such as her 1845 statement on the overlooked “time of Jacob’s trouble” as a still future event, to take place shortly at the second advent. ^{1James White, A Word to the “Little Flock,” p. 22.} It is well to keep this relationship in mind, for Adventists are fundamentally Protestant.PFF4 1138.2

Although she never received a formal education, Mrs. White became well acquainted with the broad fields of human knowledge. She traveled extensively and was unusually well informed through wide observation and reading. But she was not dependent upon such sources for her views on prophecy. Nevertheless, her statements expounding prophecy accord with the best-established expositions of the centuries, as well as harmonizing with the leading positions of the Adventist interpreters. Her statements can therefore be taken as truly representative of Adventist exposition.PFF4 1139.1

Ellen White’s views on Bible prophecy were never petty or constricted. There was a conspicuous breadth and balance to them, a scope and a largeness of concept, that took in the sweep of the ages and brought out the larger meanings of prophecy—the mighty principles that undergird and form the framework of all lesser features along the way. ^{2E. G. White, Ms. 56, 1896.} Her large book, The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan, is her classic contribution in this field. Minor matters and items of little moment, upon which there were sometimes differences of opinion, were usually passed by unnoticed—unless they had been magnified out of their relatively subordinate place. Then counsel or caution was given lest Christian unity be imperiled.PFF4 1139.2

Ellen White dealt with great rugged principles, not with inconsequentials. Her concern was with primaries, foundational features, pillars, and landmarks of the advent faith. These she enumerated and stressed. ^{3E. G. White, Ms. 13, 1889; Counsels to Writers and Editors, 30. 31.} And it might also be observed that the silences of Mrs. White were often as significant as her utterances. On certain themes, such as the mystery of the Godhead, she said, “Here silence is eloquence.” ^{4E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church 8:279.} So also with obscure aspects of prophecy. She maintained, furthermore, that some things will not be understood this side of the kingdom to come. ^{5E. G. White, “The Work of the Minister,” The Review and Herald, September 11, 1888, pp. 577, 578; “Notes of Travel-No. 4,” Aug. 15, 1907, p. 8; E. G. White, Letter 16, 1903.} Such matters, she counseled, we had best hold in abeyance.PFF4 1139.3