Not a Dictator

In the The Review and Herald, July 29, 1915, I. H. Evans, at that time president of the North American Division Conference, gave this expression as to his faith regarding the work of Mrs. E. G. White:TOJ 44.5

“Sister White was in the first advent movement of 1844, and tasted all the bitter disappointment of those who looked for the second coming of Christ at that time. She, with others, suffered all the reproach cast upon that movement by the scoffers of that day. While many became confused, and in their disappointment gave up their belief in the 1844 movement, she with a few faithful associates searched the Scriptures till light came to them, showing the error in their prophetic interpretation.TOJ 44.6

“When the new light came to her and her husband, Elder James White, they gladly received it, and at once began preaching it to their disappointed brethren. Little by little God lifted the curtain of darkness; and as they saw rays of light, they followed on to know the Lord, and more and more they were led to acknowledge the hand of God in leading them all the way. As time passed, the message grew both in its doctrines and in its scope and world-wide proportions. Neither Sister White nor any of the believers in that early day comprehended the greatness of the work set before them. Still the message has grown till it has attained its present proportions, and now encircles the earth.TOJ 45.1

“During those early years of development, much depended upon the unity and faith of the believers. On many occasions when the little companies were uncertain in their course, or were divided in their councils, Sister White presented what God had shown her in dream or vision, and plainly marked the way this people should go. The church has ever tried and intended to follow this instruction; because of it strong men have changed their viewpoint; policies have been modified to harmonize with it, that unity might prevail. Here and there from time to time some have broken from the denomination, under the leadership of those who refused to accept the instruction given; but all this breaking away has come to naught, and most of those who departed from the light given have made sad shipwreck of their faith.TOJ 45.2

“Sister White has never claimed to be the leader of the Adventist Church. Again and again she has defined her work as merely a voice—a messenger bearing a message from God to His people to bring them to Christ. She has never assumed the role of dictator to the church. She has publicly and in her writings proclaimed Christ as the head of His church on earth, and always urged the people of every communion to make Him their counselor and guide.TOJ 45.3

“The influence of Sister White on our denomination has been marked and strong. She continually so called the church to a deeper consecration, so urged the ministry to a more holy life and active service, and so exalted Christ as the mediator between God and man, that she was a great spiritual factor in holding the church to a spirit of sacrifice and missionary endeavor. Her voice ever called for advance moves....TOJ 45.4

“Her Christian life was marked by deep personal piety; she had great faith in prayer, and was zealous in her spiritual devotions. Her charities were liberal beyond her means; she was ever impoverishing herself by her gifts to the cause she loved and by her care for the poor and needy.”TOJ 46.1