Facing The Situation
At seventeen this young woman was facing mesmerists, rebuking fanaticism, warning against the setting of a new time (for some, even of her own associates, had adjusted the historic basis of the prophetic period of the 2300 years to make it end in the autumn of 1845).SPIAM 68.3
At eighteen and nineteen she was laboring in Vermont and Massachusetts. She bore important testimonies regarding the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and regarding the Sabbath truth, which had just come to her attention. The full advent movement was taking shape.SPIAM 68.4
At twenty-two her messages were pressing the leaders to launch definitely a publishing work.SPIAM 69.1
At twenty-five most important instruction came regarding organization and church order. At that time much sentiment among the believers did not favor organization, and there was no way to keep disorderly elements from pressing in. Mrs. White wrote: “I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, ‘The church must flee to God’s word, and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected.’”Early Writings, 100.SPIAM 69.2