Witness of Ellen White’s Contemporaries

Ellen White’s personal life was lived in full view of young and old. The acid test of people’s integrity is whether they practice what they preach.MOL 515.10

Young James White, an enthusiastic Millerite Adventist in his early twenties, was much impressed with Ellen Harmon, a Portland teenager. In speaking of his first meeting with her, he recalled: “She was then a Christian of the most devoted type. And although but sixteen, she was a laborer in the cause of Christ in public and from house to house. She was a decided Adventist, and yet her experience was so rich and her testimony so powerful that ministers and leading men of different churches sought her labors as an exhorter in their several congregations. But at that time she was very timid, and little thought that she was to be brought before the public to speak to thousands.” ^{15James White, Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White (1880), 126.}MOL 515.11

The consistency and integrity of Ellen White’s personal relationships were subject to close scrutiny by her own family, her colleagues, and non-Adventists. ^{16At her death a well-known magazine reported: “She was absolutely honest in her belief in her revelations. Her life was worthy of them. She showed no spiritual pride, and she sought no filthy lucre. She lived the life and did the work of a worthy prophetess.” The Independent (New York), August 23, 1915, cited in Bio., vol. 6, p. 444.} Her frugality and dedication of time and funds to missionary outreach are well known. Her generosity and commitment to duty are legendary. Her perseverance and courage, especially courage when standing alone, have prompted many to follow her example. Her humor and common sense relaxed many stressful situations. ^{17See p. 94.}MOL 516.1