Ellen White Appeals for Help

Since Davis would not initiate contact with church leaders for assistance, Mrs. White next urged Daniells to approach the errant church worker to explore measures for his deliverance from satanic bondage. On August 31, 1897, she wrote the president:GVEGW 116.3

“Evil angels are all about him, and at times have control of him in a strange, revolting way.... I have the word from the Lord that he is possessed of an evil spirit, and ‘has no power from the snare to go.’ His case is like the cases of ancient times. At times, he thinks, speaks, and acts under the influence of satanic agencies, and does revolting things. This casts him into despair. His only hope is to present his case before his brethren who have a living connection with God. The spell will be broken only by the most earnest wrestling with God, and this I present to you.... As soon as possible, this demon tempter’s power must be broken.... Satan must be rebuked as in olden time, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This in faith we must ask the Lord to do, and He will fulfill His word. The Lord will hear prayer.... Labor we must to have the man dispossessed.” ^{27Letter 39, August 31, 1897, pp. 6, 7.}GVEGW 116.4

The next day Ellen wrote a letter jointly to Elder Daniells and four other church leaders, reflecting her continuing concern that “people will be tested and proved, as in the case of Brother Davis and in the case of Sister Miller. God’s servants need constantly to lay hold of souls ready to perish with one hand, while with the hand of faith they lay hold of the throne of God. Souls possessed of evil spirits will present themselves before us. We must cultivate the spirit of earnest prayer mingled with genuine faith to save them from ruin; and all the relief gained will confirm our faith.” ^{28Letter 49, 1897, p. 5.}GVEGW 116.5

Mrs. White followed up that letter with a letter of counsel to Davis on September 2, but sent it to Daniells, ^{29Ms 176, 1897, p. 2.} asking the latter to read the epistle to Davis at the earliest possible moment.GVEGW 117.1