The Testimony of S. N. Haskell

“What are some of the unmistakable fruits by which a true prophet may be recognized?” was a question the old pioneer Bible teacher S. N. Haskell would ask his students. He answered his own question as follows:EGWE 244.1

“The testimony of every true prophet will agree with the testimony of the prophets of God before him, and it may be a further development of the same truth uttered by them. The words of God are definite and pure, ‘as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.” Psalm 12:6, 7. The words of God are represented as being refined; ‘As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried’ (refined, margin). Psalm 18:30. In Psalm 119:140, we find it spoken of as being ‘very pure’ (refined, margin)....EGWE 244.2

“No one can add anything to the revelation we have in the Bible, but every prophet who is inspired will develop the subject, or the words spoken by prophets before him....EGWE 244.3

“In Psalm 138:2 are found these words, ‘Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.’ In Isaiah 42:21, we have the prophecy concerning Christ: ‘The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.’ An illustration of the principle of how it is magnified is found in Matthew 5:21-26 which verses magnify the sixth commandment, while verses 27-32 magnify the seventh commandment. Itis this principle alone that is a positive proof of inspiration, and any prophet who does not make other scriptures seem broader and more wonderful, does not bear the right kind of fruit.”—S. N. Haskell, quoted in F. C. Gilbert, Divine Predictions Fulfilled, pp. 29-33.EGWE 244.4

Haskell was an associate of Ellen White in labor and had observed carefully the fruitage of her ministry. He testified:EGWE 244.5

“After over sixty years’ study of Mrs. White's writings with the Bible, we can truthfully say that we know not of one Bible test of a true prophet but has been most literally fulfilled in her writings and in her character.”—Selected Messages 1:33.EGWE 244.6