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Ellen G. White and the Shut Door Question

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    The 1851 Developments

    In this statement we have pointed out that God could lead His people only as fast as they could grasp developing truth and follow intelligently. This leading is found in His Word, in His messages to the prophets and by a development in circumstances. All three played a part in the developments of 1851, but the latter, that is, circumstances, here played a leading role. Listen to Ellen White as she later described conditions in 1850:EGWSDQ 36.6

    In 1850 my husband and myself visited Vermont, Canada, New Hampshire, and Maine. The meetings were held in private houses. It was then next to impossible to obtain access to unbelievers. The disappointment in 1844 had confused the minds of many, and they would not listen to any explanation of the matter.—The Review and Herald, November 1883. (Emphasis supplied)EGWSDQ 36.7

    But by 1851 a change was taking place. In the Review and Herald Elder White could report:EGWSDQ 37.1

    Now the door is open almost everywhere to present the truth, and many are prepared to read the publications who have formerly had no interest to investigate.—The Review and Herald, August 19, 1851, p. 13, column 2.EGWSDQ 37.2

    This change in the situation which now provided circumstances favorable for the heralding of the three angels’ messages was indeed welcome. During the seven years since the great disappointment there had come onto the stage of action a multitude of those who in 1844 were children and had not yet reached the age of accountability. Added to these were many who had not taken a decided stand against the truths presented in the great Advent awakening, and with the fading memory of the 1844 experience were now ready to listen. (See Exhibit 7 for James White’s answer to a man seeking light in April, 1851).EGWSDQ 37.3

    We have shown that James and Ellen White had been in the lead in advocating an open door to salvation on the part of those who had not rejected the message in 1844. A basic factor in this was the visions given to Ellen White.EGWSDQ 37.4

    But the record indicates that not all moved as quickly or as firmly as did Elder and Mrs. White. It took time for most to come into understanding of all the involvements in the shut door—the door of mercy for all the world; the open and shut door in the heavenly sanctuary; the door which closed for those who had rejected the clear Advent preaching of the 1840s; the door open to youth which had not attained the age of accountability; the open to those who had not heard and rejected the Advent preaching in the Millerite awakening.EGWSDQ 37.5

    The situation is reflected in a reference made by Ellen White in her 1883 statement written in answer to A. C. Long (Mr. C.). In this statement the man referred to is Elder J. H. Waggoner, a newspaper editor and publisher, who in 1851 accepted the message.EGWSDQ 37.6

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