F—Allegations of Errors and Mistakes

53. Ellen White’s Personal Failings

According to M. E. Kern, Ellen white once got off her subject in a meeting at College View, Nebraska, and criticized the sanitarium’s mattresses. Should we expect such behavior from a genuine prophet?QSEW 47.1

It may be that the sanitarium’s mattresses deserved to be criticized, in which case Ellen White’s comments would have been in order. However, there were times when she recognized that her conduct required an apology. For example, we find her seeking forgiveness from her husband for some impertinent remarks she had made in a letter to him only the day before. She confessed:QSEW 47.2

“I do not claim infallibility, or even perfection of Christian character. I am not free from mistakes and errors in my life. Had I followed my Savior more closely, I should not have to mourn so much my unlikeness to His dear image.”—Letter 27, 1876.QSEW 47.3

While Ellen White was an unusually exemplary person in life and character she was not without personal weaknesses and failings. Arthur Spalding, who knew her well, states:QSEW 47.4

“Nor was Mrs. White reluctant to confess her own faults when confession was due. She did not hold herself to be perfect. Sometimes, under the stress of burdens and slanders, her patience failed; and such lapses she confessed with tears and sorrow.”—Origin and History of Seventh-day Adventists, Volume 1, Page 362.QSEW 47.5

It should not surprise us to learn that prophets can make mistakes. Concerning the weaknesses that overcame Moses, David, Solomon, and others, Ellen White declared:QSEW 47.6

“If they had been without foible they would have been more than human, and our sinful natures would despair of ever reaching such a point of excellence. But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God we are encouraged, and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way.”—Testimonies for the Church 4:12.QSEW 47.7