What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Ellen White incorporated quotations without source citations and presented them as her vision."
Answer
Ellen White admitted that in her works she had used the wording of other historians and authors when they succinctly summarized a truth. This was not done to present foreign authors as authority, but because their words appropriately conveyed the scenes shown in visions. However, she expressly emphasized that the conveyed content is based on divine revelation and that she wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Dealing with Sources and Divine Inspiration
In some cases where a historian has compiled events so that they provide a brief, comprehensive overview of the subject or summarize details in an appropriate manner, his words were quoted; but with few exceptions no specific citation was given, because they were not quoted with the intention of presenting this writer as an authority, but because his statement offers a willing and powerful presentation of the topic.
When writing her books, it was sometimes very difficult and laborious for her to put the scenes presented to her into words; and when she found in another's language a correct rendering of the thought presented to her, she sometimes copied sentences and paragraphs – feeling that she had a complete right to do so; that it was her privilege to use the correct statements of other writers about the scenes that had been presented to her.
She was told that when reading religious books and magazines she would find precious gems of truth expressed in an acceptable language, and that help would be given to her from heaven to recognize them and separate them from the rubbish of error with which they are sometimes associated.
God was pleased to communicate His truth to the world through human channels, and He Himself, through His Holy Spirit, enabled people to do this work. He guided the Spirit in selecting what was to be said and written. The treasure was entrusted to earthly vessels, yet it remains from heaven.
Some say: “I believe the visions, but Sister White made a mistake in writing. She heard reports about these things, mixed them with her visions, and now thinks she saw it all.” Oh, what a justification that is! To what foolish positions Satan will lead some in their blindness, who are not willing to humble themselves and acknowledge and confess their errors.
- Ellen White source usage
- Inspiration and literary aids
- Divine revelation through human language
Original Sources (English)
Loading...
