Ellen G. White on the Round Earth and the Sabbath

Yes, Ellen Gould White explicitly confirms that the earth is a round world and emphasizes that the Sabbath was specifically designed for such a world3MR 253.1+1. While she acknowledges the physical reality of the earth's shape, she strongly counsels that the question of whether the world is round or flat should not be a matter of agitation or debate within the church21MR 413.2+2.

The Nature of the Created World

The physical formation of the world and all creatures are part of a harmonious universe that should be studied to understand God's handiwork20MR 341.4. Regarding the world's shape and its relation to divine law:

• God made His Sabbath for a round world, and it is to be observed in all lands as the seventh day comes to us in that world3MR 253.1.

• Obedience to the Sabbath is required of all people in perfect consistency with the Lord's created round world15LtMs, Lt 167, 1900, par. 6.

• The sun rules the day in this round world, and even in places where there is no sunrise or sunset for months, time is calculated by records kept3MR 253.1.

• The Lord accepts the obedience of every creature according to the circumstances of time in the sun-rising and sun-setting world3MR 253.1.

Priority of the Gospel Message

Despite acknowledging the earth is round, she consistently taught that such theories are not part of the message God has given His people to bear to the world21MR 414.2+1.

• When asked about the round or flat world, the direct answer given was that the Lord did not include this in the commission He placed upon His messengers21MR 414.2+1.

• Dwellng on such theories is considered a "hobby" or "snare" used by Satan to distract minds from the solemn message for this time21MR 412.6+2.

• Rather than agitating whether the world is round or flat, the whole burden of the soul should be "What shall I do to inherit eternal life Luke 10:2521MR 414.5+1?"

• It is far more important to seek for a "round character" than to debate a round world, as many possess a "flat character" that needs to be made perfect19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 79.

The Danger of Diverting Theories

History shows that focusing on the flat-world theory has caused significant spiritual harm5LtMs, Lt 43, 1887, par. 4+1.

• The pursuit of the flat-world theory by some leaders was a "freak" that turned many away from the truth2LtMs, Lt 16, 1875, par. 27.

• Such distractions are viewed as an effort by the enemy to prevent teachers from leading people to the living stream of Bethlehem21MR 413.2+1.

• In the face of these questions, silence is considered eloquence until a specific message comes from the Lord21MR 414.2+1.

• We are to stick to the third angel’s message and preach the truth as it is in Jesus, which alone can save a soul21MR 413.2+2.

Ultimately, the goal of every believer is to be a light-bearer to the ends of the earth, focusing on the salvation of souls rather than scientific or geographical speculationRH December 22, 1904, par. 1+1. We must seek to be about our Father’s business, just as Christ was while on this earth13LtMs, Lt 53, 1898, par. 26.