The Truth Behind Ellen White's General Conference Crisis Quotes

Yes, these quotes are entirely legitimate and describe a period of deep spiritual crisis regarding the management and spiritual state of the publishing work at Battle Creek18LtMs, Lt 308, 1903, par. 9+1. It is a blessing to understand how God provides clear guidance to protect His sacred work during times of trialPM 179.1.

The Historical Context

The instruction to remove books from the Review and Herald office came because the institution had fallen far below the standard God requires, characterized by a lack of strict principle, justice, and righteousness5MR 1.6+1. There was a dangerous sentiment that the voice of the General Conference was as the voice of God, even while "wicked works" and "dishonesty in deal" were being practiced within the institution17MR 178.2+1. The Lord warned that when men in responsible positions lose their living connection with Him, their decisions and the "voice" of the Conference through them are no longer a reliable expression of His will17MR 178.2+1.

Issues Leading to the Crisis

• Centralization of Power: There were persistent efforts to consolidate and control all publishing interests under one head in Battle Creek, which ran counter to the Lord's design for institutions like the Pacific Press to remain independent and preserve their own individuality4MR 439.2+2.

• Spiritual Declension: The spiritual atmosphere at the Review and Herald was described as unhealthful, with managers who were "hearers, but not doers of the Word," exhibiting a spirit originating in the councils of Satan rather than self-sacrificing Christian principles1MR 89.1+1.

• Mismanagement of Funds: Means raised for specific mission fields were misappropriated, leaving the records of "unfaithful stewards" in the books of heaven18LtMs, Ms 29, 1903, par. 5.

• Robbery and Double-Dealing: The situation involved "leprosy of cunning" and a refusal to be corrected by the testimonies of the Spirit of God17MR 178.2+1.

Divine Intervention

The Lord eventually adjusted this difficult situation by permitting the principal buildings of the Review and Herald Publishing House to be destroyed by fire13MR 121.2+1. This was a fulfillment of the warning that the God who lays the foundation of institutions can also destroy them if they walk in unholy independence18LtMs, Ms 18, 1903, par. 7. Following this, the publishing work was moved from Battle Creek to Washington, D.C., a step the Lord greatly blessedPM 177.2.

...e the loan of money. One night a messenger from heaven came to me and said, “You will have to take your books and cut away from all those who believe not the testimony of the Spirit of God but claim that the voice of the General Conference is as the voice of God. No! Now from henceforth shall it be said, ‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord ar...— 18LtMs, Lt 308, 1903, par. 9

I could not entrust the light God has given me to the publishing house at Battle Creek. I would not dare to do this. As for your book committee, under the present administration, with the men who now preside, I would not entrust to them, for publication in books, the light given me of God until that publishing house has men of consecrated ability and wisdom. As for the voice of the General Conference, there is no voice from God through that body that is reliable— 10LtMs, Ms 57, 1895, par. 5

... robbery and dishonesty in deal have been practiced without now spreading to the General Conference this leprosy of cunning and double dealing and turning away men from their rights. I have now no words of sufficient force to describe the sit...— 17MR 178.2 (1990)

...ey never defied the Spirit of God and refused to be corrected. At one time it was supposed that the publishing interests should be centralized under the organization in Battle Creek. I was in great distress in regard to this sentiment. I was ...— 10MR 357.1 (1990)

“The kingly power formerly revealed in the General Conference at Battle Creek is not to be perpetuated. The publishing institution is not to be a kingdom of itself. It is essential that the principles t...— 18LtMs, Lt 216, 1903, par. 11

...nest, thorough work to be now carried forward in all our churches. We are now to understand whether all our printing plants and all our sanitariums are to be under the control of the General Conference. I answer, Nay. It has been a necessity to organize Union Conferences, that the General Conference shall not exerc...— 18LtMs, Ms 26, 1903, par. 1