The Primacy of the Word
Relation of E. G. White Writings to the Bible Recognized in First Book.
I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and
practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to
give visions in the "last days"; not for a new rule of faith, but for
the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth. Thus
God dealt with Peter when He was about to send him to preach to the Gentiles. (A
Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White, p. 64
[1851]. Reprinted in Early Writings, p. 78.)
Not to Take the Place of the Word. The Lord desires you to study
your Bibles. He has not given any additional light to take the place of His
Word. This light is to bring confused minds to His Word, which, if eaten and
digested, is as the lifeblood of the soul. Then good works will be seen as light
shining in darkness. (Letter 130, 1901.)
Get Proofs From the Bible. In public labor do not make prominent,
and quote that which Sister White has written, as authority to sustain your
positions. To do this will not increase faith in the testimonies. Bring your
evidences, clear and plain, from the Word of God. A [p. 30] "Thus saith the
Lord" is the strongest testimony you can possibly present to the people.
Let none be educated to look to Sister White, but to the mighty God, who gives
instruction to Sister White. (Letter 11, 1894.) . . .
Relationship of E. G. White Writings to Bible--The Lesser Light.
Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead
men and women to the greater light. (The Review and Herald, Jan. 20,
1903. Quoted in Colporteur Ministry, p. 125.) . . .
Not for the Purpose of Giving New Light. Brother J would confuse the
mind by seeking to make it [p. 31] appear that the light God has given through
the Testimonies is an addition to the Word of God, but in this he
presents the matter in a false light. God has seen fit in this manner to bring
the minds of His people to His Word, to give them a clearer understanding of it.
The Word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind, and may
be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding
all this, some who profess to make the Word of God their study are found living
in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women
without excuse, God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to
the Word that they have neglected to follow.
The Word of God abounds in general principles for the formation of correct
habits of living, and the testimonies, general and personal, have been
calculated to call their attention more especially to these principles. (Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 663, 664.)
Testimonies to Bring Plain Lessons From the Word. In the Scriptures
God has set forth practical lessons to govern the life and conduct of all; but
though He has given minute particulars in regard to our character, conversation,
and conduct, yet in a large measure, His lessons are disregarded and ignored.
Besides the instruction in His Word, the Lord has given special testimonies to
His people, not as a new revelation, but that He may set before us the plain
lessons of His Word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be
pointed out, that every soul may be without excuse. (Letter 63, 1893.) (See Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 665.)