A Response to an Urgent Testimony
By Doctor Charles Stewart
18
Mrs. E. G. White's Inconsistent and Contradictory Testimonies
The foregoing are only a very few of the many things in your writings which seem to me to be inconsistent and contradictory. You have requested in the following words to write them:
"I was directed by the Lord to request them and many others who have perplexities and grievous things in their minds regarding the testimonies that I have borne, to specify what their objections and criticisms are. The Lord will help me to answer these objections and to make plain that which seems to be intricate."
You further state,
"They should certainly do this if they are loyal to the directions God has given."
We have tried to be loyal in this matter and trust that this communication will receive your personal attention.
Since you, "a messenger of the Lord," have been instructed to make this appeal to us and since the Lord has said that He would help you to answer these objections and make plain that which seems to be intricate, we take the Lord at his word and ask you as his messenger to see that these perplexities are made clear to us.
Since what is quoted from your writings seems to be inconsistent and contradictory, what position can we take when asked, "Do you believe the testimonies?"
Among the Seventh-day Adventists this is the question which at the present time is very prominent and if an affirmative answer is not forthcoming, the individual is practically disfellowshipped. The question "Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? " is conspicuous by its absence—but, "Do you believe in Sister White? Do you believe the testimonies ?" are questions asked so frequently that the Bible seems to be no longer the foundations of the faith of most Seventh-day Adventists. Hoping to find some one who could explain these difficulties we have asked others about them but have found none who could offer any explanation, all stating that they were surprised to know that such things existed. A short time ago a conference official asked what I thought of the testimonies. I replied that I could best answer him by showing him some of the things I am sending you. After reading them carefully he was astonished, and said that he did not know that such a condition existed. I asked him what his position was now since he knew some of the things which existed in your writings, he replied that there is evidently "a human side to the testimonies.'
In view of these facts, and there are hundreds of others, we respectfully ask, Is there a human side to the testimonies?
In conclusion, lest my motive in making these comparisons and asking these questions be misunderstood, I wish to state that my only object in gathering them together and sending them, has been to comply with the request made by you in the testimony which prefaces this. I have an honest and sincere desire to know the truth, and I desire above everything else that the Lord will help you to make a plain and truthful statement of the facts. Ever since my first acquaintance with your work I have considered you as a fallable messenger of the Lord, and still continue to do so, and I know of no one outside of the Bible writers who has written so much which is so thoroughly wholesome and good. Personally I have received great benefit from your instructions and advice, and trust my confidence in you and your work shall not be shaken by the determined efforts of some of the leading men of the denomination to make myself and associates accept their interpretation of your writings. I firmly believe that the Lord has led you in a remarkable way. I also believe that at times you have been, as you stated in your testimony, influenced by what others have told you, and as a result have written and made statements which have been used greatly to the detriment of innocent persons. I feel confident that were you aware of all the facts, you would not for a moment countenance many of the things that are being done to undermine the confidence of the people in our work. The Seventh-day Adventist denomination as a whole has placed you in such a position that they must accept everything you say or write as being inspired and equivalent to the Bible, and for this reason should you make a mistake, you can readily see how far-reaching and terribly unjust the results might be, especially if there be individuals in places of authority who are of a designing nature.
I wish further to state that it is not my intention to have this letter printed and circulated, but if it is not answered within a reasonable length of time, say within thirty days, I shall have no hesitancy in allowing any one who may inquire with reference to my views concerning the testimonies to read the letter.
I feel that I shall be justified in doing this for the reason that it has been represented to the people generally that those connected with the Sanitarium do not believe the testimonies, and I feel in justice to myself that persons who desire to know, should know why I do not consider everything you write or say as being inspired. And my reasons for this belief are because of the facts which are presented in this letter.
I am yours for the Truth.