Ellen White and her writings

Slide 3:The goal of hermeneutics is to 'rightly divide the word of truth' (2 Tim 2:15). The guiding purpose is twofold: To achieve balance and to avoid distortion.The goal of hermeneutics is to 'rightly divide the word of truth' (2 Tim 2:15). The guiding purpose is twofold: To achieve balance and to avoid distortion.

Slide 5:The earthly ministry of Jesus was made unnecessarily difficult because he was so frequently misunderstood. By the religious leaders of his day: (1)"The envious Pharisees misinterpreted the acts and words of Christ which, if properly received, would have been beneficial to their spiritual understanding" (1SM 30). (2)"When Christ was in our world, He said to the Pharisees and scribes, �Why do ye not understand my words and appreciate them?' They were continually placing their own construction upon the plain words of truth that fell from His lips" (UL 236). By his own disciple, Judas Iscariot (see slide).The earthly ministry of Jesus was made unnecessarily difficult because he was so frequently misunderstood. By the religious leaders of his day: (1)"The envious Pharisees misinterpreted the acts and words of Christ which, if properly received, would have been beneficial to their spiritual understanding" (1SM 30). (2)"When Christ was in our world, He said to the Pharisees and scribes, �Why do ye not understand my words and appreciate them?' They were continually placing their own construction upon the plain words of truth that fell from His lips" (UL 236). By his own disciple, Judas Iscariot (see slide).

Slide 9:Cases of misinterpretation Most cases of misinterpretation and extremism concerning the writings of Ellen White have to do with these areas of her writings.Cases of misinterpretation Most cases of misinterpretation and extremism concerning the writings of Ellen White have to do with these areas of her writings.

Slide 10:In fairness, we must admit that there are dangers with rules of interpretation. There is a potential problem. Ellen White warned of this danger: "And now, brethren, I entreat you not to interpose between me and the people, and turn away the light which God would have come to them. Do not by your criticism take out all the force, all the point and power, from the Testimonies. Do not feel that you can dissect them to suit your own ideas.... For Christ's sake, do not confuse the minds of the people with human sophistry and skepticism, and make of none effect the work that the Lord would do" (5T 691). A good example of this watering down of Scripture is the Corban policy and practice of the Jewish leaders (Matt 15:6, DA 396-397).In fairness, we must admit that there are dangers with rules of interpretation. There is a potential problem. Ellen White warned of this danger: "And now, brethren, I entreat you not to interpose between me and the people, and turn away the light which God would have come to them. Do not by your criticism take out all the force, all the point and power, from the Testimonies. Do not feel that you can dissect them to suit your own ideas.... For Christ's sake, do not confuse the minds of the people with human sophistry and skepticism, and make of none effect the work that the Lord would do" (5T 691). A good example of this watering down of Scripture is the Corban policy and practice of the Jewish leaders (Matt 15:6, DA 396-397).

Slide 11:For indeed there are moral absolutes in the Christian walk. Moral purity is an absolute, adultery is always wrong. It is always wrong to lie, cheat, or steal. But in some matters (like for example diet), there are gray areas. All is neither right or wrong. We do well to remember what Ellen White said about diet: "There other members of my family do not eat the same things I do. I do not hold myself up as a criterion for them. I leave each one to follow his own ideas as to what is best for him. . . . It is impossible to make one rule for all to follow" (To G. A. Irwin, Lt. 127, 1904, in CD 4).For indeed there are moral absolutes in the Christian walk. Moral purity is an absolute, adultery is always wrong. It is always wrong to lie, cheat, or steal. But in some matters (like for example diet), there are gray areas. All is neither right or wrong. We do well to remember what Ellen White said about diet: "There other members of my family do not eat the same things I do. I do not hold myself up as a criterion for them. I leave each one to follow his own ideas as to what is best for him. . . . It is impossible to make one rule for all to follow" (To G. A. Irwin, Lt. 127, 1904, in CD 4).

Slide 14:There are many rules of interpretation that have been suggested by various authors. The three that I offer today are I believe the most basic ones. Other rules are found in: Robert W. Olson also lists 21 "Guiding Principles in the Interpretation of the Bible and the Writings of Ellen G. White" (see Sourcebook, section D-2). Herbert E. Douglass in his Messenger of the Lord: The Prophetic Ministry of Ellen G. White suggest 16 rules of interpretation (pp. 386-407).There are many rules of interpretation that have been suggested by various authors. The three that I offer today are I believe the most basic ones. Other rules are found in: Robert W. Olson also lists 21 "Guiding Principles in the Interpretation of the Bible and the Writings of Ellen G. White" (see Sourcebook, section D-2). Herbert E. Douglass in his Messenger of the Lord: The Prophetic Ministry of Ellen G. White suggest 16 rules of interpretation (pp. 386-407).

Slide 18:Life insurance : There is only one statement on this subject, written in 1867, and found in 1T 549-551. a. For a correct understanding of what she wrote, however, one must first employ another important hermeneutical rule: study the context, internal and external, in order to better understand the contemporary situation she addressed. (1) The insurance industry in her day was almost totally corrupt and fraud-ridden, unregulated by any government agency. (Today, by contrast, it is probably the most regulated.) (2) (For further help to understand this issue, see the document "Seventh-day Adventists and Life Insurance", available from the EGW Research Center.) 2.Wedding band There is only one statement, written in 1892, just after Ellen White arrived in Australia, found in TM 180-181. (Anecdotes) 3.Two special resurrections: a.On Easter Sunday (Mat 27:52,53) (See Appendix A) b.Immediately prior to the second coming (Dan 12:1; Mat 26:64; Rev 1:7; 14:13; EW 285; GC 637): (1) Ellen White identifies three categories of individuals, two of which will be brought back to life only temporarily: (a) SDAs who have died, since 1844, under the Third Angel's Message, keeping the Sabbath. (b) The unsaved crucifiers of Jesus. (c) The most violent opponents of Christ and his kingdom in all ages. (2)The various facts she contributes to our understanding to these two special resurrections are "extra- biblical", they provide information in addition to that found in the Bible. It, however, is not "anti-biblical", contrary to what the Bible reveals. This distinction is crucial. Life insurance : There is only one statement on this subject, written in 1867, and found in 1T 549-551. a. For a correct understanding of what she wrote, however, one must first employ another important hermeneutical rule: study the context, internal and external, in order to better understand the contemporary situation she addressed. (1) The insurance industry in her day was almost totally corrupt and fraud-ridden, unregulated by any government agency. (Today, by contrast, it is probably the most regulated.) (2) (For further help to understand this issue, see the document "Seventh-day Adventists and Life Insurance", available from the EGW Research Center.) 2.Wedding band There is only one statement, written in 1892, just after Ellen White arrived in Australia, found in TM 180-181. (Anecdotes) 3.Two special resurrections: a.On Easter Sunday (Mat 27:52,53) (See Appendix A) b.Immediately prior to the second coming (Dan 12:1; Mat 26:64; Rev 1:7; 14:13; EW 285; GC 637): (1) Ellen White identifies three categories of individuals, two of which will be brought back to life only temporarily: (a) SDAs who have died, since 1844, under the Third Angel's Message, keeping the Sabbath. (b) The unsaved crucifiers of Jesus. (c) The most violent opponents of Christ and his kingdom in all ages. (2)The various facts she contributes to our understanding to these two special resurrections are "extra- biblical", they provide information in addition to that found in the Bible. It, however, is not "anti-biblical", contrary to what the Bible reveals. This distinction is crucial.

Slide 20:Regarding God�s refusal to hear our prayers because of our attitude and actions, Ellen White expressed a different view point while writing to her grand-daughter Mabel White in 1905. In Letter 313, 1905 (UL 320) Ellen White expressed the following thought : �The Lord would have us trust fully and entirely in Him. Then we will, in the simplicity of our faith, believe that Christ will do for us all that He has promised. Let all come to the Saviour in the full assurance that He will do all that He has promised. We cannot please our Saviour more than by having faith in His promises. His mercies can come to you, and your prayers can come to Him. Nothing can break this line of communication. We must learn to bring all perplexities to Jesus Christ, for He will help us. He will listen to our requests. We may come to Him in full assurance of faith, nothing doubting, for He is the living Way.�Regarding God�s refusal to hear our prayers because of our attitude and actions, Ellen White expressed a different view point while writing to her grand-daughter Mabel White in 1905. In Letter 313, 1905 (UL 320) Ellen White expressed the following thought : �The Lord would have us trust fully and entirely in Him. Then we will, in the simplicity of our faith, believe that Christ will do for us all that He has promised. Let all come to the Saviour in the full assurance that He will do all that He has promised. We cannot please our Saviour more than by having faith in His promises. His mercies can come to you, and your prayers can come to Him. Nothing can break this line of communication. We must learn to bring all perplexities to Jesus Christ, for He will help us. He will listen to our requests. We may come to Him in full assurance of faith, nothing doubting, for He is the living Way.�

Slide 22:You will find equally sincere, intelligent and dedicated Seventh-day Adventists on both sides of this issue. The application of Rule #1 demonstrates that � at least for her day � the use of eggs was not banned across-the-board by Ellen White. You will find equally sincere, intelligent and dedicated Seventh-day Adventists on both sides of this issue. The application of Rule #1 demonstrates that � at least for her day � the use of eggs was not banned across-the-board by Ellen White.

Slide 25:What, then, precipitated this 1869 warning to Brother and Sister E? a. An examination of the internal context (Rule #2) reveals that both of the adolescent sons in the "E" family were unable to keep their sexual passions under control. b. God had revealed to EGW that eggs rank high in arousing human sexual desire. c. And so EGW was saying, in effect: as far as the control of sexual appetite is concerned, if one has a problem here, he or she should not unnecessarily aggravate the situation by using substances which generally tend to do just that.What, then, precipitated this 1869 warning to Brother and Sister E? a. An examination of the internal context (Rule #2) reveals that both of the adolescent sons in the "E" family were unable to keep their sexual passions under control. b. God had revealed to EGW that eggs rank high in arousing human sexual desire. c. And so EGW was saying, in effect: as far as the control of sexual appetite is concerned, if one has a problem here, he or she should not unnecessarily aggravate the situation by using substances which generally tend to do just that.

Slide 28:At the turn of the century there were in our midst sincere but misguided members who advocated health reform "in its most extreme form"--with the result that "harm" was being "done." Attempting to bring in balance, EGW, while continuing to advocate the discontinuance of flesh-foods, tea, and coffee, nevertheless held that urging abstinence of dairy products (mild, cream, and butter) and poultry products (eggs) by all, was still going too far at that time. She declared, further, that "the time will come" when we will need to discard from the diet all animal products; but "when the time comes . . . God will reveal this. No extremes in health reform are to be advocated" (Letter 37, 1901, to Bro. and Sister D.H. Kress, in CD 358, 359).At the turn of the century there were in our midst sincere but misguided members who advocated health reform "in its most extreme form"--with the result that "harm" was being "done." Attempting to bring in balance, EGW, while continuing to advocate the discontinuance of flesh-foods, tea, and coffee, nevertheless held that urging abstinence of dairy products (mild, cream, and butter) and poultry products (eggs) by all, was still going too far at that time. She declared, further, that "the time will come" when we will need to discard from the diet all animal products; but "when the time comes . . . God will reveal this. No extremes in health reform are to be advocated" (Letter 37, 1901, to Bro. and Sister D.H. Kress, in CD 358, 359).

Slide 29:When should we give up eggs? Has "the time" come? Since opinions differ, certainly this is a question that each one must settle for himself/herself, but not press one's own personal views upon others. "Let every man [and woman] be fully persuaded in his [her] own mind" (Rom. 14:5). Part of the problem with the Battle Creek church and Brother and Sister E in 1869 was a strong spirit of defiance on their part and unwillingness to follow God�s counsels on the health reform. The Battle Creek church was rebellious and reluctant to follow EGW�s counsels to them. Hence, their mindset prevented them from being in tune with God�s will for them at that time. EGW speaks of a similar thing in Confrontation, p. 83-84: �God will no more receive a sacrifice from the hands of those who thus pollute themselves, and offer with their service the incense of tobacco and liquor, than He would receive the offering of the sons of Aaron, who offered incense with strange fire. // God has not changed. He is as particular and exact in His requirements now as He was in the days of Moses. But in the sanctuaries of worship in our day, with the songs of praise, the prayers, and the teaching from the pulpit, there is not merely strange fire but positive defilement. Instead of truth being preached with holy unction from God, it is sometimes spoken under the influence of tobacco and brandy. Strange fire indeed! Bible truth and Bible holiness are presented to the people, and prayers are offered to God, mingled with the stench of tobacco! Such incense is most acceptable to Satan! A terrible deception is this! What an offense in the sight of God! What an insult to Him who is holy, dwelling in light unapproachable!�When should we give up eggs? Has "the time" come? Since opinions differ, certainly this is a question that each one must settle for himself/herself, but not press one's own personal views upon others. "Let every man [and woman] be fully persuaded in his [her] own mind" (Rom. 14:5). Part of the problem with the Battle Creek church and Brother and Sister E in 1869 was a strong spirit of defiance on their part and unwillingness to follow God�s counsels on the health reform. The Battle Creek church was rebellious and reluctant to follow EGW�s counsels to them. Hence, their mindset prevented them from being in tune with God�s will for them at that time. EGW speaks of a similar thing in Confrontation, p. 83-84: �God will no more receive a sacrifice from the hands of those who thus pollute themselves, and offer with their service the incense of tobacco and liquor, than He would receive the offering of the sons of Aaron, who offered incense with strange fire. // God has not changed. He is as particular and exact in His requirements now as He was in the days of Moses. But in the sanctuaries of worship in our day, with the songs of praise, the prayers, and the teaching from the pulpit, there is not merely strange fire but positive defilement. Instead of truth being preached with holy unction from God, it is sometimes spoken under the influence of tobacco and brandy. Strange fire indeed! Bible truth and Bible holiness are presented to the people, and prayers are offered to God, mingled with the stench of tobacco! Such incense is most acceptable to Satan! A terrible deception is this! What an offense in the sight of God! What an insult to Him who is holy, dwelling in light unapproachable!�

Slide 30:Writing to her grand-daughter Mabel White in 1905 (Letter 313, 1905 in UL 320): Writing to her grand-daughter Mabel White in 1905 (Letter 313, 1905 in UL 320):

Slide 32:General Principles Regarding the Importance of Context 1884: "In order to sustain erroneous doctrines or unchristian practices, some will seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite. With the cunning of the serpent they entrench themselves behind disconnected utterances construed to suit their carnal desires. Thus do many willfully pervert the word of God" (GC 521). General Principles Regarding the Importance of Context 1884: "In order to sustain erroneous doctrines or unchristian practices, some will seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite. With the cunning of the serpent they entrench themselves behind disconnected utterances construed to suit their carnal desires. Thus do many willfully pervert the word of God" (GC 521).

Slide 36:However, in the 1890s two situations, in particular, began to develop; and Ellen White now took a position diametrically opposed to that of 1875:However, in the 1890s two situations, in particular, began to develop; and Ellen White now took a position diametrically opposed to that of 1875:

Slide 39:Is the voice of the General Conference the voice of God? However, at the General Conference session of 1901, following all the administrative changes made to the structure of the church, Ellen White began to a further change in her position. She went back to her 1875 position regarding the authority of the General Conference.Is the voice of the General Conference the voice of God? However, at the General Conference session of 1901, following all the administrative changes made to the structure of the church, Ellen White began to a further change in her position. She went back to her 1875 position regarding the authority of the General Conference.

Slide 40:On April 1st, the day before the Session officially opened, Ellen White twice addressed church leaders who had gathered early for this landmark occasion. (And no change in the 1890s negative stance is yet discernable.) In a morning talk, in the Review & Herald chapel, she said: [NOTE: When the GC Committee was created, in 1863, it consisted of but three members. Some 20 years later it increased to five. In 1887, seven; in 1889, nine; in 1893, 11; and by 1899, there were 13 members. But, these 13 were widely scattered, and the full committee seldom met: six were "District Leaders" (Union Conference presidents), scattered across the USA; two were based overseas; and only five were resident in Battle Creek, plus the GC Secretary-Treasurer, and thus available to transact most of the business of the world church.]On April 1st, the day before the Session officially opened, Ellen White twice addressed church leaders who had gathered early for this landmark occasion. (And no change in the 1890s negative stance is yet discernable.) In a morning talk, in the Review & Herald chapel, she said: [NOTE: When the GC Committee was created, in 1863, it consisted of but three members. Some 20 years later it increased to five. In 1887, seven; in 1889, nine; in 1893, 11; and by 1899, there were 13 members. But, these 13 were widely scattered, and the full committee seldom met: six were "District Leaders" (Union Conference presidents), scattered across the USA; two were based overseas; and only five were resident in Battle Creek, plus the GC Secretary-Treasurer, and thus available to transact most of the business of the world church.]

Slide 41:The session opened on April 2 with 267 delegates, representing 75,000 members. On April 2 (opening day), she addressed the delegates immediately after the first item on the agenda: the address of the GC president. And she was still very clearly in the 1890s mode of opposition. The session opened on April 2 with 267 delegates, representing 75,000 members. On April 2 (opening day), she addressed the delegates immediately after the first item on the agenda: the address of the GC president. And she was still very clearly in the 1890s mode of opposition.

Slide 42:When the Session finally closed, on April 23, with a "Missionary Farewell Service" at 3 p.m., EGW noted with amazement, and deep personal satisfaction: "Wrongs � serious wrongs -- have been committed in Battle Creek. I did not know how we would get along at this meeting. The Lord gave me instruction regarding this. . . . "Who do you suppose has been among us since this Conference began? Who has kept away the objectionable features that generally appear in such a meeting? Who has walked up and down the aisles of this Tabernacle?--The God of heaven and His angels. . . . They have been among us, to work the works of God. . . . "Angels of God have been at work here. The Lord knew our needs, and sent us food, . . . showing us how we should work. We have been trying to organize the work in right lines. The Lord has sent His angels, . . . telling us how to carry the work forward. "I was never more astonished in my life than at the turn things have taken at this meeting [Session]. This is not our work. God has brought it about. When the Session finally closed, on April 23, with a "Missionary Farewell Service" at 3 p.m., EGW noted with amazement, and deep personal satisfaction: "Wrongs � serious wrongs -- have been committed in Battle Creek. I did not know how we would get along at this meeting. The Lord gave me instruction regarding this. . . . "Who do you suppose has been among us since this Conference began? Who has kept away the objectionable features that generally appear in such a meeting? Who has walked up and down the aisles of this Tabernacle?--The God of heaven and His angels. . . . They have been among us, to work the works of God. . . . "Angels of God have been at work here. The Lord knew our needs, and sent us food, . . . showing us how we should work. We have been trying to organize the work in right lines. The Lord has sent His angels, . . . telling us how to carry the work forward. "I was never more astonished in my life than at the turn things have taken at this meeting [Session]. This is not our work. God has brought it about.

Slide 48:By 1909, Ellen White is clearly out of the 1890s mode and definitely back in the 1875 mode. By 1909, Ellen White is clearly out of the 1890s mode and definitely back in the 1875 mode.

Slide 49:And she never changed her mind again, as far as the record evidences. Thus, we note in summary, that "Time" factors do make a difference. In 1875 Ellen White took a position; in 1895, in 1896, in 1898, and in early 1901, she totally reversed the 1875 position. But after the 1901 GC Session, after significant changes had been made in both leadership personnel and operating machinery, she now reverted to the former 1875 position. And in 1909 and in 1911 she is clearly back in the 1875 mode, having abandoned the positions of the 1890s. "Time" factors are sometimes quite crucial when a prophet says something that may make a difference; for things true at one time may well not be true at another!And she never changed her mind again, as far as the record evidences. Thus, we note in summary, that "Time" factors do make a difference. In 1875 Ellen White took a position; in 1895, in 1896, in 1898, and in early 1901, she totally reversed the 1875 position. But after the 1901 GC Session, after significant changes had been made in both leadership personnel and operating machinery, she now reverted to the former 1875 position. And in 1909 and in 1911 she is clearly back in the 1875 mode, having abandoned the positions of the 1890s. "Time" factors are sometimes quite crucial when a prophet says something that may make a difference; for things true at one time may well not be true at another!

Slide 51:Commentary: a.Because of rapid strides in technology and manufacturing, in a few years after the invention of the bicycle, it became the most economical means of transportation. b.Under these circumstances, the 1894 testimony would not stand in the way of a proper use of this now-inexpensive vehicle.Commentary: a.Because of rapid strides in technology and manufacturing, in a few years after the invention of the bicycle, it became the most economical means of transportation. b.Under these circumstances, the 1894 testimony would not stand in the way of a proper use of this now-inexpensive vehicle.

Slide 71:Application today: a.In our industrialized and technologically advanced society, one may not need to learn to harness or drive a horse today but learn important skills that every one needs to cope with life and not always depend upon technology. Ex.: basic auto care and maintenance, minor tune-ups b. Ellen White's concern for practical education extended as well to boys, who � in this same chapter � were urged to learn how to wash their own clothes, cook, and perform other necessary household duties!Application today: a.In our industrialized and technologically advanced society, one may not need to learn to harness or drive a horse today but learn important skills that every one needs to cope with life and not always depend upon technology. Ex.: basic auto care and maintenance, minor tune-ups b. Ellen White's concern for practical education extended as well to boys, who � in this same chapter � were urged to learn how to wash their own clothes, cook, and perform other necessary household duties!

Slide 72:Ellen White's concern for practical education extended as well to boys, who � in this same chapter � were urged to learn how to wash their own clothes, cook, and perform other necessary household duties!Ellen White's concern for practical education extended as well to boys, who � in this same chapter � were urged to learn how to wash their own clothes, cook, and perform other necessary household duties!

Slide 74:How shall we pray? (After quote from 2SM 311) (1) Does this mean, then, that it is never appropriate to sit, or to stand, while prayer is being offered? (2) Ellen White's use of that little word "always" would seem to indicate just that. (3) But does "always" always mean "always"?How shall we pray? (After quote from 2SM 311) (1) Does this mean, then, that it is never appropriate to sit, or to stand, while prayer is being offered? (2) Ellen White's use of that little word "always" would seem to indicate just that. (3) But does "always" always mean "always"?

Slide 75:The internal context is "public and private worship." The presence of the expression "it is our privilege," and the absence of that word "always," are interesting, and may even be helpful; do they allow a little leeway in the matter?The internal context is "public and private worship." The presence of the expression "it is our privilege," and the absence of that word "always," are interesting, and may even be helpful; do they allow a little leeway in the matter?

Slide 76:"Crowded streets" and "business engagement" might suggest that kneeling, here at least, might be not only inappropriate, but even potentially dangerous to personal safety! "Crowded streets" and "business engagement" might suggest that kneeling, here at least, might be not only inappropriate, but even potentially dangerous to personal safety!

Slide 79:(1) And now, superficially at least, we are faced with an apparent contradiction: (a) In 2SM 311: "This is the appropriate position always." (b) But, in MH 510, 511: "It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees...." (2) Does "always" always mean always? (Does "only" only mean only?) (3) And we answer, YES -- within an immediate context.(1) And now, superficially at least, we are faced with an apparent contradiction: (a) In 2SM 311: "This is the appropriate position always." (b) But, in MH 510, 511: "It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees...." (2) Does "always" always mean always? (Does "only" only mean only?) (3) And we answer, YES -- within an immediate context.

Slide 88:In her personal diary she finally makes her intended meaning explicit. On Feb. 13, 1892, in Melbourne, Australia, she mentions having to be carried up a long stairway to a meeting hall in the arms of her son and a layman, because of being "compassed with infirmities" [rheumatism, and possibly arthritis]. And she lamented: (quote on screen) In her personal diary she finally makes her intended meaning explicit. On Feb. 13, 1892, in Melbourne, Australia, she mentions having to be carried up a long stairway to a meeting hall in the arms of her son and a layman, because of being "compassed with infirmities" [rheumatism, and possibly arthritis]. And she lamented: (quote on screen)

Slide 91:Although many of Ellen White's counsels pertaining to the detailed specifics of proper Sabbath-observance (e.g., 6T 349- 68; 2T 701-5) are widely ignored by many Sabbath-keepers today, three in particular trouble Adventists who genuinely seek to follow her counsels. Cooking on the Sabbath, taking a bath, and shaving.) There should be no "cooking" during the Sabbath hours; all meal preparation should be done on Friday, the Preparation Day (6T357; 355). a."Cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided" (6T 357). b."On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that ... all the cooking is done" (6T 355).Although many of Ellen White's counsels pertaining to the detailed specifics of proper Sabbath-observance (e.g., 6T 349- 68; 2T 701-5) are widely ignored by many Sabbath-keepers today, three in particular trouble Adventists who genuinely seek to follow her counsels. Cooking on the Sabbath, taking a bath, and shaving.) There should be no "cooking" during the Sabbath hours; all meal preparation should be done on Friday, the Preparation Day (6T357; 355). a."Cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided" (6T 357). b."On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that ... all the cooking is done" (6T 355).

Slide 94:The same principles likely apply to other counsels she gave on Sabbath observance. Taking a bath on Sabbath: "On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths taken" (6T 355). Shaving or trimming beards on Sabbath (ST, May 25, 1882). Preparing one's Sabbath clothesThe same principles likely apply to other counsels she gave on Sabbath observance. Taking a bath on Sabbath: "On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths taken" (6T 355). Shaving or trimming beards on Sabbath (ST, May 25, 1882). Preparing one's Sabbath clothes