Book: General Conference Committee, A Statement Refuting Charges Made by A. T. Jones Against the Spirit of Prophecy and the Plan of Organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination (Washington, DC: General Conference Committee, 1906). HTML, Scan.
Contents: Refutes charges made by A. T. Jones after he had united with J. H. Kellogg in undermining the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Chapter 11: Personal
In view of the light in which Elder Jones’s unfriendly criticisms place Elder W. C. White, I feel it to be a duty, and esteem it a privilege as well, to say a few words of a personal nature regarding Brother White.
For nearly fifteen years it has been my privilege to be closely associated in gospel work with Elder White. More than half of this time we were in the Australasian field. At first the staff of general workers in that country was small. This made it necessary for us to counsel frequently and to work together in all parts of the field, and in all phases of the work. In developing and organizing conferences in new colonies, and in establishing such enterprises as the school and sanitarium, we were kept face to face much of the time with great difficulties and perplexities.
At times we differed in opinion regarding plans and policies. Many were the hours we spent in the woods together in earnest prayer for divine guidance. And many times we sought and received counsel from Sister White. At first I questioned whether Brother White might not take advantage of his relationship to Sister White to secure support for his plans where they differed from mine. This led me to watch his movements very closely until I became thoroughly convinced and satisfied that he was open, fair, and conscientious in his methods. I observed that he took particular pains to give me every opportunity to make my plans clear, and to make the fullest inquiry of Sister White regarding every feature of the question before us. And always found him ready to change his position, and abandon his most cherished plans when the counsel Sister White gave showed they were wrong.
And now, after many years of very intimate association with Brother and Sister White in their work, I can truthfully and conscientiously say to all our people, and the world, that what I have seen leaves my confidence [p. 55] unshaken in the source from which the Testimonies come, and the conscientious, honest manner in which they are prepared and sent out.
This makes it impossible for me to accept the unfriendly criticisms which are being so industriously circulated at the present time. I do not believe that they are fair or just.
All who are acquainted with Sister White’s work know that her burdens are many and heavy. Her life is full of great perplexities and sorrows. Since the Lord permitted her husband to be removed from her side, she has been instructed by the Lord that her son, W. C. White, is to stand by her as a counselor and helper. This she has plainly stated many times.
The position in which the Lord has thus placed Brother White is a very difficult and trying one. He is human, and fallible like the rest of us. But the Lord knew this when he placed him where he is, and has helped him to hear the burdens and do the work assigned him. He needs the prayers, sympathy, and co-operation of this people, rather than their unfriendly criticism and contempt.
It is greatly to be deplored that Elder Jones has felt it to be his duty to scatter broadcast throughout this denomination statements and insinuations regarding Elder White that are calculated to destroy confidence in his work. We mistake our people very much if they do not in their hearts raise a solemn protest against this wrong.
A. G. Daniells.
“Great trials are right upon us, to test every Soul. The end of the world is near at hand.”
[p. 56]