Information Sheet No. )4
STUDY AND USE OF THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY WRITINGS
that ·was given in the early days of the 
message is safe instruction to follow in 
these its closing days.״—Review and Herald, 
July 18, 1907. 
(Selected Messages, Book 1,
p. Ul. 
See also 9T 158.
7. Counsels scientifically sound as demon- 
strated by mounting scientific confirmation 
in fields of medicine and nutrition. See 
sheet "Spirit of Prophecy and Medical Science.
8. 
Principles apply universally—world-wide 
message.
The counsels written in Australia and 
Europe apply in the United States. 
The 
counsels written in the United States 
serve the world field.
9. 
Opportunity for doubt in God's Word 
and the Spirit of Prophecy not removed.
God allows hooks on which doubt may be 
hung. 
See Great Controversy, pp. 527;
5>T 6756־. Exercise of faith brings 
strength. Decide from weight of evidence.
10, Not given to take place of Bible 
study, initiative, faith, hard xoork.
11. Conclusions based on study must be 
in keeping with tenor of E. G. White 
teachings as a whole.
12. 
Consistency will not allow accep- 
tance of certain counsels and rejection 
of other counsels.
13. 
My personal attitude toward the 
counsels will influence others, for or 
against. 
Consider personal responsibility.
1U. 
Exercise good will toward those who 
may not interpret or apply certain counsels 
as you do.
1. Spirit of Prophecy Counsels are 
primari]y messages to me personally. 
See Acts 26:19.
2. 
Study counsels in proper setting.
Exajiple: 
"Eggs on the table," 2T U00; 
Balancing counsels, 9T 162, etc.
3. Study all counsels available on 
given topic as basis for conclusion.
"The testimonies themselves will be the 
key that will explain the messages given, 
as scripture is explained by scripture."— 
Selected Messages, Book 1, p. U2.
U. Specific application of certain 
counsels may be modified by the time and 
place factors.
"Regarding the testimonies, nothing is 
ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time 
and place must be considered."—Selected 
Messages, Book 1, p. 57.
Examples^ (a) Bicycles, 8T 50-53; 
^bT'Camp meeting locations, 6T 33;
(c) 
Building materials for medical in- 
atitutions, 7T 83-U; (d) Drugs, Ministry 
of Healing, pp. 126-7.
5. Find and apply underlying principles.
Examples: 
(a) 
Ball games, Adventist
Home7~pp. U99-500; (b) Bicycles, 8T 50- 
53; (c) 
Building materials for medical 
institutions, 7T 83-U; (d) Drugs, Selec- 
ted Messages, Book 2, pp. 279-285.
6. Messages not obsolete, but up to date.
"Time and trial have not made void the 
instruction given, . . . The instruction
Ellon G. White Estate 
General Conference 
Washington, D. C.
October 29, 1961
PURPOSES OF THE VISIONS AND THE TESTIMONIES 
As delineated by E. G. White
What They Are Not;
1. Not "an addition to the Word of God."—5T 663
2. 
"Not to give new light,"—5T 665
3. 
"Not for a new rule of faith.״— Experience 
and Views, p. 61*. (EW 78) 
What They Are:
1. 
"For the comfort of His people."—Exp, and Views, p. 61*; 
(EW 78)
"To encourage the desponding and fainting soul."—RH, Jan. 10, 1856;
(Messenger to the Remnant, p. 53)
2. 
"To correct those who err from Bible truth."—Exp, and Views, p. 61*; (EW 78) 
"To correct and reprove the erring."—RH, Jan. 10, 1856; (Messenger, p. 53) 
"To correct specious errors."—EGW Letter 117, 1910; (Messenger, p. 82)
3. 
"To bring the minds of His people to His Word,"—5T 663·
"God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given."
—5T 665.
"To impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already 
revealed."—5T 665.
1*. To instruct concerning God's will — 5T 661.
5. To instruct concerning "the course that He would have them pursue."—5T 661.
6. 
"To call" attention to Bible "principles for the formation of correct
habits of living."—5T 663, 661*.
7. 
To clarify "man's duty to God and to his fellow men."—5T 665.
"To awaken them to their duty."—5T 665.
8. 
"To specify what is truth."—EGW Letter 117, 1910; (Messenger p, 82)
"When the power of God testifies as to what is truth, that truth is to
stand forever as the truth."—Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 161.
9. 
"To confirm*ny peopte °1n the position they have taken."—RH, July 18, 1907;
(Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 1*1)
10. 
To bring unity into the church causing God's people to "see eye to eye 
and be of the same mind."—3T 361.
Ellen G. White Estate 
General Conference 
Washington, D. C. 
October 29, 1961