A Statement Released by The White Estate Trustees 

The widely distributed Great Controversy, in the chapter entitled “The Final Warning” forecasts events all of which now “to human wisdom ... seems impossible” but which will become a part of the closing drama “as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men.” Here is one statement: SWR 1.1

“As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom, all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The heart can be very cruel when God’s fear and love are removed.”—The Great Controversy, 608. (Emphasis supplied) 

These words were first published in 1884 and have appeared in all editions of Great Controversy published from that day to this. Again in the next chapter entitled “The Time of Trouble” we read further... SWR 1.2

“As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment-keepers shall withdraw the protection of government, and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities and villages and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains.... But many of all nations, and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage.”—The Great Controversy, 626. (Emphasis supplied) 

This is what Ellen White saw as scene after scene passed before her in holy vision opening up to her that which was yet to take place. SWR 1.3

Again and again through the years she witnessed in vision the crucial scenes connected with the great decision which must be made by all mankind just before the close of probation—the decision whether to serve God or to give allegiance to an apostate power. The Sabbath is the point of issue. The wrath of the dragon is stirred up. The conflict will be severe. Allegiance to God will involve not a few in exile and servitude before God finally delivers His people. SWR 1.4

As the apostle John records what God revealed to him of the very last events of earth’s history he writes of “bondmen” and “free men.” He saw slavery in its hideousness. He says: SWR 2.1

“And the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”—Revelation 6:15-17. 

As views of the closing work of the gospel passed before Ellen White in the Great Controversy vision of March 14, 1858, she saw that: SWR 2.2

“The last call was carried even to the poor slaves, and the pious among them poured forth their songs of rapturous joy at the prospect of their happy deliverance. Their masters could not check them.”—Early Writings, 278. 

Some may exclaim, How can this be? We believe that we can best hope to find a correct answer if we keep in mind three points: (1) We cannot pass judgment on prophecies of future events until the time has come for their fulfillment. (2) Views of last day events that were given to John and to Ellen White related to the entire world and there are yet many slaves in the world. (3) In the United States, “that which to human wisdom ... seems impossible will take place when the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men” (The Great Controversy, 608), and at a time when “our country shall repudiate every principle of its constitution as a Protestant and republican government.”—(Testimonies for the Church 5:451). SWR 2.3

It may be significant that in the years succeeding the liberation of the slaves in the South, Ellen White was given repeated views of the critical situation which existed in the South and would continue. She saw the animosities stirred by the power of Satan that resided in the hearts of men. She saw, also, that the great adversary would use agitation over the Sabbath question to stir hatreds that could place the colored people in a very difficult position in connection with far-reaching events which would involve many, even beyond the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. She spoke of this in a counsel meeting attended by a “select few” of experienced workers in 1895. SWR 2.4

As we began in earnest a concerted effort to reach the colored people, Mrs. White’s prophetic knowledge led her to counsel a course of cautious action. She urged that we avoid anything that would precipitate untoward incidents. SWR 3.1