Ellen G. White and the Shut Door Question

Introduction

The Experience of the Disciples

The Similar Experience of the Early Adventists

Now, A Close Look at the “Shut Door”

The Changing Meaning of the Term “Shut Door”

Ellen G. White Looks Back

The E. G. White Statements In Their Historical Context

Ellen Harmon’s First Vision—December, 1844 

Related Orally, but not Written Out for a Full Year

The Earliest Published References to the Vision

How Firmly Was the Door Closed?

The Vision of the Heavenly Sanctuary—February, 1845

The Experience of Paris, Maine, in 1845

Significance of the Time of Publication of the Early Visions

The Changing Meaning of the “Shut Door” in 1848

The Vision of Streams of Light Around the World

The Vision of “The Open and Shut Door,” March 24, 1849 

Labor for Sinners 1845-1851

The 1851 Developments

The First Vision as Published in Mrs. White’s First Book

A Closer Look at the Deleted Words

Ellen G. White’s Explanation

The “Shut Door” Defined

Ellen White Looks Back to Soul-Winning Work from 1845 On

In Summation

Exhibit 1—Ellen Harmon’s First Vision

Exhibit 2—Otis Nichols’ Letter to William Miller, April 20, 1846

Exhibit 3—Ellen G. White Letter to Joseph Bates

Exhibit 4—The Open and the Shut Door

Exhibit 5—Letter Concerning The Publication Of “Experience And Views”

Exhibit 6—The Shut Door Position of Leaders in the Millerite Movement

Exhibit 7—James White’s Answer To A Man Seeking Light In April 1851

Reply From James White

Exhibit 7&mdash;James White&rsquo;s Answer To A Man Seeking Light In April 1851

Milford,<sup class="footnote"><a class="footnote">*<span class="footnote">The original publication, like the source, had the spelling &ldquo;Millford.&rdquo;</span></a></sup> March 17, 1851

Brother White: A few weeks ago I had my attention called to the Sabbath by reading a pamphlet, title, &ldquo;Seventh-day Sabbath not abolished,&rdquo; a review of Brother Marsh&rsquo;s article, and was surprised to find Brother Marsh&rsquo;s position so feebly supported by Scripture. Soon after this, I saw your pamphlet, called the &ldquo;Present Truth,&rdquo; which I carefully read, and after a prayerful investigation of the subject, I am convinced it is truth. Yes, a great and important truth. My prayer is Lord show all Thy children this important truth. I believe the sanctuary to be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, is in heaven.

I am not ready to endorse your view of the shut door, but if it is truth I hope I shall see it. I would like to have you answer one question through your paper. Does the shut door exclude all conversions? I have received a few numbers of your paper, and I wish you to continue to send them. Brethren Holt and Edson have been preaching through this section of country, and a number have believed the truth.

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Exhibit 7—James White’s Answer To A Man Seeking Light In April 1851