Sister White and the subject of the 144,000

Did Sis. White give a clear indication upon which location on earth knowledge would arise concerning the subject of the 144,000?

Let us examine the evidence closely.

This reference appears two times in the SRod.

     Sister White had received inspiration on this subject, but, like Daniel, was not permitted to know who, how, and when made, until God's appointed time.  The following is a quotation made by her to Elder E.E. Andross: "I feel confident, Elder Andross, that the brethren in Southern California will find blessing in reviewing the teachings of Scripture concerning the 144,000 and bringing to bear upon these teachings whatever of light there may be in the published writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, and as prayerful consideration is given the matter in all its bearings, I believe that God will make the truth sufficiently clear to make possible the avoidance of needless and unprofitable questions not vital to the salvation of precious souls." {1SR:14.1} 

     Some day this subject must be understood, for Inspiration makes no useless statements, and it cannot be in the Bible for a trinket.  It must be understood before the number (144,000) is made or it would be of no value.  When understood, it will guide the feet of the 144,000 in the straight path just as the first, second, and third angel's messages have led thousands of souls to Christ.—1SR:14.1, 2

And in

   "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out towards the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea." (Ezek. 47:8.)  It is remarkable to note how perfect these symbols are in each instance.  This direction of the compass denotes that the message of the "loud cry" is to start eastward when it is first revealed.  The church membership being largely east of California and across the Atlantic, naturally the message must start toward the east.  This symbolical prophecy reveals that the message of the "loud cry" is to originate in California.  Thus fulfilling the prophetic words of the "Spirit of Prophecy" in a letter to Elder E. E. Andross: "I feel confident Elder Andross, that the brethren in Southern California will find a blessing in reviewing the teachings of the Scripture concerning the 144,000 and bringing to bear upon these teachings whatever light there may be in the published writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, and as prayerful consideration is given the matter in all its bearings, I believe that God will make the truth sufficiently clear to make possible the avoidance of needless and unprofitable questions not vital to the salvation of precious souls."—2SR:296.4

Now in the SOP:

It's found in the 2008 EGW Research Edition CD ROM under

"Ellen G. White Research Documents"

- Counsel Regarding the Question of the 144,000

Chapter 5—Silence is Eloquence

[The following letter from C. C. Crisler, leading secretary in Mrs. White’s office, addressed to Elder E. E. Andross, president of the Pacific Union Conference, was called forth by a request from him to Sister White for any light she might have bearing on the teachings of Dr. B. E. Fullmer of Los Angeles, that the 144,000 will be made up of Americans only, none from other lands.]

“Elmshaven, Sanitarium, California
December 8, 1914
Elder E. E. Andross
Box 146
Glendale, California

Dear Brother Andross:

During the few minutes remaining of the noon hour before close of mails, after receiving your special delivery letter of inquiry, I sent you a hurried reply to your communication, promising further word by wire. Tonight I am sending [you] the following telegraphic letter:

     “‘Mrs. White instructs me to inform you she has no light further than that the presentation of uncertainties as certainties, and the urging of mysteries as revealed truths, is perilous and leads to disappointment. She suggests building on Holy Scriptures, the true foundation, rather than on personal conjecture.—C. C. Crisler.’ 

     “When reading the letter to Sister White, and listening to her remarks in response, I had with me as a witness Elder D. E. Robinson.

     “‘I have no light on the subject,’ she said, upon hearing the letter. ‘It is a very delicate time in which we are living—a time when we must individually cling to the Lord with all the powers of our being.’ She said further:

     “‘Those who urge theories regarding matters that are not revealed, are placing themselves where they are in peril of meeting with disappointments. “Hide yourself in God; hide your mysteries in God”—these words have been repeated during the night season, over and over again. From the fist, I have been instructed that the Lord Jesus can give counsel that will not bring disappointment.

     “‘Please tell my brethren that I have nothing presented before me regarding the circumstances concerning which they write, and I can set before them only that which has been presented to me.

     “‘There are those who attempt to deal with uncertainties as certainties; and when they reach this position, they are where it is possible for the enemy to use them.

     “‘In the past, light has been given me repeatedly that when a crisis arises, we are to take the counsel of God, and trace interestedly every item that presents the truth in its verity.

     “‘The greatest help will come when we see the influence of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Their influence is to lead us to stand on an exalted basis, where we will build our faith and the faith of others, not on this one’s say-so, and that one’s say-so, and another one’s say-so, but on the real foundation, the Word of the living God.’ 

     “I have tried to write out from my notes the words spoken by Sister White after listening to your letter and to portions of the letter written by me, also to my hastily written reply to you. By no word or sign did Sister White attempt to say which party is right and which party is wrong. In no wise did she make any comment on my letter to you, and, so far as we could understand, in no wise did she attempt to interpret or explain that which she has written in former years regarding the 144,000. But, rising above mere detail, she outlined the principles set forth above.

     “I have nothing to add to that which I wrote at noon. Yes, there is one comment Sister White did make when I was 

3

reading to her my letter. She expressed pleasure over the fact that I had included in my letter to you the words, ‘On the matter of the exact meaning of the 144,000 Sister White was repeatedly instructed us that “silence is eloquence.”’ 

“She also commented favorably upon hearing the words with which I closed: ‘So far as I now know, no one knows the full truth of the matter, nor will we know until we are on the other side of Jordan.’ 

     “I feel confident, Elder Andross, that the brethren in Southern California will find blessing in reviewing the teachings of Scripture concerning the 144,000, and bringing to bear upon these teachings whatever light there may be in the published writings of Sister White. And as prayerful consideration is given the matter in all its bearings, I believe that God will make the truth sufficiently clear to make possible the avoidance of needless and unprofitable controversy over questions not vital to the salvation of precious souls.

     “With kindest regards, and praying that God may given breadth of sympathy was well as clarity of vision to those called upon to handle this perplexing problem that has arisen, I am as ever,

“Yours truly,

C. C. Crisler”

Ellen G. White Estate
December 21, 1964
Revised September, 1990

Online: Counsel Regarding the Question of the 144,000

Silence is eloquence but, for how long?

Now I can see why in 1SRp:8.5 Bro. Houteff published

     And while she was in confusion on the subject, the Spirit of Truth pronounced silence on it then to be "eloquence."  But eloquence for how long?  Forever?—Obviously not, but only until the Lord Himself should unroll the scroll, the sealing commence, and the subject become present truth.  Then silence could no longer be eloquence; in fact, not even possible—not if there are ever to be 144,000 sealed and made ready to stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1).—1Srp:8.5