While Ellen White did not write a specific treatise on "self-defense" in the modern sense, she provided principles and examples that guide understanding on the topic. Her counsel generally points toward avoidance of conflict, reliance on God, and forbearance rather than physical retaliation. Here are key points from her writings: ### 1. The Principle of Avoidance and Retreat In a personal story from her youth, she recounts the instruction her parents gave her, which was to flee from danger rather than to fight. > "My parents had taught me never to contend with any one, but if we were in danger of being injured, to hasten away and return home. We were doing this, running towards home, but the girl was following us with a stone in her hand. I turned to see how far she was behind me, and as I turned, the stone hit me on my nose. I fell senseless." (2SG 7.1) ### 2. The Example of Jacob: Prayer and Prudence When Jacob was threatened by his brother Esau, his response was twofold: earnest prayer and prudent, peaceful action to avert the danger. His primary defense was reliance on God. > "Jacob's company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger." (4SP 432.3) ### 3. Forbearance Over Retaliation Ellen White strongly counsels against retaliation, emphasizing that it is better to suffer wrong than to inflict it. This principle stands in contrast to a spirit of personal vengeance or retaliation. > "Far better would it be for us to suffer under false accusation than to inflict upon ourselves the torture of retaliation upon our enemies. The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan, and can bring only evil to him who cherishes it." (MB 17.1) She also states: > "We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or supposed wrong done to ourselves. Self is the enemy we most need to fear... No other victory we can gain will be so precious as the victory gained over self." (MH 485) ### 4. Spiritual Defense The concept of "defense" in her writings is most often framed in a spiritual context, where faith and the Word of God are the primary weapons. > "When the servants of Christ take the shield of faith for their defense, and the sword of the Spirit for war, there is danger in the enemy's camp, and something must be done." (1T 407.2) In summary, Ellen White's counsel prioritizes de-escalation, retreating from conflict, relying on God through prayer as the ultimate defense, and choosing to suffer wrong rather than retaliating.