After the disappointment of 1844, Seventh-day Adventists were counseled to expect a period of "patient waiting" rather than setting new dates for Christ's return. Here are the key expectations and experiences described in Ellen White's writings: 1. Patient Waiting Time: - Adventists were to wait patiently for the fulfillment of prophecy, rather than setting further dates. Ellen White wrote, "The Lord has not tested his people upon any particular time since 1844. We have been, and still are, in the patient waiting time." (4bSG; 1T 409) 2. Spiritual Searching and Consecration: - The disappointment led the faithful "again...to their Bibles to search the prophetic periods," where they discovered the concept of a "tarrying time" (1SG 138.1). There was a call for deeper consecration and spiritual revival, as some lost their "first love" after the initial disappointment (1T 6.4). 3. Danger of Fanaticism and Worldliness: - Ellen White noted, "After the passing of the time in 1844, we had fanaticism of every kind to meet." (8T 292) Some who had been active in the movement lost their spiritual moorings and began to unite with the world (LS 78; LS80 205.1). 4. No Further Time Setting: - She emphasized, "God tested His people upon time in 1844, but...He has not tested His people upon any particular time since 1844." (1T 409) Movements that set new dates (such as in 1854) were not endorsed by God, and many who followed them were spiritually harmed. 5. Encouragement and Divine Support: - Despite the disappointment, many were "surprised that we felt so free in the Lord, and were so strongly sustained by his strength and grace." (LS88 189.2; LS80 189.2) Angels were said to sustain the faithful during their trial. 6. Embracing Present Truth: - Some who endured the disappointment "have seen the evidences of present truth, and have embraced the third angel's message, and are striving to carry it out in their lives." (1T 409) In summary, after 1844, Seventh-day Adventists were to expect a time of patient waiting, spiritual searching, and a call to deeper consecration, while avoiding fanaticism and the setting of new prophetic dates. The focus shifted to understanding the "present truth" and faithfully living out the message of the third angel. References: - Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, p. 138; vol. 4b, p. 409 - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 6, 409 - Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, pp. 78, 189, 205 - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 292

Ellen White authored several books with "sketches" in the title or theme. Here are the main teachings and purposes of these works, based on her own words and the book prefaces: 1. **Sketches from the Life of Paul** - This book is devoted to the life and teachings of the apostle Paul. It traces his journey from persecutor to devoted apostle, highlighting his labors, sufferings, and the practical moral lessons drawn from his experiences and instructions to the early church. The book aims to provide valuable lessons for the church today, emphasizing faithfulness, perseverance, and the power of the gospel to transform lives. - Source: "The historical narrative is traced down in a clear and connected manner, from the time of Paul's first dealings with the church as a persecutor, until he was 'offered up' as a willing sacrifice for the cause which he had learned to love more than his own life. ... practical moral lessons are drawn for the church of today. This is the distinctive feature of the book, and is that which makes it particularly valuable." (LP 8) 2. **A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White** - This early publication is a brief autobiographical account of Ellen White's Christian experience and the visions given to her. It addresses prejudice against visions and spiritual gifts, affirming that God still works through such means for the benefit of His people. - Source: "This publication embodies a brief autobiographical sketch and visions given to Ellen White, many of which appeared earlier in various periodicals. ... it is not the purpose of God to leave his people in this age of almost unbounded deception, without the gifts and manifestations of his Spirit." (ExV 2) 3. **Life Sketches of Ellen G. White** - This book provides a personal account of Ellen White's life, including her childhood, early Christian experience, involvement in the Advent movement, and the development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It offers insights into her struggles, joys, and the growth of the church through her and her husband's ministry. - Source: "In these pages Ellen White recounts, in her own words, a brief account of her childhood days, and her early Christian experience in connection with the great second advent movement of 1840 to 1844. ... She pictures the struggles and successes that attended the efforts of the small band of earnest souls who built up the work that would eventually become the Seventh-day Adventist Church." (LS 5) **Summary:** Ellen White's "sketches" books are designed to provide spiritual lessons through the life stories of biblical figures (like Paul), her own experiences, and the history of the Adventist movement. They emphasize faith, perseverance, the importance of spiritual gifts, and practical Christian living. If you are interested in a specific "sketches" book or want more detail on a particular one, please let me know! **References:** - Ellen G. White, Sketches from the Life of Paul (LP) - Ellen G. White, A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White (ExV) - Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (LS)

The book "Life Sketches of Ellen G. White" provides a personal and detailed account of Ellen White's life, written largely in her own words. Here’s what it covers: - **Childhood and Early Life:** Ellen White recounts her childhood in Gorham, Maine, her family’s religious background, and a significant accident at age nine that affected her health and life. - **Early Christian Experience:** She describes her conversion, spiritual struggles, and involvement in the great Second Advent movement of 1840–1844, including the joys and sorrows following the Great Disappointment of 1844. - **Ministry and the Advent Movement:** The book details her youthful ministry, the challenges and successes faced by the small group that would become the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and her role in the development of the church. - **Marriage and Partnership:** Ellen White shares about her marriage to James White and their joint labors in building up the Adventist movement until his death in 1881. - **Later Years and Travels:** The narrative includes her extended labors in the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as her continued writing and public speaking. - **Personal Reflections:** Throughout, Ellen White offers personal insights, recounting both struggles and triumphs, and reflecting on God’s guidance in her life and the church’s growth. **Purpose:** The book is intended to give readers a more personal glimpse into the life of Ellen White, her Christian experience, and her role in the rise and progress of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It provides inspiration, historical context, and spiritual lessons drawn from her life story. **Source:** “In these pages Ellen White recounts, in her own words, a brief account of her childhood days, and her early Christian experience in connection with the great second advent movement of 1840 to 1844. She vividly recalls the sorrows and joys of youthful ministry in the years following the Great Disappointment. She pictures the struggles and successes that attended the efforts of the small band of earnest souls who built up the work that would eventually become the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She goes on to tell of the extended labors of herself and her husband from their marriage until his death in 1881.” (LS 5) If you want more detail about a specific period or topic covered in the book, let me know! **Reference:** Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1915), p. 5.