Bicycles
Ellen White's writings mention bicycles primarily in the context of a "bicycle craze" that swept through some Adventist communities in the late 19th century. Here are the key points from her books: 1. Bicycle Craze and Idolatry: - Ellen White warned against the "bicycle craze," describing it as a form of idolatry and a wasteful use of resources. She observed that money was being spent on bicycles that could have been better used for building churches or helping the needy. She wrote: "Money was spent to gratify an enthusiasm in this direction that might better, far better, have been invested in building houses of worship where they are greatly needed... This is a species of idolatry" (8T 50). 2. Negative Social and Spiritual Effects: - She associated the craze with low, common pleasure-seeking, comparing it to other amusements that she believed led to spiritual decline: "The exhibitions in the bicycle craze are an offense to God. His wrath is kindled against those who do such things. For in these gratifications the mind becomes besotted, even as in liquor drinking" (CT 367.3). - She also noted that the spirit of competition and strife in bicycle racing was similar to that found in other games and amusements, which she saw as distractions from spiritual duties (8T 52.1). 3. Exercise and Health: - While Ellen White advocated for outdoor exercise and fresh air, she generally preferred walking over riding (including bicycles or carriages), as it exercised more muscles and was more beneficial for health: "Walking is preferable to riding or driving, for it brings more of the muscles into exercise" (MH 240.4). Summary: Ellen White's main concern with bicycles was not the mode of transportation itself, but the excessive enthusiasm, competition, and financial waste associated with the "bicycle craze" of her time. She encouraged moderation, wise stewardship, and prioritizing spiritual and practical needs over fleeting amusements. If you need more specific quotes or further details, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1904). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 50, 52. - White, E. G. (1913). Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 367. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 240.
what about desmond ford
There isn't adequate information in the available sources to answer this question. Ellen White's writings do not mention Desmond Ford, as he lived and became prominent in the Seventh-day Adventist Church many decades after her death. If you have a specific question about Desmond Ford's views or controversies, please clarify, but please note that my responses are limited to Ellen White Estate documents and her writings. References: - No direct references available, as Ellen G. White's published works and manuscripts do not address Desmond Ford.
i mean desmond doss
Ellen White's writings do not mention Desmond Doss. Desmond Doss became known for his actions as a conscientious objector and medic during World War II, which occurred many years after Ellen White's death. Therefore, there are no references to him in her published works. If you have questions about principles of noncombatancy or Adventist views on military service as discussed in Ellen White's writings, I can help with that.
so you only have things that ellen white wrote here?
Yes, that's correct. I only have access to documents written by Ellen G. White or official Ellen White Estate materials, such as her books, manuscripts, periodicals, pamphlets, compilations, and miscellaneous writings. My responses are based solely on these sources. If you have questions about Ellen White's teachings, statements, or topics she addressed, I can help you find relevant information from her writings. If you need information about individuals or events that occurred after her lifetime (like Desmond Ford or Desmond Doss), I will not have direct references, but I can share what Ellen White wrote about related principles or topics if that would be helpful.
what did she say about the civil war
Ellen G. White wrote extensively about the American Civil War, expressing deep concern over its causes, conduct, and consequences. Here are some key points from her writings: 1. The War’s Nature and Suffering: - She described the Civil War as a "most horrible and heartsickening conflict," noting the enormous sacrifice of life and money, and the suffering it brought to families across the nation: "Blood has been poured out like water, and for nought. In every town and village there is mourning. Wives are mourning for their husbands, mothers for their sons, and sisters for their brothers. But notwithstanding all this suffering, they do not turn to God." (1T 367.3) - She saw visions of great distress, with "groans and cries of distress," "the ground... covered with the wounded and the dead," and "desolate, despairing families, and pinching want in many dwellings." (1T 260) 2. Slavery and the War’s Purpose: - Ellen White was clear that the institution of slavery was a central issue: "Thousands have been induced to enlist with the understanding that this war was to exterminate slavery; but now that they are fixed, they find that they have been deceived, that the object of this war is not to abolish slavery, but to preserve it as it is." (1T 254.1) - She condemned the sin of slavery, calling it "a system... which allows one portion of the human family to enslave another portion, degrading millions of human beings to the level of the brute creation. The equal of this sin is not to be found in heathen lands." (1T 258.2) - She compared the devastation in the Southern States to the plagues of Egypt, saying, "The land of Egypt was nearly desolated to bring freedom to the children of Israel; the Southern States were nearly ruined to bring freedom to the colored race." (SWk 44.2) 3. Division and Corruption: - She lamented the lack of unity and the presence of pro-slavery sympathizers even within the Union ranks, which made the war "dark and discouraging." (1T 367.1) - She criticized the slow and cautious handling of the rebellion, which allowed it to grow stronger: "If active measures had then been taken by the North, this rebellion would have been speedily crushed out. But that which was small at first has increased in strength and numbers until it has become most powerful." (1T 267.3) 4. Spiritual Lessons: - Ellen White called for true repentance and practical religion, quoting Isaiah 58:5-7 and urging people to "loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free." (1T 256.1) - She saw the war as a result of sin and a call for the nation to turn to God. Summary: Ellen White viewed the Civil War as a tragic result of the nation’s sins, especially slavery. She called for repentance, justice for the oppressed, and practical Christianity. She also highlighted the immense suffering caused by the war and the need for unity and moral reform. References: - White, E. G. (1870). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 254, 258, 260, 267, 367. - White, E. G. (1900). The Southern Work, p. 44.
Note: Ellen Chat may generate unexpected or inaccurate responses. Please verify any quotes with original sources.

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