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.