NOTE: The following quotes are a part of our heritage and beg to be wrestled with as we strive to live God’s love as we are best able. What do I agree with? How am I living it? What do I disagree with? What leads to my different conclusions–theology, sociology, history, personal experience? What principles are to be found behind these statements that were made in a particular context? How can these principles inform how we address issues faced today, whether as individuals, congregations or the church body as a whole?
LOVE
“Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’ (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.” –Ellen White (Desire of Ages, p. 641)
“Love revealed for suffering humanity gives significance and power to the truth.” –Ellen White (Special Testimonies, series A, no. 10, pp. 3-4; Welfare Ministry, p. 32)
“True sympathy between man and his fellow man is to be the true sign distinguishing those who love and fear God from those who are unmindful of His law.” –Ellen White (Review and Herald, Mar. 24, 1891; Welfare Ministry, p. 36)
“It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity.” –Ellen White (The Faith I Live By, p. 38)
PUBLIC ADVOCACY (Voting, Lobbying, Politics)
“All who embrace this doctrine of the second coming would and must necessarily be advocates of temperance and the abolition of slavery, and those who oppose this doctrine of the second advent would not be very effective laborers in moral reform.” —Joseph Bates
“We talk of the results, tremble at the results, and wonder what we can do with the terrible results, while too often we tolerate and even sanction the cause. The advocates of temperance fail to do their whole duty unless they exert their influence by precept and example—by voice and pen and vote— in favor of prohibition and total abstinence. We need not expect that God will work a miracle to bring about this reform, and thus remove the necessity for our exertion.” –Ellen White (Gospel Worker, 1915, p. 387)
“How can Christian men and women tolerate this evil? …There is a cause for the moral paralysis upon society. Our laws sustain an evil which is sapping their very foundations. Many deplore the wrongs which they know exist, but consider themselves free from all responsibility in the matter. This cannot be. Every individual exerts an influence in society. In our favored land, every voter has some voice in determining what laws shall control the nation. Should not that influence and that vote be cast on the side of temperance and virtue?” –Ellen White (Gospel Worker, p. 387)
“We may call upon the friends of the temperance cause to rally to the conflict and seek to press back the tide of evil that is demoralizing the world; but of what avail are all our efforts while liquor selling is sustained by law?” –Ellen White (Temperance, p. 253)
“Our work is to watch, and wait, and pray. Search the Scriptures. Christ has given you warning not to mingle with the world. We are to come out from among them and be separate, ‘and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty’ (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18). Whatever the opinions you may entertain in regard to casting your vote in political questions, you are not to proclaim it by pen or voice. Our people need to be silent upon questions which have no relation to the third angel’s message. If ever a people needed to draw nigh to God, it is Seventh-day Adventists. There have been wonderful devices and plans made. A burning desire has taken hold of men or women to proclaim something, or bind up with something; they do not know what. But the silence of Christ upon many subjects was true eloquence…. My brethren, will you not remember that none of you have any burden laid upon you by the Lord to publish your political preferences in our papers, or to speak of them in the congregation, when the people assemble to hear the Word of the Lord….We are not as a people to become mixed up with political questions. All would do well to take heed to the Word of God, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers in political strife, nor bind with them in their attachments. There is no safe ground in which they can stand and work together. The loyal and the disloyal have no equal ground on which to meet. He who breaks one precept of the commandments of God is a transgressor of the whole law. Keep your voting to yourself. Do not feel it your duty to urge everyone to do as you do.” –Ellen White (Letter 4, 1898, Selected Messages, Book 2, pp. 336-337)
“The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political schemes. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty…” –Ellen White (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 475)
“I call upon my brethren who are appointed to educate, to change their course of action. It is a mistake for you to link your interests with any political party, to cast your vote with them or for them. Those who stand as educators, as ministers, as laborers together with God in any line, have no battles to fight in the political world. Their citizenship is in heaven. The Lord calls upon them to stand as separate and peculiar people. He would have no schisms in the body of believers. His people are to possess the elements of reconciliation. Is it their work to make enemies in the political world?—No, no. They are to stand as subjects of Christ’s kingdom, bearing the banner on which is inscribed, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ They are to carry the burden of a special work, a special message. We have a personal responsibility, and this is to be revealed before the heavenly universe, before angels, and before men. God does not call upon us to enlarge our influence by mingling with society, by linking up with men on political questions, but by standing as individual parts of His great whole, with Christ as our head. Christ is our Prince, and as His subjects we are to do the work appointed us by God.” –Ellen White (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 478)
The following quotes on partisan politics are from “Excitement Concerning Politics” and “Danger in Making Unguarded Statements” in Counsels for the Church (Ellen White, p. 316):“Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church.”
“Teach the people to conform in all things to the laws of their state when they can do so without conflicting with the law of God.”
“By some of our brethren many things have been spoken and written that are interpreted as expressing antagonism to government and law. It is a mistake thus to lay ourselves open to misunderstanding. It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting ourselves in opposition to the civil authorities. It is true that our warfare is aggressive, but our weapons are to be those found in a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ Our work is to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. We should not be turned aside to lines that will encourage controversy or arouse antagonism in those not of our faith.”
WEALTH, POVERTY & SUFFERING
“Those who have acquired riches have acquired them through the exercise of the talents that were given them of God, but these talents for the acquiring of property were given to them that they might relieve those who are in poverty. These gifts were bestowed upon men by Him who maketh His sun to shine and His rain to fall upon the just and the unjust, that by the fruitfulness of the earth men might have abundant supplies for all their need.” –Ellen White (Signs of the Times, June 13, 1892; Welfare Ministry, p. 15)
“God has made men His stewards, and He is not to be charged with the sufferings, the misery, the nakedness, and the want of humanity. The Lord has made ample provision for all. He has given to thousands of men large supplies with which to alleviate the want of their fellows; but those whom God has made stewards have not stood the test, for they have failed to relieve the suffering and the needy.” –Ellen White (Review and Herald, June 26, 1894; Welfare Ministry, p. 16)
“If men would do their duty as faithful stewards of their Lord’s goods, there would be no cry for bread, none suffering in destitution, none naked and in want…. The Lord tests men by giving them an abundance of good things, just as He tested the rich man of the parable. If we prove ourselves unfaithful in the righteous mammon, who shall entrust to us the true riches? It will be those who have stood the test on the earth, who have been found faithful, who have obeyed the words of the Lord in being merciful, in using their means for the advancement of His kingdom, that will hear from the lips of the Master, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.'” –Ellen White (Review and Herald, June 26, 1894; Welfare Ministry, p. 16-17)
“Man is to cultivate the tenderness and compassion of Christ; he is not to separate himself from the sorrowing, the afflicted, the needy, and the distressed.” –Ellen White (Signs of the Times, June 13, 1892; Welfare Ministry, p. 17)
“God has placed among us the poor, the unfortunate, the sick, and the suffering. They are Christ’s legacy to His church, and they are to be cared for as He would care for them. In this way God takes away the dross and purifies the gold, giving us that culture of heart and character wich we need.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 261; Welfare Ministry, p. 18)
“When we ask Him for our daily bread He looks into our hearts to see if we will share the same with those more needy than ourselves. When we pray ‘God be merciful to me a sinner,’ He watches to see if we will manifest compassion toward those with whom we associate.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 6, pp.283-284; Welfare Ministry, p. 18)
“It is because the rich neglect to do the work for the poor that God designed they should do, that they grow more proud, more self-sufficient, more self-indulgent, and hardhearted…. God weighs actions, and everyone who has been unfaithful in his stewardship, who has failed to remedy evils which were in his power to remedy, will be of no esteem in the courts of heaven. Those who are indifferent to the wants of the needy will be counted unfaithful stewards, and will be registered as enemies of God and man.” –Ellen White (Review and Herald, Dec. 10, 1895; Welfare Ministry, p. 19)
“The rich man is a steward of God, and if he walks in Christ’s footsteps, maintaining a humble, godly life, he becomes, through the transformation of character, meek and lowly in heart. He realizes that his possessions are only lent treasures, and he feels that a sacred trust has been committed to him to help the needy and suffering, in Christ’s stead.” –Ellen White (Manuscript 22, 1898; Welfare Ministry, p. 19-20)
“Christ identifies His interest with that of suffering humanity. He reproved His own nation for their wrong treatment of their fellow man. The neglect or abuse of the weakest, the most erring believers He speaks of as rendered to Himself. The favors shown them are accredited as bestowed upon Himself…. Will the church arouse? Will its members come into sympathy with Christ, so they will have His tenderness for all the sheep and lambs of His fold?” –Ellen White (Letter 45, 1894; Welfare Ministry, p. 23-24)
“He knew that those who petitioned Him for help had brought disease upon themselves; yet He did not refuse to heal them.” –Ellen White (Desire of Ages, p. 823)
“In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well-nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 12)
JUBILEE ECONOMICS
“The Lord would place a check upon the inordinate love of property and power. Great evils would result from the continued accumulation of wealth by one class, and the poverty and degradation of another. Without some restraint the power of the wealthy would become a monopoly, and the poor, though in every respect fully as worthy in God’s sight, would be regarded and treated as inferior to their more prosperous brethren…. The regulations that God established were designed to promote social equality. The provisions of the sabbatical year and the jubilee would, in a great measure, set right that which during the interval had gone wrong in the social and political economy of the nation.” –Ellen White (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 534)
“These regulations were designed to bless the rich no less than the poor. They would restrain avarice and a disposition for self-exaltation, and would cultivate a noble spirit of benevolence; and by fostering good will and confidence between all classes, they would promote social order, the stability of government. We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves. The law of mutual dependence runs through all classes of society. The poor are not more dependent upon the rich than are the rich upon the poor. While the one class ask a share in the blessings which God has bestowed upon their wealthier neighbors, the other need the faithful service, the strength of brain and bone and muscle, that are the capital of the poor. ” –Ellen White (Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 534-535)
“The principles which God has enjoined, would prevent the terrible evils that in all ages have resulted from the oppression of the rich toward the poor and the suspicion and hatred of the poor toward the rich. While they might hinder the amassing of great wealth and the indulgence of unbounded luxury, they would prevent the consequent ignorance and degradation of tens of thousands whose ill-paid servitude is required to build up these colossal fortunes. They would bring a peaceful solution of those problems that now threaten to fill the world with anarchy and bloodshed.” — Ellen White (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 536)
WAR
“Satan delights in war, for it excites the worst passions of the soul and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in vice and blood. It is his object to incite the nations to war against one another, for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God.” –Ellen White (The Great Controversy, p. 589)
OUR WORK and RELIGION
“God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, those possessed of evil spirits, shall hear His voice through us. Through His human agents He desires to be a comforter, such as the world has never before seen. His words are to be voiced by His followers: ‘Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me.’ The Lord will work through every soul that will give himself up to be worked, not only to preach but to minister to the despairing and to inspire hope in the hearts of the hopeless. We are to act our part in relieving and softening the miseries of this life.” –Ellen White (Manuscript 65b, 1898; Welfare Ministry, p. 22)
“While the world needs sympathy, while it needs the prayers and assistance of God’s people, while it needs to see Christ in the lives of His followers, the people of God are equally in need of opportunities that draw out their sympathies, give efficiency to their prayers, and develop in them a character like that of the divine pattern.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 261; Welfare Ministry, p. 17).
“This is the evidence of our connection with God, that we are merciful even as our Father in heaven is merciful.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 283-284; Welfare Ministry, p. 18).
“He is our substitute and surety; He stands in the place of humanity, so that He Himself is affected as His weakest follower is affected. Such is the sympathy of Christ, which never allows Him to be an indifferent spectator of any suffering caused to His children. Not the slightest wound can be given by word, spirit, or action, that does not touch the heart of Him who gave His life for fallen humanity…. Will the church arouse? Will its members come into sympathy with Christ, so they will have His tenderness for all the sheep and lambs of His fold?” –Ellen White (Letter 45, 1894; Welfare Ministry, pp. 23-24).
“The tender sympathies of our Saviour were aroused for fallen and suffering humanity. If you would be His followers, you must cultivate compassion and sympathy. Indifference to human woes must give place to lively interest in the sufferings of others. The widow, the orphan, the sick, and the dying will always need help. Here is an opportunity to proclaim the gospel–to hold up Jesus, the hope and consolation of all men. When the suffering body has been relieved, and you have shown a lively interest in the afflicted, the heart is opened, and you can pour in the heavenly balm.” –Ellen White (Medical Missionary, Jan. 1891; Welfare Ministry, p. 26)
“The whole of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah is to be regarded as a message for this time, to be given over and over again.” –Ellen White (Special Testimonies, series B, no. 2, p. 5; Welfare Ministry, p. 29)
“I have been instructed to refer our people to the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Read this chapter carefully and understand the kind of ministry that will bring life into the churches. The work of the gospel is to be carried by means of our liberality as well as by our labors. When you meet suffering souls who need help, give it to them. When you find those who are hungry, feed them. In doing this you will be working in lines of Christ’s ministry. The Master’s holy work was a benevolent work. Let our people everywhere be encouraged to have a part in it.” –Ellen White (Manuscript 7, 1908; Welfare Ministry, p. 29)
“Please read Isaiah 58…. This is the special work now before us. All our praying and abstinence from food will avail nothing unless we resolutely lay hold of this work…. The fast which God can accept is described. It is to deal thy bread to the hungry and to bring the poor which are cast out to thy house. Wait not for them to come to you.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 33-35; Welfare Ministry, pp. 29-31)
“It is only by an unselfish interest in those in need of help that we can give a practical demonstration of the truths of the gospel…. Much more than mere sermonizing is included in preaching the gospel…. The union of Christlike work for the body and Christlike work for the soul is the true interpretation of the gospel.” –Ellen White (Review and Herald, Mar. 4, 1902; Welfare Ministry, pp. 32-33)
“I have no fears of workers who are engaged in the work represented in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. This chapter is explicit, and is enough to enlighten anyone who wished to do the will of God…. The third angel’s message is not to be given a second place in this work, but is to be one with it…. This work is to be to the message what the hand is to the body. The spiritual necessities of the soul are to be kept prominent.” –Ellen White (Letter 24, 1898; Welfare Ministry, p. 33)
“I cannot too strongly urge all our church members, all who are true missionaries, all who believe the third angel’s message, all who turn away their feet from the Sabbath, to consider the message of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. The work of beneficence enjoined in this chapter is the work that God requires His people to do at this time.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 265-267; Welfare Ministry, p. 33)
“The reason why God’s people are not more spiritually minded, and have not more faith, I have been shown, is because they are narrowed up with selfishness. The prophet is addressing Sabbathkeepers, not sinners, not unbelievers, but those who make great pretensions to godliness. It is not the abundance of your meetings that God accepts. It is not the numerous prayers, but the rightdoing, doing the right thing and at the right time. It is to be less self-caring and more benevolent. Our souls must expand.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 36; Welfare Ministry, p. 28)
“Christ has told us that pure religion is the exercise of pity, sympathy, and love in the home, in the church, and in the world.” –Ellen White (Review and Herald, Nov. 12, 1895; Welfare Ministry, p. 35)
“Good deeds are the fruit that Christ requires us to bear: kind words, deeds of benevolence, of tender regard for the poor, the needy, the afflicted. When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat in your parlor and a place in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering strain is responded to in heaven.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 25; Welfare Ministry, p. 35)
“Angels of God are watching to see how we treat these persons who need our sympathy, love, and disinterested benevolence. This is God’s test of our character. If we have the true religion of the Bible, we shall feel that a debt of love, kindness, and interest is due to Christ in behalf of His brethren; and we can do no less than to show our gratitude for His immeasurable love to us while we were sinners unworthy of His grace, by having a deep interest and unselfish love for those who are our brethren and who are less fortunate than ourselves.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 511; Welfare Ministry, p. 36)
“Satan is playing the game of life for every soul. He knows that practical sympathy is a test of the purity and unselfishness of the heart, and he will make every possible effort to close our hearts to the needs of others, that we may finally be unmoved by the sight of suffering.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 264, 265; Welfare Ministry, p. 37)
“True godliness is measured by the work done. Profession is nothing; position is nothing; a character like the character of Christ is the evidence we are to bear that God has sent His Son into the world…. Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but the doing of works of mercy and love. This religion is necessary to health and happiness.” –Ellen White (Review and Herald, Oct. 15, 1901; Welfare Ministry, p. 37-38)
“Faithful work is more acceptable to God than the most zealous and thought-to-be holiest worship. It is working together with Christ that is true worship. Prayers, exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently tied on; but fruits that are manifested in good works, in caring for the needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits, and grow naturally upon a good tree.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 24; Welfare Ministry, p. 38)
“We are to represent Christ to the world, as Christ represented the Father.” –Ellen White (Letter 68, 1898; Welfare Ministry, pp. 38-39)
“Many times our efforts for others may be disregarded and apparently lost. But this should be no excuse for us to become weary in well-doing.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 525; Welfare Ministry, p. 39)
“From what has been shown me, Sabbathkeepers are growing more selfish as they increase in riches. Their love for Christ and His people is decreasing. They do not see the wants of the needy, nor feel their sufferings and sorrows. They do not realize that in neglecting the poor and the suffering they neglect Christ, and that in relieving the wants and sufferings of the poor as far as possible, they minister to Jesus…. I am acquainted with persons who make a high profession, whose hearts are so encased in self-love and selfishness that they cannot appreciate what I am writing…. To make a sacrifice to do others good, to disadvantage themselves to advantage others, is out of the question with them. They have not the least idea that God requires this of them. Self is their idol.” –Ellen White (Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 24-26; Welfare Ministry, p. 40-41)
“I have been shown that in our labor for the enlightenment of the people in the large cities the work has not been as well organized or the methods as efficient as in other churches that have not the great light we regard as so essential. Why is this? Because so many of our laborers have been those who love to preach (and many who were not thoroughly qualified to preach were set at work), and a large share of the labor has been put forth in preaching.” –Ellen White (Medical Ministry, p. 301)
KINGDOM OF GOD
“[W]hen Christ came to the world to establish a kingdom, he looked upon the governments of men, and said, ‘Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?’ Nothing in civil society afforded him a comparison. The world had cast aside that class of people most needing care and attention; even the most earnest religionists among the Jews, filled with pride and prejudice, neglected the poor and needy, and some among them frowned upon their existence.
In striking contrast to the wrong and oppression so universally practised were the mission and work of Christ. Earthly kingdoms are established and upheld by physical force, but this was not to be the foundation of the Messiah’s kingdom. In the establishment of his government no carnal weapons were to be used, no coercion practised; no attempt would be made to force the consciences of men. These are the principles used by the prince of darkness for the government of his kingdom. His agents are actively at work, seeking in their human independence to enact laws which are in direct contrast to Christ’s mercy and loving-kindness.
Prophecy has plainly stated the nature of Christ’s kingdom. He planned a government which would use no force; his subjects would know no oppression. The symbols of earthly governments are wild beasts, but in the kingdom of Christ, men are called upon to behold, not a ferocious beast, but the Lamb of God.” –Ellen G. White (“The Kingdom of Christ,” Review and Herald, Aug. 18, 1896)
CREATION CARE & ANIMAL RIGHTS
“Pure, practical religion will be manifested in treating the earth as God’s treasure-house. The more intelligent a man becomes, the more should religious influence be radiating from him. And the Lord would have us treat the earth as a precious treasure, lent us in trust.” –Ellen G. White (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 245; found in Entrusted, p. 13, 21)
“Animals are often transported long distances and subjected to great suffering in reaching a market. Taken from the green pastures and traveling for weary miles over the hot, dusty roads, or crowded into filthy cars, feverish and exhausted, often for many hours deprived of food and water, the poor creatures are driven to their death, that human beings may feast on the carcasses.” –Ellen G. White (Ministry of Healing, p. 314)
“Think of the cruelty to animals that meat eating involves, and its effect on those who inflict and those who behold it. How it destroys the tenderness with which we should regard the creatures of God!” –Ellen G. White (Ministry of Healing, p. 315)
“The intelligence displayed by many dumb animals approaches so closely to human intelligence that it is a mystery. The animals see and hear and love and fear and suffer. They use their organs far more faithfully than many human beings use theirs. They manifest sympathy and tenderness toward their companions in suffering. Many animals show an affection for those who have charge of them, far superior to the affection shown by some of the human race. They form attachments for man which are not broken without great suffering to them.” –Ellen G. White (Ministry of Healing, p. 315-316)
“Is it not time that all should aim to dispense with flesh foods?…. Let them, rather, return to the wholesome and delicious food given to man in the beginning, and themselves practice, and teach their children to practice, mercy toward the dumb creatures that God has made and has placed under our dominion” –Ellen G. White (Ministry of Healing, p. 317)
“Balaam had given evidence of the spirit that controlled him, by his treatment of his beast. ‘A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.’ Proverbs 12:10. Few realize as they should the sinfulness of abusing animals or leaving them to suffer from neglect. He who created man made the lower animals also, and ‘His tender mercies are over all His works.’ Psalm 145:9. The animals were created to serve man, but he has no right to cause them pain by harsh treatment or cruel exaction. It is because of man’s sin that ‘the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together.’ Romans 8:22. Suffering and death were thus entailed, not only upon the human race, but upon the animals. Surely, then, it becomes man to seek to lighten, instead of increasing, the weight of suffering which his transgression has brought upon God’s creatures. He who will abuse animals because he has them in his power is both a coward and a tyrant. A disposition to cause pain, whether to our fellow men or to the brute creation, is satanic. Many do not realize that their cruelty will ever be known, because the poor dumb animals cannot reveal it. But could the eyes of these men be opened, as were those of Balaam, they would see an angel of God standing as a witness, to testify against them in the courts above. A record goes up to heaven, and a day is coming when judgment will be pronounced against those who abuse God’s creatures.” –Ellen G. White (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 442-443)
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A wider range of early and more current SDA voices can be found at Adventist Peace Fellowship–Peacemaking Heritage.
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