Ellen White on photographs

[tall73]

There have been a lot of interesting topics related to Seventh-day Adventistm lately in this section. Many non-Adventist are not aware that Ellen White wrote a tremendous amount of material, often touching on a wide variety of topics. This is looking at some of her writing on Photographs!


Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, Testimony 12, 1868
The youth have their hearts filled with the love of self. This is manifested in their desire to see their faces daguerreotyped by the artist; and they are not satisfied with being once represented, but sit again and again for their picture, each time hoping that the last will excel all their previous efforts and appear really more beautiful than the original. Their Lord's money is squandered in this way, and what is gained? Merely their poor shadow upon paper. The hours that should have been devoted to prayer are occupied upon their own poor selves; precious hours of probation are thus wasted.

Manuscript 40, 1891
We have a constant contest with idolatry. Many things which gratify the lust of the eye are taking precious time and stealing away precious money. The senses are pleased, but God is robbed both of time and money. I am pained to see the photographs multiplied and hanging everywhere.

Bible Echo, January 14, 1901
In many families the mantel-shelves, stands, and tables are filled with ornaments and pictures. Albums, filled with photographs of the family and the photographs of their friends, are placed where they will attract the attention of visitors. Thus the thoughts, which should be upon God and heavenly interests are brought down to common things. Is not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus spent have been used to bless humanity, to relieve the suffering, to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry? Should it not have been placed in the Lord's treasury to advance His cause and build up His kingdom in the earth? This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save from the sin of idolatry. Blessing would come to your souls if you would obey the word spoken by the Holy One of Israel, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Many are creating unnecessary cares and anxieties for themselves by devoting time and thought to the unnecessary ornaments with which their houses are filled. The power of God is needed to arouse them from this devotion; for to all intents and purposes it is idolatry. He who searches the heart desires to win His people from every species of idolatry. The


Letters from Ellen White to family regarding photographs:

It is a difficult matter for men and women to draw the line in the matter of picture-making. Some have made a raid against pictures, daguerreotypes, and pictures of every kind. Everything must be burned up, they say, urging that the making of all pictures is prohibited by the second commandment; that they are an idol. An idol is anything that human beings love and trust in instead of loving and trusting in the Lord their Maker. Whatever earthly thing men desire and trust in as having power to help them and do them good, leads them away from God, and is to them an idol. Whatever divides the affections, or takes away from the soul the supreme love of God, or interposes to prevent unlimited confidence and entire trust in God, assumes the character and takes the form of an idol in the soul temple. The first great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37.) Here is allowed no separation of the affections from God. In 1 John 2:15-17 we read, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” Now if the pictures made have a tendency to separate the affections from God, and are worshiped in the place of God, they are idols. Have those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ exalted these things above God, and given their affections to them? Has their love for treasures filled a place in their hearts that Jesus should occupy? Have those who have burned up all their pictures of friends and any kind of pictures they happened to have, come up to a higher state of consecration for this act, and do they seem in words, in deportment, and in soul, to be ennobled, elevated, more heavenly minded? Is their experience richer than before? Do they pray more, and believe with a more perfect faith after this consuming sacrifice which they have made? Have they come up into the mount? Has the holy fire been kindled in their hearts, giving new zeal and greater devotion to God and His work than before? Has a live coal from off the altar of sacrifice touched their hearts and their lips? By their fruits you can tell the character of the work.—Manuscript 50, 1886, 3, 4. (“Economy,” July, 1886.)

We received yours [i.e., letter] which contained the number of pictures to be sent. They are slow in getting them out. We send from Ingelson's seven each. We sent from Lathrop's and Dunham's, six each. You will see that Lathrop has the preference. I thought that mine from Ingelson's was perfect, but I did not think yours was good. I have just received half a dozen from Lathrop's and Dunham's of mine. It is the judgment of all that this last is far better than Ingelson's. What do you think? We have a few of the small size of yours, but none yet of mine....

Lathrop is as pleased a man as you ever saw with the pictures, especially of you. He says he would sell your negative for five hundred dollars. Beside what we take, it will bring him that much custom. He thinks Ingelson's a flat affair. He [Lathrop] has your picture in the window for show.—Letter 1a, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, March 24, 1876.)

In regard to our pictures, how many shall we order? Dunham gave me mine as well as yours—one dozen each. This is liberal, I think. Everyone thinks these last [pictures] from Dunham's are perfect. What is your judgment? Lucinda's are not yet finished. No orders, he says, were left for him, but one dozen will be finished in a short time.—Letter 3, 1876, pp. 3, 4. (To James White, April 4, 1876.)

I have just gotten the picture Dunham has made. I do not like it. Shall not order any till you see it and send your opinion of it.—Letter 12, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, April 21, 1876.)

In regard to my small picture, I did sit once again, but the picture was not good. Will try it again. Mary and Willie did not get good pictures, but they will try it again.—Letter 15, 1876. (To James White, April 27, 1876.)

I do not think I shall ever get a picture to equal the one Dunham has made for me. He says I had better have the large one put on a small card. What do you think of this plan?—Letter 17, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, April 30, 1876.)

Dunham gave me one dozen of these last pictures of yours. Shall I send them to you? What do you think of them? I told him I did not like them. They did not look natural, but you can use them. If so, let me know.—Letter 21, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, May 5, 1876.)


Well, Addie [Walling], I would be pleased to have you get your picture taken and write to May [Walling] to do the same. I will settle the bills. I want to see the faces of my children once more.—Letter 101, 1886, p. 4. (To Addie Walling, July 21, 1886.)

If you have Father's pictures, please bring them. I want to show them. My pocket album I left at Healdsburg.—Letter 15, 1882, p. 1. (To W. C. White, May 23, 1882).

At this link for the Ellen White Estate you can see a number of photos of Ellen White in Chronological order, and can access the searchable database of her photos:

Ellen G. White® Estate: Photographs

whiteestate.org

 

[tall73]

A longer article by Ellen White on the topic of photography


Review and Herald, September 10, 1901, “No Other Gods Before Me”
During the night I was sorely distressed. A great burden rested upon me. I had been pleading with God to work in behalf of His people. My attention was called to the money which they have invested in photographs. I was taken from house to house, through the homes of our people, and as I went from room to room, my Instructor said, “Behold the idols which have accumulated!”

As I visited the homes of our people and our schools, I see that all the available space on tables, what-nots, and mantelpieces is filled up with photographs. On the right hand and on the left are seen the pictures of human faces. God desires this order of things to be changed. Were Christ on earth, He would say, “Take these things hence.” I have been instructed that these pictures are as so many idols, taking up the time and thought which should be sacredly devoted to God.

These photographs cost money. Is it consistent for us, knowing the work that is to be done at this time, to spend God's money in producing pictures of our own faces and the faces of our friends? Should not every dollar that we can spare be used in the upbuilding of the cause of God? These pictures take money that should be sacredly devoted to God's service; and they divert the mind from the truths of God's word.

This making and exchanging photographs is a species of idolatry. Satan is doing all he can to eclipse heaven from our view. Let us not help him by making picture-idols. We need to reach a higher standard than these human faces suggest. The Lord says, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Those who claim to believe in Christ need to realize that they are to reflect His image. It is His likeness that is to be kept before the mind. The words that are spoken are to be freighted with heavenly inspiration.

Christ looks upon a world filled with the din of merchandise and trade, with the dishonesty and scheming of buyers and sellers. In their desire to get gain, men have lost sight of the laws of justice and equity. “It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.” Satan has devised a multitude of ways in which to keep men from serving God. He has invented sports and games, into which men enter with such intensity that one would suppose a crown of life was to reward the winner. At the horse races and football matches, which are attended by thousands and thousands of people, lives for which Christ shed His blood are thrown away. What will become of the souls of the men and boys whose lives are thus extinguished? Will they be counted worthy of the redemption which Christ died to secure for them?

Looking upon these God-dishonoring scenes, Christ asks, “What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” He calls the attention of men to the nobler world which they have lost from view. He points them to the threshold of heaven, flushed with the glory of the infinite God.

Those who have taken part in the solemn rite of baptism have pledged themselves to seek for those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God; pledged themselves to labor earnestly for the salvation of sinners. God asks those who take His name, How are you using the powers that have been redeemed by the death of my Son? Are you doing all in your power to rise to a greater height in spiritual understanding? Are you adjusting your interests and actions in harmony with the momentous claims of eternity?

Let there be a reformation among the people of God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Those upon whom the Lord has placed the burden of His work are struggling to proclaim the message, that souls perishing in ignorance may be warned. Can you not, by self-denial, do something to help them in their work? Arouse, and show by your unselfish zeal and earnestness that you are converted.

Every dollar is required in the work of saving souls. The money invested by the professed people of God in getting pictures made of human faces would support several missionaries in the field. Many small streams, when put together, swell into a large river.

We embezzle our Lord's goods when we use for selfish pleasure the means which should be used to proclaim the last message of warning. If you spend the Lord's money for self-gratification, how can you expect Him to continue to bestow His goods on you? How does the Master regard those who selfishly invest His money in photographs? That very money could have been used to purchase reading-matter to send to those in the darkness of ignorance.

The truth that God has given us must be heralded to the world. We have been given the privilege of doing this work. We are to sow the seed of truth beside all waters. The Lord calls upon us to practice self-denial and self-sacrifice. The gospel demands entire consecration. The necessities of the cause demand all that we can give. Our indulgence in photographs has been a selfish gratification on our part, which bears silent witness against us. By this indulgence a large amount of wood, hay, and stubble has been brought to the foundation, to be consumed by the fires of the last day.

After going from home to home, and seeing the many photographs, I was instructed to warn our people against this evil. This much we can do for God. We can put these picture-idols out of sight. They have no power for good, but interpose between God and the soul. They can do nothing to help in sowing the seeds of truth. Christ calls upon those who claim to be following Him to put on the whole armor of God. Our educational institutions need to feel the reforming power of the Spirit of God. “If the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Those who are engaged as teachers in our schools and sanitariums should reach a high standard of consecration. And the students in these institutions, who are fitting themselves to go forth as missionaries, should learn to practice self-denial.

We are God's stewards, and “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The money that God has intrusted to us is to be carefully husbanded. We are to increase in efficiency by putting to the best use the talents given us, that at God's coming we may return to Him His own with usury.

 

[FireDragon76]

Is this suppossed to be impressive? I'm a bit confused. Her attitude towards photography sounds positively dreadful. Some of her logic is the same as Judas, who complained about the expense of perfume being poured on Jesus' feet. The money could be spent on missionaries, indeed: to make them twice the sons of hell..

 

[tall73]

Is this suppossed to be impressive? I'm a bit confused. Her attitude towards photography sounds positively dreadful. Some of her logic is the same as Judas, who complained about the expense of perfume being poured on Jesus' feet. The money could be spent on missionaries, indeed: to make them twice the sons of hell..

Which attitude? Her one in print, or the one where she sat for many photos, and re-sat to get better ones?

 

[FireDragon76]

Which attitude? Her one in print, or the one where she sat for many photos, and re-sat to get better ones?

So she was a hypocrite? Photos are OK, as long as it's of her?

This kind of pharisaical religion is why I couldn't take people like White seriously. They invent meaningless religious rules for people to follow, instead of the weightier matters of the Law. It's religion for its own sake, which is idolatry.

 

[Freth]

What has been happening since the invention of "social media"? (the new "photography") Look at the content on Instagram and TikTok. Now read what she wrote again and apply it to today. She spoke of issues going on in her time, which mirror what is going on today. Things haven't changed, only the technology. She was way ahead of her time.

 

[FireDragon76]

What has been happening since the invention of "social media"? (the new "photography") Look at the content on Instagram and TikTok. Now read what she wrote again and apply it to today. She spoke of issues going on in her time, which mirror what is going on today. Things haven't changed, only the technology. She was way ahead of her time.

I don't see the connection. Social media is being driven by algorithms that are biased towards whatever gets alot of hits, whether good or bad. Photographs are ways of memorializing our families.

 

[Freth]

She wrote on the same subject in May of the same year.

Every true child of God will be sifted as wheat, and in the sifting process every cherished pleasure which diverts the mind from God must be sacrificed. In many families the mantel-shelves, stands, and tables are filled with ornaments and pictures. Albums filled with photographs of the family and their friends are placed where they will attract the attention of visitors. Thus the thoughts, which should be upon God and heavenly interests, are brought down to common things. Is not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus spent have been used to bless humanity, to relieve the suffering, to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry? Should it not be placed in the Lord’s treasury to advance His cause and build up His kingdom in the earth? { RH May 14, 1901, par. 1 }​

​

What did Jesus say?

Matthew 6:20-21 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.​

​

Matthew 19:16-24 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.​

​

Continuing.

​

This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save you from the sin of idolatry. Blessing would come to your souls if you would obey the word spoken by the Holy One of Israel, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Many are creating unnecessary cares and anxieties for themselves by devoting time and thought to the unnecessary ornaments with which their houses are filled. The power of God is needed to arouse them from this devotion; for to all intents and purposes it is idolatry. { RH May 14, 1901, par. 2 }​

​

He who searches the heart desires to win His people from every species of idolatry. Let the word of God, the blessed book of life, occupy the tables now filled with useless ornaments. Spend your money in buying books that will be the means of enlightening the mind in regard to present truth. The time you waste in moving and dusting the multitudinous ornaments in your house, spend in writing a few lines to your friends, in sending papers or leaflets or little books to some one who knows not the truth. Grasp the word of the Lord as the treasure of infinite wisdom and love; this is the guide-book that points out the path to heaven. It points us to the sin-pardoning Saviour, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Oh that you would search the Scriptures with prayerful hearts, and a spirit of surrender to God! Oh that you would search your hearts as with a lighted candle, and discover and break the finest thread that binds you to worldly habits, which divert the mind from God! Plead with God to show you every practice that draws your thoughts and affections from Him. God has given His holy law to man as His measure of character. By this law you may see and overcome every defect in your character. You may sever yourself from every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the golden chain of grace and truth. { RH May 14, 1901, par. 3 }​

​

The apostle writes: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” “The night is far spent; the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 4 }​

​

There is none too much self-denial, none too much self-sacrifice, none too much overcoming evil with good. If all the inclinations to gratify the taste for frivolous things were firmly resisted, there would be more money to use for God. Shall we not make decided changes in this respect? Shall we not set money flowing in channels where it will glorify God? { RH May 14, 1901, par. 5 }​

​

When I see families poorly clad, and houses destitute of those things that are necessary for comfort, and then visit the homes where every niche and corner is filled with useless ornaments, I am tired of the sight of my eyes. Let us search the Word and see if there is not some instruction there that will teach us how to relieve the maladies that have become chronic in the spiritual life of many. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen?” God asks, “to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.... If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 6 }​

​

Quoting Paul:

​

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity,” Paul declares, “I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 7 }​

​

Perfection:

​

The Son of the infinite God came to this earth, and honored it with His presence. He emptied himself of His glory, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity, and reveal to fallen man the perfect love of God. Christ did not come to earth to live a life of pleasure, of self-indulgence. He lived not to please himself. “The Son of man,” He said, “is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 8 }​

​

We have great changes to make before we reach perfection. God calls for complete self-surrender. We must guard diligently our lips, lest they speak guile. We must be strict with ourselves, that we bring not false principles into our dealings with others, and lead souls from the safe path. We must work the works of God. Adhere to correct principles, whatever the cost to yourself. In appeals and warnings let your light shine forth to others. Economize your pence, that you may have pounds with which to help the cause of truth. Keep your tables free from many pictures and ornaments, which are as nothing in comparison with the word of God. Let your holy example lead the sympathies of your friends heavenward; “for he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Jesus Christ: that ye may with one mind and with one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 9 }​

Jesus said:

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.​

Paul wrote:

Romans 6:12-13 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.​

Conclusion

I think her own words describe well what she meant about photography.

Regarding the modern version of what she was talking about... Surely the reader can see the vanity and even idolatry in the way people use photography and video on social media. Instead of putting photos on physical walls and mantels, people are putting them on virtual spaces on social media for the same reasons.

 

[The Liturgist]

She wrote on the same subject in May of the same year.

Every true child of God will be sifted as wheat, and in the sifting process every cherished pleasure which diverts the mind from God must be sacrificed. In many families the mantel-shelves, stands, and tables are filled with ornaments and pictures. Albums filled with photographs of the family and their friends are placed where they will attract the attention of visitors. Thus the thoughts, which should be upon God and heavenly interests, are brought down to common things. Is not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus spent have been used to bless humanity, to relieve the suffering, to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry? Should it not be placed in the Lord’s treasury to advance His cause and build up His kingdom in the earth? { RH May 14, 1901, par. 1 }​

​

What did Jesus say?

Matthew 6:20-21 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.​

​

Matthew 19:16-24 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.​

​

Continuing.

​

This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save you from the sin of idolatry. Blessing would come to your souls if you would obey the word spoken by the Holy One of Israel, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Many are creating unnecessary cares and anxieties for themselves by devoting time and thought to the unnecessary ornaments with which their houses are filled. The power of God is needed to arouse them from this devotion; for to all intents and purposes it is idolatry. { RH May 14, 1901, par. 2 }​

​

He who searches the heart desires to win His people from every species of idolatry. Let the word of God, the blessed book of life, occupy the tables now filled with useless ornaments. Spend your money in buying books that will be the means of enlightening the mind in regard to present truth. The time you waste in moving and dusting the multitudinous ornaments in your house, spend in writing a few lines to your friends, in sending papers or leaflets or little books to some one who knows not the truth. Grasp the word of the Lord as the treasure of infinite wisdom and love; this is the guide-book that points out the path to heaven. It points us to the sin-pardoning Saviour, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Oh that you would search the Scriptures with prayerful hearts, and a spirit of surrender to God! Oh that you would search your hearts as with a lighted candle, and discover and break the finest thread that binds you to worldly habits, which divert the mind from God! Plead with God to show you every practice that draws your thoughts and affections from Him. God has given His holy law to man as His measure of character. By this law you may see and overcome every defect in your character. You may sever yourself from every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the golden chain of grace and truth. { RH May 14, 1901, par. 3 }​

​

The apostle writes: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” “The night is far spent; the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 4 }​

​

There is none too much self-denial, none too much self-sacrifice, none too much overcoming evil with good. If all the inclinations to gratify the taste for frivolous things were firmly resisted, there would be more money to use for God. Shall we not make decided changes in this respect? Shall we not set money flowing in channels where it will glorify God? { RH May 14, 1901, par. 5 }​

​

When I see families poorly clad, and houses destitute of those things that are necessary for comfort, and then visit the homes where every niche and corner is filled with useless ornaments, I am tired of the sight of my eyes. Let us search the Word and see if there is not some instruction there that will teach us how to relieve the maladies that have become chronic in the spiritual life of many. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen?” God asks, “to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.... If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 6 }​

​

Quoting Paul:

​

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity,” Paul declares, “I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 7 }​

​

Perfection:

​

The Son of the infinite God came to this earth, and honored it with His presence. He emptied himself of His glory, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity, and reveal to fallen man the perfect love of God. Christ did not come to earth to live a life of pleasure, of self-indulgence. He lived not to please himself. “The Son of man,” He said, “is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 8 }​

​

We have great changes to make before we reach perfection. God calls for complete self-surrender. We must guard diligently our lips, lest they speak guile. We must be strict with ourselves, that we bring not false principles into our dealings with others, and lead souls from the safe path. We must work the works of God. Adhere to correct principles, whatever the cost to yourself. In appeals and warnings let your light shine forth to others. Economize your pence, that you may have pounds with which to help the cause of truth. Keep your tables free from many pictures and ornaments, which are as nothing in comparison with the word of God. Let your holy example lead the sympathies of your friends heavenward; “for he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Jesus Christ: that ye may with one mind and with one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” { RH May 14, 1901, par. 9 }​

Jesus said:

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.​

Paul wrote:

Romans 6:12-13 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.​

Conclusion

I think her own words describe well what she meant about photography.

Regarding the modern version of what she was talking about... Surely the reader can see the vanity and even idolatry in the way people use photography and video on social media. Instead of putting photos on physical walls and mantels, people are putting them on virtual spaces on social media for the same reasons.

The inconsistency seems to be between what she wrote about photography and her own willingness to sit for photographs throughout her life; indeed an unusually large number of very high quality, professional photographs of her are extant, including many taken when she was in her 30s, when photography was extremely expensive and time-consuming. If she had declined to sit for professional photographs, then the moral point you suggest she was conveying would perhaps have been made in a more compelling and consistent manner.

 

[prodromos]

Albums filled with photographs of the family and their friends are placed where they will attract the attention of visitors. Thus the thoughts, which should be upon God and heavenly interests, are brought down to common things.

So love between family members (which is what these photo albums are usually evidence of) is common and not Godly?

 

[Gary K]

There have been a lot of interesting topics related to Seventh-day Adventistm lately in this section. Many non-Adventist are not aware that Ellen White wrote a tremendous amount of material, often touching on a wide variety of topics. This is looking at some of her writing on Photographs!


Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, Testimony 12, 1868
The youth have their hearts filled with the love of self. This is manifested in their desire to see their faces daguerreotyped by the artist; and they are not satisfied with being once represented, but sit again and again for their picture, each time hoping that the last will excel all their previous efforts and appear really more beautiful than the original. Their Lord's money is squandered in this way, and what is gained? Merely their poor shadow upon paper. The hours that should have been devoted to prayer are occupied upon their own poor selves; precious hours of probation are thus wasted.

Manuscript 40, 1891
We have a constant contest with idolatry. Many things which gratify the lust of the eye are taking precious time and stealing away precious money. The senses are pleased, but God is robbed both of time and money. I am pained to see the photographs multiplied and hanging everywhere.

Bible Echo, January 14, 1901
In many families the mantel-shelves, stands, and tables are filled with ornaments and pictures. Albums, filled with photographs of the family and the photographs of their friends, are placed where they will attract the attention of visitors. Thus the thoughts, which should be upon God and heavenly interests are brought down to common things. Is not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus spent have been used to bless humanity, to relieve the suffering, to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry? Should it not have been placed in the Lord's treasury to advance His cause and build up His kingdom in the earth? This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save from the sin of idolatry. Blessing would come to your souls if you would obey the word spoken by the Holy One of Israel, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Many are creating unnecessary cares and anxieties for themselves by devoting time and thought to the unnecessary ornaments with which their houses are filled. The power of God is needed to arouse them from this devotion; for to all intents and purposes it is idolatry. He who searches the heart desires to win His people from every species of idolatry. The


Letters from Ellen White to family regarding photographs:

It is a difficult matter for men and women to draw the line in the matter of picture-making. Some have made a raid against pictures, daguerreotypes, and pictures of every kind. Everything must be burned up, they say, urging that the making of all pictures is prohibited by the second commandment; that they are an idol. An idol is anything that human beings love and trust in instead of loving and trusting in the Lord their Maker. Whatever earthly thing men desire and trust in as having power to help them and do them good, leads them away from God, and is to them an idol. Whatever divides the affections, or takes away from the soul the supreme love of God, or interposes to prevent unlimited confidence and entire trust in God, assumes the character and takes the form of an idol in the soul temple. The first great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37.) Here is allowed no separation of the affections from God. In 1 John 2:15-17 we read, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” Now if the pictures made have a tendency to separate the affections from God, and are worshiped in the place of God, they are idols. Have those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ exalted these things above God, and given their affections to them? Has their love for treasures filled a place in their hearts that Jesus should occupy? Have those who have burned up all their pictures of friends and any kind of pictures they happened to have, come up to a higher state of consecration for this act, and do they seem in words, in deportment, and in soul, to be ennobled, elevated, more heavenly minded? Is their experience richer than before? Do they pray more, and believe with a more perfect faith after this consuming sacrifice which they have made? Have they come up into the mount? Has the holy fire been kindled in their hearts, giving new zeal and greater devotion to God and His work than before? Has a live coal from off the altar of sacrifice touched their hearts and their lips? By their fruits you can tell the character of the work.—Manuscript 50, 1886, 3, 4. (“Economy,” July, 1886.)

We received yours [i.e., letter] which contained the number of pictures to be sent. They are slow in getting them out. We send from Ingelson's seven each. We sent from Lathrop's and Dunham's, six each. You will see that Lathrop has the preference. I thought that mine from Ingelson's was perfect, but I did not think yours was good. I have just received half a dozen from Lathrop's and Dunham's of mine. It is the judgment of all that this last is far better than Ingelson's. What do you think? We have a few of the small size of yours, but none yet of mine....

Lathrop is as pleased a man as you ever saw with the pictures, especially of you. He says he would sell your negative for five hundred dollars. Beside what we take, it will bring him that much custom. He thinks Ingelson's a flat affair. He [Lathrop] has your picture in the window for show.—Letter 1a, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, March 24, 1876.)

In regard to our pictures, how many shall we order? Dunham gave me mine as well as yours—one dozen each. This is liberal, I think. Everyone thinks these last [pictures] from Dunham's are perfect. What is your judgment? Lucinda's are not yet finished. No orders, he says, were left for him, but one dozen will be finished in a short time.—Letter 3, 1876, pp. 3, 4. (To James White, April 4, 1876.)

I have just gotten the picture Dunham has made. I do not like it. Shall not order any till you see it and send your opinion of it.—Letter 12, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, April 21, 1876.)

In regard to my small picture, I did sit once again, but the picture was not good. Will try it again. Mary and Willie did not get good pictures, but they will try it again.—Letter 15, 1876. (To James White, April 27, 1876.)

I do not think I shall ever get a picture to equal the one Dunham has made for me. He says I had better have the large one put on a small card. What do you think of this plan?—Letter 17, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, April 30, 1876.)

Dunham gave me one dozen of these last pictures of yours. Shall I send them to you? What do you think of them? I told him I did not like them. They did not look natural, but you can use them. If so, let me know.—Letter 21, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, May 5, 1876.)


Well, Addie [Walling], I would be pleased to have you get your picture taken and write to May [Walling] to do the same. I will settle the bills. I want to see the faces of my children once more.—Letter 101, 1886, p. 4. (To Addie Walling, July 21, 1886.)

If you have Father's pictures, please bring them. I want to show them. My pocket album I left at Healdsburg.—Letter 15, 1882, p. 1. (To W. C. White, May 23, 1882).

At this link for the Ellen White Estate you can see a number of photos of Ellen White in Chronological order, and can access the searchable database of her photos:

Ellen G. White® Estate: Photographs

whiteestate.org

Why don't we look at the context of her statements?

These photographs cost money. Is it consistent for us, knowing the work that is to be done at this time, to spend God's money in producing pictures of our own faces and the faces of our friends? Should not every dollar that we can spare be used in the upbuilding of the cause of God? These pictures take money that should be sacredly devoted to God's service; and they divert the mind from the truths of God's Word. Messages to Young People p. 316

That gives us a much better understanding of why she made the comments on photographs that she did. You wouldn't commend idolatry would you? Remember that in her day photography was expensive. It isn't like today when we have digital cameras and there is no cost for film, developer and dark room costs.

 

[tall73]

Why don't we look at the context of her statements?

I did post the context of her statements. The entire statement that section you quoted is from is reproduced in post 2. Messages for Young People is a compilation which incorporates earlier works.

That gives us a much better understanding of why she made the comments on photographs that she did. You wouldn't commend idolatry would you? Remember that in her day photography was expensive. It isn't like today when we have digital cameras and there is no cost for film, developer and dark room costs.

That makes even more puzzling her own sitting for picture after picture:

We received yours [i.e., letter] which contained the number of pictures to be sent. They are slow in getting them out. We send from Ingelson's seven each. We sent from Lathrop's and Dunham's, six each. You will see that Lathrop has the preference. I thought that mine from Ingelson's was perfect, but I did not think yours was good. I have just received half a dozen from Lathrop's and Dunham's of mine. It is the judgment of all that this last is far better than Ingelson's. What do you think? We have a few of the small size of yours, but none yet of mine... Lathrop is as pleased a man as you ever saw with the pictures, especially of you. He says he would sell your negative for five hundred dollars. Beside what we take, it will bring him that much custom. He thinks Ingelson's a flat affair. He [Lathrop] has your picture in the window for show.—Letter 1a, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, March 24, 1876.)

In regard to our pictures, how many shall we order? Dunham gave me mine as well as yours—one dozen each. This is liberal, I think. Everyone thinks these last [pictures] from Dunham's are perfect. What is your judgment? Lucinda's are not yet finished. No orders, he says, were left for him, but one dozen will be finished in a short time.—Letter 3, 1876, pp. 3, 4. (To James White, April 4, 1876.)

I have just gotten the picture Dunham has made. I do not like it. Shall not order any till you see it and send your opinion of it.—Letter 12, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, April 21, 1876.)

In regard to my small picture, I did sit once again, but the picture was not good. Will try it again. Mary and Willie did not get good pictures, but they will try it again.—Letter 15, 1876. (To James White, April 27, 1876.)

I do not think I shall ever get a picture to equal the one Dunham has made for me. He says I had better have the large one put on a small card. What do you think of this plan?—Letter 17, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, April 30, 1876.)

Dunham gave me one dozen of these last pictures of yours. Shall I send them to you? What do you think of them? I told him I did not like them. They did not look natural, but you can use them. If so, let me know.—Letter 21, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, May 5, 1876.)

Well, Addie [Walling], I would be pleased to have you get your picture taken and write to May [Walling] to do the same. I will settle the bills. I want to see the faces of my children once more.—Letter 101, 1886, p. 4. (To Addie Walling, July 21, 1886.)

 

[bbbbbbb]

I have learned something new today. On the face of it (pardon my pun) she does come across as a complete hypocrite.

 

[ozso]

It should be kept in mind that this is a person who experienced pretty severe blunt force impact frontal lobe head trauma.

 

[bbbbbbb]

It should be kept in mind that this is a person who experienced pretty severe blunt force impact frontal lobe head trauma.

Good point. Such types of brain damage can lead to a large variety of problems and I believe she did have more than her fair share of difficulties.

 

[Gary K]

I did post the context of her statements. The entire statement that section you quoted is from is reproduced in post 2. Messages for Young People is a compilation which incorporates earlier works.



That makes even more puzzling her own sitting for picture after picture:

We received yours [i.e., letter] which contained the number of pictures to be sent. They are slow in getting them out. We send from Ingelson's seven each. We sent from Lathrop's and Dunham's, six each. You will see that Lathrop has the preference. I thought that mine from Ingelson's was perfect, but I did not think yours was good. I have just received half a dozen from Lathrop's and Dunham's of mine. It is the judgment of all that this last is far better than Ingelson's. What do you think? We have a few of the small size of yours, but none yet of mine... Lathrop is as pleased a man as you ever saw with the pictures, especially of you. He says he would sell your negative for five hundred dollars. Beside what we take, it will bring him that much custom. He thinks Ingelson's a flat affair. He [Lathrop] has your picture in the window for show.—Letter 1a, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, March 24, 1876.)

In regard to our pictures, how many shall we order? Dunham gave me mine as well as yours—one dozen each. This is liberal, I think. Everyone thinks these last [pictures] from Dunham's are perfect. What is your judgment? Lucinda's are not yet finished. No orders, he says, were left for him, but one dozen will be finished in a short time.—Letter 3, 1876, pp. 3, 4. (To James White, April 4, 1876.)

I have just gotten the picture Dunham has made. I do not like it. Shall not order any till you see it and send your opinion of it.—Letter 12, 1876, p. 1. (To James White, April 21, 1876.)

In regard to my small picture, I did sit once again, but the picture was not good. Will try it again. Mary and Willie did not get good pictures, but they will try it again.—Letter 15, 1876. (To James White, April 27, 1876.)

I do not think I shall ever get a picture to equal the one Dunham has made for me. He says I had better have the large one put on a small card. What do you think of this plan?—Letter 17, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, April 30, 1876.)

Dunham gave me one dozen of these last pictures of yours. Shall I send them to you? What do you think of them? I told him I did not like them. They did not look natural, but you can use them. If so, let me know.—Letter 21, 1876, p. 2. (To James White, May 5, 1876.)

Well, Addie [Walling], I would be pleased to have you get your picture taken and write to May [Walling] to do the same. I will settle the bills. I want to see the faces of my children once more.—Letter 101, 1886, p. 4. (To Addie Walling, July 21, 1886.)

So you don't think Ellen White could have been using her pictures for promotional projects? In her position I'd say that was very possible. Remember also that she was quite wealthy later in life from all her book royalties. Also know that she helped a lot of kids in bad situations, She brought quite a few into her own home and raised them as her own and paid for their entire educations. She also helped out people who got into trouble financially through no fault of their own and gave very liberally to the church's needs. She did not use her money selfishly. She practiced what she preached.

I remember reading obituaries of hers written by local newpaper writers who praised her unselfishness and Godly life. I can no longer find them on line as the algorithms have been changed a lot.

 

[RileyG]

It should be kept in mind that this is a person who experienced pretty severe blunt force impact frontal lobe head trauma.

How sad. I wonder if that is why she wrote so much (hyper-graphia) because of the damage in her frontal lobes.

 

[The Liturgist]

Why don't we look at the context of her statements?



That gives us a much better understanding of why she made the comments on photographs that she did. You wouldn't commend idolatry would you? Remember that in her day photography was expensive. It isn't like today when we have digital cameras and there is no cost for film, developer and dark room costs.

No one commends idolatry, although the Orthodox are often accused of it, but patronizing the arts, including photography, is not idolatrous. Furthermore, the major issue here is not that Ellen White objected to people sitting for photographs as vanity and a waste of money, but rather that she sat for numerous photographs throughout her life. It doesn’t seem fair that people get criticized for having their picture taken by a woman who was professionally photographed on numerous occasions owing to her celebrity status among the emerging SDA community.

 

[bbbbbbb]

No one commends idolatry, although the Orthodox are often accused of it, but patronizing the arts, including photography, is not idolatrous. Furthermore, the major issue here is not that Ellen White objected to people sitting for photographs as vanity and a waste of money, but rather that she sat for numerous photographs throughout her life. It doesn’t seem fair that people get criticized for having their picture taken by a woman who was professionally photographed on numerous occasions owing to her celebrity status among the emerging SDA community.

I agree. There seems to be more than a smidgeon of hypocrisy for any individual who stridently preaches one thing (the vanity of photography) and, on the other hand, engages in the practice herself. If the motivation was to spread her prophecies, then her image would merely distract from her message. There is more than a whiff of personal self-promotion here.

 

[The Liturgist]

So you don't think Ellen White could have been using her pictures for promotional projects? In her position I'd say that was very possible. Remember also that she was quite wealthy later in life from all her book royalties. Also know that she helped a lot of kids in bad situations, She brought quite a few into her own home and raised them as her own and paid for their entire educations. She also helped out people who got into trouble financially through no fault of their own and gave very liberally to the church's needs. She did not use her money selfishly. She practiced what she preached.

The issue is that she did not set out an exception in her criticism for promotional projects. Now, its very good she engaged in philanthropy with the youth, as orphans in particular had a rough time - I would assume it was orphans and other youth not being cared for she sought to assist. I greatly admire General Charles Gordon, whose Christian faith was eccentric to the point where he allegedly did not belong to any particular church, and who had curious ideas about one of the islands off the coast of Africa being the Garden of Eden due to the resemblance of some of its flora to the male and female human reproductive anatomy, and who also made the mistake of doubting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s location in Jerusalem as being correct*, and instead found what looked like a sepulchre in one of the city walls, next to a beautiful garden, which he reckoned was Gethesemene. As it happens, we now know that Gordon’s Calvary, which has become a popular pilgrimage site for Protestants** was certainly not the location of the Holy Sepulchre, for it is located in walls constructed in the 18th century. His eccentric beliefs aside, Gordon earns my respect because of his abolition of the slave trade, his martyrdom in Khartoum at the hands of Muhammed Ahmed al Mahdi, and also the school he set up for the impoverished boys of his coastal town, where he educated as many as possible, personally, and this later turned into what the British call a public school, which is to say, an elite private school, for boys, set up in his memory after his death in Khartoum in 1885. So regardless of what Ellen G. White believed, the fact that she took care of children is clearly the work of the Holy Spirit based on the information you are telling me.

And no one here has accused Ellen G. White of hypocrisy. Rather, the point is it would have looked better had she not written that letter, and also her view on photography I regard as misguided, because patronizing the arts, whether by commissioning a portrait or some other work, with photography or painting or other media, is in my view an act which is under most conditions highly virtuous. It is only when the art itself is of an obscene nature, for example, the theater during the Roman Empire, when productions were notoriously uncouth, to the point where Christian priests were prohibited from marrying actresses, and actors and actresses, along with gladiators, pagan schoolteachers, and other workers in unsavory industries were required to change their profession before being baptized into the Christian Church. Interestingly, at least for the first few centuries, while there was still a substantial population of Jewish and Pagan polygamists, polygamists were allowed to convert with their wives, but were permanently barred from Holy Orders - they could not even be consecrated as a doorkeeper.

So in general, the lament in this thread is the lack of specificity in Ellen G. White’s letter, in that it doesn’t say anything about the positive social benefits of patronizing the arts or outline the cases where having oneself photographed was justifiable, and it is certain she did have a position on that, since it was not just her who was photographed, but also several Adventist leaders who looked to her for guidance, so clearly, the doctrine was more sophisticated than a generic “all portrait photographs are vain wastes of money”, but what exactly her position is is not specified in the letter presented here.

However, I would not be at all surprised if EGW did document her entire view on photography including where portraits were acceptable in some document, or if she didn’t, then one of her close friends did, so if someone could find that, that would be both very helpful and extremely interesting.

*which it almost certainly is, based on what survives there, the early date of its construction during the rebuilding of Jerusalem by St. Helena, and the fact that much of Jerusalem had been abandoned in ruins and its population reduced by something like 75% after the defeat of the Bar Kochba Rebellion 190 years before the new church was built, and this ruined state had the effect of preventing the redevelopment of the various holy sites, which would have rendered the situation in Jerusalem far more obscure.

** I have no objections to the use of Gordon’s Calvary as a site of prayer, since it has the effect of simulating what the Holy Sepulchre likely was like on that glorious day when God arose from the dead and his enemies were scattered. At the same time, I strongly believe that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is on the correct location and that every pilgrim to Jerusalem should visit it. We should also probably visit it in preference to the Temple Mount or the Western Wall, since the presence of Christians on those sites manages to anger both the Jews and the Muslims, and that endangers the already endangered indigenous Christian population in the Palestinian territories, who are at risk of violence from the Muslims and being caught in the crossfire between Islamic terrorists and Israeli security forces, such as the nightmarish situation in Bethlehem in 2002, when the Church ot the Nativity and the adjacent Syriac Orthodox Church of St. Mary were caught in the crossfire, after terrorists occupied the former, with both churches being struck by multiple rounds of ammunition. Everything Christian pilgrims do in the Holy Land ought to be done with the interests of the indigenous Christians in Israel and the Palestinian territories in mind.