[Ellen White does not here specifically identify the source of these comments concerning the American Sntinel, the Adventist weekly religious liberty journal. However, her counsels here are similar to her later description of the Salamanca vision, and may be based on what she was shown in that vision.]
(MR1033 37)
The people of the world will try to induce us to soften our message, to suppress one of its more distinctive features. They say: “Why do you in your teaching make the Seventh-day Sabbath so prominent? This seems to be always thrust before us; we should harmonize with you if you would not say so much on this point; keep the Seventh-day Sabbath out of the Sentinel, and we will give it our influence and support.” And there has been a disposition on the part of some of our workers to adopt this policy.
(MR1033 37.1)
I am bidden to warn you that deceptive sentiments are entertained, a false modesty and caution, a disposition to withhold the profession of our faith. In the night season, matters have been presented before me that have greatly troubled my mind. I have seemed to be in meetings for counsel where these subjects were discussed, and written documents were presented, advocating concession. Brethren, shall we permit the world to shape the message that God has given us to bear to them? So then as well might the patient prescribe the remedies that are to be used for his cure.
(MR1033 37.2)
Shall we, for the sake of policy, betray a sacred trust? If the world is in error and delusion, breaking the law of God, is it not our duty to show them their sin and danger? We must proclaim the third angel’s message.
(MR1033 37.3)
What is the Sentinel for, but to be the voice of the watchmen on the walls of Zion, to sound the danger signal. We care not to cringe and beg pardon of the world for telling them the truth: we should scorn concealment. Unfurl your colors to meet the case of men and angels. Let it be understood that Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise. In your opinions and faith there must not be the least appearance of wavering; the world has a right to know what to expect of us, and will look upon us as dishonest, as hiding our real sentiments and principles out of policy, if we carry even the semblance of being uncommitted till the popular voice has pointed out the safe way. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ said He would send into the world, was to bear an 38unwavering testimony.—Manuscript 16, 1890, 17-18; Counsels to Writers and Editors, 94-95.
(MR1033 37.4)