OnTheDL, I'm slightly confused on your understanding of the daily when you stated that the more you study what the pioneers beleived, you see it to be truth... sister White clearly states that the correct view of the daily was what the pioneers taught, which was paganism... just wondering your thoughts.
I think the confusion is what Ellen White was actually supporting.
I see no evidence of Ellen White actually support the view of 'daily' was paganism. Even in the same quote, she emphasized on the correctness of the time ending in 1844.
Then I saw in relation to the “daily” (Dan 8:12) that the word “sacrifice” was supplied by man’s wisdom, and does not belong to the text, and that the Lord gave the proper view of it to those who gave the judgment hour cry. When union existed, before 1844, nearly all were united on the correct view of the daily; but in the confusion since 1844, other views have been embraced, and darkness and confusion followed.
Time has not been a test since 1844, and it will never again be a test.
---Early Writings, pp. 74-75.
I think the point of contention here is time, not paganism.
When the later the same issue was brought up, she simply said she had no light on it.
“The Lord showed me that that period was right, that they had the correct time for the “daily,” and that there would never be another time test and ... that they had the right view of the daily as to that period of time”. (Statement of A. G. Daniells, Sept. 25, 1931, in White Archives.)
When later asked by Haskell who rejected the later view after 1844, she had this to say"
To you also I say that this subject [THE IDENTITY OF THE "DAILY" OF DANIEL 8.] should not be agitated at this time. No, my brother, I feel that at this crisis in our experience that chart which you have had republished should not be circulated. You have made a mistake in this matter. Satan is determinedly at work to bring about issues that will create confusion. There are those who would be delighted to see our ministers at an issue on this question, and they would make much of it. {9MR 106.3}
I have been instructed that regarding what might be said on either side of this question, silence at this time is eloquence. Satan is watching for an opportunity to create division among our leading ministers. It was a mistake to publish the chart until you could all get together and come to an agreement concerning the matter. You have not acted wisely in bringing to the front a subject that must create discussion and the bringing out of various opinions, for every item will be strained and made to mean something that will only mean injury to the cause. We have all we can do to handle the false statements of those who have given evidence of their willingness to bear false witness. {9MR 106.4}
Elder Haskell, I am unable to define clearly the points that are questioned. Let us not agitate a subject that will give the impression that as a people we hold varied opinions, and thus open the way for those to work who wish to leave the impression on minds that we are not led by God. It will also be a source of temptation to those who are not thoroughly converted, and will lead to the making of rash moves. {9MR 107.1}
Note the term she used was 'gathering' not 'scattering'. I think it's stronger evidence that she supported the papal view. This also goes together with the 2300 vision in context which ends in 1844.
I have a few problems with the paganism view. The daily is in context with the little horn. So the troddening down of truth must start with rise of the papal power, not the persecution of Israel with the paganism. And the judgment is given on the little horn power. This is in harmony with Revelation. The view of the daily being paganism violates the law of first mention (on daily,
tamid being paganism, not the daily service in the sanctuary). I have considered the paganism view before. But the daily being the ministry of Jesus casting down by the papal power is more biblical and I see no clear evidence of SOP support of one way or another.
Additionally the greater light was given after 1844 concerning the sanctuary. Those before 1844 could not have interpreted the daily as the Christ's ministry in heavenly since they were not given the light on the sanctuary until after 1844's great disappointment. So my definition of pioneers includes specifically those who received the greater light after 1844.
As an aside, another aspect to throw in if you don't think timelines can be within timelines is little understood 2520 prophesy of the scattering and the gathering that is on both the 1843 chart as well as the 1850.... that is a facinating study that shows, without a doubt, that 1844 was the gathering of God's people again into a new covenanted relationship with Him.
I think I answered your question with my thoughts above.
