The hope of eternal life is not to be taken up upon slight grounds. It is a subject to be settled between God and your own soul; settled for eternity. A supposed hope, and nothing more, will prove your ruin.

The quote "The hope of eternal life is not to be taken up upon slight grounds. It is a subject to be settled between God and your own soul; settled for eternity. A supposed hope, and nothing more, will prove your ruin" comes from Ellen G. White, a prominent figure in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a key proponent of its teachings. In this statement, White emphasizes the gravity of the hope for eternal life, urging individuals to approach it with deep sincerity and genuine faith. She warns against holding a superficial or uncertain hope, suggesting that such a false hope can lead to spiritual ruin.

White's quote highlights the personal nature of faith and the relationship between an individual and God. The hope for eternal life is not something to be taken lightly or based on fleeting emotions or superficial beliefs. It is a matter of deep spiritual conviction, something that must be firmly settled between one's soul and God. This process, according to White, is not temporary but affects one's eternity—the outcome of which depends on the authenticity of one’s hope and faith.

By stressing that this hope must be "settled for eternity," White suggests that one’s spiritual foundation should be grounded in genuine belief and understanding, rather than in a fickle or untested hope. The idea that a false hope will lead to ruin speaks to the importance of cultivating a sincere, unwavering faith that transcends doubt and uncertainty. For White, the pursuit of eternal salvation requires commitment and deep reflection.

This quote encapsulates White's broader teachings about faith, salvation, and the consequences of spiritual negligence. It underscores the idea that religious hope is not just a superficial aspiration but a profound commitment that must be based on a true connection with God. Anything less, she cautions, will ultimately result in disappointment and spiritual loss.