EVEN though the tragic fall of our first parents at the beginning separated them from face-to-face converse with their Maker, God did not leave man without means by which He could communicate with him. In order that those who should so choose might in�telligently avail themselves of the gracious provisions for their salvation, they must receive instruction, information, and guidance. The methods of communication have been quite var�ied in their nature, ranging from the audible voice of God heard on several occasions to the Urim and Thummim by which the people might inquire of the Lord. Angels on several occasions have borne Heaven's

messages di�rectly to individuals; at times God has given dreams to warn of impending danger; and all through the centuries the voices of the prophets have been heard. "By dreams, by Urim, or by prophets. . . . These were God's own appointed mediums of communication."-Patriarchs and Prophets (ed. 1890), p. 683.

Of these several means of communication em�ployed by the Lord, the most common and widely used was that of the prophet. To Israel, God Himself declared His intention in simple lan�guage: "If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." Num. 12 :6. Information, instruction, and di�rection were to be revealed to the prophet, which he in turn would impart to the people. The process by which the prophet received the divine message was not through face-to-face converse with God, nor on the other hand was it merely through impressions or strong feelings; but it was through a definite, divinely chosen process, designated as "visions."

"In Divers Manners"

The Word of God abounds in references to visions, but rarely do we find a description of just what took place in connection with their reception. In the writings of Mrs. E. G. White there are also numerous references to visions, yet rarely did she speak of the circumstances of the visions.

It seems clear that no one set of facts can be related as constituting an invariable descrip�tion of the circumstances connected with the visions given to God's prophets. Nor can any one rule be formulated by which we may de�termine the manner in which the light of divine origin was imparted to God's messengers, to be given in turn by them to others. Not a few, having read or heard a vivid description of the physical phenomena accompanying certain of the visions, have assumed that all were given in the same manner. A study of the question reveals that "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners- spake in time past. . . by the prophets" (Heb. 1:1), did not alter His methods in speaking to the remnant church through His chosen messenger for the last days.

As it is the purpose of this and the suc�ceeding chapters to deal particularly with the manifestation of the prophetic gift in the Seventh-day Adventist, or remnant, Church, the Scripture record will only occasionally be cited, and reference, in the main, will be confined to the experience of Mrs. E. G. White. We shall use such of her statements as seem to draw the curtain back and reveal, almost always in a casual or incidental way, the elements which, when pieced together, form an illuminating composite picture, instructive and helpful both in its detail and in its larger, over-all aspects. This E. G. White witness will be supplemented by the testimony of close associates, who have spoken of certain important features scarcely ever referred to by Mrs. White herself.

Circumstances of the Visions

While the work of one who claims to speak for God must meet the sure tests of the Word of God-"by their fruits ye shall know them," "to the law and to the testimony," the fulfillment of the predictions, etc.-yet the circumstances , of the visions invariably constitute a point of interest in connection with the manifestation of the gift of prophecy. While such do not right�fully form a test, the circumstances of some of the visions did indeed supply confirmatory evi�dence of great weight. We might divide these manifestations into three general groups:

1. Visions given in public, and accompanied by the marked physical phenomena.

2. 2. Visions given during the hours of the night, often referred to as prophetic dreams.

3. Visions given during periods of prayer or writing, unaccompanied by physical phenomena.

Without placing undue stress on the physical phenomena, which at times accompanied the visions, it is proper that we should examine this factor, which to eyewitnesses in our pioneer days constituted convincing testimony as one part of a body of evidences. Very feelingly, as she addressed an Australian audience, Mrs. White spoke of the time when, in December 1844, the "gleams of the glory of God" first came to her:

"They thought that I was dead, and there they watched and cried and prayed so long, but to me It was heaven, it was life, and then the world was spread out before me and I saw darkness like the pall of death.

"What did it mean? I could see no light. Then I saw a little glimmer of light and then another, and these lights increased and grew brighter, and multi�plied and grew stronger and stronger till they were the light of the world. These were the believers In Jesus Christ. . . ,

"I never thought that I should come to the world again. When my breath came again to my body, I could not bear anything. Everything was dark. The light and glory that my eyes bad rested upon bad eclipsed the light and thus it was for many hours. Then gradually I began to recognize the light, and I asked where I was.

"'You are right here in my house,' said the owner of the house. "'What, here? I here? Do you not know about it?' Then it all came back to me. Is this to be my home? Have I come here again? Oh, the weight and the burden which came upon my soul."-E. G. White MS. 16, 1894

The Account of Eyewitnesses

Quite naturally those who personally wit�nessed the visions which were accompanied by physical phenomena observed very carefully what took place. While at times there was a slight variation in the circumstances, yet in their general features they were quite uniform. The utmost freedom was extended to those pres�ent to examine Mrs. White, and at times physi�cians were called for a more thorough and critical examination. Mrs. Martha __, whose father and husband were both pioneer workers, and who for many years was a neigh�bor and close associate of Mrs. White, sums up the circumstances of a number of visions, which she personally witnessed. Her account, which follows, is similar to many other accounts which are a matter of record:

"As one who has frequently observed her in vision, knowing the company of people usually present, all deeply observant and believers in her exercises, I have often wondered why a more vivid description of the scenes which transpired bas not been given. "In vision her eyes were open. There was no breath, but there were graceful movements of the shoulders, arms, and hands expressive of what she saw. It was Impossible for anyone else to move her hands or arms. She often uttered words singly. and sometimes sentences which expressed to those about her the nature of the view she was having, either of heaven or of earth.

"Her first word in vision was 'Glory,' sounding at first close by, and then dying away in the distance, seemingly far away. This was sometimes repeated. . . . "There was never an excitement among those pres�ent during a vision; nothing caused fear. It was a solemn, quiet scene, sometimes lasting an hour. . . . "When the vision was ended, and she lost sight of the heavenly light, as It were, coming back to the earth once more, she would exclaim with a long-drawn sigh, as she took her first natural breath, 'D-a-r-k,' She was then limp and strength-less,"-Martha Ama�don, Notebook Leaflets, Miscellaneous Leaflet No 2, Mrs. E. G. White in Vision.

Of her condition while in vision, James White wrote in 1868:

"1. She is utterly unconscious of everything tran�spiring around her, as has been proved by the most rigid tests, but views herself as removed from this world, and in the presence of heavenly beings.

"2. She does not breathe. During the entire period of her continuance in vision, which bas at different times ranged from fifteen minutes to three hours, there Is no breath, as bas been repeatedly proved by pressing upon the chest, and by closing the mouth and nostrils.

�3. Immediately on entering vision, her muscles become rigid, and joints fixed, so far as any external force can Influence them. At the same time her movements and gestures, which are frequent, are free and graceful, and cannot be hindered nor controlled by the strongest person.

"4. On coming out of vision, whether in the daytime or a well-lighted room at night, all is total darkness. Her power to distinguish even the most brilliant objects, held within a few inches of the eyes, returns but gradually. . . .

"She has probably had, during the past twenty-three years, between one and two hundred visions. These have been given under almost every variety of circumstances, yet maintaining a wonderful similarly."--James White, Life Incidents, p. 272, Battle Creek, Michigan, 1868.

The Testimony Summarized

From the many eyewitness accounts available we build the following summary: 1. Immediately preceding a vision, there was a deep sensing of the presence of God both by Mrs. White and by others in the room.

2. As the vision began, Mrs. White uttered an exclamation of "Glory !" or "Glory to God!" at times repeated.

3. There was a loss of physical strength.

4. Supernatural strength was then apparent.

5. There was no breathing, but the heartbeat continued normally, and the color in the cheeks was natural. The most critical tests failed to reveal any disturbance of the circulatory sys�tem.

6. Occasionally there would be exclamations indicative of the scene being presented.

*Note-For reference to statements from the Scripture record in which mention is made of visions accompanied by similar phenomena, see Dan. 10:7-10, 16-19; Num. 24:3. 4. 16.

7. The eyes were open, not with a vacant stare, but as if she were intently watching some�thing.

8. The position might vary. At times she was seated; at times reclining, at times she walked about the room and made graceful gestures as she spoke of matters presented.

9. There was an absolute unconsciousness of what was occurring about her. She neither saw, heard, felt, nor perceived in any way the immediate surroundings or happenings.

10. The close of the vision was indicated by a deep inhalation, followed in about a minute by another, and very soon natural breathing was resumed.

11. Immediately after the vision all seemed very dark.

12. Within a short time natural strength and abilities were regained. The experience of the visions never weakened or debilitated Mrs. White. They were usually followed by increased natural strength and im�proved health.

Place of Physical Phenomena

A logical question arises as to why the visions were so often given in this way. One might reason, Are not the great tests of the prophet set forth in the Word of God sufficient? The answer is found in a thoughtful analysis of the situation. Here was a maiden of barely seven�teen years claiming that she had been instructed of God. She had been favored with revelations, she asserted, and had a message of divine origin for the people. Eventually the great test, "by their fruits ye shall know them," would determine the validity of her claims.

As we look back today, we see Mrs. White's claim that she was the recipient of light di�vinely imparted by God, tested by the Word of God; we view a voluminous body of writings on many subjects, but with a perfect unity stretching from the earliest to the last, we wit�ness the fruit in the lives of those who con�sistently endeavor to follow the counsel given, we see in the development and conduct of the work of the remnant church the guidance of these messages. Also, we have witnessed and are today witnessing the fulfillment of predic�tions recorded many decades ago. From our perspective today, we see many incontrovert�ible evidences which form a sound basis for belief.

But, back in the beginning days, before there was time or opportunity for the development of fruit, convincing evidences were given to those who must at the time judge as to the messages presented. Were they of God? Much depended upon the answer. The very manner in which the visions were given was one strong evidence, among many, which settled the matter in the minds of most eyewitnesses. The primary value of such testimony was, no doubt, in the aid that it gave to those who must at the outset evaluate the claims of the one who spoke for God before there was full opportunity for the application of the sure tests of the Word of God.

On one occasion, when Mrs. White wrote of her condition while in vision, she declared: "These messages were thus given to substanti�ate the faith of all, that in these last days we might have confidence in the Spirit of proph�ecy."-Review and Herald, June 14, 1906.

Visions Received at Night

In the Ellen G. White writings, expressions of this character are frequent: "In the visions of the night some things were clearly presented before me" or "In the night season the Lord gave me instruction." All through her experi�ence, and more particularly in the later years of her life, the visions were frequently given during the hours of the night, while the mind was at rest and entirely severed from circum�stances and influences about her. Questions may arise concerning the relationship between a prophetic dream, or night vision, and an or�dinary dream. Of this Mrs. White wrote in 1868:

"There are many dreams arising from the common things of life, with which the Spirit of God has nothing to do. 'There are also false dreams, as well as false visions, which are inspired by the spirit of Satan. But dreams from the Lord are classed in the Word of God with visions, and are as truly the fruits of the Spirit of prophecy as visions. Such dreams, taking into the account the persons who have them, and the circumstances under which they are given, contain their own proofs of their genuineness.' "-Testimonies for the Church, Vol. V, p. 658.

At one time Mrs. White's son, W. C. White, made this inquiry of her: "Mother, you often speak of matters being revealed to you in the night season. You speak of dreams in which light comes to you. We all have dreams. How do you know that God is speaking to you in the dreams of which you so frequently speak?"

"Because," she answered, "the same angel messenger stands by my side instructing me in the visions of the night, as stands beside me in�structing me in the visions of the day." The heavenly being referred to was at other times spoken of as "the angel," "my guide," "my in�structor," "the young man," etc.

Thus we can see clearly that there was no confusion in the prophet's mind, no question as to the revelation, which came during the hours of the night while the mind was at rest, for the very circumstances in connection with it made it clear that it was instruction from God. And it may well be said that the prophetic dream is on the same plane and is of equal importance with the prophetic vision. written of this:

"It does not seem possible to draw any very precise distinction between the prophetic 'dream' and the prophetic 'vision.' In the case of Abraham (Gen. 15:1) And of Daniel (Dan. 7:1), they seem to melt into each other."-McClintock and Strong, Cyclolopaeaia. Vol. VIII, art. "Prophet," p. 6J6.

Visions While Praying or Writing

While the two types of visions already men�tioned were the most common in the experience of Mrs. White, the revelations to her were by no means limited to these two. Not infrequently visions unaccompanied by physical phenomena were given while she was writing, speaking, or praying, either in private or in public. At such times the immediate surroundings seemed to be shut out while matters were presented to her in revelation. One outstanding instance of this character was in connection with the Minnesota camp meeting of 1870. W. C. White, who was present, gives the following account:

"Father and mother were carrying a heavy burden In behalf of the ministry who had been working in that State. On Sunday morning they undertook to conduct a revival service. Father spoke for a few minutes, but with little freedom. Then after mother had spoken briefly, they asked the congregation to kneel in prayer. Father offered a labored, sorrowful prayer, then mother began to Implore for light and freedom. After she had prayed for about two minutes she stopped. There was silence long enough to count to forty or fifty, about half a minute.

"I was kneeling with the congregation, and I turned to see what was the occasion for the silence. Just then she burst forth in prayer. Her voice was melodious, and triumphant, and the remainder of her prayer greatly moved the people present.

"During the period of silence, a revelation was given her regarding conditions In the Minnesota Conference, also conditions regarding the work in Battle Creek, also regarding other matters of general Interest in the cause. Following the camp meeting, father and mother found retirement at the home of one of our brethren. .Mother wrote diligently for about two weeks, in recording what had been shown to her during the half minute of pause in her prayer."-W. C. White in Lecture at Advanced Bible School, 1936. (White Publications Document File No. 696.)

References to visions during prayer are quite common in the E. G. White writings. Here is one: "While engaged in earnest prayer, I was lost to everything around me; the room was filled with light, and I was bearing a message to an assembly that seemed to be the General Conference."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 461.

It is clear that the mind of the prophet, dur�ing vision, must be entirely freed from sur�rounding circumstances or influences. It was of little consequence whether this was accom�plished through the loss of ordinary conscious�ness during the hours of wakefulness, or whether the revelations were given during the hours of the night when the mind was free and at rest. In either case God spoke, the mind was enlightened, the agent was entrusted with im�portant messages to communicate to the church and the world. The varying circumstances of the visions created no degrees of quality of the revelations imparted.

The Length of the Visions

While some of the visions were very extended in their nature, at times lasting more than an hour, and on one occasion four hours, there were other times when the visions were very brief in duration-only a few minutes, or in some cases, seconds. There were times when there was an almost instantaneous flashlight view given of certain situations or conditions. At such times the vision usually related to only one subject or one phase of a subject, while the longer views might take in many, many sub�jects, or deal with events occurring over a long period of time. The visions of the early years were more comprehensive in their content, longer in duration, and less frequent. In later years, they were more frequent but often limited in scope.

Thus it may be seen that "at sundry times and in divers manners" God spoke to Ellen White as He did to the prophets in "time past."

HOW THE LIGHT CAME TO THE PROPHET

As the circumstances connected with the giving of the visions were diverse, and not subject to anyone fixed pattern, so also the manner in which the light was im�parted to God's messenger varied greatly. The prophets of old did not become automatons mechanically recording or speaking the mes�sages received. They were not deprived of the use of their ordinary faculties in connection with their work as God's messengers.

It has been supposed by some that in -Mrs. White's experience she wrote while in vision. This is not true. Some have concluded that when she wrote she was recording words which she heard repeated to her by an angel. This, too, is erroneous, except in rare instances when short, direct quotations are given of what the attending angel said. Some have been of the opinion that there was a mechanical force, which guided the pen, which she held in her hand. Such a view is also entirely out of harmony with the facts.

The revelation consisted in the enlightening of the mind, and then when not in vision it was the task of the prophet-with the aid of the Spirit of God, of course-to pass on to others in�struction, admonition, and information of divine origin, which he had received. . A wide range of subjects was covered in the visions. Often the matters revealed were of general interest and concern, but frequently, too, specific mes�sages were given for individuals. In this article we shall deal with the manner in which the messenger received such divine illumination. While several Bible instances will come to the mind of the reader, * we shall confine this article to a number of concrete illustrations drawn from the Ellen G. White books and manuscripts, setting forth typical cases in her experience.

Seemingly Present, Participating in Events

Note the simplicity of the language used by Ellen White in a description of how light came to her in her very first vision:

"While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, 'Look again, and look a little higher.' At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path."-Early Writings, p. 14.

*See Deut. 34 :1-4, with comment in Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 472-477; Eze. 8 :2-18; 37 :1-3; 40 :3, 4; 41 :I; Zechariah 3; Revelation 13, 21, 22.

Analyzing this statement we observe that the vision is accounted for in the words, "The Holy Ghost fell upon me." Brief allusion has been made to the physical phenomena in connec�tion with this first vision. To Ellen Harmon it seemed that�

(1) She was rising above the world.

(2) She turned to look for something.

(3) She could not locate that which she sought.

(4) She heard a voice speaking to her;

(5) She obeyed the command of that voice.

(6) Raising her eyes, she observed the advent peo�ple traveling.

(7) She viewed their destination.

(8) Later she seemed to be with them as they enjoyed their reward.

Thus it is clear that it seemed to her she was seeing, feeling, hearing, obeying, and act�ing, employing her ordinary faculties, while in reality she was not; but it was in this vivid way, seemingly through the utilization of the ordinary organs of sense, that the truths and information were forcefully impressed upon her mind. This she later related or wrote out in her own words.

Broad Panoramic Views Given

At times the events of the past, present, and future were opened up to Ellen White in pano�ramic view. It seemed to her that she witnessed in rapid succession the vivid enactment of the scenes of history. We quote here a few sen�tences from the author's Introduction to The Great Controversy, giving us a glimpse of this means of the enlightenment of her mind:

"Through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the scenes of the long-continued conflict between good and evil have been opened to the writer of these pages. From time to time I have been permitted to behold the working, in different ages, of the great contro�versy between Christ, the Prince of Life, the Author of our salvation, and Satan, the prince of evil, the author of sin, the first transgressor of God's holy law....

"As the Spirit of God has opened to my mind the great truths of His Word, and the scenes of the past, and the future, I have been bidden to make known to others that which has thus been revealed, -to trace the history of the controversy in past ages, and especially so to present it as to shed a light on the fast approaching struggle of the future."-Pages x, xi.

Angel Explains the Significance

Instruction came at times not only through the witnessing of the occurring of events but also through the words of the accompanying angel, explaining the meaning of that which was seen. Notice this significant experience, related in Volume IX of the Testimonies:

"While at Loma Linda, California, April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most wonderful representa�tion. During a vision of the night, I stood oil an eminence, from which I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified . . . . The awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and that the judgment day had come.

"Terrible as was the representation that passed be�fore me, that which impressed itself most vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in connec�tion with it. The angel that stood by my side de�clared that. God's supreme rulership, and the sacred�ness of His law, must be revealed to those who persistently refuse to render obedience to the King of kings. Those who choose to remain disloyal, must be visited in mercy with judgments, in order that, if possible, they may be aroused to a realization of the sinfulness of their course:'-Pages 92, 93. (Italics mine.)

Conditions at Distant Institutions

Oftentimes while in vision it seemed to Ellen White that she was conveyed to one of our institutions, and then she would be conducted from department to department. Perhaps she would seem to be in the counsels which were held, would witness the actions of individuals, hear the words spoken, and observe the sur�roundings in general. An interesting account of one such vision appears in Counsels on Health. Mrs. White seemed to be at a certain institution, and "an angel of God" conducted her from room to room. She heard the con�versation "in the rooms of the helpers."

"The frivolous talk, the foolish jesting, the mean�ingless laugh, fell painfully upon the ear. . . . I was astonished as I saw the jealousy indulged, and listened to the words of envy, the reckless talk, which made angels of God ashamed. . . .

"From still other rooms came the most disagree�able sallies of low wit, and vain talk. Some were making sport of individuals, and even imitating the words uttered in meeting; sacred things were made the subject of jest:'-Pages 412, 413.

Then other conditions were revealed. She was conducted into rooms "from which came the voice of prayer. How welcome was the sound !"-Id., p. 412.

In 1887, from across the Atlantic, Mrs. White wrote to one of our workers of detrimental policies pursued in one of our institu�tions. Note how she received her information:

"I arose at three o'clock this morning with a burden on my mind. . . . In my dreams I was at __, and I was told by my Guide to mark everything I heard and to observe everything I saw. I was in a retired place, where I could not be seen, but could see all that went on in the room. Persons were settling accounts with you, and I heard them remonstrating with you in regard to the large sum charged for board and room and treatment. I heard you with firm, decided voice refuse to lower the charge. I was astonished to see the charge was so high:'-E. G. White Letter 30, 1887.

Vivid View Revealing Perils

Another illustration of this character is pre�sented. Mrs. White was at one time a guest at the home of one of our church members, but early during her stay she arose one morning at four o'clock to write out "some things pre�sented" to her during the night. We quote from her account.

"The angel of God said, 'Follow me: I seemed to be in a room in a rude building, and there were several young men playing cards. They seemed to be very intent upon the amusement in which they were engaged and were so engrossed that they did not seem to notice that anyone had entered the room. There were young girls present observing the players, and words were spoken not of the most refined order. There was a spirit and influence that were sensibly felt in that room that was not of a character calculated to purify and uplift the mind and ennoble the character. . . .

"I inquired, 'Who are these and what does this scene represent?'

"The word was spoken, 'Wait: . . .

"I had another representation. There was the imbibing of the liquid poison, and the words and actions under its influence were anything but favor�able for serious thoughts, clear perception in business lines, pure morals, and the uplifting of the partici�pants. . . .

"I asked again, 'Who are these?'

"The answer came, 'A portion of the family where you are visiting. The great adversary of souls, the great enemy of God and man, the head of principali�ties and powers, and the ruler of the darkness of this world is presiding here tonight. Satan and his angels are leading on with his temptations these poor souls to their own ruin: "-E. G. White Letter 1, 1893.

In connection with these scenes Mrs. White heard the young men called by name as the heavenly visitor pointed out the dangers of card playing, gambling, and drinking. Much was said by the angel, which Mrs. White repeated in her earnest appeal to this family, as she placed before them that which had been revealed to her in this vivid way.

Seeing Buildings Not Yet Erected

There were times when institutions or build�ings which in the future would constitute a part of our institutions, were shown to Mrs. White before they were erected, and at times before they were planned. She refers to one such instance in a letter written in 1903:

"I have been thinking of how, after we began sanitarium work in Battle Creek, sanitarium buildings all ready for occupation were shown to me in vision. The Lord instructed me as to the way in which the work in these buildings should be conducted in order for it to exert a saving influence on the patients.

"All this seemed very real to me, but when I awoke I found that the work was yet to be done, that there were no buildings erected.

"Another time I was shown a large building going up on the site on which the Battle Creek Sanitarium was afterward erected. The brethren were in great perplexity as to who should take charge of the work. I wept sorely. One of authority stood up among us, and said, 'Not yet. You are not ready to invest means in that building, or to plan for its future management,'

"At this time the foundation of the sanitarium had been laid, But we needed to learn the lesson of wait�ing,"-E. G, White Letter 135, 1903.

Symbolic Representations Given

Two consecutive paragraphs from a personal testimony addressed to a prominent worker of earlier years illustrate how far-reaching ex�periences of life may be made plain in just a brief symbolic view:

"Many other scenes connected with your case have been presented to me. At one time you were repre�sented to me as trying to push a long car up a steep ascent. But this car, instead of going up the hill, kept running down. This car represented the food business as a commercial enterprise, which has been carried forward in a way that God does not commend. "At another time you were represented to me as a general, mounted on a horse, and carrying a banner. One came and took out of your hand the banner bear�ing the words, 'The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,' and it was trampled in the dust. 1 saw you surrounded by men who were linking you up with the world."-E. G. White Letter 239, 1903. Two Contrasting Views Presented

There were times also when two different or divergent views were presented to Mrs. White -one illustrating what, would take place if certain plans or policies were followed, and in another view the outworking of other plans or policies. An interesting illustration of this point is found in Testimonies for the Church, Vol�ume IX, pages 28 and 29, where two maps we seemingly exhibited. To Mrs. White it seemed... that she was attending a large gathering. "One of authority was addressing the company." Before them was a large map which "pictured God's vineyard." Lights were seen to appear as the work was conducted on right lines. Then the map was taken away and another, with but few lights, was exhibited. The audience was told that this illustrated the results of men "following their own course."

Another excellent illustration of this may be cited in connection with the locating of the health food factory at Loma Linda in the year 1906. The manager and his associates were planning for the erection of a large building very near the main sanitarium building. While plans were developing, Mrs. White, at her home in northern California, was one night given two visions. Of the first of these she says:

"I was shown a large building where many foods were made. There were also some smaller buildings near the bakery. As I stood by, I heard loud voices in dispute over the work that was being done. There was a lack of harmony among the workers, and con�fusion had come in."-E, G. White Letter 140, 1906. She then saw J. A. Burden's distress, and his attempts to reason with the disputants to bring them into harmony. She saw patients who overheard these disputes, and who were "ex�pressing words of regret that a food factory should be established on these beautiful grounds," so near the sanitarium. "Then One appeared on the scene, and said: 'All this has been caused to pass before you as an object lesson, that you might see the result of carrying out certain plans.' "-Ibid.

Then the scene changed, and she saw the bakery "at a distance from the sanitarium buildings, on the road toward the railway." Here the work was being conducted in a humble way and in harmony with God's plan. The narration of this to the Loma Linda workers quickly settled the question of the food factory site.

This grouping of illustrations might be greatly enlarged, but sufficient is given here to form a good representation of the varied ways in which the light was imparted by God to the mind of Ellen White. In an illuminating statement made by her in 1860 we find this terse description of how matters were revealed to her:

"As inquiries are frequently made as to my state I in vision, and after I come out, I would say that when the Lord sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to earthly things. I can see no farther than the angel directs me. My attention is often directed to scenes transpiring upon earth.

"At times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown what is to take place. Then again I am shown things as they have occurred in the past,"� Spiritual Gifts, Vol. II, p. 292 (1860, Battle Creek). )

Thus it can be seen that in varied ways the messenger was informed and instructed through the visions by day or by night.

DELIVERING THE MESSAGES

'To the youthful Ellen Harmon, about a week after her first vision, the commission was given, "Make known to others what I "have revealed to you."-Early Writings, p. 20. Although at that time she saw in it a weighty responsibility and heavy burden, she little real�ized that it presaged seven decades of ministry as God's special messenger to the remnant church. The visions might be given within the compass of a few minutes, or they might extend over a period of an hour or more. Usually, however, the period was a relatively brief one. But during this time vast fields of instruction' and information were opened up to her.

With the receiving of the vision, Mrs. White's work was just begun. The task of delivering the messages was a large and, many times, a distressing one. Weeks and even months were often devoted to presenting to others what had been revealed to her in one brief vision. The nature of the message determined to a large extent the manner in which it could be pre�sented. This was done in three ways: (I) orally, (2) in personal communications, or (3) through the printed page.

1. Through Oral Presentation Instruction and information were given to Mrs. White for many individuals-warnings of certain dangers, reproofs of definite sins, words of encouragement, and special instruction. As she had opportunity she met these persons and conversed with them, transmitting the message of God by word of mouth. Much that was given to her was for more than one person-a group here, a church there-or it might be of such a character as to benefit the whole de�nomination. As arrangements could be made, Mrs. White would meet with those concerned, and, in public services in local churches, camp meetings, or General Conference assemblies, would present what had been revealed to her. She was a fluent, forceful speaker, and all through her life she attracted and held large audiences, both of Adventists and of non-Ad�ventists.

Not always, however, as Mrs. White took her place in the pulpit did she have a special message for those who sat before her. Fre�quently in her public work as she met regular appointments, she chose to present general lines of admonition and instruction of a character to benefit all who might be present. Not infre�quently on such occasions, as she proceeded with her subject, and looked over the congrega�tion, she saw faces which she recognized as having viewed in vision. Their cases came clearly to her mind, and the discourse was shaped to meet their particular needs. There were several instances when Mrs. White broke off with her subject abruptly and spoke directly to certain persons present, giving them a mes�sage which had been entrusted to her for them, and then proceeded with the main line of her discourse. The recognition of their faces re�vived the message clearly in her mind, and she was impelled to speak of it. Writing in 1882, she declared:

"When I am speaking to the people, I say much that I have not premeditated. The Spirit of the Lord frequently comes upon me. I seem to be car�ried out of, and away from, myself; the life and character of different persons are clearly presented before my mind. I see their errors and dangers, and feel compelled to speak of what is thus brought be�fore me."-Testimonies, Vol. V, p. 678.

II. By Personal Letters

Only a part of the messages could be deliv�ered orally. Most of them must be set forth in writing, as it was not possible for Mrs. White to see personally all to whom the messages must be conveyed. Then, too, it was desirable to have a record of the message presented. The writing was done by hand. Painstakingly she wrote, page after page, presenting the views given her and conveying the instruction, cau�tions, encouragement, and warnings imparted to her for others. Usually several copies were then made by a secretary.

To those for whom she had been entrusted with a personal message, the word was sent by a carefully written personal letter. These letters often, but not always, opened with such expressions as, "I am instructed to say to you," or "I am commissioned to give you a message." Prayerfully Mrs. White selected winsome words, which would convey the important message from Heaven, that it might do its appointed work and save a soul from a wrong course of action. Usually the communication was sent at once to the person addressed, but there were times when she was divinely instructed to hold the communication until circumstances devel�oped, and then she was permitted or bidden to hasten it on its way.

Not always could the full message be pre�sented in the first letter. Ellen White well knew that when one is in error he is under the influ�ence of the powers of evil, and it is not easy to receive reproof. On not a few occasions we find that she wrote four, six, ten, or twelve let�ters-spacing them a day or two apart. In the first she gave what encouragement she could, opening the way for what would follow. Then succeeding communications went deeper and deeper into the subject until it was all presented in its fullness and in its penetrating strength.

Some situations were of such a character that Mrs. White dared not send the message by mail directly to the person involved, for she knew it would be very hard for the one to accept the message. Some trustworthy individual of ex�perience and ability would at such times be asked to read the message to the person ad�dressed. In this way there would be opportu�nity for united prayer, conversation, and broth�erly help. Speaking of her practice in this line, she wrote in 1903:

"Sometimes when I receive a testimony for some�one who is in danger, who is being deceived by the enemy, I am instructed that I am not to place it in his hands, but to give it to someone else to read to him, because, being deceived by the insinuations of Satan, he would read the testimony in the light of his own desires, and to him its meaning would be perverted."-E. G. White MS 71, 1903.

Then there were the letters to be written to those she had seen personally, and who asked that she record what she had related to them. This added very greatly to her burdens; yet she did not refuse such reasonable requests. Speaking of this in 1868, James White said:

"We wish to say to those friends who have re�quested Mrs. White to write out personal testimonies, that in this branch of her labor she has about two months' work in hand. On our eastern tour she im�proved all her spare time in writing such testimonies. She even wrote many of them in meeting while others were preaching."-Review and Herald, March 3, 1868.

"Write, write, write, I feel that I must and not delay," she penned in 1884. (Letter II, 1884.) Only a part of this writing could be done at home, for much of the time she traveled, and we find her employing every spare moment writing-on shipboard, at the homes of friends, on the train, and at times in meetings while others spoke. Of necessity she had learned to concentrate on her work and often labored under varied and difficult circumstances.

Printed in Articles and Books

Many lines of truth opened to Ellen White in vision, were of a nature to be presented to the church and the world. Such matters were care�fully written out as articles for our periodicals or for publication in books. As we sum it up today, we find there are no less than 23,900 pages of matter which have appeared in book form, and some 4,500 articles which appeared in such of our papers as the Review, Signs, Youth's Instructor, Health Reformer, etc. This writing was no mechanical task. It represented tireless application to the work. At times the nature of the matters dealt with made the work especially difficult. This is indicated by these words penned in 1895:

"It has been hard for me to give the message that God has given me for those I love, and yet I have not dared to withhold it. . . . I would not do a work that is so uncongenial to me if I thought God would excuse me from it."-E. G. White Letter 59, 1895.

There were times, too, when individuals de�nied the truthfulness of that which was stated by the messenger of the Lord. Then she had to stand firmly, as indicated in the following: "When I had to tell individuals that 'you did this thing,' etc., without one single human inti�mation that such was so, you may be assured that I had to set my face as steel before them." -E. G. White MS I2, I893.

The burden of soul which she carried was a heavy one. Observe this expression of feeling in an appeal written in 1903: "I have been afraid that I should not have the strength to write to you thus plainly, for to do it takes hold of every fiber of my being. It is indeed as if I were writing to my own son."-E. G. White Letter I80, I903.

Holy Spirit Aided in Delivering Messages

The question has at times been asked, How could Mrs. White remember all that was shown to her in a vision which might take her many months to write out? While she laid no claim to verbal inspiration, nor did her close associ�ates claim it for her, yet she recognized her de�pendence upon the Holy Spirit for aid in calling to mind and presenting the messages. We turn again- to the statement penned in 1860.

"After I come out of vision I do not at once re�member all that I have seen, and the matter is not so clear before me until I write, then the scene rises before me as was presented in vision! and I can write with freedom. Sometimes the things which I have seen are hid from me after I come out of vision, and r cannot call them to mind until I am brought before a company where that vision applies, then the things which I have seen come to my mind with force. I am just as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in relating or writing a vision as in having the vision. It is impossible for me to call up things which have been shown me unless the Lord brings them before me at the time that He is pleased to have me relate or write them."-Spiritual Gifts, Vol. II, pp. 292, 293.

Seven years later she alluded to the divine aid experienced in presenting her messages, as she Wrote of the choice of 'words employed in her writings: .

"Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation."-Review and Herald, Oct. 8, 1867.

Speaking of a divine restraint in revealing that which had been opened to her in vision, Mrs. White made this interesting statement, published in 1882:

"While visiting Healdsburg last winter, I was much in prayer, and burdened with anxiety and grief. But the Lord swept hack the darkness at one time while I was in prayer, and a great light filled the room. An angel of God was by my side, and I seemed to be in Battle Creek. I was in your councils: I heard words uttered, I saw and heard things that, if God willed, I wish could be forever blotted from my memory. My soul was so wounded, I knew not what to do or what to say. Some things I cannot men�tion. I was bidden to let no one know in regard to this, for much was yet to be developed. . . .

"Again, while in prayer, the Lord revealed Him�self. I was once more in Battle Creek. I was in many houses. I heard your words around your tables, and was sick at heart, burdened, and dis�gusted. The particulars I have no liberty now to relate. I hope never to be called to mention them. . . . "While at the Southern California camp meeting, the Lord partially removed the restriction, and I write what I do. I dare not say more now, lest I go beyond what the Spirit of the Lord has permitted me."-Testimony for the Battle Creek Church, pp. 49, 50.

Impelled to Write and Speak

Usually, however, Mrs. White spoke or wrote readily of matters which had been shown to her, and in so doing she felt she was divinely aided in delivering the message. Thus, in writ�ing to one man in 1900, she says: "I had not the least idea of writing as I have done, but the Lord has carried my mind on and on until you have the matter I send."-E. G. White Let�ter 53, 1900.

A few years later she penned: "I am now sit�ting on my couch with my pen in hand, writing. . . . Ideas come clear and distinct, and very forcibly. I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice."-E. G. White Letter 52,. 1906. That she was sometimes impelled to speak is made very clear by the following, recorded in 1890: "Before I stand on my feet, I have no thought of speaking as plainly as I do. But the Spirit of God rests upon me with power, and I cannot but speak the words given me. I dare not withhold one word of the testimony. . . . I speak the words given me by a power higher than human power, and I cannot, if I would, recall one sentence.

"In the night season the Lord gives me instruc�tion, in symbols, and then explains their meaning. He gives me the word, and I dare not refuse to give it to the people. The love of Christ, and, I venture to add, the love of souls, constrains me, and I can�not hold my peace."-E. G. White MS 22, 1890.

Not always could the burden be laid aside even after the message was delivered. She speaks of this in 1895:

"When I have written one testimony to the breth�ren, I have thought that I should not have any more to write; but again lam in travail of soul, and can�not sleep or rest. In the night season I am speaking and writing clear words of admonition. I waken so burdened in soul that I [am] again driven to take up my pen. In various ways matters are opened up before my mind, and I dare not rest or keep quiet." -E. G. White Letter 59, 1895.

Views Revived When Needed