Arthur L. White

Even though the trangic 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 intelligently avail themselves of the gracious provisions for their salvation, they must receive instruction, information, and guidance. The methods of communication have been quite varied 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 directly 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." [PP. (ed. 1890, p. 683.]

Of these several means of communication employed by the Lord, the most common and widely used was that of the prophet. To Israel, God Himself declared His intention in simple language: "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 direction 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 as invariable description of the circumstances connected with the visions given to God's prophets. Nor can any one rule be formulated by which we may determine the manner in which the light was 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 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 succeeding 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 references, in the main, will be confined to the experience of Mrs. E. 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 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 rightfully form a test, the circumstances of some of the visions did indeed supply confirmatory evidence 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. 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.

"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 multiplied 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 hear anything. Everything was dark. The light and glory that my eyes had rested upon had 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 home.
`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 witnessed 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 present to examine Mrs. White, and at times physicians were called for a more thorough and critical examination. Mrs. Martha Amadon, whose father and husband were both pioneer workers, and who for many years was a neighbor 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 the 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 has not been given.
In visions 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 these 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 present 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 stengthless." [Martha Amadon, Notebook Leaflets, Miscellaneous Leaflets, No. 2, Mrs. E.G. White in Vision.

"1. She is utterly unconscious of everything transpiring 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 continuous vision, which has at different times ranged from fifteen minutes to three hours, there is no breath, as has been repeatedly proved by pressing upon the chest, and by closing her mouth and nostrile.
"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 similarity." [James White, Life Incidents, p. 272, Battle Creek, Michigan, 1868.]

The Testimony Summarized

From the many eyewitness accounts available we build the following summary:

01. Immediately preceding a vision, there was a deep sensing of the presence of God both by Mrs. White and by others in the room.
02. As the vision began, Mrs. White uttered an exclamation of "Glory!" or "Glory to God!" at times repeated.
03. There was a loss of physical strength.
04. Supernatural strength was then apparent.
05. There was no breathing, but the heartbeat continued normal, and the color in the cheeks was natural. The most critical tests failed to reveal any disturbance of the circulatory system.
06. Occasionally there would be exclamations indicative of the scene being presented.
07. The eyes were open, not with a vacant stare, but as if she were intently watching something.
08. 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.
09. 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 by 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 improved 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 seventeen 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 divinely 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 witness the fruit of the lives of those who consistently 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 predictions recorded many decades ago. From our perspective today, we see many incontrovertible 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 he condition while in vision, she declared: "These messages were thus given to substantiate the faith of all, that in these last days we might have confidence in the Spirit of prophecy." [R&H, 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 experience, 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 circumstances and influences about her. Questions may arise concerning the relationship between a prophetic dream, or night vision, and an ordinary 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 genuiness." [5T, p. 658.]

"Because," she answered, "the same angel messenger stands by my side instructing me in the visions of the night, as stands beside me instructing me in the visions of the day." The heavenly being referred to was at other times spoken of as "the angel," "my guide, "my instructor,: "the young man," etc. [Comment: She quotes the angel in speaking in old English using the word "Ye", thou art", "mete put", "thee", "List ye". 1T, 129; EW 60,2; 62.1; 64.1; 67,2; 73,2; 119,1;122,1;127,1; 270,4; 151,3.]

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. One authority has 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." [200]

While the two types of visions already mentioned 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 accompanied 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 the 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 a 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 pause in her prayer." [W.C. White in Lecture at Advanced Bible School, 1936. White Publications Document File No. 696.]

"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.][100]

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 subjects, 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."

As the circumstances connected with the giving of the visions were diverse, and not subject to any fixed pattern, so also the manner in which the light was imparted to God's messenger varied greatly. The prophets of old did not become automatons mechanically recording or speaking the messages 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 instruction, admonition, and information of divine origin which she 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 messages 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 [100], 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 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." [EW, p. 14.]

(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 people traveling.
(7) She viewed their destination.
(8) Later she seemed to be with them as they enjoyed their reward.

Broad Panoramic Views Given

At times the events of the past, present, and future were opened up to Ellen White in panoramic view. It seemed to her that she witnessed in rapid succession the vivid enactment of the scenes of history. We quote here a few sentences from the author's Introduction to The Great Controversy, giving us a glimpse of this means of 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 controversy 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 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." [500]

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, (Monday) April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on 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 before me, that which impressed itself most vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in connection with it. The angel that stood by my side declared that God's supreme rulership, and the sacredness 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." [9T, p. 92-93.]

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 counsels which were held, would witness the actions of individuals, hear the words spoken, and observe the surroundings 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 conversation "in the rooms of the helpers."

"The frivolous talk, the foolish jesting, the meaningless 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 disagreeable 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." [CH, p. 412-143.]

In 1887, from across the Atlantic, Mrs. White wrote to one of our workers of detrimental policies pursued in one of our institutions. 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.]

Another illustration of this character is presented. 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 presented" 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 man 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 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 favorable for serious thoughts, clear perception in business lines, pure morals, and the uplifting of the participants. ...
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 principalities 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.]

Seeing Buildings no yet Erected

There were times when institutions or buildings 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 need to learn the lesson of waiting." [E.G. White Letter 135, p. 1903.]

Two consecutive paragraphs form a personal testimony addressed to a prominent worker of earlier years illustrate how far-reaching experiences 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 represented 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 command.
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 bearing the words, `The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,' and it was trampled in the dust. I saw you surrounded by men who were linking you up with the world." [E.G. White Letter 239, 1903.]

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, Volume 9, pages 28 and 29, where two maps were 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 confusion had come in." [E.G. White Letter 140, 1906.]

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 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." [2SG, p. 292 (1860, Battle Creek)].

In this section we relate to our readers how Jewish Rabbis have reacted to some of the writings of Ellen White. A thoroughly educated Jewish Rabbi would never have touched the New Testament, were it not for reading the Book, `Patriarchs and Prophets.' Joe Kagan was born in a Jewish family which derived originally out of eastern Europe. He was still young, when his family settled in the United States of America. When he was 13 years of age, he debuted as tenor at Carnegie Hall since he had such a fine voice. After a very rigorous and quality education he became a rabbi. By around 1978 he was on the staff of Ronald Reagan. The young rabbi had a very negative attitude toward Christianity and would have never touched a New Testament. However, in the Thora, the Old Testament, he was very well versed.

One day a book with the title, `Patriarchs and Prophets' by Ellen G. White got into his hands. He read it with astonishment. He knew just the man to ask about who it was who wrote this book.

His question was, `Who was Ellen White and at which university was she educated?'

He was told that White had only three years of grammar school education.

He then asked, `Where did she learn Hebrew?'

He was told correctly that Ellen White had never studied Hebrew and could not read or understand the language but that she was the most productive author of all time.

The rabbi was very impressed by the answers and explained that the content and information of `Patriarchs and Prophets' was of the type, which is found in the `Mishna.' The `Mishna' is part of the rabbinical holy scriptures. However it was not translated into English until only about 60 years ago and that because of that, only a very educated Jewish rabbi could have such vast knowledge as he found in that book `Patriarchs and Prophets' by Ellen White.

He said, `Patriarchs and Prophets' contains the history of his people very exactly. He also believed that one would have to know how to write in the Hebrew language to write the way she did, because her sentence structures are not English, they are Hebrew. The rhythm of her prose, the meter, the arrangement of words and ideograms are not of English derivation. He said, when he read the book, it appeared to him that the book was translated from Hebrew into English. But Ellen White wrote `Patriarchs and Prophets' in her own home in California, far removed from any university and without any help by Hebrew writings.

As a result, Rabbi Kagan befriended an Adventist family with whom he then studied the Bible and additional books by Ellen G. White. It was after that experience, that he said, "I am convinced that Ellen White was inspired by the same source as were the Hebrew prophets. I want to ... accept Jesus as my Messiah."

Reading the Bible alone, this rabbi would not have found or accepted Jesus Christ. The writings of Ellen White opened his eyes, that Jesus was the fulfillment of all of the prophecies of the Messiah. Rabbi Kagan was baptized in a private baptism on December 22, 1979 near Sacramento. When he emerged from the chilly water, he praised God and His new Messiah. Then he said, "Now I am a complete Jew. I have accepted the Old and the New Testament of which the prophets testify."

The disciples traveling to Emmaus needed to be disentangled in their interpretation of the Scriptures. Jesus walked with them disguised, and as a man He talked with them. Beginning at Moses and the prophets He taught them in all things concerning Himself, that His life, His mission, His sufferings, His death were just as the Word of God had foretold. He opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures. How quickly He straightened out the tangled ends and showed the unity and divine verity of the Scriptures. How much men in these times need their understanding opened. {1SM 20.4}
The Bible is written by inspired men, but it is not God's mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God's penmen, not His pen. Look at the different writers. {1SM 21.1}
It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. The divine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.-- Manuscript 24, 1886 (written in Europe in 1886). {1SM 21.2}
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Brethren, let not a mind or hand be engaged in criticizing the Bible. It is a work that Satan delights to have any of you do, but it is not a work the Lord has pointed out for you to do. {1SM 17.4} Men should let God take care of His own Book, His living oracles, as He has done for ages. They begin to question some parts of revelation, and pick flaws in the apparent inconsistencies of this statement and that statement. Beginning at Genesis, they give up that which they deem questionable, and their minds lead on, for Satan will lead to any length they may follow in their criticism, and they see something to doubt in the whole Scriptures. Their faculties of criticism become sharpened by exercise, and they can rest on nothing with a certainty. You try to reason with these men, but your time is lost. They will exercise their power of ridicule even upon the Bible. They even become mockers, and they would be astonished if you put it to them in that light. {1SM 17.5}
Brethren, cling to your Bible, as it reads, and stop your criticisms in regard to its validity, and obey the Word, and not one of you will be lost. The ingenuity of men has been exercised for ages to measure the Word of God by their finite minds and limited comprehension. If the Lord, the Author of the living oracles, would throw back the curtain and reveal His wisdom and His glory before them, they would shrink into nothingness and exclaim as did Isaiah, "I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of people of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). {1SM 18.1}
Simplicity and plain utterance are comprehended by the illiterate, by the peasant, and the child as well as by the full-grown man or the giant in intellect. If the individual is possessed of large talents of mental powers, he will find in the oracles of God treasures of truth, beautiful and valuable, which he can appropriate. He will also find difficulties, and secrets and wonders which will give him the highest satisfaction to study during a long lifetime, and yet there is an infinity beyond. {1SM 18.2}
Men of humble acquirements, possessing but limited capabilities and opportunities to become conversant in the Scriptures, find in the living oracles comfort, guidance, counsel, and the plan of salvation as clear as a sunbeam. No one need be lost for want of knowledge, unless he is willfully blind. {1SM 18.3}
We thank God that the Bible is prepared for the poor man as well as for the learned man. It is fitted for all ages and all classes.--Manuscript 16, 1888 (written at Minneapolis, Minn., in autumn of 1888).
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The ten commandments were spoken by God himself, and were written by his own hand. They are of divine, and not human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:14. {GC88 c.5} [Comment: While Christ had the nature of man, he had a sinless nature, for unless one sins, there is no sin, but he did have a genetically weakened nature of 4000 years of sin by his family tree, but never yielded to temptation. DA 117]
Written in different ages, by men who differed widely in rank and occupation, and in mental and spiritual endowments, the books of the Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as a diversity in the nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of expression are employed by different writers; often the same truth is more strikingly presented by one than by another. And as several writers present a subject under varied aspects and relations, there may appear, to the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader, to be discrepancy or contradiction, where the thoughtful, reverent student, with clearer insight, discerns the underlying harmony. {GC88 d.1}
As presented through different individuals, the truth is brought out in its varied aspects. One writer is more strongly impressed with one phase of a subject; he grasps those points that harmonize with his experience or with his power of perception and appreciation; another seizes upon a different phase; and each, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his own mind; a different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony through all. And the truths thus revealed unite to form a perfect whole, adapted to meet the wants of men in all the circumstances and experiences of life. {GC88 d.2}
God has been pleased to communicate his truth to the world by human agencies, and he himself, by his Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection of what to speak and what to write. The treasure was intrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, none the less, from Heaven. The testimony is conveyed through the imperfect expression of human language; yet it is the testimony of God; and the obedient, believing child of God beholds in it the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth. {GC88 d.3}
In his Word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of his will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience. "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, Revised Version. {GC88 d.4}
Yet the fact that God has revealed his will to men through his Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour, to open the Word to his servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings. And since it was the Spirit of God that inspired the Bible, it is impossible that the teaching of the Spirit should ever be contrary to that of the Word. {GC88 d.5}
The Spirit was not given—nor can it ever be bestowed—to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the Word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. Says the apostle John, "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1. And Isaiah declares, "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20. {GC88 e.1}
Great reproach has been cast upon the work of the Holy Spirit, by the errors of a class that, claiming its enlightenment, profess to have no further need of guidance from the Word of God. They are governed by impressions which they regard as the voice of God in the soul. But the spirit that controls them is not the Spirit of God. This following of impressions, to the neglect of the Scriptures, can lead only to confusion, to deception and ruin. It serves only to further the designs of the evil one. Since the ministry of the Holy Spirit is of vital importance to the church of Christ, it is one of the devices of Satan, through the errors of extremists and fanatics to cast contempt upon the work of the Spirit, and cause the people of God to neglect this source of strength which our Lord himself has provided. {GC88 e.2}
In harmony with the Word of God, his Spirit was to continue its work throughout the entire period of the gospel dispensation. During the ages while the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament were being given, the Holy Spirit did not cease to communicate light to individual minds, apart from the revelations to be embodied in the sacred canon. The Bible itself relates how, through the Holy Spirit, men received warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, in matters in no way relating to the giving of the Scriptures. And mention is made of prophets in different ages, of whose utterances nothing is recorded. In like manner, after the close of the canon of Scripture, the Holy Spirit was still to continue its work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort the children of God. {GC88 e.3}
Jesus promised his disciples, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; . . . and he will show you things to come." John 14:26; 16:13. Scripture plainly teaches that these promises, so far from being limited to apostolic days, extend to the church of Christ in all ages. The Saviour assures his followers, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. And Paul declares that the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit were set in the church "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:12, 13. {GC88 e.4}
For the believers at Ephesus the apostle prayed, "That the God of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what . . . is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19. The ministry of the divine Spirit in enlightening the understanding and opening to the mind the deep things of God's holy Word, was the blessing which Paul thus besought for the Ephesian church. {GC88 f.1}

Our Mission Statement
"In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import--the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention. {9T 19.1} The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given us to proclaim to the world. The proclamation of these truths is to be our work." {9T 19.1-2}

[100] A short account of early denominational history: The 1870 General Conference session was the first to have an official delegate from outside the United States by the name of James Ertzenberger, a young man from Switzerland. The session resolved: "That we set him apart to the work of the Christian ministry, that he may return to Switzerland to preach the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."
This took place four years before J.N. Andrews went to Europe as the church's first official missionary. Ertzenberger had become an Adventist indirectly through the efforts of M.B. Czechowski, a former Polish priest, who had gone to Europe in 1864 without our denomination's backing. Czechowski went as an Adventist missionary, even though he had become a Seventh-day Adventist only in 1857. While in Europe he taught our beliefs without mentioning either the Seventh-day Adventists or Advent Christians. One of Czechowski's converts in Switzerland discovered a copy of the Review & Herald in a room where Czechowski had been staying. This led to contact between the small group of Sabbathkeepers in Switzerland and the General Conference in Battle Creek, Michigan.
These Swiss Sabbathkeepers sent James Ertzenberger to the United States in 1869 to appeal for a minister to come to Europe. He arrived too late for the General Conference session, but remained 15 months, living most of the time in the home of James and Ellen White. While there he not only perfected his knowledge of English but also learned about all phases of our work.
During his visit Ertzenberger became our first official delegate from overseas to a General Conference session. In September of 1870 he returned to Switzerland. Later, after J.N. Andrews arrived in Europe, Elder Ertzenberger translated for him. For 50 years our first overseas delegate worked in various countries of Europe until his death in 1920. [Adventist Review, July 18-25, 1985.]
[200] M'Clintock and Strong, Cyclopaedia, Vol. VIII, article, "Prophet", p. 646. How was it with Daniel? Daniel, even though there was no sin on him, believed that he was guilty of the sins of Israel because he chose to be a Jew. We also, in effect, chose to be a Jew and therefore are guilty, collectively, carry guilt upon us for the Bible says, "Buy the truth, and sell it not." Proverbs 23:23. That is why there is a record with the situation in our church. If we had the truth in the days of early Adventism we do not need to listen to someone whispering to us in "Greek" and "Hebrew" telling us that we are wrong on this and wrong on that. When that happens we may say, "Get behind me Satan." Luke 4:8. For it says, we war ".. not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers (or leaders) of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph. 6:12. In general we may say, that throughout history the majority in the churches has never been right. Missionary work requires that we stand up and step out. When we do that we can claim the promises of God. Many are unwilling to step out because they are too busy with their houses, wives, trips, sports ... . Parents, that is why the prophet wrote, that "most of the youth in this age will come short of everlasting life!" Testim. Vol. 2, p. 144. Mrs. White also wrote, "Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish ... When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. ... The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. ..." Listen, what happened to God's people in old Israel will happen again to our people for the Bible says ... "The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. ... No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy. ... Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God's wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin." [5T, p. 209ff.]
Therefore, pray for our leaders, brothers and sisters in faith, our children and youth to be faithful to God and know these things. Do not turn your back to the prophet of God.
Mrs. White also wrote on the condition of delusion in the Laodicean church, "What greater deception can come upon human minds than a confidence that they are right when they are all wrong!" [5T, p. 252,253] That is sad and need not be so. But we know that will be a people who will carry the ark of God, not for rewards in this world, for Peter, as a basic theme in his letters, says, `There is nowhere else to go.'

[500] GC, p. x,xi. Check out also this quote, "I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world." (Testimonies Vol. 1, p. 608-609).

She could have written of destruction by earthquakes, by hurricanes or tornadoes - but she spoke of disasters as we read below.

Ellen G. White received the following visions in 1909, just before the start of World War I, before World War II and September 11, 2001:

"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. {9T 11.1}

The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones." {9T 11.2}

"On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify the owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: "How can we best glorify God?" The Lord was not in their thoughts."

"As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded." [Comment: Said the angel, "Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should? ... Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died. ... Deny self; ye must step fast. ... Sabbathkeepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation." {EW 64.1; 67.2; 120,1.}]

"The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines." {9T 13.1}

"Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God's word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them." {9T 13.3}

"The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place." {9T 14.2}

"Soon the battle will be waged fiercely between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain." {9T 15.5}

"Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows that his time is short, and he seeks at every point to counterwork the work of the Lord upon this earth. It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended."

"The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, since this is the sign of God's creative power and the witness to His claim upon man's reverence and homage." p. 16.

"The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's memorial and to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel all, "both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond," to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God will not receive it." p. 16-17.