The Call Out of Babylon April 15, 1850 Formerly Undated Ms 118. Unauthenticated.
Ms 2, 1850
The Need of Present Truth Oswego, New York January 9, 1850 This manuscript is published in entirety in 1Bio 172. See also Annotations.
I saw the paper and that it was needed. That souls were hungry for the truth that must be written in the paper. I saw that if the paper stopped for want of means, and those hungry sheep died for want of the paper, it would not be James’ fault, but it would be the fault of those to whom God had lent His money to be faithful stewards over, and they let it lie idle; and the blood of souls would be upon their garments. I saw that the paper should go, and if they let it die, they would weep in anguish soon. I saw that God did not want James to stop yet, but he must write, write, write, write, and speed the message and let it go. I saw that it would go where God’s servants cannot go.
(1LtMs, Ms 2, 1850, 1)
Ms 3, 1850
Affliction of Mrs. Hastings Refiled as Ms 7, 1849.
Ms 4, 1850
A Copy of E. G. White’s Vision, Which She Had at Oswego, N. Y., January 26, 1850 Oswego, New York January 28, 1850 This manuscript is published in entirety in 16MR 30-35. See also Annotations.
Last Sabbath evening the Lord gave me a view of many things, which I will now try to relate. I saw the people of God—some were dormant and stupid, they were but half awake, and did not realize the time we were living in. I saw that the man with the “dirt brush” had entered, and some were in danger of being swept away. I begged of Jesus to save them—to spare them a little longer, and to lift them up so that they could get a sight of their situation, before it should be forever too late. The angel said destruction is coming like a mighty whirlwind. I begged of the angel to pity, to save those who were attached to their possessions, and were not willing to cut loose from them, and distribute them to speed the messengers on their way to feed the hungry sheep, who were dying for want of spiritual food.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 1)
I could hardly bear the sight of the sheep dying for the want of saving, present truth, while some who professed to believe the present truth, were holding on to their property, and were letting them die, by withholding the necessary means to carry forward the work of God. As it was held up before me the sight was too painful, and I begged of the angel to take it away, and remove the painful sight from me. I saw that when the cause of God called for their property, they were sorrowful; as the young man was who had great possessions, and who inquired what he should do to inherit eternal life. I saw that very soon the overflowing scourge would pass over, and sweep their possessions all away; and then it will be too late to sacrifice earthly goods, and lay up a treasure in heaven.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 2)
I then saw the glorious Redeemer, beautiful and lovely. That He left the realms of glory, and came to this dark and lonely world, to give His precious life and die, the Just for the unjust. He bore the cruel mocking, and scourging, and wore the plaited crown of thorns, and sweat great drops of blood, while the burden of the sins of the whole world were upon Him. The angel asked, what for? I saw, I knew it was for us; for our sins He bore all this, that by His precious blood He might redeem us unto God.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 3)
Then again was held up before me those who were not willing to sell their possessions, to save one fainting, starving soul; while Jesus stands before the Father pleading His blood, His sufferings and His death, for those souls, and while God’s servants were waiting, ready to carry them the saving truth that they might be sealed with the seal of the living God, and yet it was hard for some who profess to believe the present truth to even do so little as to hand the messengers God’s own money, that He had lent them to be stewards over.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 4)
Then the suffering Jesus, His sacrifice, and love so deep as to give His life for them was again held up before me,—and then the lives of those who profess to be His followers: who had this world’s goods, and counted it so great a thing to help on the cause of salvation. The angel said, can such enter heaven? Another answered, No never! never! never! Those who are not interested in His cause here below, can never sing the song of redeeming love above. I saw that the quick work that God was doing on earth would soon be cut short in righteousness; and that the swift messengers must speed on their way. I heard the angel say, are all messengers? No! no! God’s messengers have a message.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 5)
I saw that the cause of God had been hindered and dishonored by some going who had no message. Such will have to give an account to God for every dollar they have used in traveling, where it was not their duty to go; for that money might have helped in the cause of God. And for the lack of that very means which has been wasted, souls have starved to death, for the want of spiritual food, that might have been given them by God’s called and chosen messengers.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 6)
The mighty shaking has commenced, and is going on, and all will be shaken out, who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand, and sacrifice for God and His cause. The angel said, think ye He will compel any to sacrifice and give up their possessions? No! no! It must be a freewill offering: it will take all to buy the field. While viewing these things, the burden seemed too heavy to be borne. I felt that I could have given my life, if it could be the means of helping any to see their awful situation.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 7)
I saw that professed friends had wounded the cause. Again I was compelled to cry for God to spare His people some of whom were fainting and dying. Then I saw the judgments of Almighty God were speedily coming. I begged of the angel to speak in his language to the people,—said he, all the thunders and lightnings of Mount Sinai, cannot move those who will not be moved by the plain truths in the word of God; neither would an angel’s message move or awake them. I saw that the rebels must and will be purged out. The angel said, get ready, get ready, get ready.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 8)
I saw that the judgments were just upon us, and that the trouble would soon be to this land, and that blood would flow in streams. The angel said it will soon be even to the horses’ bridles. That was an awful time.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 9)
I saw that we must be willing to go alone, and that we must cut loose from every one that will not walk godly in Christ Jesus. I saw that the unbelief of brother or sister, father or mother, husband, wife or children was no excuse for any, to hinder them from doing their duty. And that those will lose their souls, if they seek to please their unbelieving friends, more than God, and they will be counted unworthy to be partakers of Christ’s glory. I saw that Jesus was rejected by His own nation, and if Jesus suffered we must be partakers of His sufferings. Said the angel cut clear, cut clear, cut clear from everything or anyone that hinders thy progress. I saw that the ties of nature between man and wife, parents and children need not be severed. Still those who believe God and His truth, must obey God even if it displeased their nearest and dearest friend.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 10)
I saw that there would be no chance to get ready after Jesus leaves the most holy place, therefore we must get right now, while there is a chance, very soon it will be too late. I saw that God’s people must press together and not be too willing to see faults in each other for where there is union there is strength. I saw that the people of God were generally too dull, too dormant and unbelieving. The angels said, watch, watch, watch. I saw a crown of glory laid up for those who make a covenant with God by sacrifice. I saw that a sacrifice would not increase, but decrease and consume. I was then pointed to him who had defied the armies of Israel, that truth would overcome error, and that light would shine out of darkness.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 11)
I was then pointed to the beauty and loveliness of Jesus. Upon His head were crowns, a crown within a crown. His robe was whiter than the whitest white. No language can describe His glory, and His exalted loveliness. All, all who keep the commandments of God, will enter in through the gates into the city and have right to the tree of life and ever be in the presence of that lovely Jesus whose countenance shines brighter than the sun at noon day.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 12)
I then saw the Word of God pure and unadulterated, and that we must answer for the way we received the truth proclaimed from that Word. I saw that it had been a hammer to break the flinty heart in pieces, and a fire to consume the dross and tin, that the heart might be pure and holy. I saw that the Apocrypha was the hidden book, and that the wise of these last days should understand it. I saw that the Bible was the standard book, that will judge us at the last day. I saw that heaven would be cheap enough, and that nothing was too dear to sacrifice for Jesus, and that we must give all to enter the kingdom. I heard an angel say, think ye God will place His seal where there is an idol? No, no.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 13)
Then I was pointed to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. They partook of the forbidden tree and then the flaming swords were placed around the tree of life, and they were driven out of the garden of Eden, lest they should partake of the tree of life and be immortal sinners. I saw that the tree of life was to perpetuate immortality. I heard the angel say, who of the family Adam have passed those flaming swords, and partaken of that tree. I heard another angel answer not one of the family of Adam have passed those flaming swords and partaken of the tree of life, therefore there is not an immortal sinner. The soul that sinneth it shall die an everlasting death, a death that lasts forever, where there is no hope of a resurrection, and then the wrath of God will be appeased.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 14)
I then saw the holy city, and that we should rest in the city, through the 1000 years, and reign as kings and priests unto God. Then Jesus will descend upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount will part asunder and become a mighty plain for the Paradise of God to rest upon. The rest of the earth will not be cleansed until the wicked dead are raised and come up around the city at the end of the 1000 years. Then fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour them, burn them up root and branch. Satan is the root, and his children are the branches. Then the same fire that will devour the wicked will purify the earth. I saw that the feet of the wicked would never desecrate the earth made new. All the immortality we now have is by faith in hope of immortality at the appearing of Christ.
(1LtMs, Ms 4, 1850, 15)
Ms 5, 1850
A Vision the Lord Gave Me in Oswego, July 29, 1850 Oswego, New York July 29, 1850 This manuscript is published in entirety in 18MR 10-13. See also Annotations.
I saw some in Zion that were languishing; they were dormant and unbelieving. I asked the angel if Zion should languish. Said the angel, She is rising never to fall again. God has stretched out His hand the second time to recover the remnant of His people. I saw some that meet together at the conferences at Oswego and vicinity were not right. They do not partake of the spirit of the lovely Jesus; they have not vital godliness, and unless they soon partake of the spirit of Jesus and have their hearts sanctified by the truth they profess to believe, they will be purged out of the camp of Israel. I saw there needed to be a searching of heart among them.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 1)
Said the angel, Thou art upon the enchanted ground. Dost thou not see it? Awake and arise and put on the strength of the Lord. The powers of darkness are rising. Art thou rising? Is it not getting the victory over thee? I was pointed back to the children of Israel in Egypt. I saw when God worked through Moses before Pharaoh, the magicians came up and said they could do the same, (that they could work the same miracles). I saw the same work was going on now on the earth that the magicians carried on anciently. I saw the signs and mighty wonders of the devil have increased within a few months ten fold and it will still be on the increase and spread. And unless Israel is constantly rising and is growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, the powers of darkness will get the victory over them.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 2)
I saw we must be daily rising and keep the ascendancy above the powers of darkness. I saw singing to the glory of God often drove the enemy away and shouting would beat him back and give us the victory. I saw there was too little glorifying God, too little childlike simplicity among the remnant. I asked the angel why there was not more faith and power in Israel. Said he, Ye let go of the arm of God too quick. Press your petitions to the throne and hold on by living faith. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 3)
I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw we had doubted and wounded Jesus by our unbelief. God’s people are rising, said the angel, never to fall again. Be careful said the angel, lest the branches be cut off and others are raised up in their stead. I saw some would bear fruit and work to the glory of God. I saw we must keep close to Jesus and fast and pray if we could not get the victory over the powers of darkness.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 4)
I then saw Brother Gorsline, that he had wounded and torn the hearts of God’s people. I saw he had been stubborn and rebellious, and unless he changed his course entirely, the church should disfellowship him for he has been a dead weight to the church.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 5)
Said the angel, Jesus’ work is almost finished in the sanctuary. It is no time to be stupid now; a quick work will the Lord do upon the earth, the four angels will soon let go the four winds. Said the angel, Beware how thou treadest enchantment all around thee, East and West, North and South. If Satan can get thee to slumber now he is sure of his prey. I saw some in Israel had been half starved for food and when the present truth was presented to them, they ate it with thankfulness and gratitude like half-starved children.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 6)
Said the angel, Can ye stand in the battle in the day of the Lord? Ye need to be washed and live in newness of life. (Then I saw those whose hands are now engaged in making up the breach and are standing in the gaps that have formally, since ’44, broken the commandments of God and have so far followed the Pope as to keep the first day instead of the seventh, would have to go down into the water and be baptized in the faith of the shut door and keeping the commandments of God, and in the faith of Jesus coming to sit on the throne of His father David and to redeem Israel. I also saw those who have been baptized as a door into the professed churches will have to be baptized out of that door again, and into the faith mentioned above, and all who have not been baptized since ’44, will have to be baptized before Jesus comes, and some will not gain progress now until that duty is done and then they must live anew unto God and serve him faithfully.)
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 7)
Said the angel, Will ye sink and let others take the stars to your crown? I told the angel I could not endure to see any in Israel sinking. Thou Advocate, save the purchase of Thy blood. What more can we do for Thee? O, that we had more to give to the lovely Jesus; more to render to Him for His merciful kindness unto us. We will do anything, we will go anywhere, only lend us strength from the Sanctuary.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 8)
The angel said, Some tried too hard to believe; faith is so simple ye look above it. Satan has deceived some and got them to looking at their own unworthiness. I saw they must look away from self to the worthiness of Jesus and throw themselves just as they are, needy and dependent and unworthy, upon His mercy and draw by faith, strength and nourishment from Him.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 9)
Said the angel, The desolations of Zion are accomplished. I saw he took away the first and established the second, that is, those who were in the faith would become rebellious and be purged out and others who had not heard the Advent doctrine and rejected it would embrace the truth and take their places.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 10)
Said the angel, Will ye lack faith? Climb up; take hold; never let go of the promises of God, for they are sure. Ye have been discouraged too quick.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 11)
I begged strength of the angel as I saw I must come back to this world. I covenanted to live unto God. I begged of the angel not to let me feel again the awful anguish of seeing some in Israel sinking. He said strength should be given me to endure all that God should lay upon me.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 12)
I then saw Brother Chapin that he had been rescued from the jaws of the lion as a bird is rescued from the snare of the fowler. I saw God had felt after him while he was in darkness and he had but just escaped with the skin of his teeth and all his work at Hamilton must be taken back before he can gain progress. I saw he must make square work for eternity. I saw his soul was worth more than ten thousand worlds like this. I did praise and adore God that He had borne with Bro. Chapin and finally had stretched out His arm in that dark spot and brought him to the light that he might discover the darkness he had been in.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 13)
This is written in haste. Excuse bad writing.
(1LtMs, Ms 5, 1850, 14)
Ms 5a, 1850
“To the church in your place.” East Hamilton, New York July 1850 This manuscript is published in entirety in 21MR 237-238. See also Annotations.
To the church in your place. What God showed me while I was with you. I saw that you had been sinking, growing dormant and unbelieving. I also saw that you have not glorified God as you should have done, by offering praise. I saw that the powers of darkness had been getting the victory over you.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 1)
I was then pointed to Sister Abbey’s mother and saw she had never been one of us. I saw her approaching Brother and Sister Abbey and saying “The Lord saith” when He had not spoken, and telling things which she said God had shown her, that she had spun out of her own bowels to get her desires accomplished. I saw she had laid her hand upon everything like the power of God, especially singing and shouting. This troubled the evil spirit in her, and she had laid her hand upon it to stop it.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 2)
I saw [that] Satan had worked through her effectually to bind God’s children. When one had attempted to make an effort to rise and get the victory, the rest were like loadstones to drag him down. I saw you should rise together, and unitedly get the victory over the powers of darkness and sing and shout to the glory of God.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 3)
I saw that we are the only people upon earth from whom God is to get glory, and if we should hold our peace the very stones would cry out, for God must receive glory from some of those who dwell upon the earth. The only company who can praise and honor God, I saw, are those who are keeping the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 4)
Then a kernel of corn was held up before me with the chit gone. The body of the corn I saw was there, but the life was gone. Said the angel, “It can produce no fruit because the life is gone. There is danger of having the form without the power. A theory of faith will not save you; vital godliness you must have, the life and power of religion in the soul.”
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 5)
I saw that Satan had agents to work through, and his angels to operate upon these agents that they might receive strength from Satan to get the victory over God’s people and triumph over them. I saw that the powers of darkness are rising constantly, for Satan has come down in great power knowing that his time is short, and I saw that unless you are rising daily, and growing in grace, strength, and knowledge of the truth, the powers of darkness will get the victory over you. If ever there was a time when we should be wide awake in the cause of God it is now; you must keep the ascendancy above the powers of darkness.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 6)
Singing, I saw, often drove away the enemy and shouting would beat him back. I saw that pride had crept in among you, and there was not childlike simplicity among you. The fear of man, I saw, must all go.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 7)
I saw that the reason you have been in such bondage is that you are under the influence of the spirit of Grandmother, some more and some less, and that you must go down into the water and be baptized and live in newness of life unto God.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 8)
You must rebuke every particle of that spirit and come out entirely from it, assert your liberty in the name of the Lord, be free, and stand in the liberty of the sons of God.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 9)
I saw that you should take hold of the work of the Lord with as much energy as you would take hold of your daily labor, and serve God heartily as though you loved to serve Him and as though it was your delight. When you get down before God, wrestle with Him until you get the victory and can shout victory over the powers of darkness.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 10)
This is the amount of the vision. Some parts of it might have escaped my mind, but I have written all I could remember except the individuals’ cases; them I delivered when with you, and you will remember them no doubt. Now do, do stand in the liberty. Some of you I feel are free, and I hope if you are not all free, that you will rise now and lift up your heads and rejoice in God.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 11)
Praise the Lord, dear children, as much as you please, for praise is comely for the upright. You have enough to praise Him for; He has redeemed you by His most precious blood, and is soon to save you with an everlasting salvation. Finally, Brethren, be at peace among yourselves.
(1LtMs, Ms 5a, 1850, 12)
Ms 6, 1850
A Dream NP August 22, 1850 This manuscript is published in entirety in 16MR 171-172. See also Annotations.
A dream the Lord gave me August 22. I dreamed of being in a wagon with Bro. Rhodes and James and we were to pass a bridge covered with water. As we passed over the bridge I was much frightened for the water came into the body of the wagon and it seemed that we were sinking. I had my babe with me and I was so frightened I almost let him fall into the water. Brother Rhodes assured me a number of times that there was no danger and that we must necessarily pass through the water over the bridge.
(1LtMs, Ms 6, 1850, 1)
After we had passed safely through the water, my eyes were attracted to something strange in the air. I saw angels marching through the air singing with solemn, clear voices. “For the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand?” [Revelation 6:17.] Their voices rang through the air. They had mantles upon their shoulders that reached to their feet. Brother Rhodes began to shout with a loud voice and said, and shall I see Him whom my soul loveth?
(1LtMs, Ms 6, 1850, 2)
James was counting the angels and I stood trembling with fear. My life came up before [me] and looked so full of wrongs. I could not see how I should be able to stand. Just then Satan came where I was and said to me, You are lost; you are now my property, [you] will go with me to the dark regions. My feelings I cannot describe; to be separated from the Jesus I had loved and to take up my abode with those that I abhorred looked dreadful to me. At the same time I felt unworthy to be with the lovely Jesus.
(1LtMs, Ms 6, 1850, 3)
While in this dreadful perplexity one of the angels came where I was and said to Satan, She is not your property for she has been redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus. She is the purchase of His blood. Satan fled. My feelings changed. My soul was overflowing with gratitude and thankfulness to God. I saw the saints as light fell and was reflected from the face of Jesus. Their faces would light up as they rose to meet the angels.
(1LtMs, Ms 6, 1850, 4)
Many I saw sleeping. I said as I saw those poor souls, they have heard of Jesus’ coming and that great day of God’s wrath just upon them, but as time went on a little longer then they expected it would, they have lost their interest. Stupidity has crept over them and now they slumber never to awake. They ought to have watched and then they would have seen the angels. This dream has made quite an impression upon my mind.
(1LtMs, Ms 6, 1850, 5)
Ms 7, 1850
A Vision the Lord Gave Me at Brother Harris’, August 24, 1850 NP August 24, 1850 See variant Ms 7a, 1850. Portions of this manuscript are published in 6MR 250-251; 8MR 220; 1Bio 183-184. See also Annotations.
I saw the cruel power of Satan that has afflicted us of late and bound us to keep the truth from coming out in the paper, that meant to have taken the life of little Edson, but our united prayer drove him back and weakened his powers; and when James and myself went to Port Byron with Brother Rhodes, Satan stepped in, because some of the strength of faith was gone, to take the life of the child; when we came back he was at the point of death.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 1)
I saw our acting out faith and sending for Brother Rhodes after he had started on his journey saved the life of the child for God heard the prayers of Brother Rhodes and healed Edson.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 2)
I saw the child was not afflicted because I held him dear, as an idol, but Satan wanted to sadden our hearts and cause the nominal Adventists to triumph and say, where is their God and to hinder the work of God in papers coming out.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 3)
When Satan saw his power was broken upon the child, he laid hold of James and afflicted his body, and he would have afflicted him unto death but God put bounds to his power and would not suffer it. The angels of God were hovering over us, and thus far could the enemy go and no farther. I saw his affliction had been the means of drawing us nearer to God to feel our dependence upon Him, and He heard our prayers for James although we were weak, and answered them, and the balm of Gilead was applied and the sick was made whole, and others who had been bound and oppressed were set free and James was raised up so that he could go on with the paper.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 4)
Then I saw it was the work of the enemy as we were going from Oswego to Volney to destroy us on the way by our being thrown from the wagon. I saw the angels of Satan triumphed as they were carrying out their purposes, but I saw the angels of God were around, and as we fell their arms were put beneath us that we might not be injured. I saw the hands of one of the angels were busy at work and wrought for us or we should have been destroyed by Satan. I saw had we gone back to Oswego, we should have pleased the enemy; our going on gave us the perfect victory.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 5)
I saw these efforts of Satan were to hinder the paper from coming out, for the lines that were being published were written in the Spirit of God, and would rejoice the hearts of the trusting ones. Satan knew it would hurt his cause because it would be seen by these testimonies that most of the Advent people once believed as we do that there was a shut door in ’44, and to have the plain, clean truth come out in the paper would cause many to decide for the truth and to take a firm and unyielding stand for God and His truth. I saw that the paper would strengthen the things that remain and would help build up God’s people in the most holy faith.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 6)
I saw that Satan had entered the dwelling of Bro. Harris to take the life of some one of us, but God had through Jesus given us the victory, perfect and entire. Said the angel, Gird it about thee; buckle on every piece of the armor, but above all take the shield, for the shield of faith guards the heart, the very life, from the darts of the enemy.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 7)
I saw Satan would work more powerfully now than ever he has before. He knows that his time is short and that the sealing of the saints will place them beyond his power, and he will now work in every way that he can and will try his every insinuation to get the saints off from their guard and get them asleep upon the present truth or doubting it so as to prevent their being sealed with the seal of the living God; and that Satan will ere long come almost in human shape and that his angels were all around them seeking some way that they might devour them. But I saw that God had His angels and they were hovering around the saints and their wings were wafting over them to keep off the unhallowed influence and to protect them from the power of Satan and his angels.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 8)
I saw that God wanted His people to be separated from the world, for wicked persons were the lawful prey of the enemy and he would work through them in every way to perplex and destroy the saints, and if we were obliged to be in company with the wicked persons we must pray and watch every moment lest we should partake of their spirit, for they corrupted the atmosphere where they were and their very breath was darkness, and that the wicked would wax worse and worse, and we must cut loose from them and be free and free indeed, and God does not want His people to mingle with the wicked more than they are obliged to.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 9)
I saw that the rapping was the power of the devil. Some of it was directly from him and some indirectly, but it all proceeded from Satan. It was his work that he accomplished in different ways and the nominal churches and world were so covered up in gross darkness that they thought and held forth that it was the power of God. Said the angel, Should not a people seek unto their God for the living to the dead? Should the living go to the dead for knowledge? For the dead know not anything. For the living God, do ye go to [the] dead? They have departed from the living God to converse with the dead who know not anything.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 10)
I saw it would soon be considered blasphemy to speak against the rapping and it would spread more and more, and Satan’s power would increase and some of his devoted followers would have power to work miracles, and to bring fire from heaven and they would claim to accomplish all the miracles that Jesus did when He was upon earth, by the power of spiritualism and mesmerism. I saw that time was soon to come in the future we should have to keep hold of the strong arm of Jehovah, for I saw all these great signs and mighty wonders of the devil were to deceive God’s people and to overthrow them, and our minds must be stayed upon God, and we must not fear the wicked, but be bold and valiant for the truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 11)
Could our eyes be opened, we should see forms of wicked angels around us, trying to invent some new and effectual way to annoy and destroy us, and we should also see angels of God guarding us from their power, for I saw that God’s watchful eye was over Israel and that He would protect and save them if they would put their trust in Him, and when the enemy should come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord would lift up a standard against him.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 12)
I saw we must buckle on the whole armor and take the shield of faith and we should be enabled to stand and the fiery darts of the enemy could not move us, and should be mighty and terrible as an army with banners. I saw we are on the enchanted ground and we must watch lest we should fall asleep. Said the angel, Remember, beware of the enchanted ground.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 13)
I then saw Brother Edson that he must gird on the whole armor and stand in readiness to go for a journey was before him, and that souls needed help and that Jesus’ work was almost finished in the Sanctuary, and that we must work while the day lasts and when Satan comes up with his power to oppress us, we must have faith in God and beat him back, and if we could not get the victory, we should fast and pray and we should surely get the victory and triumph over Satan.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 14)
I saw that Bro. and Sister Edson would have to move soon from the place where they now live, for there was enmity enough in the hearts of the wicked there to take their lives for they hated them for the truths they believed and have advocated for it condemned them, and a number of times the wicked had it in their hearts to take the lives of Brother and Sister Edson; but God had defeated the wicked, and guarded their lives. I saw the Lord wanted Sister Edson to be free before He leaves the sanctuary. I saw that their children had perplexed and troubled them, for they had none of God’s grace to assist them to resist the devil and to overcome their evil tempers and dispositions; therefore they were lawful prey of the enemy and he could work through them as he chose to accomplish his purposes.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 15)
And as the hearts of the saints are the temples for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, so when their hearts are temples for Satan’s spirit and all evil to dwell in they would act worse and worse, for they could not help acting out what was in their hearts. I saw Ophelia had partaken of the spirit of the wicked children, but if her parents watched over her carefully and would keep her from the influence of the wicked and would have strong and living faith for her, their faith would save her and the grace of God would operate upon her heart and she would go with them into the kingdom.
(1LtMs, Ms 7, 1850, 16)
Ms 7a, 1850
A Vision the Lord Gave Me at the House of Brother Harris, E. G. White, 1850 NP August 24, 1850 Variant of Ms 7, 1850. Portions of this manuscript are published in 7MR 318. See also Annotations.
I saw the cruel power of Satan that had afflicted us of late, and bound us to keep the truth from coming out in the paper. I saw he meant to have taken the life of little Edson, but our united faith drove him back, and weakened his power. And as James and myself went to Port Byron with Bro. Rhodes, Satan stepped in because some of the strength of faith was gone, to take the life of the child and when we came back he was at the point of death, where no human power could save him. I saw our acting out faith and sending for Bro. Rhodes after he had started on his journey saved the life of the child. For God heard the prayers of Bro. Rhodes and saved the life of the child.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 1)
I saw the child was not afflicted because I held him dear as an idol, but to sadden our hearts, and to cause the nominal adventists to triumph and to say where is their God, and to hinder the work of God in preventing the papers coming out.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 2)
When Satan saw his power was broken on the child, he laid hold of James and afflicted his body. And he would have afflicted him unto death but God put bounds to his power and would not suffer it. The angels of God were hovering and thus far the enemy could go, and no farther. I saw his affliction had been the means of drawing us nearer to God to feel our dependence upon Him. God heard our prayers for James although we were weak, and answered them and the balm of Gilead was applied. The sick [were] made whole and others who had been bound and oppressed He set free, and James was raised up so he could go on with the paper.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 3)
Then I saw it was the work of the enemy as we were going from Oswego to Volney to destroy us on the way by our being thrown from the wagon. I saw the angels of Satan triumphed as they were carrying out their purpose, but I saw that the angels of God were around to protect us. As we fell their arms were put beneath us that we should not be injured. I saw that the hand of one angel was busy at work and wrought for us or we should have been destroyed by Satan. I saw had we gone back to Oswego we should have pleased the enemy, our going on gave us the perfect victory over him.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 4)
All these efforts of Satan I saw were to hinder the papers coming out, for the lines that were being published were written in the Spirit of God and would rejoice the hearts of the trusting ones. And Satan knew it would hurt his cause because it would be seen by these testimonies that most of the advent people once believed as we do that the door was shut in ’44. And to have the plain clear truth come out in the paper would cause many to come out in the truth and take an unyielding stand for the truth. I saw that the paper would strengthen the things that remain and would help build up God’s people in the most holy faith.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 5)
I saw Satan had entered the home of Brother Harris to take the life of some one of us but God had through Jesus given us the perfect, entire victory. Said the angel, gird it about thee, buckle on every piece of the armor and above all take the shield of faith, for the shield of faith guards the heart, the very seat of life, from the darts of the enemy.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 6)
I saw that Satan will work more powerfully now than ever before for he knows that his time is short, and that the sealing of the saints will soon be over. And he will now work in every way, and try every insinuation to get the saints off their guard, and get them to [fall] asleep upon present truth, or doubting it, so as to prevent their being sealed with the seal of the living God. I saw that Satan would now come in almost human shape and that his angels were all around seeking some way that they might devour them. But I saw that God and His angels were hovering around the saints and their wings were wafting over them to keep off the unhallowed influence and to protect them from the power of Satan and his angels.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 7)
I saw that God wanted His people to be separate from the wicked, for every wicked person was the lawful prey of the enemy and he would work through them in every way to perplex and destroy the saints. If we were obliged to be in company with a wicked person we must—pray, pray, pray, and watch every movement lest we partake of their spirit for they corrupted the atmosphere where they were: and their breath was darkness. I saw the wicked would wax worse and worse and that we must cut loose from them and be free, free indeed. I saw that God did not want His people to mingle with the wicked.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 8)
I saw the rapping spirit was the power of the devil. Some of it was directly from him, and some indirectly, but it all proceeded from Satan. It was his work that he accomplished in different ways. And the nominal church and the world were so covered up in gross darkness that they thought and held forth that it was the power of God. Said the angel should not a people seek unto their God for the living to the dead? Should the living go to the dead for knowledge? The dead know not anything. For the living God do ye go to the dead to inquire? They have departed from the living God to converse with the dead that know not anything.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 9)
I saw it would be considered blasphemy to speak against the rapping. And it would spread more and more, and Satan’s power would increase, and some of his devoted followers would have power to work miracles and to bring down fire from heaven. I saw they would account for all the miracles that Jesus did when He was upon the earth by the rapping and mesmerism. I saw that time was soon to come, and we should have to keep hold of the arm of Jehovah. For I saw that all these signs and mighty wonders of the devil were to deceive God’s children and overthrow them. I saw that our minds must be stayed upon God and we must not fear the face of the wicked but be bold and valiant for the truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 10)
Could our eyes be opened we should see forms of wicked angels around us trying to invent some new way to annoy and destroy us. And we should also see the angels of God guarding us from their power. I saw God’s watchful eye was over Israel and He would protect and save them if they would trust in Him. And when the enemy should come in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord would lift up a standard against him.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 11)
I saw we must buckle on the whole armor and take the shield of faith and we should be enabled to stand, [and] all the fiery darts Satan could not move us. We should be mighty and terrible as an army with banners. I saw we were on the enchanted ground, and we must watch lest we fall asleep. Said the angel remember the enchanted ground.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 12)
I then saw Sister S. Peckham that she would have to break loose from her husband for he has no part nor lot with the saints. I saw he had sapped her strength, and that he had a fire of her kindling, that she would talk the truth with him and try to impress him with it. He would appear to have a love for the truth and a little feeling. I saw all his care was to get this world, and to lay up a treasure upon the earth. I saw she must look to Jesus and draw strength and grace from Him or she would fall right upon the borders of Canaan. I saw she had been losing her life and strength of late, for the weight of her husband has dragged her down, and the company of the wicked has opened a wide door for the devil to hit her with his darts. I saw she must shake off these shackles and go free or she will fall. I saw that the time had come when though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the Land they could not save son or daughter, husband, or any one but their own souls by their own righteousness.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 13)
In love and sorrow.
(1LtMs, Ms 7a, 1850, 14)
Ms 8, 1850
Vision of Aug. 24, 1850 Unauthenticated.
Ms 9, 1850
Copy of an Early Vision Unauthenticated.
Ms 10, 1850
Utterances in Vision Paris, Maine December 24, 1850 Portions of this manuscript are published in 1Bio 201. See also Annotations.
Great and holy. Walk carefully before Him. High and lifted up. Everything in perfect order, know what thou doest. Must be so. Move in order, move in order. A meaning to everything. Yea how perfect, how beautiful, how lovely, is this order.
(1LtMs, Ms 10, 1850, 1)
Let them go, let them go. Souls are coming to the knowledge of the truth. The burden not on him alone (Bro. White). Look ye, let them go. They have not moved in God at all times. Encourage it not for it will tend to destruction. There has been a stretching beyond. Look beyond the mortal. God will teach by His Word and Spirit.
(1LtMs, Ms 10, 1850, 2)
Hast thou had compassion? God suffered him to go where none had confidence in him. God loves him still, make him to hope and all will be well. (H.S.G.) She must make thorough work (S.C.) O how mighty, how glorious would Israel be if they would go according to the Word of God. Hast thou thought all was unadulterated? How liable is the enemy to work there. Does He frown upon His people, because they are jealous with a godly jealousy? What then? Truth, truth, present truth, the Word of God. Hold it before them, how beautiful to hold the Word of God. Thy ways are past finding out. He never erred in wisdom.
(1LtMs, Ms 10, 1850, 3)
Strive to lift the mind from self. Strive to let it dwell on high and lofty things. They need help. Souls who are honest need their prejudices torn away. What will stand the present position. Have that the whole burden of the message. First, Second and Third angels’ messages. They must yield. The force of it how mighty it is the mighty truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 10, 1850, 4)
O we thank Thee that we have received the truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 10, 1850, 5)
A poor, despised company, but how honored of God. Should one tarry that has the message? Fly, fly. Buckle the armor on. Do we expect to be free. Fight the good fight of faith. The Laodiceans will make a struggle. Will they [obtain] the victory? One will chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight. Coming to conclusions. They know not where they are. Lost in the fog. Terrible fear shall take hold of them. Anguish of spirit will seize them. Dare they admit that the door is shut? They said it was of the devil, a sin against the Holy Ghost. To admit it is against their own life. They shall die the death. Look ye at the pattern. Follow Him, meek and lowly. Shut your eyes to everything but the truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 10, 1850, 6)
Ms 11, 1850
Vision at Paris, Maine Paris, Maine December 25, 1850 This manuscript is published in entirety in 13MR 299-302. See also Annotations.
We were united in praying last evening for the Spirit of the Lord to fall upon us. God heard our earnest cries. I was taken off in vision. I saw how great and holy God was. Said the angel, “Walk carefully before Him, for He is high and lifted up and the train of His glory fills the temple.” I saw that everything in heaven was in perfect order. Said the angel, “Look ye; Christ is the head; move in order, move in order. Have a meaning to everything.” Said the angel, “Behold ye, and know how perfect, how beautiful the order in heaven; follow it.”
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 1)
Then I saw that the papers would go and that it would be the means of bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth. I saw that James had not borne the burden alone but that the angels of God had assisted and had oversight of the paper.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 2)
Then the angel pointed to Fairhaven, and said, Ye have not moved in God at all times. There has been a stretching beyond the movings of God, and [ye] have moved in self. I saw that the mind should be taken from mortals and be raised to God.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 3)
I saw that the exercises were in great danger of being adulterated, and their former opinion and knowledge governing in a measure their exercise, therefore implicit confidence could not be placed in these exercises, but if any one was lost to everything around him, and he should be in the state that Paul was in, whether in the body or out of the body, he could not tell, and God communicate to him through His angels, there would be then no danger of a mistake.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 4)
I saw that we should strive at all times to be free from unhealthy and unnecessary excitement. I saw that there was great danger of leaving the Word of God and resting down and trusting in exercises. I saw that God had moved by His Spirit upon your company in some of their exercises and their promptings; but I saw danger ahead.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 5)
Then I saw Bro. Gurney, that there was hope for him, that God loved him still, and that before he left Fairhaven he was not humble as he should be, and did not feel his wrong, and He suffered him to take a course that would cause nearly all to let him drop. I saw that he had suffered intensely on account of his former course, and he was much humbled. He must be made to hope and all would be well.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 6)
Then I saw a faint hope for Sally Chase. I saw that the course that had been taken toward her by disfellowshipping her had been right, for her jealous, evil surmising, and self breaking out every little while was enough to drag down and oppress a whole meeting. Yet I saw she loved the truth and cause better than anything else, although she had often wounded it and caused it to be reproached. I saw she must take thorough work speedily, and confess humbly her errors and wrongs to the children of God, and then she could be healed. I saw that the church in Fairhaven should not fellowship her unless she makes an entire reformation.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 7)
I saw that the burden of the message now was the truth. The Word of God should be strictly followed and held up to the people of God. And it would be beautiful and lovely if God’s people would be brought into a strait [place], to see the workings of God through exercises of visions. But I saw in our conference meeting, some laid out the work that God was to give exercises, and rebels were to be purged out in the meeting. Then the honest, conscientious ones began to tremble. I am afraid [that] I shall be purged out, and they take their minds from Jesus, and fix them upon themselves and others, and the meeting leaves them lower than it found them. I saw that we must try to lift our minds above self and have them dwell upon God, the high and lofty One.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 8)
Then I saw souls that were needy. They were honest and they needed the prejudice torn from them that they have received from their leaders and then they can receive the truth. I saw the burden of the message should be the first, second, and third angel’s messages, and those who had any hope in God would yield to the force of that truth. How mighty and glorious it looked to me. O what a privilege is ours, that of being among the children of God and believing the mighty truth—a poor, despised company, but how honored of God.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 9)
I saw if Israel moved steadily along, going according to Bible order, they would be as terrible as an army with banners. Said the angel, Should any tarry that have the truth and can give an explanation of it from the Word of God? No, no! They must go quickly.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 10)
Then I saw Bro. Bates, that he must buckle on the armor. Said the angel, Dost thou expect to be free from trials? Fight the good fight of faith. The angel of God will go before thee, and some souls will be benefitted and receive the truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 11)
Then I saw Laodiceans. They will make a mighty effort. Will they get the victory? One who has the truth will chase a thousand, and two will put ten thousand to flight. They are coming to conclusions that bring them into close quarters, and they can not tell where they be themselves, for they are lost in the foggy, terrible fear that takes hold of them. Anguish of spirit will seize them. Dare they admit that the door is shut? The sin against the Holy Ghost was to ascribe to Satan what belongs to God or what the Holy Ghost has done. They said the shut door was of the devil and now admit it is against their own lives. They shall die the death. Look ye at the Pattern. Follow Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart. Shut your eyes to everything but the present, saving truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 11, 1850, 12)
Ms 12, 1850
Vision at Dorchester, Mass. Extract from Ms 15, 1850.
Ms 13, 1850
Vision at Br. Harris’ Extracts from Ms 7, 1850.
Ms 14, 1850
A Vision the Lord Gave Me at Sutton, Vermont Sutton, Vermont September 26-29, 1850 This manuscript is published in entirety in 12MR 246-252. Compares with Present Truth, November 1850, pp. 86, 87. See also Annotations.
A vision the Lord gave me at Sutton, Vermont, September, 1850.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 1)
I saw the loveliness of Jesus and the love that the angels have for one another. Said the angel, Can ye not behold their love? Follow it. Just so, God’s people must love one another. Rather let blame fall on thyself than on a brother.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 2)
I was then pointed back to western New York and saw that Bro. Bates did not give the message—“Sell that ye have and give alms” [Luke 12:33]—in its clear light. It caused some to follow for the loaves and fishes, and now they are ready to be purged out. Falsehoods have been in their mouths. I saw that Bro. Bates’ holding up “sell that ye have &c.” in a wrong light had caused those who had been coveting others’ property to take lenity from it and to rejoice and triumph, and had also caused those who had property to hold on to it. Those who had been coveting were zealous to attend conference with their families, not to glorify God, but for the loaves and the fishes. They had better remained at home and worked with their hands to supply the wants of their families and to have something to give to sustain the cause of truth.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 3)
I saw that Bro. Bates erred again in praying for the sick before unbelievers. I saw if any among us were sick and called for the elders of the church to pray over them we should follow the example of Jesus. He went into an inner chamber, and we should go into a room by ourselves separate entirely from unbelievers, and then the atmosphere would not be polluted by them. By faith we could take hold on God and draw down the blessing. I saw that God’s cause was dishonored and reproached in W. New York at the general conference by praying for the sick in the midst of unbelievers.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 4)
I also saw that Bro. Bates erred in attending the washing of saints’ feet and the communion among unbelievers. It only caused reproach to come on the cause of God. I saw that the example of Jesus should be followed. He took His disciples away alone, separate from the wicked, and first washed their feet, and then gave them to eat of the broken bread to represent His broken body and gave them to drink of the juice of the vine to represent His spilled blood.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 5)
I saw that Bro. Bates and all the shepherds should be careful in these things, and move understandingly, and follow the example of Jesus in these things. I saw that a Judas might be among us from time to time, that would appear to be with us, but they would eat and drink to their own damnation, but God would make them manifest quickly, and they would be purged out from among Israel.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 6)
I saw that the above named errors of Bro. Bates, and others more dangerous, brought confusion and had destroyed James’ confidence in Bro. Bates; I saw that James at first had godly jealousy for the truth, then other jealousy crept in until he was jealous of most every move Bro. Bates would make. These wrongs I saw must be taken out of the way.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 7)
Then I saw Bro. Bates. Said the angel, Be not quick to receive error, nor too slow to receive the truth. I saw that the women of (Revelation 14:4) meant the churches and that we were bid to “come out of her” [Revelation 18:4] that we be not defiled, partake of her sins, and receive of her plagues. I saw that Bro. Bates had not applied (Revelation 14:4) correctly, and his error had caused confusion. Then I saw that after Jesus leaves the sanctuary the plagues will be poured out. Said the angel, It is the wrath of God and the Lamb that causes the destruction or death of the wicked.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 8)
I saw that at the voice of God the saints will be mighty and terrible as an army with banners, but they will not then execute the judgment written. But after they are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and are caught up with the sleeping saints, and receive their harps, crowns, &c, and enter the city, Jesus and the saints sit in judgment, the books are opened, the book of life and the book of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the saints, and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books were compared with the statute book—the Bible—and according to that they were judged. The saints in unison with Jesus passed their judgment upon the wicked dead. Behold ye, said the angel, the saints sit in unison with Jesus and mete out to each of the wicked according to the deeds done in the body, and it is set off against their names what they must receive at the execution of the judgment. This I saw was the work of the saints with Jesus through the 1000 years.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 9)
At the end of the 1000 [years] Jesus, with the holy angels and all the saints, leave the city, and while He is descending with them the wicked dead are raised, and then the very men that pierced Him, will see Him afar off in all His glory, and all the holy angels and the saints with Him. They will see the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet, and where they thrust the spear into His side, and they will wail because of Him. I saw that the prints of the nails and of the spear were His glory.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 10)
Then it is that Jesus stands upon the Mount of Olives and the Mount parts asunder and becomes a plain, and the city comes down from God out of heaven and settles on the plain. Then Satan imbues the wicked that have been raised, with his spirit, and he flatters them that the army in the city is small and that his army is large and that they can overcome them and take the city.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 11)
While Satan is rallying his army the saints are in the city beholding the beauty and glory of the paradise of God. Jesus was at their head leading them. All at once the lovely Jesus was gone from our company, but soon we heard His lovely voice saying, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 12)
We gathered about Jesus and just as He closed the gates of the city the curse from God was pronounced upon the wicked. The gates are shut. Then the saints use their wings and fly to the top of the wall of the city. Jesus is also with them. His crown looked brilliant and glorious. It was a crown within a crown, seven in number. The crowns of the saints were of the purest gold, and were decked with stars, and shone like the sun, as they moved all together to the top of the city. Their faces shone with glory, for they were in the express image of Jesus.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 13)
Then the wicked saw what they had lost. And fire was breathed from God upon them and consumed them. Then was the execution of the judgment. The wicked received according as the saints in unison with Jesus had meted out to them through the 1000 years. The same fire from God that consumed the wicked purified the whole earth. The mountains melted with fervent heat, the atmosphere also, and all the stubble was consumed. Then our inheritance opened before us glorious and beautiful. Then we inherited the whole earth made new. We shouted with a loud voice, Glory Alleluia.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 14)
Then I saw that God had not given to Bro. Bates the gift of discernment; but his gift was to talk the Word. None had a gift like his. He could talk to a small company when there was not more than two present, as well as to a large company. This gift is greatly needed in the church. I saw that he had prepared the way in many places for the Lord to speak through visions. The angel then pointed to Bro. Bates and said, Be careful how thou treadest, lest the flock be torn. Draw near to God. Thou hast been in danger. Can ye not see it? That must be healed every whit. This people must be humble.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 15)
I begged of Jesus to forbid that there should be any discord among the shepherds, for then the flock would be scattered as sheep without a shepherd. I prayed Jesus to encircle them now in His lovely arms. I saw that the disunion between the shepherds had affected the flock. Then I saw that in the scattering time when paper after paper was dying, Bro. Bates wrote for them until the last, and now in the gathering time when precious souls that have been hid beneath the rubbish and have not had the privilege of hearing the truth, need light from different ones, his testimony has been withheld. I saw that if ever the saints could be benefited by comforting words and the truth made clear in the paper, it is now in the gathering. God wants the papers to cease in the scattering time, but now the truth should be sung, preached, prayed, and published. Then I saw we must drink deep, deep from the water of the fountain. Said the angel, Ye must reflect the lovely image of Jesus more and more. I saw that we were almost home, to rest in the city 1000 years. Said the angel, Ye must love one another as Jesus hath loved you.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 16)
I saw that Bro. Bates’ heart must be open, ready to yield up a dear point when the clear light shines. I saw that we must be more like Jesus. Everything in heaven is in perfect order, and the events of the judgment will come in perfect order. Then I saw James and Bro. Bates. Said the angel, Press together, press together, press together, press together, ye shepherds, lest the sheep be scattered. Love one another as I have loved you. Swim, swim, swim, plunge deep, deep, deep in the ocean of God’s love. Come into a nearness with God. I saw that we must overcome perfectly and get the victory over the powers of darkness.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 17)
I saw that Bro. Bates with the other shepherds should consult those in whom they have reason to have confidence, and who have been in all the messages, and are firm in all the present truth, and have not wavered upon it, before they receive and advocate any new point of importance which they think the Bible sustains. Then I saw that all the shepherds would be perfectly united, and that union the church would feel and the shepherds would be strong, and each one would know just what work the other was doing, and thereby they could hold up each other’s hands, and the church would be benefited, and then there would be but little danger of any of the shepherds receiving dangerous error with which to divide the precious flock.
(1LtMs, Ms 14, 1850, 18)
Ms 15, 1850
A Vision Given on October 23, 1850 Dorchester, Massachusetts October 23, 1850 Portions of this manuscript are published in 6MR 249. Compares with Present Truth, November 1850, pp. 86, 87. See also Annotations.
A vision the Lord gave me October 23, 1850, at the house of Bro. Nichols in Dorchester, Mass. I saw that we must redouble our efforts now in this gathering time. I saw it was a shame for us to refer to the scattering time for examples to govern us now in the gathering time, for if God does no more for us now than He did then, we never shall be gathered. In the scattering Israel were torn and smitten, but now God will heal and bind them up.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 1)
I saw that God had stretched out His hand the second time to recover the remnant of His people. They are those who have been covered up beneath the rubbish since 1844. I saw that efforts to spread the truth should now be made, such as were put forth in 1843 and ’44. In the scattering efforts made to spread the truth had but little effect—accomplished little or nothing—but now in the gathering time when God has set His hand to gather His people, efforts to spread the truth will have their designed effect, and all should be zealous and united in the work.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 2)
I saw that a paper was needed and that all should be interested in it. I saw that the burden of the paper was laid on James, and that it is as important to publish the truth as to preach it. I saw that James should not be discouraged if all did not feel the interest in the paper that he did. I saw that Bro. Bates had not the interest in the paper that he should have, and that his lack of interest had discouraged James. I saw that James should set his face as a flint, and go forward. I saw the flock looking for the paper, and were ready like hungry children to eat the truth published in it.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 3)
I saw that the truth should be made plain on tables, that the earth and the fullness thereof is the Lord’s, and that necessary means should not be spared to make it plain. I saw that the angels’ messages made plain, would have effect. I saw that the old chart was directed by the Lord, and that not a peg of it should be altered without inspiration. I saw that the figures on the chart were as God wanted them, and that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures so that none could see it until His hand was removed.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 4)
I saw that the two-horned beast had a dragon mouth, and that his power was in his head, and that the decree would go out of his mouth. Then I saw the mother of harlots, that the mother was not the daughters, but separate and distinct from them. She has had her day, and it is past, and her daughters, Protestant sects, were next to come on the stage and act out the same mind that the mother had when she persecuted the saints. I saw that as the mother has been declining in power the daughters have been growing, and soon they will exercise the power once manifested by the mother.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 5)
I saw that the nominal churches and nominal Adventists, like Judas, would betray us to the Catholics, to obtain their influence to come against the saints. The saints will be an obscure people, but little known to the Catholics, but the church and nominal Adventists will know of our faith and customs, and will betray the saints and report them to the Catholics, as those who disregard the institution of the pope, that is they keep the Sabbath and disregard Sunday.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 6)
Then the Catholics bid the Protestants to go forward and issue a decree that all who will not observe the first day of the week instead of the seventh shall be slain, and the Catholics, whose numbers are large, will stand by the Protestants. The Catholics will give their power to the image of the beast and then Protestants will work as their mother worked before them to destroy the saints. But before their decrees bring forth or bear fruit, the saints will be delivered by the voice of God.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 7)
Then I saw that Jesus’ work in the sanctuary was almost finished, almost finished, and after His work there is finished He will come to the door of the tabernacle, or door of the first apartment, and confess the sins of Israel upon the head of the scape goat. Then He will put on the garments of vengeance. Then the plagues come upon the wicked, and they do not come until Jesus puts on the garments of vengeance and takes His seat upon the great white cloud. Then while the plagues are falling the scape goat is being led away. He makes a mighty struggle to escape, but he is held fast by the hand that bears him away. If he should effect his escape Israel would be destroyed (or slain). I saw that it would take time to bear him away into the land of forgetfulness after the sins were put upon his head.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 8)
Jesus clothes Himself with the garments of vengeance and takes His place upon the great white cloud before the plagues are poured out. The great white cloud, I saw, was not in the holy place but entirely separate from the holy and most holy, entirely separate from the sanctuary.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 9)
As Jesus passed through the holy place or first apartment, to the door to confess the sins of Israel on the scape goat, an angel said, This apartment is called the sanctuary. Then the angel repeated these words and said this is the time spoken of, and he saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor; we had no mediator between God and man and the plagues could be withheld no longer, for Jesus had ceased to plead for Israel, and they were covered with the covering of Almighty God and lived in His sight, and those who were not covered felt the plagues, for they had nothing to shelter them.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 10)
I saw that there was a cherub sitting on either end of the mercy seat with their wings spread over the ark. There also stood two angels, one by either end of the ark, with their wings spread out on high and touching each other, while their other wings reached to each side of the apartment. I saw that the wings of the angels did not reach above the Father, for that would bring Him too low. I saw that the Father was in the midst above the cherubims, and His glory is shed down upon the ark, and the train of His glory fills the temple.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 11)
Then I saw the daily, that the Lord gave the correct view of it to those who gave the first angel’s message. When union existed before 1844, nearly all were united on the correct view of the daily, but since, in the confusion other views have been embraced and darkness has followed. I saw that God had not made a test of time since 1844, and that time never again will be a test.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 12)
Then I had a view of Sister Minor and others with her, that their visions were not true, that God had not spoken by them. I saw that if we are to go to Jerusalem, then the truth should not be made plain upon tables, for our minds should be turned towards Jerusalem and our means should be reserved to get the saints to Jerusalem. I saw that the faults and errors of Sister Minor and those with her in past time had not been confessed. This is the reason why they have been left to run into great errors. I saw that Bro. Bates must be careful and be willing to receive light that comes in other ways besides through visions. I saw that he was too slow to receive light from his brethren.
(1LtMs, Ms 15, 1850, 13)