Ms 10, 1850

December 24, 1850, Paris, Maine1EGWLM 268.1

Utterances in Vision.¹

On December 25, 1850, Ellen White wrote an account of a vision she had received “last evening” while “united in prayer” with others in Paris, Maine (see Ms 11, 1850). Interestingly, one of those present the previous evening had recorded the actual words spoken by Ellen White while in vision, as found in this document (Ms 10, 1850). This provides a rare opportunity to compare the vision utterances with Ellen White's written account of the same vision. A comparison shows that while the two are clearly related, as shown by common expressions, most of the factual content of the written account could not have been deduced from a reading of the vision utterances by themselves. Examples of this are given in the notes that follow. More generally it can be said that this comparison of Ms 10 and Ms 11, 1850, gives reason for readers to be cautious in trying to interpret other transcriptions of vision utterances for which there do not exist corresponding vision accounts by Ellen White

1EGWLM 268.2

Portions of this manuscript are published in Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Years, p. 201.

Utterances in vision, December 24, 1850.1EGWLM 268.3

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.1EGWLM 268.4

Let them go, let them go.²

Only by reading the vision account in Ms 11, 1850, do we discover that “them” refers to the papers published by James White.

Souls are coming to the knowledge of the truth. The burden not on him alone (Bro. White).3

Ms 11, 1850, reveals that the subject is James White. “I saw that James had not borne the burden alone but that the angels of God had assisted and had oversight of the paper.” (The words “Bro. White” placed in brackets are not in the original but were inserted later by an editor.)

Look ye, let them go. They have not moved in God at all times.4

From Ms 11, 1850, we learn that “they” refers to the members of the Fairhaven, Massachusetts, band.

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.1EGWLM 268.5

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.).⁵

“H.S.G.” is a later editorial insertion. Only the vision account identifies the subject of these statements as “Bro. Gurney,” i.e., Heman S. Gurney, of whom it is said in Ms 11, 1850, that “God loved him still” and that “all would be well.”

She must make thorough work (S.C.).6

“She” is identified only in Ms 11, 1850, as Sally Chase. (The “S.C.” is an editorial insertion.)

Oh, 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.1EGWLM 268.6

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.1EGWLM 269.1

Oh, we thank Thee that we have received the truth.1EGWLM 269.2

A poor, despised company, but how honored of God. Should one tarry that has the message? Fly, fly. Buckle the armor on.⁷

According to Ms 11, 1850, “Bro. Bates” is being addressed here—“he must buckle on the armor,” etc.

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.1EGWLM 269.3