Attributed to Spiritism

Various reports persisted, however, as to the cause of the visions. In the early days, one, Doctor Brown, a Spiritualist physician of Parkville, Michigan, stated freely that, according to the reports coming to him concerning Mrs. White, she was experiencing a form of spiritualistic mediumship. He hoped he might have the opportunity of examining her while she was in vision, and declared that he could control the visions.EGWMR 15.7

Sabbath, January 12, 1861, Elder and Mrs. White were at Parkville, and Mrs. White spoke. At the close of the service she was taken in vision. Responding to Elder White’s invitation, Doctor Brown, who was called in, pressed forward to examine Mrs. White. As to the success of his attempts to control the vision, we will let an eyewitness report:EGWMR 15.8

“Before he had half completed his examination, he turned deathly pale, and shook like an aspen leaf. Elder White said, ‘Will the doctor report her condition?’ He replied, ‘She does not breathe,’ and rapidly made his way to the door. Those at the door who knew of his boasting said, ‘Go back, and do as you said you would; bring that woman out of the vision.’ In great agitation he grasped the knob of the door, but was not permitted to open it until inquiry was made by those near the door, ‘Doctor, what is it?’ He replied, ‘God only knows; let me out of this house.’”—J. N. Loughborough, The Great Second Advent Movement, p. 211.EGWMR 15.9

As the years advanced, the charge shifted from Mrs. White’s being influenced in the vision to her being influenced in the message which she bore. Some urged that the messages reflected the opinions and views of her associates—in earlier years, James White; then, strong men in the General Conference administration, and later, her secretaries or her son, W. C. White.EGWMR 15.10