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:EGWMR 6.8

“As one who has frequently observed her in vision, knowing the company of people usually present, all deeply observant and believers in her exercises, I have often wondered why a more vivid description of the scenes which transpired has not been given.EGWMR 6.9

“In vision her eyes were open. There was no breath, but there were graceful movements of the shoulders, arms, and hands expressive of what she saw. It was impossible for anyone else to move her hands or arms. She often uttered words singly, and sometimes sentences which expressed to those about her the nature of the view she was having, either of heaven or of earth.EGWMR 6.10

“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....EGWMR 6.11

“There was never an excitement among those present during a vision; nothing caused fear. It was a solemn, quiet scene, sometimes lasting an hour....EGWMR 6.12

“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 strengthless.”—Martha Amadon, Notebook Leaflets, Miscellaneous Leaflet No. 8, Mrs. E. G. White in Vision.EGWMR 6.13

Of her condition while in vision, James White wrote in 1868:EGWMR 6.14

“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.EGWMR 6.15

“2. She does not breathe. During the entire period of her continuance in 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 the mouth and nostrils.EGWMR 6.16

“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.EGWMR 6.17

“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....EGWMR 6.18

“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.EGWMR 6.19