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:EGWMR 7.12

“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 genuineness.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:658.EGWMR 7.13

At one time Mrs. White’s son, W. C. White, made this inquiry of her: “Mother, you often speak of matters being revealed to you in the night season. You speak of dreams in which light comes to you. We all have dreams. How do you know that God is speaking to you in the dreams of which you so frequently speak?”EGWMR 7.14

“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.EGWMR 7.15

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:EGWMR 7.16

“It does not seem possible to draw any very precise distinction between the prophetic ‘dream’ and the prophetic ‘vision.’ In the case of Abraham (Genesis 15:1) and of Daniel (Daniel 7:1), they seem to melt into each other.”—M’Clintock and Strong, Cyclopedia, Vol. VIII, art. “Prophet,” p. 646.EGWMR 8.1