These Phenomena Not Conclusive

These phenomena are here mentioned as accompaniments in this connection, but not as in and of themselves constituting conclusive evidence of divine power. Those who would accept such physical phenomena as the determining evidence may be deceived, for the enemy of righteousness may produce similar conditions in persons subject to his control.AGP 273.4

In the beginning of Mrs. White’s work, the miraculous was sometimes apparent to arrest the attention of the personal beholder, and to make apparent locally to those who witnessed it that they were in the presence of a supernatural power. Whether from God or from Satan was to be determined by the character of the messages themselves, and by that of the messenger.AGP 273.5

In later years when it was possible to judge her claims by the character and content of her published works and labors, wholly apart from the physical evidence, these physical phenomena were no longer necessary to faith, and her public visions became less frequent, and finally ceased.AGP 273.6

That the revelations given to counsel and guide the church did not cease with them, but that on the other hand they continuedAGP 273.7

unabated till near the close of her life, will be apparent as more of her work is noted.AGP 274.1

As the early part of Mrs. White’s public work has been quite fully covered in her autobiography, further details need not be given here. Her work for the first few years of this period was confined to the New England States. By the messages she had to give, a company was established, and held to the integrity of the mighty spiritual experience of the great advent message. While the foundations of that message were being abandoned by many, she identified herself with those who maintained that God had led them. The light did not break upon them fully at once. But step by step they advanced in the providences of God, taught by the word of God, until a clear, systematic structure of truth was established.AGP 274.2