The Vision at Hillsdale, Michigan

The way opened for me to attend a conference at Hillsdale. There were two hundred Sabbathkeepers present, all firm believers in the third angel's message. The messengers present were Brethren White, Holt, Waggoner, and Cornell.1BIO 350.3

I must say I was very much surprised when I heard the evidence presented in favor of present truth. They had Bible to prove every view they presented; and more than all, the Holy Spirit bore witness to the same. I realized more than ever the fulfillment of the Saviour's words “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.... And he will show you things to come.”1BIO 351.1

At the last meeting Sister White was taken off in vision. It was the most solemn scene I ever witnessed. It has made an impression on my mind that can never be erased while reason and life remain.1BIO 351.2

When she came out of vision she gave one of the most thrilling exhortations I ever heard. She repeated these words often: “Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord, and heal all your backslidings.” I am confident that no one could speak as she did without receiving instruction from that Teacher who spake as never man spake.—Ibid., March 19, 18571BIO 351.3

It was James White's custom when a vision was given to Ellen in a public gathering to inquire if a physician were present who could examine her while in vision and report his findings to the people. On this occasion Dr. Lord was in the audience. A description of what took place was given some years later by A. F. Fowler and his wife, residents of Hillsdale:1BIO 351.4

We were present when Sister E. G. White had a vision in Waldron's Hall, Hillsdale. Dr. Lord made an examination, and said, “Her heart beats, but there is no breath. There is life, but no action of the lungs. I cannot account for this condition.”—Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Fowler, Hillsdale, Michigan, January 1, 1891, in GSAM, p. 209.1BIO 351.5

To this is added the testimony of another eyewitness:1BIO 351.6

I was present when Sister White had the above-named vision in Waldron's Hall, Hillsdale. In addition to the above statement, I heard the doctor say that Sister White's condition in vision was “beyond his knowledge.” He also said, “There is something supernatural about that.”—C. S. Glover, Battle Creek, Michigan, January 19, 1891, in GSAM, p. 209.

This was the first vision in which Ellen White was shown that the Laodicean message included the Advent believers, and she hastened it into print as the first article in Testimony No. 3, announced in the Review and Herald of April 30.1BIO 352.1

The article, titled “Be Zealous and Repent,” opens:1BIO 352.2

Dear Brethren and Sisters,

The Lord has shown me in vision some things concerning the church in its present lukewarm state, which I will relate to you. The church was presented before me in vision. Said the angel to the church: “Jesus speaks to thee, ‘Be zealous and repent.’” This work, I saw, should be taken hold of in earnest. There is something to repent of. Worldly-mindedness, selfishness, and covetousness have been eating out the spirituality and life of God's people.1BIO 352.3

The danger of God's people for a few years past has been the love of the world. Out of this have sprung the sins of selfishness and covetousness. The more they get of this world, the more they set their affections on it; and still they reach out for more.—Testimonies for the Church, 1:141.1BIO 352.4

After writing of the condition of the church as revealed to her, she declared:1BIO 352.5

Oh, how precious was this promise, as it was shown to me in vision! “I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Oh, the love, wondrous love of God! After all our lukewarmness and sins He says: “Return unto me, and I will return unto thee, and will heal all thy backslidings.” This was repeated by the angel a number of times, “Return unto me, and I will return unto thee, and will heal all thy backslidings.”—Ibid., 1:143.1BIO 352.6