Indications of Reformation History

While in Stockholm, Ellen White was again alert for indications of Reformation history. She knew of the valiant exploits of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, in the early seventeenth century, when he hurled his small but powerful armies against the Roman Catholic emperor Ferdinand and his massive forces.EGWE 106.2

“In the full tide of success, Gustavus fell; but his people, true to the purpose for which his blood was shed, continued the struggle, until a peace was won which delivered all Northern Europe from the papal yoke.”—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 193.EGWE 106.3

Ellen White doubtless visited the tomb where Gustavus’ body lay, for she wrote:EGWE 106.4

“In the old Riddarholms church at Stockholm the body of Gustavus is entombed. The following inscription is placed near his resting-place: ‘He undertook difficult things; he loved piety; he conquered his enemies, extended his kingdom, exalted the Swedes, and delivered the oppressed; and he triumphed in death.’”—Ibid.EGWE 106.5

In her writing of Reformation history for The Great Controversy at Basel in the months that followed, she called to mind these events linked to the places she visited.EGWE 106.6

In writing The Great Controversy she also described religious revivals in Sweden in connection with the worldwide Advent proclamation of the early 1840's. (See The Great Controversy, 365-368.) The information she gained on the scene while she was in Sweden provided more historical details. She explained:EGWE 106.7

“The message was brought to this country from England. In the province of Orebro it began to be proclaimed in the year 1843, by several laymen, called ‘ropare.’ These preached with great earnestness that the hour of God's Judgment had come, and a wide-spread interest was aroused among the people. In the fall of the same year, two young men were moved to give the warning. The people assembled in great numbers to listen to their preaching, and the meetings were continued both day and night, sometimes in a private house, and sometimes in the woods.... The priest of the State Church made several attempts to stop the preaching, and to lull the people to sleep again; but without avail. Finally the police were ordered to arrest them, and for six weeks they searched for them in the woods, but in vain.EGWE 107.1

“Through the efforts of the priest they were finally arrested and imprisoned.”—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 202-204.EGWE 107.2

These young men left behind them an account of the tortures and indignities that they suffered, including merciless beatings and incarceration in an insane asylum, but they escaped with their lives. They continued preaching after the king issued an order that they should not be molested.EGWE 107.3

When asked by the governor by what authority they were sent to preach, they replied, “Joel 2 and Revelation 14:6-8.” They testified simply, “The Spirit of God came upon us with such power that we could not resist it.” For almost a year they continued their proclamation of the Advent message.EGWE 107.4

“From that time they continued to labor undisturbed. About the middle of the year 1844, however, the power which they had before possessed left them. The truths they had presented appeared as clear and forcible as ever; but the warning having been given, the special manifestation of God's Spirit which had been bestowed to aid its proclamation ceased.”—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 205.EGWE 107.5