Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

How the Light Came to the Prophet

I arise at three o'clock this morning with a burden on my mind.... In my dreams I was at_____, and I was told by my Guide to mark everything I heard and to observe everything I saw. I was in a retired place, where I could not be seen, but could see all that went on in the room. Persons were settling accounts with you, and I heard them remonstrating with you in regard to the large sum charged for board and room and treatment. I heard you with firm decided voice refuse to lower the charge. I was astonished to see the charge was so high. Letter 30, 1887, p. 1. (To J.D. Rice, June 11, 1887.) 1MR 24.6

The angel of God said, “Follow me.” I seemed to be in a room in a rude building, and there were several young men playing cards. They seemed to be very intent upon the amusement in which they were engaged, and were so engrossed that they did not seem to notice that anyone had entered the room. There were young girls present observing the players, and words were spoken not of the most refined order. There was a spirit and influence that were sensibly felt in that room that was not of a character calculated to purify and uplift the mind and ennoble the character.... 1MR 25.1

I inquired, “Who are these and what does this scene represent?” 1MR 25.2

The word was spoken, “Wait”.... 1MR 25.3

I had not another representation. There was the imbibing of the liquid poison, and the words and actions under its influence were anything but favorable for serious thoughts, clear perception in business lines, pure morals and the uplifting of the participants.... 1MR 25.4

I asked again, “Who are these?” 1MR 25.5

The answer came, “A portion of the family where you are visiting.” 1MR 25.6

The great adversary of souls, the great enemy of God and man, the head of principalities and powers, and the ruler of the darkness of this world is presiding here tonight. Satan and his angels are leading on with his temptations these poor souls to their own ruin. Letter 1, 1893, pp. 1, 2. (To Sister D, August 4, 1893.) 1MR 25.7

I have been thinking of how, after we began sanitarium work in Battle Creek, sanitarium buildings all ready for occupation were shown to me in vision. The Lord instructed me as to the way in which the work in these buildings should be conducted in order for it to exert a saving influence on the patients. 1MR 26.1

All this seemed very real to me, but when I awoke I found that the work was yet to be done, that there were no buildings erected. 1MR 26.2

Another time I was shown a large building going up on the site on which the Battle Creek Sanitarium was afterward erected. The brethren were in great perplexity as to who should take charge of the work. I wept sorely. One of authority stood up among us, and said, “Not yet. You are not ready to invest means in that building, or to plan for its future management.” 1MR 26.3

At this time the foundation of the Sanitarium had been laid. But we needed to learn the lesson of waiting. Letter 135, 1903, pp. 1, 2. (To Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, March 8, 1903.) 1MR 26.4

Many other scenes connected with your case have been presented to me. At one time you were represented to me as trying to push a long car up a steep ascent. But this car, instead of going up the hill, kept running down. This car represented the food business as a commercial enterprise, which has been carried forward in a way that God does not commend. 1MR 26.5

At another time you were represented to me as a general, mounted on a horse, and carrying a banner. One came and took out of your hand the banner bearing the words, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” and it was trampled in the dust. I saw you surrounded by men who were linking you up with the world.” Letter 239, 1903, pp. 3, 4. (To Dr. J. H. Kellogg, October 28, 1903.) 1MR 26.6

I was shown a large building where many foods were made. There were also some smaller buildings near the bakery. As I stood by, I heard loud voices in dispute over the work that was being done. There was a lack of harmony among the workers, and confusion had come in.... 1MR 27.1

Then One appeared on the scene, and said: “All this has been caused to pass before you as an object lesson, that you might see the result of carrying out certain plans.” Letter 140, 1906, pp. 1, 3. (To Brother J. A. Burden, May 6, 1906.) 1MR 27.2