Ellen G. White — Messenger to the Remnant

Chapter 2—How The Light Came To The Prophet

As the circumstances connected with the giving of the visions were diverse, and not subject to any one fixed pattern, so also the manner in which the light was imparted to God’s messenger varied greatly. The prophets of old did not become automatons mechanically recording or speaking the messages received. They were not deprived of the use of their ordinary faculties in connection with their work as God’s messengers. EGWMR 9.1

It has been supposed by some that in Mrs. White’s experience she wrote while in vision. This is not true. Some have concluded that when she wrote she was recording words which she heard repeated to her by an angel. This, too, is erroneous, except in rare instances when short, direct quotations are given of what the attending angel said. Some have been of the opinion that there was a mechanical force which guided the pen which she held in her hand. Such a view is also entirely out of harmony with the facts. EGWMR 9.2

The revelation consisted in the enlightening of the mind, and then when not in vision it was the task of the prophet—with the aid of the Spirit of God, of course—to pass on to others instruction, admonition, and information of divine origin which he had received. A wide range of subjects was covered in the visions. Often the matters revealed were of general interest and concern, but frequently, too, specific messages were given for individuals. In this article we shall deal with the manner in which the messenger received such divine illumination. While several Bible instances will come to the mind of the reader, ^* we shall confine this article to a number of concrete illustrations drawn from the Ellen G. White books and manuscripts, setting forth typical cases in her experience. EGWMR 9.3