Messenger of the Lord

Messages Received in Different Ways

Variety best describes the manner in which Mrs. White received visions and dreams, and the way she conveyed the messages to others was as varied as the manner in which she received the visions. MOL 137.9

Ellen White was involved in her visions and dreams in at least nine ways. ²⁹ The visions referred to in this book can be classified under these nine categories: MOL 137.10

1. At times, she was seemingly present and participating in the events of the vision. ³⁰ MOL 137.11

2. Some visions were panoramic, with sweeping views of the past, present, and future. ³¹ MOL 137.12

3. An angel (or some other heavenly person, such as “my Guide,” etc.) would observe the event with her and provide an interpretation. ³² MOL 138.1

4. Occasionally she saw buildings yet to be constructed and was given instruction as to her role in instructing those who were to work in that future building. ³³ MOL 138.2

5. Her Guide either explained symbolic representations or their meaning was self-evident. ³⁴ MOL 138.3

6. Often she “visited” various institutions, committee meetings, families in their homes, and persons who thought they were observed by “no one.” ³⁵ MOL 138.4

7. Sometimes, she was given contrasting developments: one would be the consequences of not following inspired instruction, the other, the results of following her counsel. ³⁶ MOL 138.5

8. Frequently, she had specific information for the benefit of her husband, for themselves as parents, and for fellow leaders of the church and its institutions. ³⁷ MOL 138.6

9. Often, she was shown sweeping principles that would integrate some advanced opinions of her day with additional insights on such subjects as health, education, and temperance. ³⁸ MOL 138.7