Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6)

An Assuring Experience

Sunday afternoon, Elder Haskell had an interview with her regarding the work in Oakland and also concerning broadening the distribution of her books and other publications on present truth. The visit over, she was weary and retired early. 6BIO 123.6

“I was suffering with rheumatism in my left side,” she reports, “and could get no rest because of the pain.” 6BIO 123.7

I turned from side to side, trying to find ease from the suffering. There was a pain in my heart that portended no good for me. At last I fell asleep. 6BIO 123.8

About half past nine [Sunday night, March 3], I attempted to turn myself, and as I did so, I became aware that my body was entirely free from pain. As I turned from side to side, and moved my hands, I experienced an extraordinary freedom and lightness that I cannot describe. The room was filled with light, a most beautiful, soft, azure light, and I seemed to be in the arms of heavenly beings. 6BIO 123.9

This peculiar light I have experienced in the past in times of special blessing, but this time it was more distinct, more impressive, and I felt such peace, peace so full and abundant no words can express it. I raised myself into a sitting posture, and I saw that I was surrounded by a bright cloud, white as snow, the edges of which were tinged with a deep pink. The softest, sweetest music was filling the air, and I recognized the music as the singing of the angels. Then a Voice spoke to me, saying: “Fear not; I am your Saviour. Holy angels are all about you.” 6BIO 124.1

“Then this is heaven,” I said, “and now I can be at rest. I shall have no more messages to bear, no more misrepresentations to endure. Everything will be easy now, and I shall enjoy peace and rest. Oh, what inexpressible peace fills my soul! Is this indeed heaven? Am I one of God's little children? and shall I always have this peace?” 6BIO 124.2

The Voice replied: “Your work is not yet done.” 6BIO 124.3

Again I fell asleep, and when I awoke, I heard music, and I wanted to sing. Then someone passed my door, and I wondered if that person saw the light. [There is no record that those passing the door saw the light.] After a time the light passed away, but the peace remained.—Testimonies for the Church 9:65, 66. 6BIO 124.4

After sleeping a little while again, she had another vision—this time about the book work, and the circulation of tracts and books (Ibid., 9:66, 67). Its main feature was to encourage more aggressive distribution of denominational literature. 6BIO 124.5