Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

Sins Tolerated in the Camp

But in a vision given to Ellen White, which she wrote out while at the Abbey home in Brookfield on Sunday, February 12, she declared: 1BIO 290.2

I saw the situation of many in our meeting at Oswego. They were in the way of the work of God.... The ax has not been laid at the root of the tree. Those who have indulged in the wicked passions of the heart have been fellowshipped.... God will not look upon sin now any sooner than He did anciently when Israel sinned. Sins have not been held forth in their sinful character, but have been made to appear as though sins have been lightly regarded by God. 1BIO 290.3

I saw the seventh commandment had been broken by some who are now held in fellowship by the church, and in consequence God's frown is upon the church. This sin is awful in these last days and the church has brought God's frown and curse upon them in regarding this sin lightly.—Manuscript 1, 1854. 1BIO 290.4

She referred to the far-reaching effects of the toleration of such sins in the church: 1BIO 290.5

Said the angel, “This is not the sin of ignorance. It is a known sin, and will receive the awful visitation of God, whether committed by old or young.” Never was this sin regarded by God to be so sinful as at present, because God is purifying to Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.—Ibid. 1BIO 290.6

After writing at length in this vein, she again quoted the words of the angel: 1BIO 290.7

Said the angel, “Fearful is the work of the third angel, and awful is his mission. He is to select the wheat from the tares, and bind or seal the wheat for the heavenly garner.”—Ibid. 1BIO 290.8

Introducing another phase of the vision, she was led to write: 1BIO 291.1

The next thing shown me was the sins of parents in neglecting their children. I saw they would have an awful account to give.—Ibid.

She then discussed the discipline that should be begun at “8, 9, or 10 months” and wrote of the lack of discipline that allowed children to treat the house of God with disrespect by their unrestrained conduct. 1BIO 291.2