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

Enabled to Write

This experience, apparently in her own home in Portland, Maine, in the late spring or early summer in 1845, marks a significant turn in Ellen's experience, for she observed as she related it: 1BIO 91.3

Up to this time I could not write. My trembling hand was unable to hold my pen steadily. While in vision I was commanded by an angel to write the vision. I attempted it, and wrote readily. My nerves were strengthened, and my hand became steady.—Spiritual Gifts, 2:60. 1BIO 91.4

Many years later she referred to her experience in beginning to write: 1BIO 91.5

The Lord has said, “Write out the things which I shall give you.” And I commenced when very young to do this work. My hand that was feeble and trembling because of infirmities became steady as soon as I took the pen in my hand, and since those first writings I have been able to write. God has given me the ability to write.... That right hand scarcely ever has a disagreeable sensation. It never wearies. It seldom ever trembles.—Manuscript 88a, 1900. 1BIO 91.6

As to her feelings and response when instructed, she wrote: 1BIO 92.1

I wept, and said, “Impossible, impossible.” The words came, “Nothing is impossible with God.” The effort was made and my hand commenced to write the things that had been given me.—Ibid.