Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

A Vision Depicting the Workers as God Saw Them

In the hours of that night Ellen White was given a significant and solemn vision and was able to sleep but little. Before going into the early Sabbath morning devotional meeting, she spent time in prayer. Then she made her way to the small room where the workers were to meet at six o'clock. She found twenty-three there. She opened the meeting with prayer. Heaven seemed near. Daniel Bourdeau prayed next and confessed his weakness in yielding to the temptations of the enemy. “He made a more full surrender to God,” noted Ellen White, “and light from God shone into his heart.”—Ibid. 3BIO 310.4

Her remarks that Sabbath morning related to the holy character of the work and the necessity of improving the talents God has given. 3BIO 310.5

Vividly this stood out in her mind as she addressed the workers that Sabbath morning on the sacred character of the work in which they were engaged, and the need of their improving the talents God had bestowed upon them. 3BIO 310.6

On Sabbath afternoon Ellen White spoke again in the chapel. She had chosen her text, Zechariah 3:1: “And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.” Then the Lord led her mind into an unexpected channel. Addressing by name some before her, she bore testimony of encouragement to certain individuals in the audience. In words of hope for Mrs. A. B. Oyen, she exhorted her to take Christ as her Saviour, looking away from the imperfections of self to Jesus, believing that He alone could remove her defects and give her His righteousness. Speaking to her in pointed language, Ellen White said, “Jesus stands at the door of your heart my sister, knocking for entrance, inviting you to let Him in. Will you hear His voice? Will you open the door? Will you renounce self and welcome Jesus? ...What answer have you to give?”—Ibid. 3BIO 310.7

Then she turned to a discouraged, self-effacing woman, the one later pictured in Steps to Christ, 116, 117 as walking in sadness in a garden. Straying from the path and finding herself beset by briers and thorns, she saw the garden spoiled by thorns rather than gathering “the roses, the lilies, and the pinks.” Ellen White said to her: 3BIO 311.1

Sister Martha Bourdeau, Jesus loves you. Why gather about your soul the clouds of darkness? Why walk in a fog of unbelief? ...Come just as you are, helpless and hopeless.—Manuscript 20, 1885. 3BIO 311.2

After quoting a number of precious promises, she again addressed Martha directly: 3BIO 311.3

My sister, have you not every encouragement to gather up your confidence? Have you endeavored not only to believe in Christ but to live in your daily life as His disciple?—Ibid. 3BIO 311.4

That Sabbath afternoon meeting brought courage to many hearts. The remaining two days of the council bore witness to the fruitage of the messages presented. Sunday morning, September 27, Ellen White urged the workers to be of one mind and of one judgment, ready to receive advice and counsel from one another. She pointed out that: 3BIO 311.5

The Lord can do nothing for us unless we submit to His molding hand. We must be molded as clay is molded in the hands of the potter.... A strong, determined will is essential, but it should be under submission. It should not bear the mold of selfishness, but the grace of Christ should be seen in all the words and ways.—Ibid. 3BIO 311.6

The response that Sunday morning was most gratifying. Ellen White was pleased to write of it in her diary: 3BIO 312.1

Many precious testimonies were borne. Sister Oyen spoke more hopefully.... 3BIO 312.2

Brother Oyen bore an excellent testimony.... 3BIO 312.3

Brother Matteson's testimonies tell on the right side every time. He has been a blessing all through these meetings. 3BIO 312.4

Many humble confessions have been made, and many tears shed. A blessed work is being done for Brother Daniel Bourdeau. He seems to be clothed in his right mind. 3BIO 312.5

Sister Martha Bourdeau [wife of A. C.] bore a good testimony. She says that she will trust in God, that she will dismiss her doubts, that she will no longer deplore her darkness, but will talk of the light, of Jesus and His love and mercy.... 3BIO 312.6

For the first time since our meetings began, Brother John surrendered his ideas and his set notions of laboring in large watering places.—Ibid. 3BIO 312.7

This was indeed a significant victory. 3BIO 312.8