Ellen G. White’s Attitude Toward Her Work

16. The Visions—Not Controlled by Man

“It is utterly false that I have ever intimated I could have a vision when I pleased. There is not a shade of truth in this. I have never said I could throw myself into visions when I pleased, for this is simply impossible. EGWATHW 7.1

“I have felt for years that if I could have my choice and please God as well I would rather die than have a vision, for every vision places me under great responsibility to bear testimonies of reproof and of warning, which has ever been against my feelings, causing me affliction of soul that is inexpressible. Never have I coveted my position, and yet I dare not resist the Spirit of God and seek an easier position. EGWATHW 7.2

“The spirit of God has come upon me at different times, in different places, and under various circumstances. My husband has no control of these manifestations of the Spirit of God. Many times he has been far away when I have had visions.”—Letter 2, 1874 (To J. N. Loughborough) EGWATHW 7.3