Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Further Warnings Against Spiritism

Mrs. White had much to say about the satanic source of Spiritism. We quote the opening lines of a vision of August 24, 1850: EGWC 226.1

“I saw that the mysterious rapping was the power of Satan; some of it was directly from him, and some indirectly, through his agents; but it all proceeded from Satan. It was his work that he accomplished in different ways; yet many in the churches and the world were so enveloped in gross darkness that they thought, and held forth that it was the power of God.”—Experience and Views, 47. EGWC 226.2

The Topsham vision of March 24, 1849, which we have been discussing at length, was republished in the first little book of Mrs. White’s writings, Experience and Views. It is found on pages 24-27. That was in 1851. In 1854 there was published a pamphlet entitled Supplement to the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White. In the first pages of that supplement she offers certain explanatory comments on statements published in the 1851 booklet. We quote in part: EGWC 226.3

“The ‘false reformations’ referred to on page 27, are yet to be more fully seen. This view relates more particularly to those who have heard and rejected the light of the Advent doctrine. They are given over to strong delusions. Such will not have ‘the travail of soul for sinners’ as formerly. Having rejected the Advent, and being given over to the delusions of Satan, ‘the time for their salvation is past.’ This does not, however, relate to those who have not heard and have not rejected the doctrine of the Second Advent.”—Page 4. EGWC 226.4

In this 1854 Supplement she goes on to quote a portion of the 1849 vision, as follows: EGWC 226.5

“I saw that the mysterious knocking in N. Y., and other places, was the power of Satan, and that such things would be more and more common, clothed in a religious garb, to lull the deceived to more security, and to draw the minds of God’s people, if possible, to those things and cause them to doubt the teachings, and power of the Holy Ghost.” EGWC 226.6

Then she adds immediately this most enlightening comment: EGWC 226.7

“This view was given in 1849, nearly five years since. Then spirit manifestations were mostly confined to the city of Rochester, known as the ‘Rochester knockings.’ Since that time the heresy has spread beyond the expectations of any one.... EGWC 227.1

“I saw the rapping delusion—what progress it was making, and if it were possible it would deceive the very elect. Satan will have power to bring the appearance of a form before us purporting to be our relatives and friends that now sleep in Jesus. It will be made to appear as though they were present, the words they uttered while here, which we were familiar with, will be spoken, and the same tone of voice, which they had while living, will fall upon the ear. All this is to deceive the saints, and ensnare them into the belief of this delusion.”—Pages 4-6. EGWC 227.2

These comments and further ones that we might give, all support the interpretation of the March 24, 1849, vision here presented. The point at issue is the nature and source of “the reformations that were shown me.” Mrs. White says that the reformations are of Satan, that is, a display of Spiritism, and intended to deceive. The product, or fruit, of the “reformations,” is the alleged converts. Therefore the power of the deception is in terms of the apparent genuineness of the conversion. How understandable, then, is Mrs. White’s statement: “Some appeared to have been really converted, so as to deceive God’s people.” Yes, and how unwarranted the critics’ interpretation of her words proves to be! EGWC 227.3