Ellen G. White and Her Critics

12. Vision Concerning Brother Rhodes

FIRST AND ONLY PRINTING

In Present Truth, December, 1849, page 35. A communication from Hiram Edson quotes Mrs. White’s account of a vision (of November 19) which reads as follows: EGWC 635.4

“While in vision the Angel pointed to the earth, where I saw Bro. Rhodes in thick darkness; but he still bore the image of Jesus. I saw that it was the will of God that Brn. Edson and Ralph should go after him. Then I was shown Bro. Rhodes’ past labors in the Advent cause; that he had been mighty in word and in deed. I saw him standing before the people, with the Bible in his hand, and a stream of light coming from his mouth, which found its way to the hearts of the people. Some rejoiced, while others, who were in darkness, were troubled. I saw that he had proclaimed the advent with great confidence, and had shown his faith by his works, and when the time passed, the disappointment was very great. Then some professed Adventists wounded his heart, and I saw him overwhelmed with discouragement, and grief, as he left the little flock, and retired to the wilderness. EGWC 635.5

“I saw that Jesus was pleading his blood for Bro. Rhodes, and that the Angel was ready to enroll his name, as soon as he would come out of that dark place, and stand on all the present truth. The Angel pointed me to the snare of Satan that bound him; and I saw that he thought that there was no hope, no mercy for him; and it would be of no use for him to try. I saw that Brn. Edson and Ralph should make him believe there was hope, and mercy for him, and tear him away, then he would come among the flock; and that Angels would attend them on their journey. I heard an Angel say—‘Can ye not see the worth of the soul? Pull him out of the fire.’ I saw that in Bro. Rhodes’ mouth there had been no guile in speaking against the present truth, relating to the Sabbath, and Shut Door. I also saw that the Lord had laid Bro. Rhodes’ case heavily on Bro. Edson.” EGWC 636.1

Comment on Deletion

This vision appears in a report from Hiram Edson concerning the “cause in Western New-York,” and the endeavor that had been made to bring “Bro. Rhodes” back into active service in the Adventist cause. Edson’s report is dated “Oswego, N. Y. Nov. 26, 1849.” EGWC 636.2

Samuel Rhodes had been active in the Millerite movement. After the great disappointment he had withdrawn to the frontier country, the “wilderness,” and there was living as a recluse. There had been difference of opinion as to what endeavor should be made to bring him back. Edson had a great burden in that direction. That same burden took hold of a “Bro. Ralph,” who was also attending the “Centreport Conference.” All this Edson relates, and then states that Mrs. White had a vision on the subject. The text of the vision immediately follows, in quotation marks, and below it, in larger type, “E. G. White.” EGWC 636.3

Her use of the words, “Shut Door,” in this vision is no different from her use of those words in current works now available. Her only comment on the question of salvation is with regard to Rhodes himself. She said there was “hope, and mercy for him.” EGWC 636.4

Here is an excellent illustration of a vision with a local application. When the vision was fulfilled—carried out—its purpose was accomplished. Hence it was not reprinted. And no critic, so far as we know, has ever raised a question about “suppression.” It would be too transparent to any reader as to why the vision was not republished. Yet it has been as thoroughly “suppressed” as the passages over which critics raise a question. It is hard for us to believe that they really wish to be taken seriously when they make the sweeping statement that everything a prophet writes should ever afterward be available to all mankind to read. That statement simply does not hold up when applied to such writing as this vision regarding Rhodes, for example. EGWC 637.1