Ms 1, 1853 1EGWLM 352

June 2, 1853, Jackson, Michigan 1EGWLM 352.1

A Vision Given at Jackson, Michigan, June 2, 1853. 1EGWLM 352.2

Portions of this manuscript are published in Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, pp. 359, 360.

Some negative aspects of Samuel W. Rhodes's influence on leaders and members of the Jackson, Michigan, company. 1EGWLM 352.3

I was first shown that when Brother Rhodes [Samuel W. Rhodes]¹

Identity: The description given in this letter of “Brother Rhodes”—a preacher, visiting Michigan on more than one occasion, designing a prophetic chart, etc.—makes it very clear that Samuel W. Rhodes is being referred to. Further, no other “Rhodes” is mentioned in the Review in the early 1850s.

I also saw that Brother Rhodes had a hurried, excitable spirit, and that it had a great effect on the brethren at Jackson [Michigan]. From what God had shown through vision in favor of Brother Rhodes, the brethren put the utmost confidence in him, as though he would not err. The wrong impressions were given concerning the brethren's property, as though it was a burden to them, and they must get it off their hands as soon as possible or it would crush them, and they must lay up their treasure in heaven, &c.⁴

This was not the first time that the emerging movement had been embarrassed by radical interpretations of Christ's words “Sell that ye have and give alms.” As early as 1849 James White had complained of “some fiery spirits” in western New York “whose principal message was ‘Sell that ye have and give alms.’” Funds brought in by such appeals had often been used unwisely. White protested about “means … squandered away, and worse than lost in W. New York.”

I saw that the brethren that had property had the greatest confidence in Brother Rhodes, and they commenced to sacrifice their property, and handed it out without having the true object set before them (the suffering cause), and they handed out freely, too much and too often. I saw that the teachers should have stood in a place to correct these errors, and exerted a good influence in the church. Money was made to be of little or no consequence, the sooner disposed of the better, and Brethren Holt [George W. Holt]⁷

Identity: Brother Holt is here coupled with itinerant evangelists Samuel W. Rhodes and Hiram S. Case as having accepted large donations and spending too freely in the course of their travels. The implication is that Brother Holt is also a traveling preacher. Ellen White is no doubt referring to George W. Holt, the only itinerant preacher by that surname among Sabbatarian Adventists in the early 1850s.

Those who had means were thrown into great darkness and perplexity, and Brother Case was hurt by too much means being put into his hands. He did not study economy but lived extravagantly, in his travels laid out money here and there, to no effect, spread a wrong influence by his being so flush with the Lord's money, and would say, to others and in his own heart, to himself, there is means enough in Jackson, more than can be used up before Jesus comes.⁸

An article by J. B. Bezzo in the Messenger of Truth provides some rare insights into the ministry of Hiram Case and his break with the Sabbatarian Adventists. It gives a glimpse into the financial support provided by Jackson members to Hiram Case and his family. Thus, in 1853 “Bro. Drew told Bro. Case that if he wo'd move to his place, he would furnish him with a cow, house to live in, and would help support his family while he was carrying the third angel's message.” It appears from Bezzo's article that the Jackson church had accepted financial responsibility for the Case family, an arrangement that was very unusual if not unique during the early 1850s, when most traveling preachers received only irregular financial support from the various companies they visited. Bezzo's article is, in the main, critical of the level of support provided for Hiram Case and family. Bezzo wrote in 1854 after both he and Case had joined the opposition Messenger Party.

And I saw that these poor souls who have just embraced the third angel's message, and have had such an example set before them, will have much to learn, to deny self and suffer for Christ's sake. They will have to learn to give up their ease and cease studying their convenience and comfort, but bear in mind the worth of souls, and if they feel the “woe” upon them, they will not be for making great preparations and fixings outwardly to travel in ease and comfort. And those who have no calling have been encouraged into the field.⁹

The problem of self-appointed preachers using up scarce donations in their travels continued to afflict the fledgling movement during the years before organization took place in the early 1860s. A Review article in 1852 reminded “those who have means” that they should not “bestow it upon every one who may profess to be called of God to preach. … They should first be satisfied that they are called of God to teach, before they give them means to travel.”

I saw that Brother Case knew not what trials and sufferings and privations were, and he has not heeded the vision given concerning following the desires of the eyes as he should, and has erred many times since in the same way. I saw that there had been a careless, profligate use of the Lord's money, by Brother Case, and he has not got rid of this error yet, nor seen it in its true light—has much to learn yet, and others have been affected by these things somewhat, by some of the messengers not setting the right example, or casting the right influence. I saw that these things must be understood in their true light, and these evils which have grown out of false teachings must be corrected, and right impressions be cast. 1EGWLM 354.2

I saw an oppressive spirit exercised by some of the brethren toward others. Brother Bowles has partaken largely of this oppressive exalted spirit. So, also, have Brethren Case and Russell [Charles P. Russell],¹¹

Identity: Further information helping to identify Brother Russell is given toward the end of the letter where Hiram S. Case and Russell are connected with the incident involving Sr. Palmer's indiscretion. In a parallel account by Ellen White in Spiritual Gifts, Case and Russell are identified simply as “C. and R.” The outcome of the Palmer incident, as Ellen White described it, was that “C. and R. … began to fight against my testimony, and here commenced what is called the ‘Messenger’ party.” It is well known from several primary sources that Hiram Case and C. P. Russell were cofounders of the breakaway Messenger Party. Census records for 1850 list a Charles P. Russell living in Jackson, Michigan.

I saw that there had been no trusting in God by Brother Case; for if he was at any time a little perplexed or brought into a strait, instead of crying to God, and trusting in Him, he had murmured against those who had the means, and then when the brethren did help it was not prized. There was an ungrateful, unthankful feeling like this: it was no more than they ought to do—the means was the Lord's &c. This feeling, I saw, was all wrong and hid God's face from those who had it, and this spirit and feeling which is so cruel must be seen and confessed, and put entirely aside or it could not be blotted out, and the same evils will again occur, and the ark of God be stayed¹²

An allusion to the ark of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary, a symbol of God's presence in the camp of the Israelites. Compare the language used here with the following passage in a document written some months later: “A death-like stupor has hung upon the people of God. The reason is, the ark is not with them, for the holy commandments have been broken, and God has taken it away in His anger” (Ms 1, 1854 [Feb. 12]).

I saw that the dreams of Brother Miller,¹³

Identity: The identity of “Brother Miller,” of Oswego, has not been established.

And those who had means were thrown into a great darkness and perplexity, not daring to question into any move of Brother Rhodes, or inquire into anything on account of being rebuked or repulsed by Brother Rhodes's severity, and they were thrown into a state of fear, afraid to speak out things that they had seen and known. And these things must be confessed and taken out of the way before Brother Rhodes can be free, and move in the wisdom of God.¹⁵

Seven weeks after this vision was given, on July 23, 1853, Samuel Rhodes wrote a confession, in the manner of the times, that was published in the Review. “I see some things … which call for a confession on my part, which indeed is humiliating but shall be freely and frankly made. … I have not at all times possessed enough of the mind of Christ and have been left to a hurried, overbearing, oppressive spirit, and to deal out rebukes sometimes that were not dictated by the Spirit of the Lord.” It cannot be established with certainty that this “confession” was a direct response to Ellen White's vision of June 2, although it seems likely. This was the first of several confessions from Rhodes appearing in the Review over the next decade.

I saw that this feeling that the messenger's course must not be questioned, and that their judgment and understanding is correct in almost everything, and that they must be exalted above the brethren, is all wrong. There has been a lording it over God's heritage. I saw that those who profess to be teachers, should be patterns of piety, meekness, and great humility, possessing a loving, kind spirit, winning souls to Jesus and the truth of the Bible. 1EGWLM 356.2

I saw sensitive feelings of the messengers fearing lest others will think they are wrong. I saw that there was great backwardness in some of confessing their faults, fearing lest the confidence of the brethren in them will be destroyed. All these feelings, I saw, must be overcome and given up before the church can be in a healthy state. I saw that those who profess to be servants of the living God, to lead souls to Christ, must be willing to be servants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren, and they must possess a kind, courteous spirit. 1EGWLM 357.1

I saw that Brother Rhodes must break in pieces before God, and confess many things that he has done wrong. I saw an evading confession by Brother Rhodes, and excusing over all mismoves instead of coming out frankly and honestly and with childlike simplicity take all wrongs out of the way. I saw that Brother Rhodes had labored and labored to show that he was not wrong. I saw that if Brother Rhodes has moved ever so honestly yet if he has been wrong or done wrong, and afterwards evidence comes that he has done wrong, he must cease to confer with flesh and blood, and must confess his errors with meekness and humility. 1EGWLM 357.2

Errors and wrongs must be confessed thoroughly, and honesty cannot stand as an excuse for not confessing, and by confessing it would not lessen the confidence of the church in the messenger that has erred, but would set a sweet, childlike example to the church, and a spirit of confession would be encouraged in the church, and sweet union would be the result. Humility, I saw, was lacking in Brother Rhodes. 1EGWLM 357.3

I saw that Brother Bowles's going West was all wrong¹⁶

According to scattered mentions in the Review John Bowles and Hiram Case preached in Illinois and Wisconsin during the autumn of 1851 and the spring of 1852.

I saw that Brother Rhodes would yet have to see and feel that he has exercised an oppressive, overbearing spirit towards his brethren and sisters, and had felt a kind of a spirit of lording it over God's heritage. All these things, I saw, must be confessed and taken out of the way. I saw that they must strive to quicken their memory and not be too willing to forget. 1EGWLM 358.1

I saw that the wrongs of the church and messengers must be seen and confessed before the grievous wound could be healed.¹⁸

Of the four “messengers” reproved in this manuscript, the confessions of Hiram Case and Samuel Rhodes appeared in the Review within a few weeks. To make confession publicly in the columns of the Review was not uncommon in the 1850s and 1860s.

I saw that Brethren Case and Rhodes have nominally admitted and acknowledged the visions but have not followed them out, but have resisted the conclusion that the visions would bring them to if they fully believed, and the effect that the Lord meant that it should have upon them, and His design in giving the vision had many times failed by these brethren closing the eyes, evading the point &c. I saw that Brother Case had followed the desires of his eyes of late. 1EGWLM 358.3

I saw the chart-making business was all wrong. It originated with Brother Rhodes and was followed out by Brother Case. Means have been spent in making charts and forming uncouth, disgusting images to represent angels and the glorious Jesus. Such things, I saw, were displeasing to God. I saw that God was in the publishment of the chart by Brother Nichols [Otis Nichols].¹⁹

The “charts” depicted prophetic symbols from Daniel and Revelation together with time calculations. In October 1850 Ellen White had received instruction in vision that a prophetic chart should be published. During the next few months Otis Nichols supervised the publication of a chart that was advertised for distribution and sale in January 1851. “We are much pleased with the arrangement of the Chart,” wrote James White, “… and we are satisfied that it will be a great help to those who teach the present truth.”

I saw that it was a restless, uneasy, unsatisfied, ungrateful feeling in Brother Case that desired another chart. I saw that these painted charts had a bad effect upon the congregation. It caused a light, chaffy spirit of ridicule to be in the meeting.²¹

Hiram Case's interest in painting prophetic charts that were subsequently less than well received by others is documented by J. B. Bezzo. During a tour of Ohio in 1851, wrote Bezzo, “Case got up a new chart. He was gone about six weeks, and when he returned, the brethren had a trial with him about the chart. He confessed his wrong, and asked their forgiveness.”

I saw that the charts ordered by God struck the mind favorably, even without an explanation. There is something light, lovely, and heavenly in the representation of the angels on the charts. The mind is almost imperceptibly led to God and heaven. But the other charts that have been gotten up disgusted the mind, and caused the mind to dwell more on earth than heaven. Images representing angels look more like fiends than beings of heaven. I saw that the charts had for days and weeks occupied Brother Case's mind when he should have been seeking heavenly wisdom from God, and should have been growing in graces of the Spirit and the knowledge of the truth. 1EGWLM 359.1

I saw that if the means that have been wasted in getting out charts had been spent in getting out the truth clearly before the brethren, in publishing tracts &c., it would have done much good and saved souls. I saw that the chart-making business has spread like the fever. 1EGWLM 359.2

I saw that Sr. Palmer [Abigail Palmer]²²

Identity: The Jackson, Michigan, setting of this letter makes it relatively easy to identify “Sr. Palmer.” There is frequent mention in the Review, from 1851 onward, of a “D. R. Palmer,” of Jackson. No doubt Ellen White is here referring to his wife, Abigail.

I then was pointed again to Sr. Palmer. Said the angel, It does not belong there. Words were spoken but not the ones that were said that she spake. I saw words spoken that were wrong, that should not have been spoken, and which in no way could glorify God; but which were the fruits of the risings of self. But the words which were considered the most sinful she did not speak.²³

Further details of the incident mentioned here are given by Ellen White in Spiritual Gifts and by John Loughborough, who was an eyewitness to some of the events. Central to the episode was an angry outburst by Abigail Palmer of the Jackson, Michigan, band, aimed at a non-Adventist neighbor. Witnessing the scene was 17-year-old Savilla, daughter of Hiram Case, who claimed (according to Loughborough) that the offensive word “bitch” had been used. Hiram Case and Charles Russell insisted that Abigail Palmer should confess, but she denied using the vile epithet. The Jackson group became divided on the issue. Sometime thereafter, in early June 1853, the Whites visited Jackson, and Ellen was given the vision that is here reported. Abigail subsequently admitted to having used the word “witch” rather than “bitch.”

I also saw that the testimony of a child should never be received against the testimony of a child of God, unless other persons of experience in the things of God and to be relied on, should hear and witness the same. Great carefulness should be used on this point. I saw trouble between the two families before this circumstance happened, or was brought up, which caused the one to be willing, yes, too willing, to see the faults of the other, and Bro. Case's daughter had indulged in very wrong feelings toward Sr. Palmer, and she was willing to make it appear worse than it was. I saw that it was a great lack of judgment crediting her testimony and pressing it upon others to do so. I saw that there has been a thrusting with side and shoulder by Brethren Case [and] Russell.²⁴

Little is said here about the reactions of Case and Russell to Ellen White's vision. But according to the parallel account given in Spiritual Gifts, they totally rejected the part of the vision that denied that Mrs. Palmer had used the offensive term. They went further and “began to fight against my testimony, and here commenced what is called the ‘Messenger’ party.”

I saw that the weakness of [the] Jackson Band was known all through Jackson; also, in other places, many had been weakened and burdened by Brother Case spreading or introducing the trials of [the] Jackson Band to almost every place he went. This, I saw, was all wrong and God was displeased with such a course. I then saw that we should never intimate our trials in any way to the wicked. I saw that Satan had laughed as he saw those who professed to have wisdom from God, and believing they were having the last message of mercy to the world, should make the wicked acquainted with their troubles and trials, and let them in to see the weakness of the Band. I was pointed back to the time when Hezekiah led the enemies into the house of God, and shewed them the sacred, secret things there, the vessels of gold &c., of the temple, which was a heinous sin in the sight of God, and He pronounced a heavy curse upon them.²⁵

Cf. 2 Kings 20:12-18.

I saw that it was a shame to those who are teachers to set such an example to the flock. I saw that great dishonor was brought upon the cause of God by letting the wicked (who are abhorred of God and who had such a wicked, ungodly spirit that there was nothing that was too hard for them to say or any suffering too severe for them to inflict upon the saints if it was in their power) know their weakness, even so much as to come to them for testimony. If they had been left to do this, decide the case of the church on such testimony, God would leave forever those who did it, in perfect darkness, unfit to have to do with the holy cause of God. I saw that we had nothing to do with the wicked, that the affairs of the church should be kept in the church. That we have no confessions to make to the wicked, unless we have done them a personal injury. I saw that Brother Case's course had most effectually destroyed the confidence of the church in his judgment, also his influence in Jackson was gone. My feelings were intense as I saw these things. I saw that Brethren Case, Russell, and Bowles had all erred in their feelings toward the wicked; they have felt a spirit of hatred in their hearts towards them which was displeasing to a holy God. 1EGWLM 361.1

I saw that Brother Case has not known yet what wants and trials are in regard to means since he embraced the third angel's message; therefore he has not, neither his wife or daughter, felt thankful and grateful to God for opening the hearts of His children to bestow donations upon them. I was pointed back to the time where and how the third angel's message found Brother Case. Said the angel: Look back and remember what God and the truth have done for thee; do not forget it. I saw that the brethren had done for and treated Brother Case as parents would treat their children, and there was but little thankfulness or gratitude in return. I saw that they had not prized the help and assistance of their brethren. There has been a lack of humility in the family. 1EGWLM 361.2

I saw that Brother Case's daughter did not mean to lie about Sr. Palmer, but she thought she heard her say something much as she told, and she was willing to have it look worse than it was, and as bad as possible. I saw that she must get rid of her pride and get humble before God, with her father and mother, and confess heartily to God and the church. 1EGWLM 361.3

I saw that Brother Russell had been exalted in his own eyes. He has been humble in times past, and enjoyed pure religion; but he has got to have a great work done for him before he will again understand the movings of the Spirit of God and flourish in the Lord. 1EGWLM 361.4

I saw Brother Case has indulged in wrong feelings, and talked it over and over, at home and abroad, and all the family partook of a jealous, wrong spirit, when even if others had been wrong, it was no excuse for them to sin. I saw that Brother Case loved his ease too well, and indulged himself altogether too much. He knew not what it was to suffer for the truth's sake. He has not learnt yet half that he will have to learn. 1EGWLM 362.1

I saw that Brother Russell has had a hard, oppressive spirit and Brother Case's daughter has indulged in very wrong feelings and her parents have not checked it by example or reproof, but encouraged it by example. I saw that a great work must be done for Brother Case or he would be laid aside as unfit to carry the truth of God to others, and unfit to be an example to the flock; for if he remains as he is, his influence will be as it has been, death, death, death.²⁶

Eventually, some months later, Hiram Case was “laid aside.” There is some uncertainty as to the date when Case was dismissed from the ministry. According to J. B. Bezzo, it was at a meeting held in Sylvan, Michigan, in January 1854 that “it was decided that Bro. Case should not carry the message.” The Review, however, says the decision was made at a conference in Jackson, Michigan, on February 17, 1854. Bezzo adds that Case was disfellowshipped “a short time after this [Sylvan] meeting” at a meeting held in Jackson.

I saw that the Lord had been displeased with some of the brethren for following the desires of their eyes, and getting costly Bibles when a cheaper Bible contained all the words of God, and answers the same purpose. I saw money had been wasted in this thing to gratify a selfish feeling. I saw that the messengers must be examples to the flock, and every cent and dollar that has been misspent would have to be rendered an account for in the day of judgment. 1EGWLM 362.3

I saw that the understanding that Brother Bowles got of the trial some time back was nearly right; but it was not a revelation he had but his understanding was convinced, and then it was he moved all wrong, and threw everything into confusion. 1EGWLM 362.4

Picture: Opposition paper, The Messenger of Truth, launched by C. P. Russell and H. S. Case. Original dimensions (H x W): 20 x 13.5 in. (51 x 34 cm.). Courtesy of the State Library of Pennsylvania. 1EGWLM 363

Picture: 1EGWLM 364