“THE spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” 1 Corinthians 14:32. The same spirit that actuates one true prophet of God controls and actuates another. So in the true manifestation of the Holy Spirit there must be a similarity in the visions now given with those described in the Bible. It may be well, however, briefly to notice some Scriptural accounts of true visions from God, comparing them with the “open visions”-visions given before the people-of Mrs. E. G. White.HEVI 29.5

It has been the privilege of the writer to witness this manifestation through Mrs. White nearly fifty times during the last forty-six years, and to learn, in the year 1858, from the lips of those conversant with the beginning of this manifestation through her, the history of the same.HEVI 29.6

It may be well, however, before making the comparisons, to describe the manifestation itself as seen in Mrs. White. In the particulars which I now endeavor to give there was never a variation in all the numerous visions that the writer has witnessed. As the blessing of the Holy Spirit would fall upon her in power, she would give three shouts, speaking the word “glory!” The first shout, as nearly as can be described, sounded as if coming from the upper part of the room, and was accompanied by thrills of the power of the Lord, affecting all present whose hearts were susceptible to the Spirit of God. The second shout sounded still farther off, and the impress of the Spirit on those present was deeper. The third shout resembled that of a voice in the distance, like one just going out of hearing. With this the presence of the Spirit would be felt in a still greater degree, reminding one of the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit “filled all the house where they were sitting.” Acts 2:2.HEVI 29.7

After the third shout, for half a minute or more, there was a complete loss of strength. If the power of the Spirit came upon her when standing, she appeared gradually to settle down to the floor, as if being gently let down by unseen hands. When fairly in the vision, the action of the heart and pulse was natural, but the closest tests by medical men failed to discover a particle of breath in her body. The color of the countenance was natural, and the eyes were open, always looking upward, not with a vacant stare, neither in a stationary position, but turning from side to side in different directions, the only difference from the natural look being like that of one looking intently at some object in the distance. After a moment of weakness, a superhuman power came upon her. While she would sometimes rise to her feet, and walk about the room, gracefully moving her arms to the right or the left, yet in whatever position the arm might be placed, it was impossible for strong men to move it an inch.HEVI 29.8

When we look at the Scripture record of visions given to God’s servants, we find many particulars relative to the physical condition of the entranced person. In the case of Paul, as recorded in his letter to the Corinthians, he says: “I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 12:1. That he speaks of himself and his own visions is evident from the seventh verse, where he says, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. Verse 7.HEVI 30.1

Of his visions Paul says: “I know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I can not tell; or whether out of the body, I can not tell: God knoweth), such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I can not tell: God knoweth), how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful [“not possible,” margin] for a man to utter.” Verses 2-4. The Review and Herald, August 1, 1899.HEVI 30.2

THE PROPHET GIFT

HEAVENLY VISIONS