The Important Vision of December 25

Mornings the group would meet in Andrews’ home in Rochester, then afternoons go to the Lamson home, where they could be with James as they prayed. And so it went from day to day till December 25. Ellen White described what then took place:2BIO 126.2

Christmas evening as we were humbling ourselves before God, and earnestly pleading for deliverance, the light of heaven seemed to shine upon us, and I was wrapt in a vision of God's glory. It seemed that I was borne quickly from earth to heaven, where all was health, beauty, and glory. Strains of music fell upon my ear, melodious, perfect, and enchanting....2BIO 126.3

Then my attention was called to things transpiring here upon this earth, which I shall not attempt to relate here, but may give them at some future time. I had an encouraging view of the case of my husband, and the particulars of which will be presented hereafter.—Ibid.2BIO 126.4

Recounting the experience many years later, Loughborough recalled:2BIO 126.5

As she related the vision to us, she said: “Satan's purpose was to destroy my husband, and bring him down to the grave. Through these earnest prayers, his power has been broken.2BIO 127.1

“I have been shown that Satan is angry with this company who have continued for three weeks praying earnestly in behalf of this servant of God, and he is now determined to make a powerful attack upon them. I was told to say to you, ‘Live very near to God that you may be prepared for what comes upon you.’”—Pacific Union Recorder, November 21, 1912.2BIO 127.2

Ellen White reported that shortly after the vision, with its encouragement to James, “my husband then proposed our returning to Battle Creek the next week on Monday [January 1, 1866], New Year's evening.... I felt the evidence that the Lord would go with us on our journey, and bring us safely to our home again.”—The Review and Herald, February 27, 1866.2BIO 127.3