The Experience of Paris, Maine, in 1845

That the “shut door” did not connote a close of probation for all the world is confirmed by an experience already alluded to involving Ellen Harmon transpiring in the summer of 1845, some four or five months after the February vision at Exeter just referred to. The account of what took place comes to us from the pen of a well-known woman of pioneer Adventist stock, Mrs. Marion C. Truesdail. The experience is attested to by five other persons who were familiar with the circumstances. In her letter written August 17, 1875, and also signed by the five persons just referred to, she states:EGWSDQ 26.3

During Miss Harmon’s (now Mrs. White) visit to Paris, Maine, in the summer of 1845, I stated to her the particulars of a dear friend of mine whose father had prevented her attending our meetings; consequently she had not rejected light. She smilingly replied, “God never has shown me that there is no salvation for such persons. It is only those who have had the light of truth presented to them and knowingly rejected it.” Miss Harmon’s reply coincided with my idea of a shut door, and in justice no other could be derived from it.—The Review and Herald, April 7, 1885, (quoted in an article by George I. Butler).EGWSDQ 27.1