Early Writings
by Ellen G. White
Mrs. White's Dreams
[Referred to on Page 12]
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Ellen White received many dreams and
visions during her lifetime, two of
which are recorded in this chapter.
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I dreamed of seeing a temple to which many people were
flocking. Only those who took refuge in that temple would be saved when time
should close. All who remained outside would be forever lost. The multitudes
without, who were going their various ways, were deriding and ridiculing those
who were entering the temple, and told them that this plan of safety was a
cunning deception, that, in fact, there was no danger whatever to avoid. They
even laid hold of some to prevent them from hastening within the walls. {EW 78.3}
Fearing to be laughed at and ridiculed, I thought best to
wait until the multitude were dispersed, or until I could enter unobserved by
them. But the numbers increased instead of diminishing, and fearful of being
too late, I hastily left my home and pressed through the crowd. In my anxiety
to reach the temple [79] I did not notice or care for the
throng that surrounded me. On entering the building, I saw that the vast temple
was supported by one immense pillar, and to this was tied a Lamb all mangled
and bleeding. We who were present seemed to know that this Lamb had been torn
and bruised on our account. All who entered the temple must come before it and
confess their sins. {EW
78.4}
Just before the Lamb were elevated seats upon which sat a
company of people looking very happy. The light of heaven seemed to shine upon
their faces, and they praised God and sang songs of glad thanksgiving that
seemed to be like the music of angels. These were they who had come before the Lamb,
confessed their sins, been pardoned, and were now waiting in glad expectation
of some joyful event. {EW
79.1}
Even after having entered the building a fear came over me
and a sense of shame that I must humiliate myself before these people. But I
seemed compelled to move forward, and was slowly making my way around the
pillar in order to face the Lamb, when a trumpet sounded, the temple shook,
shouts of triumph arose from the assembled saints, an awful brightness
illuminated the building, then all was intense darkness. The happy people had
all disappeared with the brightness, and I was left alone in the silent horror
of night. {EW 79.2}
I awoke in agony of mind and could hardly convince myself
that I had been dreaming. It seemed to me that my doom was fixed, that the
Spirit of the Lord had left me, never to return. My despondency deepened, if
that were possible. {EW
79.3}
Soon after this I had another dream. I seemed to be sitting
in abject despair, with my face in my hands, reflecting like this: If Jesus were
upon earth, I would go to Him, throw myself at His feet, and tell Him [80]
all my sufferings. He would not turn away from me, He would have mercy upon me,
and I should love and serve Him always. Just then the door opened, and a person
of beautiful form and countenance entered. He looked upon me pityingly and
said: "Do you wish to see Jesus? He is here and you can see Him if you
desire to do so. Take everything you possess and follow me." {EW 79.4}
I heard this with unspeakable joy, and gladly gathered up
all my little possessions, every treasured trinket, and followed my guide. He
led me to a steep and apparently frail stairway. As I commenced to ascend the
steps, he cautioned me to keep my eyes fixed upward, lest I should grow dizzy
and fall. Many others who were climbing up the steep ascent fell before gaining
the top. {EW 80.1}
Finally we reached the last step and stood before the door.
Here my guide directed me to leave all the things that I had brought with me. I
cheerfully laid them down; he then opened the door and bade me enter. In a
moment I stood before Jesus. There was no mistaking that beautiful countenance.
Such a radiant expression of benevolence and majesty could belong to no other.
As His gaze rested upon me, I knew at once that He was acquainted with every
circumstance of my life and all my inner thoughts and feelings. {EW 80.2}
I tried to shield myself from His gaze, feeling unable to
endure His searching eyes, but He drew near with a smile, and, laying His hand
upon my head, said: "Fear not." The sound of His sweet voice thrilled
my heart with a happiness it had never before experienced. I was too joyful to
utter a word, but, overcome with ineffable happiness, sank prostrate at His
feet. While I was lying helpless there, scenes of beauty and glory passed
before me, and I seemed to have reached the safety and peace of heaven. At
length [81]
my strength returned, and I arose. The loving eyes of Jesus were still upon me,
and His smile filled my soul with gladness. His presence filled me with holy
reverence and an inexpressible love. {EW 80.3}
My guide now opened the door, and we both passed out. He
bade me take up again all the things I had left without. This done, he handed
me a green cord coiled up closely. This he directed me to place next my heart,
and when I wished to see Jesus, take from my bosom and stretch it to the
utmost. He cautioned me not to let it remain coiled for any length of time,
lest it should become knotted and difficult to straighten. I placed the cord
near my heart and joyfully descended the narrow stairs, praising the Lord and
joyfully telling all whom I met where they could find Jesus. This dream gave me
hope. The green cord represented faith to my mind, and the beauty and
simplicity of trusting in God began to dawn upon my benighted soul. {EW 81.1}
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