Statement Regarding the Visions
By James White
NOTE.—I gladly embrace this opportunity to express my views of this matter, hoping it will relieve the minds of the brethren in Vermont and elsewhere. I should have spoken out on this subject before; but I supposed the fact being known that I was in union with the “Address of the Conference” published in No. 10, and my relation to the instrument of the Lord's choice, were a sufficient excuse for my silence. My position has been one of trial. The relations I have sustained to the work in the rise and progress of the cause of present truth, have exposed me to a thousand thrusts from those who were opposed to the work. I have ever been slow to speak of Mrs. White's visions in a public manner; but in consequence of the almost utter silence of those who should have spoken fit words in season, I have felt compelled to speak. And if I have spoken in a manner that has given the idea that I lightly esteemed them, it has not “resulted from an unwillingness to bear the cross of Christ.” It has been in reference to the welfare of the cause that I have spoken and acted, notwithstanding all my errors. In regard to the visions being a test, I confess that I have spoken without fully expressing myself; and if Bro. B. had pointed out the expressions he merely refers to, I should now be able to give a more definite reply. It is well known that we have been charged with testing all men by the visions, and of making them the rule of our faith. This is a bold untruth, of which those who uttered it were not ignorant. This I have denied, and deny it still. But there need not be so much blind-fold stumbling over this matter. To say unqualifiedly that they are a test, and carry out the principle with those who know nothing of their teachings, spirit and fruit, at this time when the world is full of manifestations as near the genuine as Satan can get up, would be the wildest fanaticism. On the other hand, for those who profess to believe them to say they will in no wise be tested by them, is most irrational. I still say that the Bible is my rule of faith and practice, and in saying this, I do not reject the holy Spirit in its diversities of operations. If any refer to an expression in a published extract of a letter written to a brother in the West, I would say that that related to those who know but little of the visions save by false reports. I believe them to be the property of the church, and a test to those who believe them from heaven. Let those who regard it as their duty, speak out as to their character, spirit and influence; while silence will better become me in regard to them. As to the perpetuity of the gifts I shall speak as God gives me utterance. JAMES WHITE.