William Foy and Hazen Foss: Ellen White's Prophetic Predecessors

It is a pleasure to share information about the early experiences of the prophetic gift that preceded Ellen White, particularly concerning William Foy and Hazen Foss ✨.

The experiences of William Foy and Hazen Foss are pivotal events in the history of the prophetic movement, as both men were chosen by God to receive visions prior to the end of 1844GP 116.2.

Writings Concerning William Foy

William Foy, a black Freewill Baptist preacher, received three, and possibly four, visions during the years 1842 to 1844GP 116.2.

• His own visions were documented and published in 1845 under the title The Christian Experience of William E. Foy Together With the Two Visions He Received in the Months of Jan. and Feb. 1842GP 116.2.

• In one of his visions, he was shown a sequence of three platforms that extended toward the gates of the Holy City, which is recognized as relating to the three angels’ messages found in prophetic historyGP 116.2.

• Foy stopped relating the content of his third vision, possibly because he did not fully understand its meaningGP 116.2.

Ellen Harmon heard William Foy speak at Beethoven Hall in Portland, Maine, and she later recalled that he was an extremely tall man who gave remarkable testimoniesGP 116.2+3. She was present when the power of the truth came upon him so strongly during a meeting that he fell to the floor while in vision17MR 95-96.2.

The Experience of Hazen Foss

Hazen Foss, whose older brother married Ellen White's sister Mary, was selected by God just before the Great Disappointment in 1844GP 116.2+1. He was given a vision that was similar to Ellen White's first vision, showing the ultimate triumph of the Advent believersGP 116.2.

• After the disappointment, God directed Hazen Foss to relate these visions to others, but he was discouraged and too proud-spirited to obey the divine promptingGP 116.2+2.

• Because he refused to accept the commission, he was told that the burden would be given to one of the weakest of the Lord's children who would faithfully relate what God revealedGP 116.2.

• When he finally decided to obey and tried to relate the vision, he could not recall its content, as the light had been taken from him6LtMs, Lt 37, 1890, par. 8.

• Hazen Foss personally confirmed to Ellen Harmon that he believed the visions were taken from him and given to her, urging her to be faithful in doing her work so that she would receive the crown he might have had6LtMs, Lt 37, 1890, par. 8.

Prophetic Guidance for the Church

While Foy and Foss's individual accounts set the stage for the continuation of the prophetic gift after 1844, the guidance that came through Ellen White is primarily found in her own publications, which elaborate on the movement's history and the prophetic timelineCCh 326.6+1.

Important foundational books in this prophetic history include:

• Early Writings: This volume, published in 1882, combined earlier works and detailed the Christian experience and views of Ellen White, serving as a primary source for the prophetic messages delivered to the church5T 3.3.

• Spirit of Prophecy Volume Four—The Great Controversy: This essential historical work, published in 1884 and enlarged in 1888, placed the prophetic messages into the broad sweep of prophetic history17MR 6.2+2.

The Lord uses the law of God and the spirit of prophecy hand-in-hand to guide and counsel the church, acknowledging the prophetic gift as the testimony of Jesus Christ Revelation 12:17+1LLM 33.3. These divine directions, line upon line, must be heeded to save people from accepting strong delusionsCCh 326.6.