Compare Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith with Ellen White: Similarities in Experience and Message
SDA Outreach (first two sections), Elaine Bowerman (last section)
Similar Early Experiences
Joseph Smith, Pearl of Great Price
| Ellen White, Testimonies I, Life Sketches
|
...It seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction... 48:15
|
...it seemed to me as if I had been rescued from hell...
1T 31; LS 161
|
Thick darkness gathered around me and it seemed to me for a while as if I were doomed... 48:15
|
Total darkness settled upon me and there seemed no way out of the shadows... 1T 25; LS 153
|
I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head... 48:16
|
I dreamed of seeing...one immense pillar...and to this was tied a lamb all mangled and bleeding... Just before the lamb were elevated seats upon which sat a company of people... The light of heaven seemed to shine..." 1T 27; LS 155
NOTE:
The description of "pillars," "elevated seats," "light," and a "lamb" tied to a "pillar" are all elements of the secret temple ceremonies of the mormon cult.1
|
When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light departed I had no strength: But recovering in some degree I went home... 48:20
|
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 last my strength returned and I arose...
1T 29; LS 157
|
And as I leaned upon the fireplace, Mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, "Never mind, all is well--I am well enough off." I then said to my mother... 48:20
|
I now confided all my sorrows and perplexities to my mother. She tenderly sympathized with and encouraged me... LS 157
|
...I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had...he treated my communication...with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil... 48:21
|
...I felt forbidden to relate my vision in such company... They denounced my visions as being of the devil... LS 229;231
|
In consequence of these things, I often felt condemned for my weaknesses and imperfections; when, on the evening of the above-mentioned 21st of September after I had retired to my bed for the night I betook myself to prayer and supplications to the Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins... 50:29
|
...words of condemnation rang in my ears day and night, and my constant cry to God was, "What shall I do to be saved?"...Sometimes for a whole night I would not dare to close my eyes, but would...kneel upon the floor, praying silently... 1T 23,26
|
Similarities in Message and Mission
Joseph Smith
| Ellen White
|
God had a work for me... PGP 51:33
|
God has given me a work... 5T 19
|
It has gone abroad that I proclaimed myself no longer a prophet. I said it last Sabbath ironically: I supposed you would all understand. It was not that I would renounce the idea of being a prophet, but I had no disposition of proclaiming myself such. V5:516
...I accepted an invitation to see Judge Pope in his room, and spent an hour in conversation with his honor, in which I explained to him that I did not profess to be a prophet any more than every man ought to who professes to be a preacher of righteousness; and that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. V5:231,232
|
I am not, as I said yesterday Sabbath, a prophet. I do not claim to be a leader. I simply claim to be simply a messenger of God, and that is all I have ever claimed.
(Statement made Oct. 1, 1904 at Battle Creek Tabernacle; quoted in The Blue Book, pp. 11,12, Charles Stewart)
Why have I not claimed to be a prophet?--Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my work includes much more than the word "prophet" signifies. Review and Herald, Jul. 26, 1907
|
And, behold, they will publish this, and Satan will harden the hearts of the people to stir them up to anger against you, that they will not believe my words. Thus Satan thinketh to over power your testimony in this generation, that the work may not come forth in this generation. DC 10:32,33
|
It was the spirit of Satan expressed in looks and words to make of none effect the Testimonies of the Spirit of God. ... And while it is called to-day, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation in the wilderness.
Special Testimony to the Battle Creek Church, 9.
|
...I also had the spirit of prophecy... PGP 56:73
|
...the Lord has manifested Himself through the spirit of prophecy... 5T 64
|
Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the Scripture laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of the more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before thought of... PGP 57:74
|
...when the brethren who had assembled for study came to a point where they could go no further, and had recourse to earnest prayer, the Spirit of God would rest upon. I would be taken off in vision and be instructed in regard to the relation of Scripture to Scripture. Review and Herald,
June 14, 1906
|
I answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; and that these professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near me with their lips but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men..." PGP 48:17-20
|
I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily imbibing new errors. I saw that neither young nor old should attend their meetings; for it is wrong to thus encourage them while they teach error that is a deadly poison to the soul and teach for doctrines the commandments of men.
Early Writings, p. 124
|
...the Book of Mormon...contains the truth and the word of God. DC 19:26
|
...In my books, the truth is stated, barricaded by a "Thus saith the Lord." Letter, March 6, 1906
|
And then thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee sight and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which is sacred... DC 3:12
|
Sister Fannie...you have handled the sacred things...
Letter to Fannie Bolton, Feb. 6, 1894
|
Ellen White and Joseph Smith: Kindred Prophets
Joseph Smith's claims (below) are found in Doctrine and Covenants to which Ellen G. White had access from the time she was a small child.
JS: HIS WORK OF GOD
"Therefore, doubt not...for it is the work of God..." Doctrine and
Covenants 8:8
EGW: HER WORK OF GOD
"This is the work of God or it
is not. God does nothing in partnership with Satan." 4T
230
JS: HE WAS CHOSEN
"Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou art
chosen to do this work of the Lord" Doctrine and
Covenant 3:9
EGW: SHE WAS CHOSEN
"An unspeakable awe filled me, that I, so young
and feeble should be chosen as the instrument by which God
would give light to his people..." 1T 62-65
JS: THE VOICE OF WARNING
"And the voice of warning shall
be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these
last days." Doctrine and Covenants 1:4
EGW: THE VOICE OF WARNING
"...God has spoken to you in these
warnings..." 5T 680
JS: HIS "BOOK OF MORMON" CONTAINS TRUTH AND WORD
OF GOD
"...the Book of
Mormon...contains the truth and the word of God..."
Doctrine and Covenants 19:26
EGW: HER BOOKS CONTAIN THE TRUTH AND THE WORD OF
GOD
"...In my books, the truth is stated,
barricaded by a 'Thus saith the Lord..." EGW Letter, March 6, 1906
JS: HIS WRITINGS ARE SACRED
"And when thou deliveredst up that which God had
given the sight and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which is
sacred..." Doctrine and Covenants
3:12
EGW: HER WRITINGS ARE SACRED
"Sister Fannie... you have handled the
sacred things...Your discernment of sacred
things is not clear..." Ellen G. White's letter to her
literary assistant, Fannie Bolton; February 6, 1894; quoted in "The Fannie
Bolton Story" pp. 20;21. When Fannie Bolton complained to Ellen G. White because
she had incorporated into her writings things Fannie herself had written,
Ellen White, then slapped Fannie in the face and fired her. ibid, p.
20
JS: THOSE WHO REJECT HIS SERVANTS
WILL BE REJECTED OF THE FATHER
"Revelation given through
Joseph Smith the Prophet at Kirtland, Ohio, August, 1833 - Directions to John
Murdock concerning his work and the ministry: "...thus saith the
Lord unto my servant John Murdock, thou art
called...to proclaim mine everlasting gospel...And who
receiveth you receiveth me;...And
whoso rejecteth you shall be rejected of my
father..." Doctrine and Covenants
99:1-4
EGW: THOSE WHO REJECT GOD'S SERVANTS REJECT THE
FATHER
"The following testimony, given in my last
vision, January 5, 1875, I wrote in my tent between the
services of the Vermont compmeeting, August, 18785...said
Christ to his apostles, 'He that receiveth whomsoever I send
receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth
him that sent me.' Here it is made plain
that those who reject the messages of God's
servant's, reject not only the Son, but also the
Father..." 4T 186; 196
JS: RECEIVES REVELATIONS FROM A HEAVENLY
MESSENGER
"Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet,
at Harmony, Pennsylvania, August, 1830. In preparation for a religious service
at the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to
procure wine for the occasion. He was met by a heavenly
messenger, and received this revelation..."
Doctrine and Covenants, 27; Preface
EGW: RECEIVES VISIONS FROM A HEAVENLY
MESSENGER
"For sixty years I
have been in communication with heavenly
messengers, and I have been constantly learning in reference to
divine things..." 3 SM 71; Letter 84; 1908 "...I dreamed...the heavenly messenger who was
with us said..." 7T 34-36
JS: RECEIVES TESTIMONY FOR THE
CHURCH
"And to no one else will I grant this power
to receive this same testimony among this generation, in
this the beginning of the rising up and coming forth of my
church..." Doctrine and
Covenants 5:14
EGW: RECEIVES TESTIMONY FOR THE
CHURCH
"I SAW that the
testimony of the *true witness has not been half heeded. The solemn
testimony upon which the destiny of the church
stands has been lightly esteemed..." SG 170 *True
Witness meaning herself. Also a familiar term used by the Mormon Prophet Joseph
Smith. "...a clear, living testimony in the
church..." 3T 361
JS: HIS TESTIMONY RECORDED IN HEAVEN FOR ANGELS
TO LOOK UPON
"...ye are blessed, for the
testimony which ye have born is recorded in
heaven for the angels to look upon..." Doctrine and Covenants 62:3
EGW: ANGELS WRITE HER TESTIMONIES IN A
BOOK
"It will pay, then, to prove the privileges within our reach,
and, even at some sacrifice, to assemble with those who fear God and speak for
him; for he is represented as hearkening to those *testimonies while
angels write them in a book ..." 4T 107
*By the
"testimonies" she means her own "testimonies"
JS: SATAN WILL STIR UP UNBELIEF IN HIS TESTIMONY
"And, behold, they will publish this, and
Satan will harden the hearts of the people to
stir then up to anger against you, that they
will not believe my words. Thus Satan
thinketh to over power your testimony in this generation,
that the work may not come forth in this
generation." Doctrine and Covenants
10:32;33
EGW: SATAN WILL STIR UP UNBELIEF IN HER
TESTIMONY
"It is Satan's work to tempt
minds. He will insinuate his wily suggestions, and stir
up doubts, questioning, unbelief, and distrust of
the words and acts of one who stands under
responsibilities, and who is seeking to carry out the mind of God in his labors.
It is the special purpose of Satan to pour upon and
around the servants of God's choice troubles, perplexities, and oppositions, so
that they will be hindered in their work if possible,
discouraged..." Testimonies For The Church Volume
3, p. 343 The very last deception of
Satan will be to make of none effect the
testimony of the Spirit of God..." 2 SM 78
JS: LORD SHOWS HIM IN
REVELATION THE PLACE TO BUILD THE CHURCH
"Revelation given to Joseph
Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, January 19, 1841...And I will
show unto my *servant Joseph all things pertaining to this
house...and THE PLACE whereon it shall be built. And
ye shall build it on THE PLACE where you have contemplated building it,
for this is the spot which I have chosen for you to build it..." Doctrine and Covenants: Preface; 124:42;43 *EGW also called
herself "God's servant" 4T 106
EGW: LORD SHOWS HER IN VISION THE PLACE TO BUILD
THE CHURCH
"While attending the General Conference of 1905,
at Washington, D.C., I received a letter from J. A. Burden describing a property
he had found about four miles from Redlands. As I read his letter, I was
impressed that this was one of THE PLACES I had seen in
vision and immediately telepgrahed him to secure the property
without delay. Later, when I visited the property, I recognized it as one of
THE PLACES I had seen nearly two years before in
vision..." 9T 173
JS: INQUIRES OF THE LORD ABOUT PURCHASING LAND FOR THE
CHURCH
"Revelation given
through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March, 1831.
Joseph had inquired of the Lord as to the mode
of procedure in procuring lands for the settlement of the
Saints..." Doctrine and Covenants Preface 3-5
EGW: INQUIRES OF THE LORD ABOUT PURCHASING
PROPERTY FOR THE CHURCH
"Dear Brethren and Sisters: The Lord has
again visited me...*December 23, 1860,
I was taken off in vision...steps should be taken to secure church
property for the cause of God..." 1T 210;211
"...Before I visited Cooranbong, the Lord gave me
a dream. In my dream I was taken to the land that was
for sale..." "The Australian Years", pp.. 154;155
*Mormon Prophet Joseph
Smith was born on 23 December, 1805
JS: GIVEN REVELATION HE SHOULD PUBLISH HIS VISIONS
"Revelation given to Joseph Smith, the
Prophet at Hiram, Ohio, November, 1831. The occasion was that o a special
conference and the publications of the revelations already received
from the Lord through Joseph Smith the prophet was considered and
acted upon..." Doctrine and Covenants 67, Preface
EGW: GIVEN VISION ABOUT PUBLISHING HER VISIONS
"Dear Brethren and Sisters: The Lord has again
manifested Himself to me. June 12, 1868, while speaking to the
brethren in ft house of worship at Battle Creek, Michigan, the Spirit of God
came upon me,, and in an instant I was in vision. The
view of extensive. I had commenced to write the fifth volume of Spiritual Gifts;
but as I had testimonies of a practical nature which you should
I have immediately, I left that work to prepare for this little
pamphlet. In this last vision I was shown that which fully justified
my course in publishing personal testimonies..." 2T 112
Ordering Information
The first two sections above are excerpts from a 34-page document. To order, send a note requesting this document along with $2.00 to:
SDA Outreach
P.O. Box 39607
Phoenix, AZ 85069
Citations
1. A member of the LDS church for 21 years who has participated in the LDS Temple Ceremony on many occasions informs us via e-mail: "I can assure you that there is no mention or use of 'pillars' (unless referring to the architecture of some of the many temple buildings). There is also no mention or use of 'elevated seats.' There are no real or pretended lambs (apparently someone was confused with the temples of the Old Testament) and the only reference to any lamb is 'the lamb of God.'"