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

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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.'"

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