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My First Vision
[This view was given soon after the great Advent Disappointment in
1844, and was first published in 1846. Only a few of the events of
the future were seen at that time. Later views have been more full.
See also appendix.]
As God has shown me the travels of the Advent people to the
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Holy City and the rich reward to be given those who wait the return
of their Lord from the wedding, it may be my duty to give you a
short sketch of what God has revealed to me. The dear saints have
many trials to pass through. But our light afflictions, which are but
for a moment, will work for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory—while we look not at the things which are seen, for
the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not
seen are eternal. I have tried to bring back a good report and a few
grapes from the heavenly Canaan, for which many would stone me,
as the congregation bade stone Caleb and Joshua for their report.
(
Numbers 14:10
.) But I declare to you, my brethren and sisters in the
Lord, it is a goodly land, and we are well able to go up and possess
it.
While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon
me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark
world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could
not find them, when a voice said to me, “Look again, and look a
little higher.” At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow
path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people
were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path.
They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the
path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry. This light shone
all along the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not
stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before
them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew
weary, and said the city was a great way off, and they expected to
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