Conflicts and Victory
551
“I was in a large house where there was a pulpit somewhat like
those we use in our meetinghouses. On it stood many lamps which
were burning. These lamps needed a constant supply of oil, and quite
a number of us were engaged in carrying oil and filling them. Brother
White and his companion were busily engaged, and I noticed that Sister
White poured in more oil than any other. Then Brother White went to
a door which opened into a warehouse, where there were many barrels
[598]
of oil. He opened the door and went in, and Sister White followed.
Just then a company of men came along, with a great quantity of black
stuff that looked like soot, and heaped it all upon Brother and Sister
White, completely covering them with it. I felt much grieved, and
looked anxiously to see the end of these things. I could see Brother and
Sister W. both working hard to get out from under the soot, and after a
long struggle they came out as bright as ever, and the evil men and the
soot disappeared. Then Brother and Sister White engaged again more
heartily than ever in supplying the lamps with oil, but Sister W. still
had the precedence
.
“I dreamed that the following was the interpretation: The lamps
represented the remnant people. The oil was the truth and heavenly
love, of which God’s people need a constant supply. The people
engaged in supplying the lamps were the servants of God laboring in
the harvest. Who the evil company were in particular I could not tell,
but they were men moved upon by the devil, who directed their evil
influence specially against Brother and Sister White. The latter were
in great distress for a season, but were at last delivered by the grace
of God and their own earnest efforts. Then finally the power of God
rested upon them, and they acted a prominent part in the proclamation
of the last message of mercy. But Sister White had a richer supply of
heavenly wisdom and love than the rest
.
“This dream has rather strengthened my confidence that the Lord
will lead you out and finish the work of restoration that is begun, and
that you will once more enjoy the spirit of God as you did in times
past, yea, more abundantly. Forget not that humility is the door that
leads to the rich supplies of the grace of God. may the Lord bless you
and your companion and children, and grant us to meet in the heavenly
kingdom. Yours in bonds of Christian love
.
“John Matteson
.