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FOUNDATIONS OF OUR FAITH
Between the years of 1844 and 1850 the faithful Advent believers spent much time studying the light of the third angel which was opening to their understanding. Also, in light of the Great Disappointment, which had created an atmosphere of doubt and fanaticism, they began to re-examine and affirm the points of faith that they had believed. The Lord was leading this process of investigation, and through the work of the Spirit of Prophecy, he helped them to settle upon principles of truth, which are called the foundation of the faith of the Seventh-day Adventist church. The following quotes describe this early experience.
“Many of our people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder [Hiram] Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the Word. Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power. When they came to the point in their study where they said, ‘We can do nothing more,’ the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light was given that helped us to understand the scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood. A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had given me.
“During this whole time I could not understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend the meaning of the scriptures we were studying. This was one of the greatest sorrows of my life. I was in this condition of mind until all the principal points of our faith were made clear to our minds, in harmony with the Word of God. The brethren knew that when not in vision, I could not understand these matters, and they accepted as light direct from heaven the revelations given.
“For two or three years my mind continued to be locked to an understanding of the Scriptures. In the course of our labors, my husband and I visited Father Andrews, who was suffering intensely with inflammatory rheumatism. We prayed for him. I laid my hands on his head, and said, ‘Father Andrews, the Lord Jesus maketh thee whole.’ He was healed instantly. He got up, and walked about the room, praising God, and saying, ‘I never saw it on this wise before. Angels of God are in this room.’ The glory of the Lord was revealed. Light seemed to shine all through the house, and an angel’s hand was laid upon my head. From that time to this I have been able to understand the Word of God.
“What influence is it would lead men at this stage of our history to work in an underhand, powerful way to tear down the foundation of our faith–the foundation that was laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation? Upon this foundation we have been building for the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see the beginning of a work that would remove some of the pillars of our faith, I have something to say? I must obey the command, ‘Meet it!’ . . .” Selected Messages, book 1, p. 206.4-207.3 (published 1904)
“A transforming power attended the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages, as it attends the message of the third angel. Lasting convictions were made upon human minds. The power of the Holy Spirit was manifested. There was diligent study of the Scriptures, point by point. Almost entire nights were devoted to earnest searching of the Word. We searched for the truth as for hidden treasures. The Lord revealed Himself to us. Light was shed on the prophecies, and we knew that we received divine instruction. . . .
“…Truth was made to shine forth, beautiful in its simplicity, dignified with a power and invested with an assurance unknown before the disappointment. We could then proclaim the message in unity.” Selected Messages, book 2, p. 109.3-4
“After the great Disappointment there were few who set themselves to seek the Word with all their heart.…
“We walked carefully with God. The message was to be given to the world, and we knew that this present light was the special gift of God. The impartation of this gift was the prerogative of God. His disappointed ones, who were still seeking after truth, were led step by step to communicate to the world that which had been communicated to them. The prophetic declarations were to be repeated, and the truth essential for salvation was to be made known….
“The Lord will not lead minds now to set aside the truth that the Holy Spirit has moved upon His servants in the past to proclaim.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, p. 12.1-4 (written 1896)
“The Lord has led out representative men to proclaim the first, second, and third angels’ messages. We know that God was with His faithful standard bearers. Many of them held fast their faith until their hands were palsied by death. …
“Let not those who have been placed in responsible positions think that God has given them light to controvert the work of the faithful ones who have died in the faith. God wrought through these old pioneers of the cause, and no voice or pen should be brought into action to demerit their labor, which was full of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Their works were wrought in God.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, p. 132.2-3 (written December 1890)
“The very same Satan is at work to undermine the faith of the people of God at this time. There are persons ready to catch up every new idea. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are misinterpreted. These persons do not consider that the truth has been set forth at the appointed time by the very men whom God was leading to do this special work. These men followed on step by step in the very fulfillment of prophecy, and those who have not had a personal experience in this work, are to take the Word of God and believe on ‘their word’ who have been led by the Lord in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These messages, received and acted upon, are doing their work to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. If we search the Scriptures to confirm the truth God has given His servants for the world, we shall be found proclaiming the first, second, and third angels’ messages.
“It is true that there are prophecies yet to be fulfilled. But very erroneous work has been done again and again, and will continue to be done by those who seek to find new light in the prophecies, and who begin by turning away from the light that God has already given. The messages of Revelation 14 are those by which the world is to be tested; they are the everlasting gospel, and are to be sounded everywhere. But the Lord does not lay upon those who have not had an experience in His work the burden of making a new exposition of those prophecies which He has, by His Holy Spirit, moved upon His chosen servants to explain.” Selected Messages, book 2, p. 111.2-3 (written 1896)
HOLY SPIRIT TESTIFIED WHAT WAS TRUTH
The Holy Spirit has affirmed that the charts are truth made plain.
“…the truth must be made plain upon tables, and it would cause many to decide for the truth by the three angels’ messages, with the two former being made plain upon tables.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, p. 207.1 (written Nov. 27, 1850)
The Holy Spirit has affirmed that the principles of faith, which were established in the early years after 1844, are a solid foundation of truth.
“The past fifty years have not dimmed one jot or principle of our faith as we received the great and wonderful evidences that were made certain to us in 1844, after the passing of the time. The languishing souls are to be confirmed and quickened according to His Word. . . . Not a word is changed or denied. That which the Holy Spirit testified to as truth after the passing of the time, in our great disappointment, is the solid foundation of truth. [The] pillars of truth were revealed, and we accepted the foundation principles that have made us what we are–Seventh-day Adventists, keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus.” The Upward Look, p. 352.4
“When men come in who would move one pin or pillar from the foundation which God has established by His Holy Spirit, let the aged men who were pioneers in our work speak plainly, and let those who are dead speak also, by the reprinting of their articles in our periodicals. Gather up the rays of divine light that God has given as He has led His people on step by step in the way of truth. This truth will stand the test of time and trial. Ms 62, 1905, p. 6.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 55.1
“And those who are seeking to understand this message will not be led by the Lord to make an application of the Word that will undermine the foundation and remove the pillars of the faith that has made Seventh-day Adventists what they are today. The truths that have been unfolding in their order, as we have advanced along the line of prophecy revealed in the Word of God, are truth, sacred, eternal truth today. Those who passed over the ground step by step in the past history of our experience, seeing the chain of truth in the prophecies, were prepared to accept and obey every ray of light. They were praying, fasting, searching, digging for the truth as for hidden treasures, and the Holy Spirit, we know, was teaching and guiding us. Many theories were advanced, bearing a semblance of truth, but so mingled with misinterpreted and misapplied scriptures, that they led to dangerous errors. Very well do we know how every point of truth was established, and the seal set upon it by the Holy Spirit of God. And all the time voices were heard, ‘Here is the truth,’ ‘I have the truth; follow me.’ But the warnings came, ‘Go not ye after them. I have not sent them, but they ran.” (See Jeremiah 23:21.)
“The leadings of the Lord were marked, and most wonderful were His revelations of what is truth. Point after point was established by the Lord God of heaven. That which was truth then, is truth today.” Selected Messages, book 2, p. 103.1-104.1
“The Lord will not lead minds now to set aside the truth that the Holy Spirit has moved upon His servants in the past to proclaim.
“Many will honestly search the Word for Light as those in the past have searched it; and they see light in the Word. But they did not pass over the ground in their experience, when these messages of warning were first proclaimed. Not having had this experience, some do not appreciate the value of the truths that have been to us as waymarks, and that have made us as a peculiar people what we are. They do not make a right application of the Scriptures, and thus they frame theories that are not correct. It is true that they quote an abundance of Scripture, and teach much that is true; but truth is so mixed with error as to lead to wrong conclusions. Yet because they can weave Scripture into their theories, they think that they have a straight chain of truth. Many who did not have an experience in the rise of the messages, accept these erroneous theories, and are led into false paths, backward instead of forward. This is the enemy’s design.” Selected Messages, book 2, p. 110.3-4
HISTORY OF PUBLICATIONS, FROM 1848 TO 1850
After several years of study under the guidance of the Spirit of Prophecy, the believers had settled into the foundation of truth. God then asked James White to publish two papers, which would reflect their understanding of the foundational principles of their faith.
IN 1848 GOD REQUESTS A PUBLICATION (THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE)
“…November, 1848, I had been given a view of the proclamation of the sealing message, and of the duty of the brethren to publish the light that was shining upon our pathway.
“After coming out of vision, I said to my husband: ‘I have a message for you. You must begin to print a little paper and send it out to the people….’
“While we were in Connecticut in the summer of 1849, my husband was deeply impressed that the time had come for him to write and publish the present truth….” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (1915), p. 125.1-3
In 1848, “the light that was shining upon our pathway” was that of the third angel. It was the new light that had been emerging after the Great Disappointment.
So, you can see that the request was given in November 1848, but it was not until summer of 1849 that James White began to carry out this task. Actually about six or seven months passed after the request. I don’t know the reason for the delay, but perhaps James and Ellen were traveling or involved in some other work. Or perhaps the burden or impression was not laid upon James until that later time.
It was in June of 1849 when James White felt it his duty to begin the work of publishing.
“In June, 1849, the way was opened for us to make our home for a time at Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Here, on the 28th of July, our second child, James Edson, was born.
“While we were living at this place, my husband was impressed that it was his duty to write and publish the present truth. He was greatly encouraged and blessed as he decided thus to do. But again he would be in doubt and perplexity, as he was penniless. There were brethren who had means, but they chose to keep it. He at length gave up in discouragement, and decided to look for a field of grass to mow. As he left the house, a burden was rolled upon me, and I fainted. Prayer was offered for me, and I was blessed, and taken off in vision. I saw that the Lord had blessed and strengthened my husband to labor in the field one year before; that he had made a right use of the means there earned; and that he would have a hundredfold in his life, and, if faithful, a rich reward in the kingdom of God; but that the Lord would not now give him strength to labor in the field, for He had another work for him; that he must walk out by faith, and write and publish the present truth. He immediately commenced to write, and when he came to some difficult passage, we would call upon the Lord to give us the true meaning of His word.
“About the same time he began to publish a small sheet entitled, The Present Truth. …” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 87.1-88.1
PUBLISHING “THE PRESENT TRUTH”
Publishing began in July of 1849, and continued sporadically through November of 1850. A total of eleven issues were printed, all about topics considered to be present truth at that time, or the message of the third angel. In fact the paper was called “The Present Truth”. Topics included the sanctuary, the 2300 days, the law and the Sabbath, shut door, third angel’s message, mark of the beast, harvest, Miller’s Dream, etc.
Here is a list of the issues printed: July 1849 (No. 1), August 1849 (No. 2 & 3), September 1849 (No. 4), December 1849 (No. 5), December 1849 (No. 6), March 1850 (No. 7), March 1850 (No. 8), April 1850 (No. 9), May 1850 (No. 10), November 1850 (No. 11).
IN 1850 GOD REQUESTS ANOTHER PUBLICATION (FIRST AND SECOND ANGEL’S MESSAGES)
From a vision on August 4, 1850:
“The Lord showed me that he, James, must take the testimonies that the leading Adventists published in ’44 and republish them… He is now doing that work.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 129.2
SATAN RESISTS THE PUBLISHING WORK
“The Lord showed me some weeks ago that as James would begin to republish what the leaders had written in ’44 upon the truth, Satan would try to hinder us; but we must struggle for the victory and go on. It has been just so. He knows this work will hurt His cause and save some jewels. That is why he rages so but he is driven back.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, p. 249.3 (August 15, 1850.)
“I saw the cruel power of Satan that has afflicted us of late and bound us to keep the truth from coming out in the paper. . . . I saw these efforts of Satan were to hinder the paper coming out, for the lines that were being published were written in the Spirit of God, and would rejoice the hearts of the trusting ones, and Satan knew it would hurt his cause because it would be seen by these testimonies that most of the Advent people once believed as we do that there was a shut door in ’44. And to have the plain, clean truth come out in the paper . . . would cause many to decide for the truth and to take a firm and unyielding stand for God and His truth. I saw that the paper would strengthen the things that remain and would help build up God’s people in the most holy faith. . . .” Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, 250.1 (August 24, 1850)
“The enemy has tried hard to take some of our lives here [Port Byron, NY] of late. One after another of us has been afflicted almost unto death. Had it not been for the balm in Gilead and the Physician there, we must have perished.
“The Lord showed me some weeks before we came to this place, that we must gird on the whole armor, for we were to have a great conflict with the enemy while we were getting out the paper, for he knew the paper would hurt his cause and would be the means of strengthening the things that remain and would cause souls that were undecided to take a decided stand for God and His truth. Satan meant to hinder the work of the paper by causing sickness and distress in our company, but we laid hold of the sure promises of God. We anointed with oil in the name of the Lord and prayed over the sick and they were healed.
“Oh, what battles we have had to fight with the enemy since we commenced to get out the paper. We have had to pray, pray, pray, and have faith, faith, faith and that is all the way we have been enabled to live. . . .
“Satan has great power and we must have living, abiding faith in God or the powers of darkness will get the ascendancy over us and Satan will triumph. We will be free and we must be free in order to glorify God.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, p. 221.4-222.2 (September 1, 1850.)
“I saw that a paper was needed, and all should be interested in it. I saw that the burden of the paper was laid upon James, and that it was as important to publish the truth as to preach it. I saw that James should not be discouraged if all did not feel the interest in the paper that he did. I saw that Brother Bates had not the interest in the paper that he should have, and that his lack of interest has discouraged James. I saw that James should set his face as a flint and go forward. I saw the flock looking for the paper, and were ready like hungry children to eat the truth published in it.–Ms 15, 1850, p. 1.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, p. 249.1 (October 23, 1850)
PUBLISHING “THE ADVENT REVIEW”
In August of 1850 James White began publishing “The Advent Review”. True to the name “review” it was a look back at “the testimonies that the leading Adventists published in ’44” (1844). This is a review of what they had come to believe by 1844.
God designed that all three angel’s messages would be reviewed and established firmly by 1850. “The Present Truth” papers established the third angel’s message. Then, throughout the year 1850, “The Advent Review” re-affirmed the messages of the first and second angels. These papers were “written in the Spirit of God”.
Here is a list of the issues printed: August 1850 (No. 1* & No. 2), September 1850 (No. 3), Extra (No. 4*), Special 1850*, November 1850 (No. 5)
*includes seven times and 2520
PUBLISHING “THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD”, A COMBINATION OF ALL THREE ANGEL’S MESSAGES
“In November, 1850, the paper was issued at Paris, Maine. Here it was enlarged, and its name changed to that which it now bears, the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald.” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (1915), p. 139.4
“I saw that my husband must not give up the paper, for Satan was trying to drive him to take just such a step, and was working through agents to do this. I was shown that we must continue to publish, and the Lord would sustain us.” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (1915), p. 140.3
Here is a list of the issues printed: November 1850 (No. 1), December 1850 (No. 2* & No. 3)
*includes seven times and 2520
EXAMPLES OF WHAT WAS PUBLISHED ABOUT THE SEVEN TIMES & 2520
“A VINDICATION of the positions we have occupied from the first, and which seems so contradictory to those of whom the scriptures (Dan. 12:10,) have said ‘they shall not understand;’ but which to our minds only serve to open to us more clearly the word of God, and confirm us in the confident expectation that our hopes will shortly be realized….
“Our minds were directed to that point of time, from the fact that dating the several prophetic periods from those years in which the best chronologers assign the fulfilment of those events which were to mark their commencement, they all seemed to terminate that year. This was, however, only apparent. We date the ‘seven times’ or 2520 years, from the captivity of Manasseh, which is, with great unanimity, placed by chronologers B. C. 677. This date is the only one we have ever reckoned from, for the commencement of this period; and subtracting B. C. 677 from 2520 years, there remained but A. D. 1843. We, however, did not observe, that as it would require 677 full years B. C. and 1843 full years A. D. to complete 2520 years, that it would also oblige us to extend this period as far into A. D. 1844, as it might have commenced after the beginning of B. C. 677.…” James White editor, The Advent Review, vol. 1, August 1850, p. 2 par. 3, 6
“…we now could see clearly that it would take every hour of 457 B. C., and 1843 years after, to fill up 2300 days or years; and so of the seven times of the Gentiles; 677 B. C. and 1843, was only 2520 as given on the chart.…” James White editor, The Advent Review, vol. 1, September 1850, p. 55 par. 5
“‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. [This was fulfilled when the first published time was made plain upon the chart.] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, [Mark this. There is ‘appointed time’ connected with the ‘vision’ made ‘plain upon tables;’ and what can it refer to, but the vision of the 2300 days of which it is said, ‘shut thou up the vision for it shall be for many days,’ ‘the time appointed was long,’ and ‘at the time appointed the end shall be,’] but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, [seem to tarry, by reaching into 1844, beyond the first published time,] wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’
“Here we will give extracts from the ‘Advent Shield’ No. 1, published May, 1844, pages 122-124. This is a standard work for Advent believers, and presents their unanimous view of their true position at that time.
“‘Having passed the point of the apparent termination of the prophetic periods, we are placed in a position, which God foresaw his children would be placed in, at the end of the vision; and for which he made provision, by the prophet Habakkuk, (2:1-3) when he says, ‘I will stand upon my tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved,’ or as it reads in the margin ‘argued with.’ ‘And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time,’ [the seven times] ‘but at the end [of the prophetic periods] it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry,’ [beyond their apparent termination] ‘wait for it; because it will surely come,’ [in the fulness of the prophetic times, beyond which,] ‘it will not tarry.’” James White editor, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 1, December 1850, p. 13 par. 8-10
HISTORY OF THE CHARTS OF 1843 AND 1850
A FULFILLMENT OF HABAKKUK CHAPTER TWO
In 1850, as the Advent believers were settling into the truth with the help of the Holy Spirit, God requested a new chart. But first He gave His affirmation of the old 1843 chart. Notice that many of the dates from the following quotes are near the end of 1850, just before the December publication of the new chart. Both the 1843 and 1850 charts are clearly affirmed by the Spirit of Prophecy as fulfillment of Habakkuk 2:2.
“…God said by the prophet, ‘Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.’ – Hab.2:2.
“The whole advent host once believed that publishing the visions of Daniel and John on the chart, from which the swift messengers lectured in 1842 and 1843, was a fulfillment of this prophecy; and the unbelief of those who doubt now, does not prove that we were all mistaken then. The passing of the time, and the perpetual backsliding and unbelief of Adventists has not changed this truth of God into a lie; but it remains truth still.
“You who participated in this first angel’s message, and felt its power and glory, and saw its effects on the people, just go back with me to the camp-meetings, conferences, and other meetings where the time, 1843, was proclaimed from the chart. With what solemnity, zeal and holy confidence the servants of the Lord proclaimed the time. And O, how their words fell upon the people, melting the hardest sinner’s heart; for God was with them, and his spirit attended the solemn message. The most spiritual and devoted in all the churches caught the flame and many who had been trained to worship their church and their minister, here learned to ‘fear God’ alone, and ‘give glory to him.’ This message weaned us from this world, and led us to the feet of Jesus, to seek forgiveness of all our sins, and a free and full salvation through the blood of Christ. Dear Brethren, Was this message “from heaven or from men?” I know you answer – ‘from heaven.’ Amen.” James White editor, The Present Truth, vol. 1, April 1850, p. 65 par. 7-9
AFFIRMATION OF THE 1843 CHART
“Among these prophecies was that of Habakkuk 2:1-4: ‘I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.’
“As early as 1842 the direction given in this prophecy to ‘write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it,’ had suggested to Charles Fitch the preparation of a prophetic chart to illustrate the visions of Daniel and the Revelation. The publication of this chart was regarded as a fulfillment of the command given by Habakkuk. No one, however, then noticed that an apparent delay in the accomplishment of the vision–a tarrying time–is presented in the same prophecy. After the disappointment, this scripture appeared very significant: ‘The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. . . . The just shall live by his faith.’” The Great Controversy, p. 392.1-2
“As early as 1842, the Spirit of God had moved upon Charles Fitch to devise the prophetic chart, which was generally regarded by Adventists as a fulfillment of the command given by the prophet Habakkuk, to ‘write the vision, and make it plain upon tables.’ No one, however, then saw the tarrying time which was brought to view in the same prophecy. After the disappointment the full meaning of this scripture became apparent. Thus speaks the prophet: ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’ Habakkuk 2:2, 3.” The Story of Redemption, p. 366.4 (apparently first published in The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, in 1884)
“I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed.” Early Writings, p. 74.1
“September 23d… The Lord showed me that the 1843 chart was directed by his hand, and that no part of it should be altered; that the figures were as he wanted them….” The Review and Herald, November 1, 1850, par. 9-10
“I saw that the truth should be made plain on tables, that the earth and the fullness thereof is the Lord’s, and that necessary means should not be spared to make it plain. I saw that the angels’ messages made plain, would have effect. I saw that the old chart was directed by the Lord, and that not a peg of it should be altered without inspiration. I saw that the figures on the chart were as God wanted them, and that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures so that none could see it until His hand was removed.” Manuscript 15, October 23, 1850, par. 4
“I saw that the truth should be made plain upon tables, that the earth and the fullness thereof is the Lord’s, and that necessary means should not be spared to make it plain. I saw that the old chart was directed by the Lord, and that not a figure of it should be altered except by inspiration. I saw that the figures of the chart were as God would have them, and that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none should see it till His hand was removed.” Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 1 par. 3 (from the October 23, 1850 vision)
IN 1850 GOD REQUESTS ANOTHER CHART
Following the affirmation of the 1843 chart, the new chart was printed, containing all the same principle, or foundational, concepts as the old chart, and adding the new light on the third angel’s message.
“…God shewed me the necessity of getting out a chart. I saw it was needed and that the truth made plain upon tables would effect much and would cause souls to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, p. 210.4 (written Nov. 1, 1850)
“On our return to Brother Nichols’, the Lord gave me a vision and showed me that the truth must be made plain upon tables, and it would cause many to decide for the truth by the three angels’ messages, with the two former being made plain upon tables.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, p. 207.1 (written Nov. 27, 1850)
“THE CHART. A chronological chart of the visions of Daniel and John, calculated to illustrate clearly the present truth, is now being lithographed under the care of Bro. Otis Nichols, of Dorchester, Mass. Those who teach the present truth will be greatly aided by it.” James White, The Present Truth, November 1850, p. 88.8
Chart lithographed in December 1850, and there is no date given, according to LeRoy E. Froom, The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4, p. 1071
“THE CHART. – It is now ready. We think the brethren will be much pleased with it, and that it will be a great help in defining our present position. …” James White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 1851, p. 31.11
AFFIRMATION OF THE 1850 CHART
“I saw that God was in the publishment of the chart by Brother Nichols. I saw that there was a prophecy of this chart in the Bible, and if this chart is designed for God’s people, if it [is] sufficient for one it is for another, and if one needed a new chart painted on a larger scale, all need it just as much….
“I saw that the charts ordered by God struck the mind favorably, even without an explanation. There is something light, lovely, and heavenly in the representation of the angels on the charts. The mind is almost imperceptibly led to God and heaven. … {13MR 359.3}
“I saw that if the means that has been wasted in getting out charts had been spent in getting out the truth clear before the brethren in publishing tracts, etc., it would have done much good and saved souls. I saw that the chart-making business has spread like the fever.–Manuscript 1, 1853, pp. 6, 7.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, p. 359.1-360.1
WAS THE 1863 CHART ORDERED OR ENDORSED BY GOD?
There is no evidence in the Spirit of Prophecy that God ordered the 1863 chart, or that the Holy Spirit guided in the making of it. The only “endorsement” for the use of the charts after 1863 came about seven years after the publication of the 1863 chart. She mentions “the charts”, simply saying that you can show people truth which is illustrated on the chart. This comment is in harmony with the fact that the chart still contained truths, but this is not the same magnitude of endorsement given for the previous charts; a strong body of evidence and affirmation that the first two were requested by God and directed by the Holy Spirit.
“We shall not hold our peace upon this subject. Our people will come up to the work. The means will come. And we would say to those who are poor and want books: Send in your orders, with a statement of your condition as to this world’s goods. We will send you a package of books containing four volumes of Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, Appeal to Youth, Appeal to Mothers, Sabbath Readings, and the two large charts, with Key of Explanation. If you have a part of these, state what you have, and we will send other books in their places, or send only such of these as you have not. Send fifty cents to pay the postage, and we will send you the five-dollar package and charge the fund four dollars.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 689.2 (1868)
“…Are you missionaries in your neighborhoods, and in your own families? Are you seeking to have a deep work of reformation going forward where you are best known? Is your life such as to give you influence at home with your families and workmen? You can hang up the charts, and show them the truth, as it is there illustrated. You can teach them, if you have a mind thus to do, by explaining prophetic history, and tracing down prophecies, that the end of all things is at hand. You can impress them with the sacredness of the law of God, and show them its claims upon them.” The Review and Herald, March 29, 1870 par. 14
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