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Index
of Documents: 2.
EARLY
VISIONS: FOY — WHITE PARALLELS, by Douglas Hackelman. William
Foy (d.1893) not in 1845 as listed in the SDA Commentary Vol. 10, p. 474. Foy was the first of two Millerite visionaries and Hazen
Foss, the second, to pass their baton of visions to Ellen G. White, according to
Seventh-day Adventist history. William Foy, a member of the Freewill Baptist
Church, who was preparing for the ministry when given two visions in Boston in
1842. One on January 18 and the other on February 4. Foy then copyrighted these
two visions in 1845. Adventist
Fables About Foy Ellen
G. White and Adventist Historians made many claims in regards to Ellen G. White
and William Foy. Are these claims truth or are they fables? After you read their
claims, you will see documentation below to see the truth. 1. Did William Foy
pass his visions onto Hazen Foss, who then passed them onto Ellen G. White?
YES, Says
Louis G. Reynolds. "After Foy, visions were given to Hazen Foss and later
to Ellen G. Harmon (White)." We
Have Tomorrow. 2.
Did William Foy have three visions? 3.
Did William Foy have four
visions? YES,
according to Ellen G. White?
"Then another time there was Foy that had had visions. He had had four
visions. He was in a large congregation, very large. He fell right to the floor.
William Foy— A Statement by E. G. White. Document
D. F. 231. 4.
Did
William Foy have two
visions? 5.
Did Foy have visions before
Ellen G. White? 6.
Did
Foy stop recounting his visions? YES, according to R. W. Schwartz, "Early in 1842 William Foy, of Boston, a Baptist studying for the Episcopal ministry, received two visions dealing with Christ's soon return and the reward of the righteous. Foy was reluctant to relate the visions publicly, partly because, as a mulatto, he was aware of the prejudice displayed toward men of color. Overcoming his initial reluctance, he accepted the nearness of the advent and related the visions to large audiences throughout New England. Later, however, financial pressures and a third vision, which he could not understand, led Foy to stop recounting his experiences." R. W. Schwarz, Light Bearers to the Remnant (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press, 1979, p. 64. NO, Schwartz
is not telling the full truth. Foy did take three months off from his travels to
earn money for his family, and then continued giving his visions. There is no
proof that Foy stopped recounting his experiences because of a third vision
which Schwarz and Loughborough claimed he had and that he did not understand.
See his copyrighted visions pages 22,23. 7.
Did Foy die soon after
1845? 8.
Was Foy a mulotto? Yes,
says R. W. Swartz. "Foy was reluctant to relate the visions publicly,
partly because, as a mulatto, he was aware of the prejudice displayed toward men
of color. Light Bearers to the Remnant, 1979, p.
64. NO,
says, Delbert W. Baker. "Some have claimed that Foy was a mulatto (he was
actually black) who became exalted over his revelations and thus lost the
prophetic gift." Columbia Union Visitor, February 15, 1985, p. 4. Baker gives no
proof that Foy was not a mulatto. We do not
really know Foy's bloodline. Foy identified himself as a man of color. 9.
Was Foy's visions
plagiarized by Ellen G. White into her first vision? The
attached copy of "The CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE of
WILLIAM E. FOY Together With The TWO VISIONS HE RECEIVED IN THE MONTHS OF JAN.
AND FEB. 1842"- has been released from the Heritage Room of
the James White Library at Andrews University. The Xeroxed copy of Foy's
pamphlet clearly indicates that Foy copyrighted his visions in the year 1845: Notice
that the copy of Foy's visions released by the James White Library at Andrews
has the "Advent Source Collection – General Conference of
Seventh–Day Adventists, Washington, D. C. No. 124" stamped on the
upper left hand corner, indicating the officials there are aware that
Foy copyrighted his visions. The "S.D.A. Encyclopedia",
Volume 10, pp. 418- 419 fails to point out that Wm. E. Foy copyrighted his
visions.
The Visions of William Foy in 1842 SOURCE: Advent Source
Collection DESCRIPTION: Stamp of
the Advent Source Collection on right hand, top corner of cover. TITLE
PAGE: The Portland 2. Verso: Entered
according to the act of Congress, in the year 1845: Page 3. Remarks
It is often remarked, when a work of this character is before the public,
"I am no believer in dreams and visions." Very well; such are welcome
to their own discerning incredulity. The object of publishing these visions is
not to benefit such as reject Indiscriminately every thing of this kind; no such
expectations are cherished. But an earnest desire to comfort, and encourage the
dear saints of God in their weary pilgrimage by a glimpse of the blessedness
existing the finally faithful, has prompted us to this step, had no doubt is
entertained but that it will prove to them a rich and invigorating repast. That God does
manifest himself in visions to his children, the records of every age do
abundantly testify. And on this point the Bible is clear and positive. The
Patriarchs and Prophets were shown the great and mighty events that were yet in
the distant future, by the agency of visions. But it is often asked, if the
method of revealing the events and scenes Page 4:
of futurity did not cease when the dispensation of the spirit demand. In
reply we would enquire, if this was the case why then was the ushering in of the
gospel are so peculiarly marked by such manifestations? Revert to the scenes of
Mount Tabor. The cloud of glory overshadowing the little band there assembled;
how bright! how glorious! the appearance of the 'man of sorrows' as 'his face
did shine as the sun' and his raiment become 'white as the light' — how
majestic! The appearance of Him who was carried to heaven in a fiery chariot,
and Him whom God buried, and the voice of Jehovah speaking from the cloud
saying, 'This is my beloved son' how overpowering! Well might the disciples
"fall on their faces, being sore afraid!"
But why dwell upon the solitary case, when the Bible reader has so many
before him? Look at the case of a martyr Steven, of a St. Paul, "caught up
to the third heavens," of a John upon the isle of Patmos, and tell me if
Jehovah has ceased to reveal himself in visions.
God had in every age thus dealt with the church, especially in seasons of
tribulation. This was one way in which the martyrs were sustained in their
unparalleled sufferings. It was during their martyrdom that Parpetia and
Felicitas saw a ladder studded with swords, daggers and instruments of torture,
reaching from earth to heaven at top of which stood Jesus Page 5: Christ encouraging them.
Nor are we wanting in instances of this kind in our day; Instances too;
so clear and striking as to be fully credited by men of the greatest
attainments, A well as the deepest piety. The extraordinary vision of Wm.
Tenneut, a Presbyterian clergyman in 1806, who, while he was conversing with his
brother in Latin, fainted, and apparently died; and was only saved from burial
by the importunity of a friend; his own language, "I heard and saw things
all unutterable," is familiar to many.
Upon this subject the bible is explicit; and those who truly have faith
in the inspired word are willing to let its testimony have full weight. Upon the
day of Pentecost, when the disciples were all filled with the Spirit, and spake
with other tongues," the multitude being amazed began to inquire,
"What meaneth this? And sons said: "These men are filled with new
wine." But Peter explains the matter saying, "This is that &
c." Now then, according to the prophecy of Joel as explained by St. Peter,
the last days were to be peculiarly marked by these manifestations, so much so
as to become precursors of the great and notable day of God.
The visions of our brother are certainly very remarkable, and when
related by him in outside assemblies, have been blessed by God to Page 6:
the awaking of sinners, reclaiming the backsliders, and the building up
of the saints in the most holy faith. There are published as nearly as possible
in his own language. There is a most beautiful resemblance in the view here
given, with the visions of Ezekiel, Daniel and John. As for instances the
description of "the tall and mighty angel," and the "sea of
glass."
The view of the mighty angel having the trumpet of pure silver, and the
announcement of the great and terrible voice, is exceedingly interesting and
instructive.
That the despised and humble few who are patiently waiting for appearing
of their glorious king, may be refreshed and comforted in this hour of trial
while perusing these two visions, is the fervent prayer of the publishers. Page 7: CHRISTIAN
EXPERIENCE AND VISIONS In the year
1835, under the preaching of Elder Silas Curtis, I was led to inquire what I
should do to be saved.
Christians directed me to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of
the world. I then began to pray earnestly to God to pardon my sins; but the more
I prayed the more I beheld the sinfulness of my heart; and for many days I
feared there was no mercy for me: but was led to see that it would have been
justice in God to have cut me off, and sent me where hope an mercy could not
have reached me. I then became willing to give up all and in that moment Christ
appeared the one altogether lovely, and the chiefest among the ten thousands,
and spake the life-giving word to my soul. I then rejoiced in the God of may
salvation; while all things around me appeared new, shinning forth with the
glory of God. Then could my Page 8: heart unite in the song of the
angels, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will towards
men." I then saw such a fullness in Christ, that I wanted to proclaim it to
all the world. O the glory of God that filled my soul! Three months rolled away
in which I enjoyed sweet communion with my God. I was then thrown into trial by
those who should have been nursing fathers in Israel, and thus remained many
days struggling in prayer; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of
temptation. A father in Israel whom I visited at this time gave me instruction
that proved to be a blessing to my soul. I then joined the Sabbath School, and
was there instructed for the first time to read the word of God, and soon became
able to read my little bible. Immediately the duty of baptism was impressed upon
me; and after the three months disobedience, I went before the church and
related the dealings of God to my soul, and the day following was led into the
liquid stream by Bro. S. Curtis, and was buried with my saviour in baptism. Then
did I experience the fulfillment of the promise: "They that wait upon the
Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up as on wings of eagles, run
and not be weary, walk and not faint," and while coming out of the water,
it appeared to me the opening heavens around me shown; and I cried with a loud
voice, saying: "Glory to God, and the Page 9: Lamb that sitteth upon the
throne!"
On the 18th of January 1842, I met with the people of God in Southark
St., Boston, where the Christians were engaged in solemn prayer, and my soul was
made happy in the love of God. I was immediately seized in the agonies of death,
and my breath left me, and
it appeared to me that I was a
spirit separate from this body. I then beheld one arrayed in
white raiment, whose countenance shone beyond the brightness of the stars, and a
crown was upon his head which shone above the brightness of the sun.
This shining one took me by my right hand and led me upon the bank of a
river; in the midst was a mound of pure water. Upon the bank I beheld a
multitude, both great and small; they were the living inhabitants of this earth.
Soon all moved towards the west, walking
on the water, until we reached the mount. This became the
separating line between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous crossed it,
passed through three changes; 1st, their bodies were made glorious, 2d, they
received pure and shining garments. 3d, bright crowns were given them.
But when the wicked reached the spot where the
righteous were changed, they cried for mercy, and sank beneath the mount.
The saints then passed on to a boundless plain having the appearance like pure
silver. Our guide then spake and said, 'This is the plain of Paradise.' Page 10: This heavenly host was then divided
into flocks, some exceeding large in number, others but small. In the middle of
each was an angel. These angel's garments were pure and white, and unto each of
them was given a crown shining with great brightness. Their countenances were
most lovely to behold; their wings like unto flames of fire, beneath which were
the saints, both small and great. He guide then said, "These angels are
they that have preached the Gospel on earth." I then beheld as it were a
great gate before me. The gate was so tall the height therof I was unable to
see. Before the gate stood a tall and mighty angel clothed in raiment pure and
white; his eyes were like flaming fire, and his he wore a crown upon his head
which lighted up this boundless plain. The angle raised his right hand, and laid
hold upon the gate and opened it; and as it rolled upon its flittering hinges,
he cried with a loud voice to the heavenly host, "Your all welcome!"
Then the guardian angels in the midst of the saints struck a song of triumph,
and the saints, both great and small sang with loud voices and passed within the
gate; and the guardian angels arose upon their glittering wings and vanished
from sight. The inside of the gate appeared like glittering diamonds. Beneath
our feet was as the appearance of pure glass. I then beheld countless millions
of shining ones coming with cards in Page 11: their hands. Those shining ones
become our guides. The cards
they bore shown above the brightness of the sun;
and they placed them in our hands, but the names of them I could
not read. These guides took us by the right hand and led us to a boundless
place. Then I lifted mine eyes, and looked above; no clouds or skies appeared,
but there countless millions of bright angels, whose wings were like unto pure
gold; and they sang with loud voices, while their wings cried "Holy!
Holy!" I then beheld an innumerable multitude, arrayed in white raiment,
with cards upon their breasts; and unto each was given a crown of brightness.
The guide spake, saying, "These are those which have passed through
death."
There was arrayed before me in the spirit so innumerable multitudes which
had not passed through death; theirs crowns were like the brightness of the
stars; and in their hands they held cards; I then saw an individual which had
passed through death. Her brightness was beyond the expression of mortals, and
at her right side stood a guardian angel, the angel's raiment was like pure gold
and his wings like flaming fire, and as she passed me, she cried with a lovely
voice, "I am going to the gate to meet my friends." An angel then
appeared flying through the midst of this boundless place, and
came to the spirit of one of Page
12: those which had not passed through death,
and cried with a loud
voice, saying, "This is my mother."
He then became her guide. I then beheld in the midst of this boundless
place a high mountain like unto pure silver. It appeared perfectly round, and
although I was unable to see through it, yet my vision extended around it.
Around this mountain was space in which stood no being. But after this vacant
circle stood as it appeared to be, a choir of angels and as far as m sight could
extend throughout this boundless place, stood the countless millions of the
righteous. And O! the singing no mortal can describe! It appeared to me the
angels next to the circle around about the mountain, with loud voices yet more
loud repeated it; and thus it echoed and re-echoed until it had been sung by all
the saints and then it ceased; and then again the angles sang.
At the right side of the mountain appeared a mighty angel, with raiment
like unto burnished gold, his legs were like pillars of flaming fire, his
countenance was like the lightning, and
his crown gave light to this boundless place, and those that had
not passed through death could not look upon his countenance. I then be held
upon the side of this mount letters like pure gold, which said, "THE
FATHER, AND Page 13: THE SON." Directly under these
letters stood the mighty angel whose crown lighted up the place, and all the
heavenly host worshipped at his feet, round about the mountain. This angel then
raised his right hand, which appeared like a flaming sword and all the multitude
of those who had not passed through death were caught up to the top of the
mountain; and there was a large book opened, and their names came up out of the
book in the forms of cards which were
stamped upon their foreheads.
We then stood again upon this pure sea of glass before the mountain; and
our bodies had become like transparent glass; but the being that was within the
mountain I was unable to behold. While I was gazing upon the glories before me,
a great voice spake in the mountain, and the place was mighty shaken, and the
countless multitude of saints and angels, bowed at the feet of the mighty angel,
and worshipped him crying with a loud voice, "Hallelujah!" and then
every voice was hushed, and the heavenly host remained bowed before the angel in
solemn silence; and naught was heard save the trembling of the place caused by
the voice of him who spoke in the mount.
I then beheld this lower world, wrapt as were in rolling mountains of
flame, and in this fire I saw a countess multitude crying for mercy. They
appeared to be the aged and those Page 14: who had come to the years of
understanding. Their cries came up before the mountain while all the heavenly
host were bowed in solemn stillness. The voice from the mountain spake again and
all the saints and angels arose, and with loud voices cried, "Amen!"
I then began to converse with my guide and inquired, why there was no
mercy for those whom I had seen in distress. He answered, "The gospel has
been preached unto them, and the servants have warned them, but they would not
believe; and when the great day of God's wrath comes, there will be no mercy for
them."
I then beheld in the middle of this boundless place a tree, the body of
which was like unto transparent glass, and the limbs were like transparent gold,
extending all over this boundless place. On
every branch of the tree were small angels
standing. There was an innumerable multitude of them, and they
sung with loud voices, and such singing has not been heard this side of heaven.
This tree was also clothed in light proceeding from the mighty angel. Beneath
this tree, standing on the sea of glass, were the countless millions of the
righteous, arrayed in white raiment with crown on their heads, and cards upon
their breasts; and in the multitude I saw some that I knew while they were
living upon the earth, and they were all singing with loud voices and lifting
their glittering hands plucking fruit Page 15: from the tree; the fruit appeared
like clusters of grapes in pictures of pure gold. With a lovely voice the guide
then spoke to me and said, "Those that; eat of the fruit of this tree
return to earth no more." I raised my hand to partake of the heavenly fruit
that I might no more return to earth, but alas! I immediately found myself again
in this lonely vale of tears. The duty to
declare the things which had been shown me to my follow creatures, and warn them
to flee from the wrath to come rested with great weight. upon my mind; but I was
disobedient, settling upon this point for am excuse that my guide did not
command me to do so; and I thereby brought darkness and death upon my soul. But
I could not find peace or comfort. I began to doubt
whether indeed my soul had ever been converted, and although I often
met with the people of God, I obtained no relief but felt distressed and lonely.
I could get no access in prayer. At last in order to escape the cross of going
and personally declaring it to the world, I decided to have it printed. Yet in
this I could find no relief. Besides, after having an account of it printed, it
was a very imperfect sketch; and indeed I was unable to relate it for that
purpose. But the Lord in his mercy spared me to behold the evening of the
4th of Febr.1842, when I met with the people of God in May St. A
large congregation was gathered together, and Page 16: Christians were engaged in
exhortations and prayer. But I enjoyed none of the sensible presence of
God. In the last
part of the evening, the house being much crowded, I gave my seat to a friend
who had been standing through the evening. While I was thus standing, I began to
reflect upon my disobedience; and while thus engaged suddenly I heard a voice,
as it were in the spirit, speaking unto me. I immediately fell
to the floor and knew nothing about this body until twelve
hours and a half had passed away; as I was afterwards informed. It appeared to me that I was a spirit separate from this body,
standing upon the earth alone. No other being appeared to be with me. The earth
had the appearance of a place perfectly level. The sun shone forth in its
splendor, as it naturally does at noonday. I then behold a cloud gently rising
out of the west, which came up and covered the sun so that it was
darkness and the whole heavens become like sackcloth; then something beyond the
expression of mortal man burst forth from the heavens, from the south even unto
the north. It was like a flaming bar of fire; and immediately after, something
appeared which it is impossible for me to describe. I then beheld innumerable
multitudes coming from the four quarters of the earth and were assembled before
this bar, and there stood in solemn silence, while paleness Page 17: gathered, an all countenances.
Immediately they were caught up to this bar, and the bodies of the saints were
changed becoming like transparent gold; and they were clothed in light and
shining garments and crowns of brightness were placed upon their heads and
shining cards upon their breasts; and singing sweetly they passed through the
bar of fire. But the wicked were unable to pass. The world beneath appeared to
be wrapt in darkness and fire; into this the wicked sunk from my, sight crying
for mercy. I beheld mothers with their infants in their arms come to the flaming
bar; the bodies of the infants became like transparent gold and on wings of
flaming fire they passed the bar, singing with lovely voices, and the unholy
mothers crying for mercy would sink below. I then
beheld an innumerable multitude coming from the waters, and am innumerable
multitude coming up out of the earth arrayed in white raiment with cards upon
their breasts, and singing with loud voices, they passed this bar and received
crowns of glory upon their heads. I then
beheld a multitude coming up out of the earth, and some of them whose names were
enrolled in the church books on earth, some of whom I had seen communing with
the saints of different orders, and some which had profes- Page 18: sed to be preachers of the gospel.
Although they had high profession, yet they were not found worthy, but cried for
mercy, and sunk with those who had blasphemed. As we passed the bar, we entered
upon a boundless place which was lighted up with great brightness. Near the
place through which was lighted up with great brightness. Near the place through
which we passed, I beheld a mighty angel clothed in pure white raiment, having a
crown of brightness. Near the place through which we passed, I beheld a mighty
angel clothed in pure white raiment, having a crown of brightness on his head.
He appeared to be gazing through bar, and his eyes like lamps of fire were fixed
with steadfastness upon the earth. He stood with his right foot placed before
him, as though walking; and his object appeared to be to reach the earth. But
three steps remained for him to take. Against his breast; and across
his left hand was as it were a trumpet of pure silver; and a great and terrible
voice me from the mist of the boundless place, saying, "The sixth angel
hath not done sounding." Behind the angel I behold countless millions of
bright chariots; they had the appearance of pure gold and were perfectly square.
Each chariot had four wings like flaming fire. And while I was beholding, one of
its chariots arose upon its wings of fire and an angel followed after the
chariot; and the wings of the chariot, and the wings of the angel cried as with
one loud voice saying, "Holy! Holy!" I watched the chariot, listening
to the lovely sound of the wings. It passed towards the earth; and there
appeared a spirit, Page 19: arrayed in white raiment as it were,
standing upon a mountain, and there was given him a crown of brightness; and he
stepped into the chariot with the angel, and in a moment he was in this
boundless place. Although he shone with great brightness, yet this individual I
knew; it was the one referred to by the witness* who said "I see the
chariot coming!" He
departed this life in just two weeks after I saw him in vision. I then saw
in midst of the place an innumerable multitude, arrayed in white raiment,
standing in a perfect square, having crowns of unfading glory upon their heads. They
were of the size of children ten years of age; and they sang a
song which the saints and angels could not sing. In the midst of this boundless
place, there was a river of pure water, and on either side of the river,
countless millions of angels stood with crown of brightness of the river,
countless millions of angels stood with crowns of brightness upon their heads;
They had in their hands cups like pure gold, and were bowing down and partaking
of the water of the river, singing with loud and lovely voices, and worshipping
his whose crown gave light to this boundless place. Then came
one unto me clothed in white, whom I call my guide; — led me to a place *Mary Black, the wife of the deceased
Eld. George Black ( the individual seen in the vision ) testifies, "These
are his dying words, 'I see the chariots coming to waft my spirit home.' He then
left the world with a shout." Page 20: Like unto a narrow door. The first
which beheld was a mighty angel, upon the right hand having a large book open
before him. My guide then spoke to me saying, "They that repent of
their sins on the earth are blotted out of the book on the left, and recorded on
the right." I then beheld angels ascending and descending too and from the
earth; they bore tidings to the recording angels.
My guide now informed me what I must do, saying, "Thy spirit must
return to yonder world, and thou must reveal these things which thou hast seen,
and also warn thy fellow creatures to flee from the wrath to come." I then
answered his saying, "How can I return to yonder world?" He answered
me, "I will go with thee, and support and help thee to declare these things
unto the world." Then, I answered the angel, "I will go."
I then beheld this lower world. It seemed as though the view which had
separated it from the boundless place in which I stood was removed, and they had
become as one; and the saints and angels were continually passing from and to
the earth. The earth appeared like a calm sea of transparent gold; above no
cloud or sky appeared; but the air was perfectly pure and of a silvery
brightness. I then heard all the saints and angels in heaven and on the Page 21: earth singing with loud voices. My
guide then spread his wings, and brought my spirit gently to the earth, then
soared away; and immediately I found myself in the body.
Not withstanding the command of my guide, and my solemn promise to
declare these things to the world, I was at first exceedingly unwilling so to
do, and it was three days before I revealed them in a public manner.
The message was so different and the manner in which the command was
given so different from any I had ever heard of, and knowing the prejudice among
the people against those of my color, it
became very crossing.
These questions were continually arising. Why should these things be
given to us to bear to the world, and not to the learned, or to one of a
different condition from myself? But no peace could I obtain in disobedience.
"Woe is me if I declare not these things," rested heavily upon my
soul.
On the 6th of Feb. the pastor of the Broomfield St. Church called me, and
requested me to relate my visions in his house of worship. Several members of
that church were present, and were anxious for me to comply. I consented; and
the appointment was made for the next afternoon. After they had left me I
regretted that such step had been taken, and thought had the world been mine it
would cheerfully be given to have the appointment recalled. Page 22: The morning of the 7th, however, found
my mind calm and peaceful; but as the hour for meeting drew nigh, temptations
began sorely to afflict me. I feared lest my guide would not be with me, and I
should be unable to tell the people the things which had been shown me. A band
of brethren sympathizing with me accompanied me to the meeting. Upon entering
the house, I found a large congregation assembled, and each individual seemed
like a mountain. So much of the fear of man rested upon me that I asked the
pastor to open the meeting with prayer, telling him I thought they would be
obliged to have a prayer meeting. But while he was addressing the throne of
grace, it seemed as though I heard a voice speaking unto me and saying, "I
am with thee, and I promised to be with thee." My heart then began to burn
within me; the fear of man suddenly fled, and unspeakable glory filled my soul.
I then related with great freedom the things shown me while the congregation sat
in a perfect stillness. From this time I traveled three months delivering my
message to crowed houses, enjoying continual peace of mind. But after this, I
began to fear my family would come to want, and so went to work laboring with my
hands, and thus continued for three months. But I could find no rest night or
night, until again I consented to Page 23: my duty. Since then, I have traveled
from place to place, and suffered some persecution, but the promise of my guide
has never failed. His supporting presence has been with me.
My object in publishing these visions is to comfort the saints. They have
been a great consolation to me in seasons of temptation and trial.
Often in the silent hours of the night, I have seemed to hear again the
sweet song of the angels; and whenever my heart has felt sad and lonely, the
things shown me by the angel have lifted me up above the trying scenes of the
earth.
My desire is that the children of God may be blessed in the same manner.
I am now waiting for my coming Lord. Although before the Lord was pleased to
show me these heavenly things, I was opposed to the doctrine of Jesus' near
approach, I am now looking for that event. I expect soon to see the tall and
mighty angel. "Then shall I be satisfied, when I awake in his
likeness."
Ye saints of God, lift up your heads for the glories of an earth made new
will soon be yours.
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him."
"But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit; for the spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God." Page 24: TESTIMONIALS We, the
undersigned, inhabitants of Boston were witnesses of the apparently inanimate
condition into which our brother, Wm. Ellis Foy, was, thrown from some unknown
cause on the l8th of January
1842, when he laid two hours and a half; and
again, February 4th
when he laid twelve hours and a half, during
which, each time he testified that he experienced extraordinary visions of
another world. Charles Tash
Francis Sanders
Georges Williams
John Thomas David Williams
Andrew Lewis Edwards Williams
George Harris
Dr. Henry
'Cummings testifies: "I was present with our brother at the time of his
visions. I examined him, but could not find any
appearance of life, except around the heart." Ann Foy,
testifies: "The first appearance of life I saw in him was the raising of
his right hand. He then arouse upon his knees, and made signs for water which
was given him. He dipped his hand into it, and wet his forehead, and his speech
immediately came to him. We then wished him to tell us what things he had seen,
and he answered, "As soon as I receive strength, I will reveal unto you
that which the Lord has revealed unto me." Copy of Certificate of Church Membership. This certified
that Bro. Wm. E. Foy is a regular member of the first Freewill Baptist Church in
Augusta, in good standing. And as such, we command him to the fellowship of the
people of God of every name, wherever he may chance to meet them. DANIEL
PALMER Church Clerk. Things to Notice in Foy's
visions: 1.
In vision, my breath
left me. P. 9. Same as EGW's experience. 2.
The saved were walking on
water. P. 9. Not biblical. 3.
The wicked and
the righteous were on the same plain at the same time when the righteous
receives their rewards. There was a dividing line between them and the wicked
was buried under a mount, P. 9.
The Bible does not place the righteous and wicked in the same place at this
time. 4.
The angels give
bright shinning cards to the saved. P. 11 Not biblical. 5.
The saved are
"Spirit People." P. 11,12. The saved are not spirits but
have a body like Christ. 6.
"The angel's
crown gave light to this boundless place." P. 12. This
contradicts the Bible. The Bible tells us that God is the light. Rev. 21:23,24. 7.
The saved were taken to
the top of a mountain and had their names from cards stamped on their foreheads.
P. 13. Not biblical. 8.
On every branch of
the tree small angels were standing. P. 14. Does the Bible ever
picture angels as being small and lined up on tree branches like a flock of
birds? 9.
Foy sees an
individual, Eld. George Black that had died two weeks after his vision. P.19.
This is spiritualism to see the dead in heaven. 10.
Foy sees the saved
as the size of children ten years of age. P. 19. Not biblical. Phil.
3:21 tell us we will have a body like Christ. 11.
Foy was out on
the floor on the first vision January 4, 1842 for 2 1/2 hours
according to the witness. This vision covers a little over two full pages. A
person should be able to read this in about five minutes. What was Foy doing the
rest of the 2 1/2 hours? Napping? The
second vision of February 4, 1842 is also the same length, about two full pages.
Foy was down and out for 12 1/2 hours on this one. What was he doing during this
time? I would suggest faking it. If
he was not faking it, he probably was in a catatonic state that is found in
patients in mental hospitals. This is where patients are oblivious to their
surroundings and when they come out of their trans, they claim they have been
talking to God. Early
Visions: Foy-White Parallels By Adventist Currents, July 1984, p. 11. While examining these few examples of the similar imagery and language used by William Foy and Ellen White to describe what they saw in vision, it is important to keep in mind not only that Foy experienced his two published visions in January and February of 1842, but also to remember that Ellen (then) Harmon was acquainted at least with Mrs. Foy and heard Mr. Foy speak on several occasions. Although Foy indicates that he published his first vision shortly after having it, he was not satisfied with the product. Not until January of 1845 were his first two visions published together in one booklet along with a few paragraphs about his personal experience. Ellen White had her first in a long series of visions in December of 1844. Quite a number of her visions and some of her life's pilgrimage up to about the age of twenty-five were published together in 1851. In the comparisons that follow, fragments of three Ellen White visions (one each from 1844, 1847, and 1849) are compared with excerpts from William Foy's two visions of early 1842.
What
does God say about prophets that steal words from others? Jer 23:31 (NIV)
"Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who
wag their own tongues and yet declare, 'The LORD declares.'" William Foy — A Statement by E. G. White
Document copied in
the White Estate by permission of Arthur L. White. Document D. F. 231. From
an Interview with Dores E. Robinson about 1912 with Ellen G. White. EGW: Then
another time there was Foy that had had visions. He had
had four visions. He was in a large congregation, very large. He fell
right to the floor. I do not know what they were doing in there, whether,
"they were listening to preaching or not. But at any rate he fell to the
floor. I do not know how long he was, about thee quarters of an hour, I think,
and he had all these before I had them. They were
written out and published, and it is queer that I
cannot find them in any of my books. But we have moved so many times. He
had four. D.E.R. - Did you ever have an interview with
him? EGW: I had an
interview with him. He wanted to see me, and I talked with him a little. They
had appointed for me to speak that night, and I did not know that he was there.
I did not know at first that he was there. While I was talking I heard a shout,
and he is a great tall man, and the roof was rather low, and he jumped up and
down, and O he praised the Lord, praised the Lord, it
was just what he had seen, just what he had seen. But they extolled
him so I think it hurt him, and I do not know what became of him. His wife was so anxious. She sat looking at him, so that it
disturbed him. 'Now', he said, 'you must 'not get where you can look at me when
I am speaking.' He had on an Episcopalian robe. His wife sat by the side of me.
She kept moving about and putting her head behind me. What does she keep moving
about so for? We found out when he came to his wife. Page 2 D.F. 231 'I did as you told me to,' said she, 'I hided myself. I did
as you told me to.' So that he should not see her face. She would be so anxious,
repeating the words right after him with her lips. After the meeting was ended, and he came to look her up,
she says to him, 'I hided myself. You didn't see me.' He was a very tall man,
slightly colored. But it was remarkable testimonies that he bore. I always sat right close by the stand. I know what I sat
there for now. It hurt me to breathe, and with the breaths all around me. I knew
I could breathe easier right by the stand, so I always took my station. D.E.R. - Then you attended the lectures that
Mr. Foy gave? EGW: He came to
give it right to the hall, in the great hall where we attended, Beethoven Hall. That was quite a little time after the visions. It was in Portland, Maine.
We went over to Cape Elizabeth to hear him lecture. Father always took me with
him when he went, and he would be going in a sleigh, and he would invite me to
get in, and I would ride with them. That was before I got any way acquainted
with him. D.E.R. - Where did you see him first? EGW: It was
there at Beethoven Hall. They lived near the bridge where we went over to Cape
Elizabeth, the family did. Important Facts From the Interview
Some important facts are brought out in this interview
between D. E. Robinson and Ellen G. White re William E. Foy:
It is also interesting to note that the book, "The Great Advent
Movement" issued by the SDA Young People's Department, did not mention
William Foy, but they did give notice to Hazen Foss, p.34. Perhaps when this
book was published in 1935-1937, the church did not want to call attention to
Foy's copyrighted vision and Ellen copying her first vision from him.
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