Contrary to some reports, Ellen White did not identify by name any of the "worlds" that she was shown in vision. Joseph Bates, a retired sea captain with a special interest in astronomy, was present
during at least one of these visions, and he is reported to have identified
the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus as being among those described. Some
have mistakenly linked Elder Bates' remarks to Ellen White's description of
a "place" inhabited by "noble" and "majestic" beings. In Ellen White's own account
of her vision, however, she says only that she was taken to "A PLACE" that was
bright and glorious" (emphasis supplied). She does not identify "the place"
as Jupiter, Saturn, or any other planet in our solar system. Here is her description:
"The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angel
attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass
of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The
inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely.
They bore the express image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy
joy, expressive of the freedom and happiness of the place."
Early Writings,
pp. 39, 40.
See also
Astronomical
Statements
Thought for the Day
When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. Desire of Ages, p. 173