Orson F. Whitney's Vision of the Savior in Gethsemane

In the spring of 1877, young Orson F. Whitney was serving a mission in the Eastern States. Though he had experienced many faith-promoting moments, he found himself increasingly distracted from his missionary duties by literary ambitions — writing popular newspaper letters under the pen name 'Iago.' His heart was turned more toward a literary career than toward preaching the gospel.

One early morning, he had the following dream-vision:

'I thought I was in the garden of Gethsemane. I saw the Savior and his Apostles, Peter, James, and John, enter from the direction to my right, and, leaving them there in a group, praying, He passed to the other side and also knelt down. He seemed to be in great mental distress and His face, which was turned towards me, was streaming with tears. He prayed to the Father: "Let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, Thy will, and not mine, be done."

Finishing, He arose and crossing to where His Apostles were, shook them—for they had fallen asleep—and rousing them up, reproved them for neglecting to watch and pray. He then returned to his former place and kneeling down prayed again.

Unseen of them, I watched their movements from behind a tree. My heart was so full of sympathy for Jesus and His sorrow that I wept in unison with Him and my whole soul, as if melted, went out to Him.

Pretty soon He arose and, beckoning His companions to Him, seemed about to take His departure. The whole circumstance of the dream then changed, though the scene remained the same. The only difference was in time; instead of before the crucifixion, it was after, and the Son of God, having made the sacrifice required, was about to go to the Father, taking the three disciples with Him.

I could stand it no longer, and rushing out from my concealment fell down at His feet, clasped Him about the knees, and begged Him to take me with Him also. He gazed upon me with inexpressible tenderness, then stooped and lifted me up into His arms and embraced me with all the affection of a father or an elder brother. I could feel the beating of His heart and the warmth of His bosom against mine.

With a voice full of sweetness and compassion and slowly swaying His head in denial, He said: "No, my son; your work is not finished yet. These have done their work and they can go with me, but you must stay and finish yours." These words uttered in all kindness only made me more anxious to go, though I did not repeat my request, but clinging to Him besought Him further: "Well, promise me that I will come to you hereafter." Again He shook His head and sadly and sweetly said: "That will depend entirely on yourself."

I awoke with a sob, and it was morning.'

This vision permanently redirected Whitney's life. He rededicated himself to his mission and years later became an Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve, serving from 1906 until his death in 1931. He described this dream as the pivotal spiritual experience of his life — making him a special witness of Jesus Christ.