18
Selected Messages Book 2
Great Teacher would not be needed. It is because of the many and
varied dangers that would arise, that this warning is given.
The reason why I hang out the danger signal is that through the
enlightenment of the Spirit of God I can see that which my brethren do
not discern. It may not be a positive necessity for me to point out all
these peculiar phases of deception that they will need to guard against.
It is enough for me to tell you, Be on your guard; and as faithful
sentinels keep the flock of God from accepting indiscriminately all
that professes to be communicated to them from the Lord. If we work
to create an excitement of feeling, we shall have all we want, and
more than we can possibly know how to manage. Calmly and clearly
“Preach the word.” We must not regard it as our work to create an
excitement.
The Holy Spirit of God alone can create a healthy enthusiasm. Let
God work, and let the human agent walk softly before Him, watching,
waiting, praying, looking unto Jesus every moment, led and controlled
[17]
by the precious Spirit, which is light and life.—
Letter 68, 1894
.
The end is near. The children of light are to work with earnest,
persevering zeal to lead others to prepare for the great event before us,
that they may be able to resist the enemy because they have allowed
the Holy Spirit to work upon their hearts. New and strange things will
continually arise to lead God’s people into false excitement, religious
revivals, and curious developments. Let them keep advancing, with
their eyes fixed alone upon the Light and Life of the world. Know that
everything that is called light and truth in the Word of God is light and
truth, an emanation from divine wisdom, not an imitation of Satan’s
subtle arts. The light of God’s wisdom will be to every true, steadfast,
contrite soul as a lamp to his feet.—
Letter 45, 1899
.
Feeling Not to Master Judgment
With much that is truth there is mingled error that is accepted in its
extreme meaning, and acted upon by persons of excitable temperament.
Thus fanaticism will take the place of well-regulated, well-disciplined,
heaven-ordained efforts to carry forward the work to its completion....
There is danger, not only that unbalanced minds will be led into
fanaticism, but that designing persons will take advantage of this
excitement to further their own selfish purposes....