Early Fanaticism to be Repeated
27
committed, and unholy lusts were freely indulged by some, under
the cloak of sanctification. The doctrine of spiritual free-love was
advocated. We saw the fulfillment of the scripture “that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,
and doctrines of devils” (
1 Timothy 4:1
).—
The Southern Watchman,
April 5, 1904
.
Bodily Demonstrations Not Demanded
True religion does not demand great bodily demonstrations....
These are no evidence of the presence of the Spirit of God. In 1843
and 1844 we were called to meet just such fanaticism. Men would say,
I have the Holy Spirit of God, and they would come into the meeting
and roll just like a hoop; and because some would not receive this as
evidence of the working of the Spirit of God, they were looked upon
as wicked people. The Lord sent me into the midst of this fanaticism....
Some would come to me and ask, Why do you not join with them?
I said, I have another Leader than this, One who is meek and lowly
in heart, One who made no such demonstrations as you are making
here, nor such boasts. These demonstrations are not of Christ but of
the devil.—
Manuscript 97, 1909
.
A Claim to Be Sealed and Holy
In 1850 my husband and myself visited Vermont, Canada, New
Hampshire, and Maine. The meetings were held in private houses.
[27]
It was then next to impossible to obtain access to unbelievers. The
disappointment in 1844 had confused the minds of many, and they
would not listen to any explanation of the matter. They were impatient
and unbelieving, and many seemed rebellious, coming out in a most
decided manner against their past Advent experience. Others dared not
go to this length, and deny the way the Lord had led them. These were
glad to hear arguments from the Word of God which would harmonize
our position with prophetic history. As they listened to an explanation
of the disappointment which had been so bitter to them, they saw that
God indeed led them, and they rejoiced in the truth. This awakened
the most bitter opposition on the part of those who denied our past
experience.