“Holy Flesh” Doctrine
35
The fewer of such demonstrations there are, the better it will be for the
actors and for the people in general.
Fanaticism, once started and left unchecked, is as hard to quench
as a fire which has obtained hold of a building. Those who have en-
tered into and sustained this fanaticism, might far better be engaged in
secular labor; for by their inconsistent course of action they are dis-
honoring the Lord and imperiling His people. Many such movements
will arise at this time, when the Lord’s work should stand elevated,
pure, unadulterated with superstition and fables. We need to be on
our guard, to maintain a close connection with Christ, that we be not
deceived by Satan’s devices.
The Lord desires to have in His service order and discipline, not
excitement and confusion. We are not now able to describe with
accuracy the scenes to be enacted in our world in the future; but this
we do know, that this is a time when we must watch unto prayer;
for the great day of the Lord is at hand. Satan is rallying his forces.
We need to be thoughtful and still, and to contemplate the truths of
revelation. Excitement is not favorable to growth in grace, to true
purity and sanctification of the spirit.
God wants us to deal with sacred truth. This alone will convince
the gainsayer. Calm, sensible labor must be put forth, to convince souls
of their condition, to show them the character building which must be
[36]
carried on if a beautiful structure is raised for the Lord. Minds that are
awakened must be patiently instructed if they rightly understand and
duly appreciate the truths of the Word.
God calls upon His people to walk with sobriety and holy consis-
tency. They should be very careful not to misrepresent and dishonor
the holy doctrines of truth by strange performances, by confusion and
tumult. By this, unbelievers are led to think that Seventh-day Adven-
tists are a set of fanatics. Thus prejudice is created that prevents souls
from receiving the message for this time. When believers speak the
truth as it is in Jesus, they reveal a holy, sensible calm, not a storm of
confusion.—
The General Conference Bulletin, April 23, 1901
.
Worship With a Bedlam of Noise
It is impossible to estimate too largely the work that the Lord will
accomplish through His proposed vessels in carrying out His mind and