Chapter 10—The Visions of Anna Phillips
[
In 1893 Anna Phillips, a young woman residing in Battle Creek, was
led to believe that her impressions and dreams were the intimations of
the Spirit of God. She was encouraged in her work when her so-called
testimonies, placed in the hands of a leading worker, were read by
him before the Battle Creek church as divinely inspired
communications. The next morning this worker received the
communication here presented. On hearing this read, Anna Phillips
discerned and acknowledged the delusion, repudiated her past work,
and became a trusted, fruitful Bible instructor in the work of the
church.—Compilers
.]
Does Not Bear Signature of Heaven
I know that we are living near the close of this earth’s history;
startling events are preparing for development. I am fully in harmony
with you in your work when you present the Bible, and the Bible alone,
as the foundation of our faith. Satan is an artful foe, and he will work
where he is by many least expected. I have a message for you. Did
you suppose that God had commissioned you to take the burden of
presenting the visions of Anna Phillips, reading them in public, and
uniting them with the testimonies the Lord has been pleased to give
me? No, the Lord has not laid upon you this burden. He has not given
you this work to do.... Do not belittle the work by mingling with it
productions that you have no positive evidence are from the Lord of
life and glory....
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My dear brother, I wish to present before you some things concern-
ing the dangers that threaten the work at the present time. The work of
Anna Phillips does not bear the signature of Heaven. I know what I
am talking about. In our first experience in the infancy of this cause
we had to meet similar manifestations. Many such revelations were
given, and we had a most disagreeable work in meeting this element
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