Visions of Anna Phillips
87
to judge of, or to place before the public, important matters which
have a relation to the cause of God.—
Letter 6a, 1894
.
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Without Sufficient Evidence
I want to say just as little as possible in regard to Anna Phillips.
The less this matter is talked over and agitated, the better. There is
a “dead fly in the ointment.” Before this reaches you, you will have
received a letter giving a more complete statement in regard to what
we may expect in the case. I am more sorry than I can express to you
that the matter has been handled unwisely. We shall have scores of just
such developments, and if our leading brethren shall catch up things
of this character and endorse them as they have done in this case, we
shall have one of the most sweeping tidal waves of fanaticism that has
been seen in our experience. There will be the wildest performances.
Satan has already begun his work. To give ready credence to these
things, and make loose, unguarded statements endorsing them without
sufficient evidence of their genuine character, is one of Satan’s devices.
The Lord Jesus has certainly given cautions sufficient in regard to this
matter, so that none need be deceived.
In such cases as these, it is essential that we let our moderation be
seen. The Lord is at hand. We cannot afford to work in such a way as
those have done who have given the productions of Anna Phillips to
our churches without clear and certain evidence that God is speaking
to His people through her. For our ministers to rush a thing before the
people as bearing the divine credentials, unless they know for a surety
that it is of God, will do a work that God has told them not to do. Many
things intended to deceive will come, bearing some of the marks of
truth. Just as soon as these shall be set forth as the great power of God,
Satan is all ready to weave in that which he has prepared to lead souls
from the truth for this time
Error Bears Inscription of Truth
Every conceivable message is coming to counterfeit the work of
God, and always bearing the inscription of truth upon its banner
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It is no light matter to substitute for God’s revealed will, opinions
and assertions, dreams, symbols, and figures from human, finite beings.
Our actions, words, spirit, and influence are watched and criticized.