94
Selected Messages Book 2
fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt
tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good
fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (
Matthew 7:15-19
).—
The
Review and Herald, February 23, 1892
.
Voluntary Exhibition Evidence Spurious Work
As this brother and his wife outlined their experiences, which they
claim have come to them as the result of receiving the Holy Ghost with
apostolic power, it seemed to be a facsimile of that which we were
called to meet and correct in our early experience.
Toward the close of our interview, Brother L proposed that we
unite in prayer, with the thought that possibly while in prayer his wife
would be exercised as they had described to me, and that then I might
[100]
be able to discern whether this was of the Lord or not. To this I could
not consent, because I have been instructed that when one offers to
exhibit these peculiar manifestations, this is a decided evidence that it
is not the work of God.—
Letter 338, 1908
.
Bible Not Superseded by Miracles
Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous
manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work
or of the ideas they advocate. If we keep these things before the
people, they will produce an evil effect, an unhealthful emotion. The
genuine working of the Holy Spirit on human hearts is promised, to
give efficiency through the Word. Christ has declared the Word to
be spirit and life. “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of
the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea” (
Habakkuk 2:14
,
A.R.V.).
Satan will work in a most subtle manner to introduce human in-
ventions clothed with angel garments. But the light from the Word
is shining amid the moral darkness; and the Bible will never be su-
perseded by miraculous manifestations. The truth must be studied, it
must be searched for as hidden treasure. Wonderful illuminations will
not be given aside from the Word, or to take the place of it. Cling to
the Word, receive the ingrafted Word, which will make men wise unto
salvation. [
See fuller context on pages 48, 49
.]
[101]