Meeting Fanaticism
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life, not by creeping on the floor. All spiritual things are to be treated
with sacred dignity. Humility and meekness are in accordance with
the life of Christ, but they are to be shown in a dignified way.
A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of
Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words
and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most
sacred message that has come to our world.
Fruits of the “No-Work” Doctrine
There were some in Paris, Maine, who believed that it was sin to
work. The Lord gave me a reproof for the leader in this error, declaring
that he was going contrary to the word of God in abstaining from labor,
in urging his errors upon others, and in denouncing all who did not
receive them. He rejected every evidence which the Lord gave to
convince him of his error, and was determined to make no change in
his course. He took weary journeys, walking great distances to places
where he would receive only abuse, and thought that in so doing he
was suffering for Christ’s sake. Impressions were followed, and reason
and judgment were laid aside.
I saw that God would work for the salvation of His people: that
this misguided man would soon manifest himself, so that all the honest
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in heart would see that he was not actuated by a right spirit, and that
his career would soon close. Soon afterward the snare was broken, and
he had but little more influence over the brethren. He denounced the
visions as being of the devil, and continued to follow his impressions,
until his mind was deranged and his friends were obliged to confine
him. At last he made a rope of some of his bed clothing, with which he
hanged himself, and his followers were brought to realize the fallacy
of his teachings.
The Dignity of Labor
God ordained that the beings He created should work. Upon this
their happiness depends. No one in the Lord’s great domain of creation
was made to be a drone. Our happiness increases and our powers
develop as we engage in useful employment.