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Fanaticism and Tongues Speaking, May 26
The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not
the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1 Corinthians 14:32, 33
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A spirit of fanaticism has ruled a certain class of Sabbathkeepers....
They have sipped but lightly at the fountain of truth and are unacquainted
with the spirit of the message of the third angel. Nothing can be done for
this class until their fanatical views are corrected....
Some of these persons have exercises which they call gifts and say that
the Lord has placed them in the church. They have an unmeaning gibberish
which they call the unknown tongue, which is unknown not only by man
but by the Lord and all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and
women, aided by the great deceiver. Fanaticism, false excitement, false
talking in tongues, and noisy exercises have been considered gifts which
God has placed in the Church. Some have been deceived here. The fruits of
all this have not been good....
There are many restless spirits who will not submit to discipline, system,
and order. They think that their liberties would be abridged were they to lay
aside their own judgment and submit to the judgment of those of experience.
The work of God will not progress unless there is a disposition to submit
to order and expel the reckless, disorderly spirit of fanaticism from their
meetings. Impressions and feelings are no sure evidence that a person is led
by the Lord. Satan will, if he is unsuspected, give feelings and impressions.
These are not safe guides. All should thoroughly acquaint themselves with
the evidences of our faith, and the great study should be how they can adorn
their profession and bear fruit to the glory of God.... A trifling, joking,
reckless spirit should be rebuked. It is no evidence of the grace of God upon
the heart for persons to talk and pray with talent in meeting, and then give
up to a rough, careless manner of talking and acting when out of meeting....
The truth of God will never degrade, but will elevate the receiver, refine
his taste, sanctify his judgment, and perfect him for the company of the
pure and holy angels in the kingdom of God.
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