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A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
and women were not bad, but they were deceived and deluded.... Satan
was moulding the work, and sensuality was the result. The cause of
God was dishonored. Truth, sacred truth, was leveled in the dust by
human agencies.
The authorities of the land interfered, and several of the ring leaders
were incarcerated within prison walls. By those who were confined
in prison this interference was termed persecution for the truth’s sake,
and thus truth was clothed with garments spotted with the flesh.... I
presented the reproof of the Lord regarding this kind of work, showing
that its influence was making the truth objectionable and disgusting to
the community....
I bore my testimony, declaring that these fanatical movements,
this din and noise, were inspired by the spirit of Satan, who was
working miracles to deceive if possible the very elect. [
Letter 132,
1900
(Portions in
Selected Messages 2:36, 37
.)]
Confusion
We need to be on our guard, to maintain a close connection with
Christ, that we be not deceived by Satan’s devices. The Lord desires to
have in His service order and discipline, not excitement and confusion.
[
Selected Messages 2:35
.]
Wild, clamorous cries and exercises are no evidence that the Spirit
of God is at work. [
The Review and Herald, March 5, 1889
.]
Order Versus Impressions and Feelings
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
[52]
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