Fanatical Mind
39
done. Some will seek to bring in false theories and will come with
false messages. Satan will stir human minds to create fanaticism in
our ranks. We have seen something of this in the year 1908. The Lord
desires His people to move carefully, guarding the expressions and
even the attitude. Satan will use peculiarities of attitude and voice to
cause excitement and to work on human minds to deceive.—
Letter
12, 1909
Avoid Tests of Human Invention—New and strange things will
continually arise to lead God’s people into false excitement, religious
revivals, and curious developments; but our people should not be
subjected to any tests of human invention that will create controversy
in any line.—
Manuscript 167, 1897.
Beware of “New.” “Wonderful,” So-called Advanced Light—
My soul is much burdened, for I know what is before us. Every
conceivable deception will be brought to bear upon those who have
not a daily, living connection with God. Satan’s angels are wise to do
evil, and they will create that which some will claim to be advanced
light and will proclaim it as new and wonderful; yet while in some
respects the message may be truth, it will be mingled with human
inventions and will teach for doctrine the commandments of men. If
there was ever a time when we should watch and pray in real earnest,
it is now.
Many apparently good things will need to be carefully considered
with much prayer; for they are specious devices of the enemy to lead
souls in a path which lies so close to the path of truth that it will be
scarcely distinguishable from it. But the eye of faith may discern that
it is diverging, though almost imperceptibly, from the right path. At
first it may be thought positively right, but after a while it is seen to
be widely divergent from the way which leads to holiness and heaven.
My brethren, I warn you to make straight paths for your feet, lest the
lame be turned out of the way.—
Manuscript 82, 1894.
[43]
Fanaticism Hard to Quench—Fanaticism, once started and left
unchecked, is as hard to quench as a fire which has obtained hold
of a building. Those who have entered into and sustained this fa-
naticism [holy flesh] might far better be engaged in secular labor, for
by their inconsistent course of action they are dishonoring the Lord
and imperiling His people. Many such movements will arise at this
time when the Lord’s work should stand elevated, pure, unadulterated