Fanaticism in Wisconsin
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held so fast to this spirit of dark fanaticism, notwithstanding the plain
evidences that it was from Satan, are not to be relied upon; their
judgment is not to be considered of any weight. God sent His servants
to Brother and Sister G. They despised correction, and chose their own
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course. Brother G was jealous and stubborn, and his future course must
be marked with great humility; for he has proved himself unworthy
of the confidence of God’s people. His heart is not right with God,
neither has it been for a long time.
I saw that Satan’s object has been to lead persons in Wisconsin
into gross fanaticism. He has controlled their minds, and led them
to act in accordance with the deception they were under. When his
object was accomplished, and they had run the length of the course
which he had marked out for them, he was willing that they should
acknowledge that wrong, and then he would try to push them to an
opposite extreme, to deny the gifts and operations of God’s Spirit.
Satan took advantage of Brother and Sister G’s lack of union with the
body. They desired to take an independent course, and to lead instead
of yielding to be led. Brother G has a jealous disposition, which,
together with his independence, has kept him to one side; for with this
spirit he could not be a true yokefellow with his ministering brethren.
Sister G is of a jealous disposition, and possesses much firmness. She
lacks experience, and has not been sound in the faith or united with
the body. Her heart has risen up against the gifts of the church. There
was a lack of meekness and humility in her articles sent to the Review
for publication.
Everything seemed prepared for the work of Satan. He led many on
to lay aside reason and judgment, and to be governed by impressions.
The Lord requires His people to use their reason, and not lay it aside
for impressions. His work will be intelligible to all His children. His
teaching will be such as will commend itself to the understanding of
intelligent minds. It is calculated to elevate the mind. God’s power
is not manifested upon every occasion. Man’s necessity is God’s
opportunity.
I was shown companies in confusion, exercised by a wrong spirit,
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all making loud prayers together, some crying one thing and some
another; and it was impossible to tell what was piped and what was
harped. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” Satan