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something else, how can those who believe through their word be one?
There will be difference of sentiments.
I saw that if God’s people in Wisconsin would prosper, they must
take a decided position in regard to these things, and thereby cut off the
influence of those who are causing distraction and division by teaching
sentiments contrary to the body. Such are wandering stars. They seem
to emit a little light; they profess and carry along a little truth, and
thus deceive the inexperienced. Satan endows them with his spirit,
but God is not with them; His Spirit does not dwell in them. Jesus
prayed that His disciples might be one, as He is one with the Father,
“that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” The oneness
and unity of God’s truth-believing remnant people carries powerful
conviction to the world that they have the truth, and are the peculiar,
chosen people of God. This oneness and unity disconcerts the enemy,
and he is determined that it shall not exist. The present truth, believed
in the heart and exemplified in the life, makes God’s people one, and
gives them a powerful influence.
Had professed Sabbathkeepers in Wisconsin earnestly sought and
labored to be in union with the prayer of Christ, to be one as He is
one with the Father, Satan’s work would have been defeated. If all had
sought to be in union with the body, the fanaticism which has brought
so deep a stain upon the cause of present truth in northern Wisconsin
would not have arisen; for it is the result of drawing off from the body,
and seeking to have an original, independent faith, regardless of the
faith of the body.
In the last vision given at Battle Creek I was shown that an unwise
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course was taken at-----in regard to the visions at the time of the
organization of the church there. There were some in-----who were
God’s children, and yet doubted the visions. Others had no opposition,
yet dared not take a decided stand in regard to them. Some were
skeptical, and they had sufficient cause to make them so. The false
visions and fanatical exercises, and the wretched fruits following, had
an influence upon the cause in Wisconsin to make minds jealous of
everything bearing the name of visions. All these things should have
been taken into consideration, and wisdom exercised. There should be
no trial or labor with those who have never seen the individual having
visions, and who have had no personal knowledge of the influence of
the visions. Such should not be deprived of the benefits and privileges