Chapter 76—The Cause in the East
The fanaticism which raged in years past has left its desolating
effects in the East. I saw that God tested His people upon time in 1844,
but that no time which has since been set has borne the special marks
of His hand. He has not tested His people upon any particular time
since 1844. We have been, and still are, in the patient waiting time.
Considerable excitement was created by the 1854 time, and many have
settled it that that movement was in the order of God because it was
quite extensive and some were apparently converted by it. But such
conclusions are not necessary. There was much preached in connection
with the time in 1854 that was reasonable and right. Some who were
honest took truth and error together, and sacrificed much of what they
possessed to carry out the error, and after their disappointment they
gave up both truth and error, and are now where it is very difficult
for the truth to reach them. Some who endured the disappointment
have seen the evidences of present truth, and have embraced the third
angel’s message, and are striving to carry it out in their lives. But
where there is one who has been benefited by believing the 1854 time,
there are ten who have been injured by it; and many of these are placed
where they will not be convinced of the truth, though it be presented
before them ever so clearly.
The proclamation of the 1854 time was attended with a spirit which
was not of God. It was a noisy, rough, careless, excitable spirit. Noise
was considered by many the essential of true religion, and there was a
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tendency to bring all down upon a low level. Many regarded this as
humility; but when opposed in their peculiar views, they would become
excited in a moment, manifest an overbearing spirit, and accuse those
who did not agree with them of being proud and of resisting the truth
and the power of God.
Holy angels have been displeased and disgusted with the irreverent
manner in which many have used the name of God, the great Jehovah.
Angels mention that sacred name with the greatest awe, ever veiling
their faces when they speak the name of God; and the name of Christ
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