Appendix
653
“The question naturally arises, if the visions are given to correct
the erring, why did she not sooner see the error of the six o’clock
time? I have ever been thankful that God corrected the error in His
own good time, and did not suffer an unhappy division to exist among
us upon this point. But, dear reader, the work of the Lord upon this
point is in perfect harmony with his manifestations to us on others,
and in harmony with the correct position upon spiritual gifts. It does
not appear to be the desire of the Lord to teach His people by the gifts
of the Spirit on the Bible questions until His servants have diligently
searched His word. When this was done upon the subject of the time
to commence the Sabbath, and most were established, and some were
in danger of being out of harmony with the body on this subject, then,
[714]
yes, then, was the very time for God to magnify His goodness in the
manifestation of the gift of His Spirit in the accomplishment of its
proper work.”—
The Review and Herald, February 25, 1868
.
Pages 116, 117, 122, 123, “The Messenger Party”—In the summer
of 1854 there appeared among the Sabbathkeeping Adventists the
first disaffection, or apostasy. Two men who had been preaching the
message were reproved through the spirit of prophecy for a harsh,
censorious spirit, for avarice, and for extravagance in the use of means
placed in their hands. Becoming embittered instead of repentant, they
joined with a few others in unjust recrimination against Elder and Mrs.
White and other leaders, making false charges against them. Although
continuing to advocate the Sabbath truth, they began the publication
of a slanderous sheet which they called the Messenger of Truth
.
They were joined by elders Stephenson and Hall of Wisconsin.
These men had been first-day Adventist preachers, who professed to
accept the truths of the third angel’s message, but who continued to
hold doctrines regarding the Age-to-Come. According to this theory
there was to be, during the millennium, a “second chance” for salva-
tion. They agreed, however, to preach the message, without advocating
this question, if the Review would not publish articles against it. How-
ever, as indicated in the text, they did not keep their promise and were
soon opposing the Review and its supporters
.
The course of these “opposers of the truth” was soon run. Both
Stephenson and Hall lost their reason. The Messenger of Truth ceased
publication in 1857, and early in 1858 Elder White reported regarding
the party: “Not one of the eighteen messengers of which they once