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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
by the proclamation of Christ at the door. They feared it might be
true, yet hoped it was not, and this was the secret of their warfare
against Adventists and their faith.
The fact that a few fanatics worked their way into the ranks of
Adventists is no more a reason to decide that the movement was
not of God, than is the presence of fanatics and deceivers in the
church in Paul’s or Luther’s day a sufficient excuse for discarding or
ridiculing their work. Let the people of God arouse out of sleep, and
begin in earnest the work of repentance and reformation, let them
search the Scriptures to learn the truth as it is in Jesus, let them make
an entire consecration to God, and evidence will not be wanting that
Satan is still active and vigilant. With all possible deception will
he manifest his power, calling to his aid all the fallen angels of his
realm.
It was not the proclamation of the Advent message that created
fanaticism and division. These appeared in the summer of 1844,
when Adventists were in a state of doubt and perplexity concerning
their real position. The preaching of the first message in 1843, and
of the midnight cry in 1844, tended directly to repress fanaticism
and dissension. Those who participated in these solemn movements
were in harmony; their hearts were filled with love for one another,
and for Jesus, whom they expected soon to see. The one faith,
the one blessed hope, lifted them above the control of any human
influence, and proved a shield against the assaults of Satan.
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