328
The Great Controversy 1888
Spirit and Word agree. If a man judges himself by the Word of God,
and finds a perfect harmony through the whole Word, then he must
believe he has the truth; but if he finds the spirit by which he is led
does not harmonize with the whole tenor of God’s law or book, then
let him walk carefully, lest he be caught in the snare of the devil.” “I
have often obtained more evidence of inward piety from a kindling
eye, a wet cheek, and a choked utterance, than from all the noise in
Christendom.”
In the days of the Reformation its enemies charged all the evils
of fanaticism upon the very ones who are laboring most earnestly
against it. A similar course was pursued by the opposers of the Advent
movement. And not content with misrepresenting and exaggerating the
errors of extremists and fanatics, they circulated unfavorable reports
that had not the slightest semblance of truth. These persons were
actuated by prejudice and hatred. Their peace was disturbed 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 was the presence of fanatics and deceivers in the church in
Paul’s or Luther’s day a sufficient excuse for condemning their work.
Let the people of God arouse out of sleep, and begin in earnest the
[398]
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 he will manifest his power, calling
to his aid all the fallen angels of his realm.
It was not the proclamation of the second advent that created fa-
naticism 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 angel’s message and of the
“midnight cry” 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.