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To Prevent Fanaticism, August 16
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,
which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not
sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:28-30
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Fanaticism will appear in the very midst of us. Deceptions will come, and
of such a character that if it were possible they would mislead the very elect.
If marked inconsistencies and untruthful utterances were apparent in these
manifestations, the words from the lips of the great Teacher would not be
needed. It is because of the many and varied dangers that would arise, that
this warning is given.
The reason why I hang out the danger signal is that through the enlighten-
ment of the Spirit of God I can see that which my brethren do not discern. It
may not be a positive necessity for me to point out all these peculiar phases
of deception that they will need to guard against. It is enough for me to tell
you, Be on your guard; and as faithful sentinels keep the flock of God from
accepting indiscriminately all that professes to be communicated to them
from the Lord. If we work to create an excitement of feeling, we shall have
all we want, and more than we can possibly know how to manage. Calmly
and clearly “Preach the Word.” We must not regard it as our work to create
an excitement.
The Holy Spirit of God alone can create a healthy enthusiasm. Let God
work, and let the human agent walk softly before Him, watching, waiting,
praying, looking unto Jesus every moment, led and controlled by the precious
Spirit, which is light and life.—
Selected Messages 2:16, 17
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