movements . . . . Many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified , are following the traditions of men , and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions ." --Bliss, pages 236 , 237 . " The spirit of error will lead us from the truth ; and the Spirit of God will lead us into truth . But , say you , a man may be in an error , and think he has the truth . What then ? We answer , The 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 ." -- The Advent Herald and Signs of the Times Reporter , vol . 8 , No . 23 ( Jan . 15 , 1845 ). " 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 of Christendom ." --Bliss, page 282 .
In the days of the Reformation its enemies charged all the evils of fanaticism upon the very ones who were 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 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 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 caused 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 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 .
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