The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 398
present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of?
The Bible answers: ‘By their fruits ye shall know them.’... There are
many spirits gone out into the world; and we are commanded to try the
spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am more and
more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild 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.
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