Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Fanaticism in Wisconsin 223held so fast to this spirit of dark fanaticism, notwithstanding the plainevidences that it was from Satan, are not to be relied upon; theirjudgment is not to be considered of any weight. God sent His servantsto Brother and Sister G. They despised correction, and chose their own [230]course. Brother G was jealous and stubborn, and his future course mustbe marked with great humility; for he has proved himself unworthyof the confidence of God’s people. His heart is not right with God,neither has it been for a long time.I saw that Satan’s object has been to lead persons in Wisconsininto gross fanaticism. He has controlled their minds, and led themto act in accordance with the deception they were under. When hisobject was accomplished, and they had run the length of the coursewhich he had marked out for them, he was willing that they shouldacknowledge that wrong, and then he would try to push them to anopposite extreme, to deny the gifts and operations of God’s Spirit.Satan took advantage of Brother and Sister G’s lack of union with thebody. They desired to take an independent course, and to lead insteadof yielding to be led. Brother G has a jealous disposition, which,together with his independence, has kept him to one side; for with thisspirit he could not be a true yokefellow with his ministering brethren.Sister G is of a jealous disposition, and possesses much firmness. Shelacks experience, and has not been sound in the faith or united withthe body. Her heart has risen up against the gifts of the church. Therewas a lack of meekness and humility in her articles sent to the Reviewfor publication.Everything seemed prepared for the work of Satan. He led many onto lay aside reason and judgment, and to be governed by impressions.The Lord requires His people to use their reason, and not lay it asidefor impressions. His work will be intelligible to all His children. Histeaching will be such as will commend itself to the understanding ofintelligent minds. It is calculated to elevate the mind. God’s poweris not manifested upon every occasion. Man’s necessity is God’sopportunity.I was shown companies in confusion, exercised by a wrong spirit, [231]all making loud prayers together, some crying one thing and someanother; and it was impossible to tell what was piped and what washarped. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” Satan