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THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD + WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL EDITION

August 10, 1972
Vol. 149 No. 32

Elmshaven

111 RA1PH MACKIN SIORY ARTHUR L. WHITE

This article is the first of a series of well-dressed and seemingly very A newspaper story appearing in
three that relate an interesting chapter in
Adventist history. The conversation with sincere couple in their middle the Mansfield (Ohio) "Daily Shield"
the Mackins was taken down steno- thirties. Mrs. White soon learned on August 22, not yet seen by
graphically at the time of the interview by that her visitors were earnest
Clarence C. Crisler, Ellen G. White's
Mrs. White or her son, concerning
leading secretary. It is published here in students of the Bible and the Tes- the Mackin experience at the Ohio
full for the first time.—Editors. timonies and had come to Cali- camp meeting three months be-
ON THURSDAY morning, No- fornia from Ohio for the express fore, gives some historical back-
vember 12, 1908, Ellen White was purpose of learning whether their ground. The extended bold-face
at her Elmshaven home busy in unusual experience of a few heading reads:
her writing room. Here her son, months past was endorsed by the "Gift of tongues causes trouble.
W. C. White, found her and told Lord. Mackin claims to be master of
her there were two persons in the They had called on W. C. White Chinese jargon, which he says
living room below who wished to the day before, hence he was alert came to him from God while his
talk with her. Joining him, she to their mission, but had not dis- mother became an expert in Yid-
went downstairs to meet Mr. Ralph closed it to his mother. As he left dish as the result of a vision. Dis-
Mackin and his wife. She found a the office to go over to the home, sension at camp meeting results
he took Clarence Crisler, Mrs. in the arrest of Mackin, wife and
Arthur L. White is secretary of White's leading secretary, with him daughter, and two lady compan-
the Ellen G. White Estate. to report the interview. (Continued on page 6)
 Continued from page 1) their lives; and I read from verse
45 and onward to the end of the
chapter:
"Then opened he their under-
standing, that they might understand
the scriptures, and said unto them,
Thus it is written, and thus it be-
hoved Christ to suffer, and to rise
from the dead the third day: and

DIE that repentance and remission of sins

should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Je-
rusalem. And ye are witnesses of

MPH MACKIN Miff these things. And, behold, I send

the promise of my Father upon you:
but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem,
until ye be endued with power from
on high. And he led them out as far
ions—they hold services behind the Bible and the Testimonies, and as to Bethany, and he lifted up his
prison bars and seem quite proud of especially from volume 8 and vol- hands, and blessed them. And it
distinction." ume 7, and Early Writings, and also came to pass, while he blessed them,
But now by way of the steno- the little book made up of a collec- he was parted from them, and car-
graphic report of the interview, let tion of leaflets and entitled,, "Special ried up into heaven. And they
us join the group by the open fire- Testimonies to Ministers and Work- worshipped him, and returned to
place in the living room of the Elms- ers." This we found to be a most Jerusalem with great joy: and were
haven home. Most is a verbatim re- precious volume to us. It shows how continually in the temple, praising
port. In a few instances Elder Crisler in times past men who had been and blessing God. Amen."
summarized, as he did the introduc- called of God were treated, et cetera. Blessing of Sanctification
tory remarks. One point we will The message that the Lord gave
soon observe is that although Mrs. me particularly was to follow the Now, I teach that this blessing is
White repeatedly warned concerning life of the apostles. In the first place, the blessing of sanctification that
deception in religious matters, it will in Matthew 18:1-3, when the apos- they received, that He bestowed
be so subtle and disguised that if tles came to the Saviour, we read: upon them; and when we seek God
possible the very elect will be de- —if we are a sinner, until we are
ceived. In her approach to this case Conversion to Jesus converted; if we are converted, then
she listens patiently, asks meaning- "At the same time came the disci- we put up the prayer for the power
ful questions, but is slow either to ples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the of sanctification to live clean, whole-
accept or to condemn. As we listen greatest in the kingdom of heaven? some lives. Not that it is the work
attentively we observe her carefully And Jesus called a little child unto of an instant; not "once sanctified,
weighing the evidence employing him, and set him in the midst of always sanctified"; that is not true.
certain criteria. Only as we allow them, and said, Verily I say unto But we should so firmly and eagerly
the several participants in the in- you, Except ye be converted, and put up our petition that we receive
terview to speak at length and in become as little children, ye shall the blessing. It has the same physio-
detail can we pick up the full impact. not enter into the kingdom of logical effect on us—oh, we just
heaven." want to praise Jesus, and it makes
Report of the Interview Now, I teach that no matter what us so loving and gentle and kind.
Brother and Sister Mackin stated the doctrine is—that is—that a man But we notice that the disciples were
that they had felt impressed by the has, that he accepts, that he be- not ready yet to go out with that
Holy Spirit to make a special trip lieves, even though it be the truth blessing to do work for the Master.
West in order to interview Sister itself—that does not necessarily con- He told them to tarry until they
White regarding some unusual ex- vert him, only to that doctrine but were endued with power from on
periences through which they had not to Jesus Christ; that the thing high. Then we put up our petition
been passing. During the Week of we are to do is to seek Jesus for the and hold right on by faith, and that
Prayer nearly three years before they power of conversion. That is, if we which encouraged us to do this was
had united with their little church accept the Sabbath truth, the state the chapter entitled "The Shaking
at Findlay, Ohio, in a special season of the dead, and all those things— Time" in Early Writings—we hung
of seeking God for the outpouring I may accept those things, and advo- right on by faith, until great drops
of the Holy Spirit. cate and teach them, and yet lose of sweat stood on our brow. Believ-
Ralph Mackin: In the Week of heaven, and am not a converted ing that the same power that the
Prayer reading for that year, every man, unless I have sought Jesus for disciples had was for us today, we
article was directed to the people to His converting. power. were encouraged to hold on.
seek for the Holy Spirit. We set aside In the next place, I turn to John When that promised blessing
in our little church three days for 17, and read the prayer that Jesus came on us, as we put up our peti-
fasting and prayer, and we fasted offered before His crucifixion. There tions to God, we had the same ex-
and prayed for three days—that is, He prayed for sanctification. "Sanc- perience as recorded here in Acts 2
not constantly together, but we felt tify them through thy truth: thy in regard to the apostles. When that
the need of a deeper work and felt word is truth." promised power came upon us we
the necessity of coming into posses- Then I turn to Luke 24, to show spake in other tongues as the Spirit
sion of more of the Spirit of God. when they came into possession of gave us utterance.
We began to study from that time that blessing termed sanctification— In Toledo, when we were bearing
on the work of the Holy Spirit, from the apostles—and the experience of our message on the street, a man
6 REVIEW AND HERALD, August 10, 1972
 who was a Polish Catholic stood on hold a conversation in the language have found, so far as we are able to
the street when Mrs. Mackin was that the Spirit of God may have discern, our experience corroborates
speaking; and as the Spirit of God given us utterance in. Even three or with the experience of the early
came upon her, and spoke to them four may take part in the conversa- apostles as recorded in the Word.
through her in another language tion, and yet it is a foreign tongue One instance: We were shut up
that she could not understand, this to them, and one waits on the other in the jail at Clyde, Ohio. . . .
Polish gentleman exclaimed, "I until the other is through; and it Ellen G. White: How long ago?
know what that lady is speaking. is all in order. This is the experi- Mackin: Six or eight weeks ago.
She is speaking in my own tongue ence we received, according to the In Clyde there lives a very devoted
of a calamity which is soon to be promised blessing. family that we knew there, and that
visited on this city." And then, in accordance with that, is a credit to our people. The little
Acts 10, Peter's experience in the children—there are four of them—
Alleged Foreign Tongue home of Cornelius corroborates it; are all taught to pray every evening
In other instances, when one and then Acts 19; and from the and morning; and it is very interest-
comes into this blessing of speaking study of the Word, in our experi- ing to see the family at the hour of
with tongues, the Lord may give ence, and the persecution, and ev- worship.
me the same tongue, and we may erything that has come with it, we Now, we went there, and they

ejected from moving vehicles than in

1.-DA Talc. AbouD HEALTH those who wore seat belts and were not
ejected. It has been shown that speed
By Ralph F. Waddell, M.D. is an important factor in fatal acci-
dents but by no means the only one.
HIGHWAY Safety engineers gen- ness, the conscientious person so af- Turnpikes, interstate highways, and
ACCIDENT erally concede that flicted will voluntarily stop driving. similar roads have been found to have
PREVENTION accidents on the Many people with heart disease, par- but one third the number of fatal acci-
highways of the ticularly those who black out occasion- dents per 100 million miles driven as
United States have killed more people ally, should not drive. Some who have compared with national averages. Dur-
than were killed in all the wars that diabetes, epilepsy, those who have poor ing a recent year it was found that 40
the nation has ever fought. Year after vision or are deaf may not be able to per cent of all fatal accidents on turn-
year the annual toll of deaths from drive safely. Age in itself is not neces- pikes were due to alcohol, drugs, or
motorcar accidents has gradually in- sarily a limiting factor in driving, al- going to sleep.
creased. In the United States, traffic though hazards increase after the age of Many schools offer driving education
deaths increased from 36,101 in 1934 65. Some safety experts state that almost programs. Students are provided an
to 55,000 in 1971. everyone should give up the wheel on opportunity to prepare for good citizen-
During 1971 the mileage death rate his seventieth birthday. ship in these programs that is probably
actually dropped in the United States, Dr. W. W. Bauer, of the American unequalled. It has been said that ethics
dipping to 4.7 per 100 million vehicle Medical Association, has stated, "Per- on the highway is indicative of mature
miles traveled. During this same period haps the largest group of persons who judgment, an unselfish character, re-
of time the 115 million motor vehicles should give serious consideration to spect for the rights of others, honesty,
in the U.S. traveled 1,170,000,000 miles. whether or not they are fit to drive is and genuine love and regard for one's
In addition to those killed, approxi- that group with recognized emotional fellow men.
mately 2 million people suffered disa- instability. The excitable, the quick- Driving has become almost universal;
bling injuries. It has been stated that tempered, the absent-minded, the everyone does it. The motorcar has ush-
the cost to the national economy result- `touchy,' and the easily upset persons ered in an entirely new era of living.
ing from deaths, injuries, and property become a serious threat behind the The way we drive, our attitude toward
damage was $14.3 billion, a record wheel of a fast-moving vehicle." others as well as toward ourselves, di-
high for one year. Beginning in 1952 the Automotive rectly influences the degree of safety
Motorcar accidents are the result of Crash Injury Research Project con- we enjoy and the hazards we force upon
varied causes and not any particular ducted at Cornell University initiated others.
circumstances. It has been found that the collection of data relative to injuries "Therefore all things whatsoever ye
one out of every 13 drivers involved in and fatalities suffered by passengers. would that men should do to you, do
fatal accidents had a physical condi- Factors such as speed of the vehicle, ye even so to them" (Matt. 7:12). "The
tion that may have contributed to the nature of the impact, ejection of pas- golden rule is the principle of true cour-
problem, such as lack of sleep, excessive sengers and the internal structure of the tesy."—Thoughts From the Mount of
fatigue, defective eyesight, illness, or automobile were studied. The findings Blessing, p. 135. The good driver is a
defective hearing. Drugs may be a con- of this project indicated: courteous driver. Let us demonstrate our
tributing factor, particularly antihista- 1. That a 25 per cent reduction in Christianity by the way we drive and
minics used by hay-fever sufferers, in fatalities would be achieved if the ejec- our respect for "the temple of the Holy
that they may impair coordination, ad- tion of passengers could be prevented. Ghost" by using good judgment while
versely affect judgment, or cause drowsi- 2. That the frequency of injury was behind the wheel.
ness. It has been shown that alcohol is 250 per cent greater in those not wear- REFERENCES

responsible for a large percentage of ing seat belts than in those who wore District of Columbia Traffic Safety Reporter,
March, April, 1972.
motorcar accidents in the United States. them. Smolensky & Haar, Principles of Community
In view of the fact that certain phys- 3. That fatal injuries were 800 per Health, pp. 158-163, W. B. Saunders, 1966.
Hilleboe & Larimore, Preventive Medicine, pp.
ical disabilities lead to accident prone- cent more frequent in those who were 26-28, W. B. Saunders, 1965.

REVIEW AND HERALD, August 10, 1972 7

hung on for this blessing that we reports about us, which are wholly sing that song so bad. And I could
had received; and they put up their untrue. We are surprised when we not get rid of it till I would do it.
petition for this blessing, and came hear them; there is not a syllable of "Oh, pray," says I to Sister Edwards;
into possession of this blessing; and truth in them. But it accords with and so I stood on the campground,
as the Spirit came upon them, some just what the Word says. The first and I sang just what the Lord gave
of them wept, and among others that people to shut us up were the Ad- me. The Lord—this is what I
wept was a little girl ten or eleven ventists, at the Ohio camp meeting. sang:—
years old. Well, the grandma came Ellen G. White: What party? "He is coming; He is coming;
into the room, and she saw the little There are many Adventists. Get ready; Get ready."
girl weeping, and she thought I had R. Mackin: The Seventh-day Ad- And then that statement in Early
a mesmeric influence over the child. ventists. The year before that, we Writings—
But a few weeks later the same Spirit were not in possession of this bless- "How many I saw coming up to
came upon the child when we were ing fully, but we had come into pos- the falling of the plagues without a
in the city of Toledo, and gave the session of sufficient of the Spirit of shelter. Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
message; and so they had evidence God that we would love to get peo- These are the words I sang. I sang
that it was not the result of any con- ple into our tent and pray with them over and over again. They
trol that I might have over the child. them—just as in volume 8, you re- could hear it all over the camp-
When I came back to the town, member, it says:— ground, and they came together; but
nearly four weeks later, one of the "The time has come for a thor- before that, the Lord showed me
relatives had me arrested for having ough reformation to take place. how they would wring their hands
this mesmeric power, as they term it. When this reformation begins, the as the plagues were falling. The Lord
The trial was set, and I simply spirit of prayer will actuate every can show anything in just a moment,
produced the evidence from the believer and will banish from the better than He could tell it to us.
Word of God that we were living church the spirit of discord and And so He showed me how they
in the last days, and, according to strife. Those who have not been liv- would wring their hands, and that
Acts 2, in the last days the Lord had ing in Christian fellowship will draw put on me a greater burden than
promised to pour out the Spirit of close to one another. One member ever. Well, that is when they ar-
God upon all flesh, and the boys and working in right lines will lead rested us.
girls were to prophesy. other members to unite with him in I asked one of the ministers, on
And by the way, it was through making intercession for the revela- the witness stand—he was a man
this little girl—the Spirit of God tion of the Holy Spirit. There will from Pennsylvania—"Would you
coming upon this child—that we be no confusion, because all will be consider that singing sufficient to
were directed to go to Toledo when in harmony with the mind of the disturb a camp meeting?" He said,
we did. When under the influence of Spirit."—Page 251. "I never heard such singing in my
the Spirit, she pointed her finger Through this blessing, and our in- life. It just thrilled me through and
directly at me, and then toward To- terest in the people, we assisted 26 through." This is what everybody
ledo, and through the Spirit of people to go to the camp meeting says. It is in a most beautiful tone
prophecy she says, "You go to To- who otherwise could not have gone of voice, and it just seems to lift us
ledo"; and since this accorded with —where they might get strength. from off the earth. It is when the
Acts 2: "Your sons and your daugh- This work went on until this last singing is extemporaneous—dictated
ters shall prophesy"; and knowing year. by the Spirit—that it is the most
the family—putting the test to the wonderful.
life—we dared not hesitate to go. The Camp Meeting Experience If you have any light for us . . .
We were told at the same time Before we went onto the camp- Ellen G. White: I do not know
that we would be put in prison in ground—we did not go until Fri- that I have anything special that I
Toledo. That came to pass, and we day—my wife and two other ladies could say. There will be things that
had the evidence that we were di- (my mother, and another lady, Sis- will transpire at the very close of this
rected by the Spirit because that ter Edwards, a sister-in-law to the earth's history, it has been presented
which had been prophesied came to president of the conference)—be- to me, similar to some of the things
pass. We bore our message in the fore we went upon the campground that you have represented; but I
city, and they came and locked us this last year, they three were seek- cannot say anything on these points
ing the Lord. I had gone downtown now.
If we are in a delusion, we are on an errand; and the Spirit of God R. Mackin: Is there any question,
honestly there. But if this is from told her (Mrs. Mackin) to go on the Brother White, or anything now?
the Spirit of God, we want to fol- campground, and there sing; and W. C. White: I do not know as
low it. . . . there He would tell her what to there is anything more than to pray
This Spirit tells us to search the sing. • that the Lord will give Mother some
Word; tells us to be earnest; and And she wept just like a child, word, and then take time for matters
tells us to be careful about our diet; and just seemed like she could not to develop. It is better, in presenting
tells us exactly what you have said. stand it because that the Lord anything to her, to present the sub-
Now, my wife, the Spirit operates showed her the condition of our ject briefly and clearly, and then
through her, and we believe that this people—soon the plagues would perhaps have another interview
is the gift of prophecy that is to be fall, and they were unready. There with her later on.
poured out onto all flesh. This Spirit was no meeting in progress, and the R. Mackin: We are fasting and
leads us into kindness and purity of Spirit of the Lord came upon her praying. If we are in a delusion, we
life, and we can't understand it— as she went onto the campground, want to know it, just as much as if
why—only that as the Word of God and (turning to Mrs. Mackin) you we were in the right.
has said, that these experiences come may tell her what words you sang. Mrs. Mackin: Our brethren cer-
as the result of receiving the bless- Mrs. Mackin: The Lord put this tainly think that we are in a delu-
ing of the Spirit of God. burden upon me. I could not stand sion. ++
They circulate all manner of evil it. I wanted to tell it so bad, and (To be continued)
8 REVIEW AND HERALD, August 10, 1972
The Ralph Mackin Story-2

THE WORD-NOT FEELING

[In part one of this series we found ourselves in
the living room at Elmshaven in November, 1908,
they may cause people to do queer extracts, including the following,
before the open fireplace with Ralph Mackin and things. I noticed in the Bible when from an article in the Review and
his wife interviewing Ellen G. White concerning
their experience in which they felt the Holy Spirit Jesus was in the Temple that demons Herald, by Sister White, published
had been bestowed upon them in special power
leading to the speaking in tongues, prophesying, et
at once came out. "Hold thy peace, in the issue for April 11, 1899, and
cetera. They had come to the point in their inter- and come out of him." The Lord in- entitled, "The Newcastle Camp-
view where they were discussing Mrs. Mackin's
singing under the power of the Holy Spirit.] structs us to lay the people down, lest Meeting"]:
the demons throw them when they "During the night of the first Sab-
Ellen G. White: What place was come out. We found in the beginning bath of the Newcastle meeting, I
this that you speak of, where this that when we begin to rebuke these seemed to be in meeting, presenting
singing was? demons they oftentimes close the the necessity and importance of our
R. Mackin: Mansfield, Ohio, at the eyes of these people, and will some- receiving the Spirit. This was the
camp meeting. times cause them to bark like a dog, burden of my labor—the opening of
Ellen G. White: Our people—Sab- and stick out their tongue; but as we our hearts to the Holy Spirit."
bathkeeping people? continue to rebuke them, why, the [No record was made by the ste-
R. Mackin: Yes, our own people. eyes open and they become calm, and nographer as to the exact place where
W. C. White: Was that verse that the demons Brother Mackin began reading this
Mrs. Mackin sang last night extem- Now it is through the gift of the article, and where he ceased reading;
poraneous or a known hymn? [At Spirit that the Lord tells us when but at least a considerable portion
the prayer meeting in the sanitarium the demons are gone, that they are was read.]
chapel Brother Mackin had given his all gone. One lady in particular had
testimony in the praise service and six demons, and she said she just What Is the Evidence?
was followed by Mrs. Mackin, who felt them when they came out—it R. Mackin: In connection with the
sang.] just seemed to pull her in every part receiving of power from on high
Mrs. R. Mackin: Oh, that was one of the body. there is a question, it seems to me,
of our published hymns. It is in the But our brethren say that they just as pertinent now as in the days
new Christ in Song. can't be in the last days; but we find of the apostles—What is the evi-
R. Mackin: From hearing that you that it coincides with just what the dence? If we receive it, will it not
could scarcely gain an idea of her Saviour said in the last chapter of have the same physiological effect on
singing when the words are given to Mark, in that great commission: us as it did back there? It can be ex-
her by the Holy Spirit. The most "And these signs shall follow them pected that we shall speak as the
wonderful thing is when she sings that believe; In my name shall they Spirit gives us utterance.
"Glory!" She says when she sings it cast out devils; they shall speak with Ellen G. White: In the future we
she seems to be in the presence of new tongues;" and so on. shall have special tokens of the in-
Jesus, with the angels. She repeats the Mrs. Mackin: We did not get this fluence of the Spirit of God—espe-
word "Glory!" over and over again. all at once, either. cially at times when our enemies are
She has been tested with the piano, R. Mackin: Read the remaining the strongest against us. The time
and musicians say it is a freak—the verses of Mark: "And these signs will come when we shall see some
lowness and the highness with which shall follow them that believe; In my strange things; but just in what way
she does it. She cannot do it only as name shall they cast out devils; they —whether similar to some of the ex-
she prays in the Spirit and special shall speak with new tongues; they periences of the disciples after they
power comes upon her. shall take up serpents; and if they received the Holy Spirit following
Mrs. Mackin: We don't have this drink any deadly thing, it shall not the ascension of Christ—I cannot say.
power, only as we seek Jesus. hurt them; they shall lay hands on R. Mackin: We will continually
R. Mackin: The Lord has given us the sick, and they shall recover. So pray to the Lord about this, and ask
power, Sister White, to cast out then after the Lord had spoken unto Him to give you light in regard to
demons. Many people are possessed them, he was received up into heaven, it. So I leave you our address, and if
with demons. I remember a state- and sat on the right hand of God. you have anything for us after this,
ment you wrote a few years ago that And they went forth, and preached we shall be glad to receive it.
many were possessed with demons as every where, the Lord working with W. C. White: You will probably
verily as they were in the days of them, and confirming the word with spend a few days here, will you not?
Christ. When we are in a meeting, signs following. Amen." Our ex- R. Mackin: If the Holy Spirit tells
and these demons are in a meeting, perience, so far as we are able to us that our work is done now, we
discern, corroborates with the Bible. will go; if He tells us to tarry, we
Arthur L. White is secretary of the Here is something that I would like will tarry. It leads us. As I have pre-
Ellen G. White Estate. to read [here Brother Mackin read sented this message to different con-
4 REVIEW AND HERALD, August 17, 1972
 By ARTHUR L. WHITE

gregations the Spirit of God has wit- icism were some who had once been you anything about it. But I am tell-
nessed to it, and many weep, and faithful, God-fearing brethren and ing you these experiences in order
they say, "Oh, we need power, we sisters. The strange exercisings of that you may know what we have
need help, and this is the power body and mind were carried to such passed through. We tried in every
promised, and let us seek God." lengths that in a few places the of- way possible to rid the church of this
Mrs. Mackin: The real test is love ficers of the law felt compelled to re- evil. We declared in the name of the
—1 Corinthians 13. strain them by casting them into Lord God of Israel that God does
R. Mackin: Satan wants to hinder prison. The cause of God was thus not work through His children in a
this work. We are sealed by the Holy brought into disrepute and it took way that brings the truth into dis-
Spirit of promise. I present it from years to outlive the influence that repute, and that unnecessarily creates
Early Writings when the angels are these exhibitions of fanaticism had deep-seated prejudice and bitter op-
about to loose the four winds, Jesus upon the general public. position. In our work we must take
gazes in pity on the remnant, and Sister White further told of how a straightforward course and seek to
with uplifted hands cries, "My blood, she was called upon repeatedly to reach the people where they are.
Father, My blood, My blood, My meet this fanaticism squarely and to
blood!" He repeats it four times; for rebuke it sternly in the name of the Rebuking Fanaticism
His people are still unsealed. He com- Lord. She emphasized the fact that R. Mackin: I remember reading
missions an angel to fly swiftly to the we have a great work to do in the very much of this in volume I of
four angels holding the four winds, world, that our strength with the Testimonies for the Church—your
with the message, "Hold! Hold! people lies in the power that ac- experience in rebuking fanaticism,
Hold! Hold! until the servants of companies a clear presentation of the and of the cause in the East when
God are sealed in their foreheads." Word of the living God. The law of they set the time, in 1855, I believe.
And as I bring these things before the Jehovah is to be exalted and made Ellen G. White: Some would dance
congregation it is the most earnest honorable; and the various features up and down, singing, "Glory, glory,
and devoted ones that it seems to of the third angel's message are to glory, glory, glory." Sometimes I
affect, mostly. be plainly outlined before the people would sit still until they got through,
Sister White then began talking, that all may have an opportunity to and then I would rise and say: This
and continued for about half an hear the truth for this time and to is not the way the Lord works. He
hour. She told incident after incident decide whether to obey God rather does not make impressions in this
connected with her early labors than man. way. We must direct the minds of
shortly after the passing of the time If we as a church were to give place the people to the Word as the foun-
in 1844. Her experiences with un- to any form of fanaticism, the minds dation of our faith.
usual forms of error in those days in of unbelievers would be diverted I was but a mere child at that time;
later years led her to be fearful of from the living Word to the doings and yet I had to bear my testimony
anything savoring of a spirit of of mortal men, and there would ap- repeatedly against these strange work-
fanaticism. pear more of the human than the ings. And ever since that time I have
As Sister White continued, she told divine. Besides, many would be dis- sought to be very, very careful lest
of some who had strange exercisings gusted by that which to their minds something of this sort should come in
of the body and of others who were seemed unnatural and bordering on again among our people. Any mani-
governed largely by their own impres- the fanatical. Thus the proclamation festation of fanaticism takes the mind
sions. Some thought it wrong to of the message for this time would be away from the evidence of truth—the
work. Still others believed that the sadly hindered. The Holy Spirit Word itself.
righteous dead had been raised to works in a manner that commends it- You might take a consistent course,
eternal life. A few sought to cultivate self to the good judgment of the but those who would be influenced
a spirit of humility by creeping on people. by you might take a very inconsistent
the floor, like little children. Some In the midst of Sister White's ac- course, and as a result we should very
would dance, and sing "Glory, glory, count of her early experiences with soon have our hands full of some-
glory, glory, glory, glory," over and fanaticism Brother Mackin made the thing that would make it almost im-
over again. Sometimes a person following proposal: possible to give unbelievers the right
would jump up and down on the R. Mackin: If we would now have impression of our message and work.
floor, with hands uplifted, praising the spirit of prayer, and this power We must go to the people with the
God; and this would be kept up for would come upon my wife, would solid Word of God; and when they
as long as half an hour at a time. you be able to discern whether this receive that Word, the Holy Spirit
Among those who took part in was of the Lord or not? may come, but it always comes, as I
these extraordinary forms of fanat- Ellen G. White: I could not tell have stated before, in a way that
REVIEW AND HERALD, August 17, 1972 5
commends itself to the judgment of bounds of reason, lest the enemy so to catch up and practice. If we were
the people. In our speaking, our sing- come in as to set everything in a dis- to allow confusion to come into our
ing, and in all our spiritual exercises, orderly way. There are persons of an ranks, we could not bind off our
we are to reveal that calmness and excitable temperament who are easily work as we should. We are trying to
dignity and godly fear that actuates led into fanaticism; and should we bind it off now, in every way possible.
every true child of God. allow anything to come into our I thought I must relate these things
There is constant danger of allow- churches that would lead such per- to you.
ing something to come into our midst sons into error we would soon see R. Mackin: Well, now, that which
that we may regard as the working of these errors carried to extreme you have stated does not correspond
the Holy Spirit, but that in reality is lengths; and then because of the with our experience. We have been
the fruit of a spirit of fanaticism. So course of these disorderly elements a very cautious in this matter, and we
long as we allow the enemy of truth stigma would rest upon the whole find that the experience through
to lead us into a wrong way we can- body of Seventh-day Adventists. which we have passed, and which we
not hope to reach the honest in heart I have been studying how to get have endeavored to outline briefly to
with the third angel's message. We some of these early experiences into you this morning, tallies exactly with
are to be sanctified through obedi- print again, so that more of our peo- the experience of God's servants of
ence to the truth. ple may be informed; for I have old as given in the Word.
I am afraid of anything that would long known that fanaticism will be Ellen G. White: During the years
have a tendency to turn the mind manifest again, in different ways. We of Christ's ministry on earth godly
away from the solid evidences of the are to strengthen our position by women assisted in the work that the
truth as revealed in God's Word. I dwelling on the Word, and by avoid- Saviour and His disciples were carry-
am afraid of it; I am afraid of it. We ing all oddities and strange exercis- ing forward. If those who were op-
must bring our minds within the ings that some would be very quick posing this work could have found

When Arco Le Vele YOUNG

By Miriam Wood

MIRRORS Every so often one hears a story that makes undamaged. But his face was so frightful in its deformity
AND LAWS such a profound impression on him that he that he hardly resembled a human being.
finds himself thinking of it many times. It But not one member of the family ever mentioned his
may not be possible to vouch for the accuracy of the story, disfigurement. And he had no way of seeing himself. So
but that really makes no great difference, granted that the he continued his work-filled, happy days. The family at last
general outlines are plausible and possible. With this intro- became a little more prosperous, to the point where the hus-
duction I want to share a story that seems to me to have band who'd been saving pennies through the years, was
several important implications for Christian living. finally able to order, through Wells Fargo, an object that
During the early days of the settling of the United States represented the love and understanding he had for his wife.
when the push was westward, a family started out in a covered One fine day, after a grueling overnight ride to the
wagon for that Shangri-La of so many imaginations—Califor- nearest "town," he brought home a little mirror. Speechless
nia. The trip proved to be much more arduous than they with delight, the mother looked at herself for the first time
had anticipated. Beset by illness and bad luck, they finally in all those long years. Then they all solemnly took turns,
had to relinquish their dream. On the dusty central plains chuckling, sobered, amused, and intrigued.
of—well, I hadn't better mention a specific State—they man- Joey was last. After one glance he gave a heart-wrenching
aged to construct something resembling a house, using the sob. He whirled to face his family, tears coursing down his
meager materials at their disposal, such as the wooden por- scarred cheeks.
tions of their wagon, prairie sod, et cetera. During one "How can you bear to look at me—how have you endured
of their earlier hazardous river crossings they'd lost most of me all these years?" And as his despair reached a new cre-
their possessions, including their one and only mirror, this scendo, he sobbed the final question. "How can you love me?"
latter circumstance being a real heartache to the lady of Quietly the mother and father put their arms around him
the family. But her husband and four sons didn't mind so until the emotional storm had quieted somewhat. Then his
much and there were no daughters to share her discomfiture. father spoke.
The struggle for mere existence was all-consuming. Neigh- "Joey," he said tenderly, "what you look like doesn't matter.
bors there were none in the ordinary sense. They were too You're our son. Our love will never change. It isn't based
many arduous miles away for the remaining horse to travel on your appearance."
in addition to his full-time job of pulling the plow. They And that's where the story ended. But I keep thinking of
were completely self-contained, with the parents trying to it in relation to God's law. Until we look into the mirror of
provide for the sons whatever meager education they could His standard for us, we don't realize the tragic, sinful condi-
muster. tion we're in. When realization dawns, then our reaction may
Joey, the youngest, was the bold one—always into some- well be like Joey's.
thing, always attracted by danger, always ready to take a "Lord, how can You love me?"
chance. Sometimes people of this temperament live a lifetime The answer is certain and sure.
unscathed; more often they acquire scars, mute testimonies to "I love you because you're My child. I gave My God-Son
their life-style. And so it was with Joey. Running backwards to die for you. You will always be My greatly loved child,
across the yard one autumn day (It's more fun to run back- if you choose to be."
wards!), he tripped and fell into the large bonfire of stumps Had it been possible, Joey's earthly parents would have
that had been smoldering all day. As he twisted in unbear- transformed and restored him to his former normalcy. But
able pain his face became literally buried in the hot coals. they couldn't. Our God, though, is not limited. He can,
His anguished screams brought help, but not soon enough. and will, transform every scarred life to one of beauty.
Lovingly cared for by the rest of the close-knit family, his "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as
monstrous burns finally healed. Miraculously his eyesight was snow."
6 REVIEW AND HERALD, August 17, 1972
 anything out of the regular order in will; and for this reason we ought little children. The power of His
the conduct of these women, it would to be very guarded. It is through the grace must not be misunderstood.
have closed the work at once. But Word—not feeling, not excitement— We must have it in all meekness and
while women were laboring with that we want to influence the people humility and lowliness of mind, that
Christ and the apostles, the entire to obey the truth. On the platform of God may make the impression Him-
work was conducted on so high a God's Word we can stand with safety. self upon the minds of the people. I
plane as to be above the shadow of The living Word is replete with hope the Lord will bless you and give
a suspicion. No occasion for any evidence, and a wonderful power ac- you a solid foundation, which foun-
accusation could be found. The companies its proclamation in our dation is the Word of the living God.
minds of all were directed to the world.
Scriptures rather than to individu- R. Mackin: Well, we must not tire And thus the interview ended. But
als. The truth was proclaimed intel- you. this is not the end of the story. On
ligently, and so plainly that all could Mrs. Mackin: Praise the Lord! Thursday night, December 11, a vi-
understand. Ellen G. White (rising, and shak- sion was given to Ellen White that
Now I am afraid to have anything ing hands): I want the Spirit of the clearly defined the Mackin experi-
of a fanatical nature brought in Lord to be with you, and you, and ence. 4+
among our people. There are many, me. We are to be just like God's (To be continued)
many who must be sanctified; but
they are to be sanctified through
obedience to the message of truth.
I am writing on this subject today. In
this message there is a beautiful con-
sistency that appeals to the judg-
Fencruadop of Picage/t,
ment. We cannot allow excitable ele-
ments among us to display themselves SON AND WIFE BAPTIZED first elder of our church. I am requesting
in a way that would destroy our in- prayer again for our son, who has since
fluence with those whom we wish Several years ago I requested prayer for married. During a series of meetings at our
to reach with the truth. It took us my son. He and his wife were baptized church last winter he was baptized along
years to outlive the unfavorable im- recently and are actively engaged in the with his wife, yet it seems as if Satan is
pression that unbelievers gained of work of the church. We have so much to working overtime to break up their home.
be thankful for, and we praise the Lord for Our son is sincere in trying to live for the
Adventists through their knowledge His goodness to us. Thank you for your in-
of the strange and wicked workings Lord, and he says that nothing can make
terest and prayers. him return to his former life; but his wife
of fanatical elements among us dur- Please continue to keep our daughter's has decided to leave the church and wants
ing the early years of our existence name on your list. She seems cold and in- him to join her. Please pray for them, and
as a separate people. different.—Mrs. N., of California. for our two sons-in-law, who are not
R. Mackin: Well, now, this that church members.—Mrs. M., of Iowa.
you are giving us, would this be con- DAD JOINS FAMILY
sidered testimony under the Spirit, SIGHT FAILING
or is it simply counsel—of relating About three years ago I wrote to you re-
questing prayer that my father would sur- I had a special prayer request answered
your experience? render his life to Christ and put away his through the Fellowship of Prayer some
Ellen G. White: I am giving you drinking. Last December he was baptized years ago when my husband came into the
history. into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. church. My request now is for our daugh-
R. Mackin: But you do not say Thank you very much for an interest in ter who is blind in one eye and sight is
that that applies to our case now, your prayers. failing in the other. I believe with all my
until you have further light on it? And now I have two more prayer re- heart that God can heal her.—Mrs. R., of
Ellen G. White: I could not say; quests: First, for the healing of my mother, Indiana.
but it appears to be along that line, who has cancer, and for a problem in my
as I am afraid of it. It appears to be marriage.—Mrs. W., of Colorado. SON RETURNS
along that line that I have met again I do enjoy the Fellowship of Prayer letters
and again. PRAYERS FOR SONS
in the REVIEW and wish they were published
W. C. White: It is now twelve A number of years ago I asked you to more often. They are so encouraging. About
o'clock. Would you not like to rest pray with me for my sons. Approximately two years ago I requested prayer for my
before dinner? two years ago the younger son returned to 16-year-old son. Several months ago he gave
Ellen G. White: Well, I could not the church, was baptized, and married a his heart to the Lord and is planning to
let you go before I had said what I good Christian girl. The older son has not do some kind of lay missionary work. I
have said. I would say: Be guarded. yet returned to the church. He has had a praise God for his conversion and for the
Do not let anything appear that nervous breakdown and is in the hospital, good influence he now has on our family.
unable to work. Please pray for him and his —Mrs. H., of Oregon.
savors of fanaticism, and that others family. I love them and want to see them
would act out. There are some who all together in the new earth.—Mrs. G., of
are eager to make a show, and they GRANDDAUGHTER STRAYS
California.
will act out whatever you may do— Several years ago I requested prayer for
whether it be of the same tenor or HOME DIVIDED my husband. He has returned to the church
not. I have been very careful not to and is now a faithful worker. I thank God
stir up anything like strangeness Nearly nine years ago I requested prayer for answering my prayer.
among our people. for my husband and my son and his family. Now I desire prayer for a granddaughter
R. Mackin: But it is true that when I am happy to report that my husband was who has gone astray and has been sentenced
baptized three years later and is now the by the court.--Mrs. G., of Idaho.
the Holy Spirit does come, as is
stated in your works, that many will
turn against it, and declare that it is This column is dedicated to the encouragement of prayer for others at the sunset hour each Friday evening.
fanaticism? Because of the large number of requests received and the complexities of the problems presented it is impos-
sible for us to answer each letter personally, but all requests will be acknowledged and will be kept on Me in
Ellen G. White: Of course they our office. Portions of letters, especially those that tell of answers to prayer, will be published as space permits.

REVIEW AND HERALD, August 17, 1972 7

 The Ralph Mackin Story-3

"CALCULATED TO LEAD ASTRAY"

By ARTHUR L. WHITE

[This is the third article in a series of three telling

the story of Ralph Mackin and his wife, who be-
what they will do next, but that they treat as something of great impor-
lieved that the Holy Spirit had been bestowed upon will follow the guidance of the tance these peculiar manifestations,
them in special power, leading them to speak in
tongues and to prophesy. The first two reported an Lord."—November 12, 1908. which are not of God, but which are
interview that the Mackins had with Ellen White, On that Friday the Mackins went calculated to divert the minds of
which was stenographically recorded. In this third
article Ellen White tells what was shown her in to San Jose, and seemingly quite un- many away from the teachings of
vision concerning the Mackin case.]
mindful of the counsel given and the Word.

T HE visit of Ralph Mackin

and his wife with Ellen G.
White occupied the last half
of Thursday morning, November 12,
cautions sounded by Ellen White
began holding meetings there. They
reported to the Clyde, Ohio, church
that they had had an interview with
"In this stage of our history we
must be very careful to guard against
everything that savors of fanaticism
and disorder. We must guard against
1908. Plans were that Ellen White Sister White and had something good all peculiar exercises that would be
with three members of her home to report on their return home. likely to stir up the minds of unbe-
and office family should drive on Perhaps the Lord was giving the lievers, and lead them to think that
Friday by team the 35 miles to Mackins an opportunity to show as a people we are led by impulse,
Healdsburg for services on Sabbath their response to Ellen White's ear- and delight in noise and confusion
and Sunday. The interview over, her nest counsel and also to permit the accompanied by eccentricities of ac-
mind turned to the work of the week- development of circumstances that tion. In the last days the enemy of
end. Then there was a trip the next would show everyone the real fruit- present truth will bring in manifesta-
week to Berkeley with several meet- age of their work. Trouble soon be- tions that are not in harmony with
ings over that weekend. gan to brew in San Jose. Inquiries re- the workings of the Spirit, but are
To Elder A. G. Daniells, president garding the interview began to come calculated to lead astray those who
of the General Conference, W. C. to the staff at Elmshaven. stand ready to take up with some-
White wrote on that Thursday after- On November 26, two weeks after thing new and strange.
noon after the interview: "This fore- the interview, Ellen White wrote to "I told this brother and his wife
noon Mother and I and Brother Cris- S. N. Haskell, president of the Cali- that the experience through which
ler spent a couple of hours in an fornia Conference: I passed in my youth, shortly after
interview with Brother and Sister "Dear Brother: Two weeks ago the, passing of the time in 1844, had
Mackin of Findlay, Ohio. They came today, while I was writing, my son led me to be very, very cautious
across the continent, they say, to see W. C. White came into my room about accepting anything similar to
Mother. I had an interview with and stated that there were two per- that which we then met and rebuked
them in my office yesterday morning sons below who wished to speak with in the name of the Lord.
and advised them to come down this me. I went downstairs into our sit- "No greater harm could be done
morning to see Mother. They seem ting room and there met a man and to the work of God at this time than
to be very nice-spirited people, but his wife who claim to follow the for us to allow a spirit of fanaticism
their experience is somewhat pecu- Word of God and to believe the to come into our churches, accom-
liar. Testimonies. They have had an un- panied by strange workings which
"They had been hoping and pray- usual experience during the past two are incorrectly supposed to be opera-
ing that Mother would have a mes- or three years. They seemed to be tions of the Spirit of God.
sage of encouragement for them. In honest-hearted people. "As this brother and his wife out-
this they were somewhat disap- "I listened while they related some lined their experiences, which they
pointed. She told them that their of their experiences, and then I told claim have come to them as the re-
case had never been presented to her them something of the work we had sult of receiving the Holy Ghost with
in vision, and then she talked to to do in meeting and opposing fa- apostolic power, it seemed to be a
them for half an hour, pointing out naticism soon after the passing of the facsimile of that which we were
the necessity of caution, lest they be time when we expected to see our called to meet and correct in our
led astray by their feelings, believ- Lord. During those trying days some early experience.
ing it to be the guidance of the Lord. of our most precious believers were "Toward the close of our inter-
They have just returned to the Sani- led into fanaticism. I said further view Brother Mackin proposed that
tarium, saying that they can not tell that before the end we would see we unite in prayer, with the thought
strange manifestations by those who that possibly while in prayer his
Arthur L. White is secretary of professed to be led by the Holy wife would be exercised as they had
the Ellen G. White Estate. Spirit. There are those who will described to me, and that then I
REVIEW AND HERALD, August 24, 1972 7
might be able to discern whether this sion giving specific light. Possibly ing some sad mistakes. In your study
was of the Lord or not. To this I there were two visions, one on the of the Scriptures and of the Testimo-
could not consent, because I have night of December 10 and the other nies, you have come to wrong con-
been instructed that when one offers a few days before. What was revealed clusions. The Lord's work would be
to exhibit these peculiar manifesta- to Ellen White led her to write two greatly misunderstood if you should
tions, this is a decided evidence that letters on Friday, December 11—one continue to labor as you have begun.
it is not the work of God. to the Mackins and one to "Our You place a false interpretation upon
"We must not permit these experi- Brethren in California." We present the Word of God, and upon the
ences to lead us to feel discouraged. them in this order. The second letter printed Testimonies; and then you
Such experiences will come to us was published in the Pacific Union seek to carry on a strange work in
from time to time. Let us give no Recorder. accordance with your conception of
place to strange exercisings, which their meaning. You suppose that all
A Sad Mistake you do is for the glory of God, but
really take the mind away from the
deep movings of the Holy Spirit. "Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Mackin: you are deceiving yourselves and de-
God's work is ever characterized by "Dear Brother and Sister: Re- ceiving others.
calmness and dignity. We cannot cently, in visions of the night, there "Your wife, in speech, in song, and
afford to sanction anything that were opened before me some matters in strange exhibitions that are not
would bring in confusion and that I must communicate to you. I in accordance with the genuine work
weaken our zeal in regard to the have been shown that you are mak- of the Holy Spirit, is helping to
great work that God has given us
to do in the world to prepare for
the second coming of Christ."—
Letter 338, 1908. (Published in Se- FOR THE YOUNGER SET
lected Messages, book 2, pp. 41, 42.)
The next week Elder W. C. White Kenny and Two "Shooters"
reported to Elder Haskell concern-
ing the Mackins' visit. He told how By MARYANE MYERS
they were confident that the Lord
had sent them there, and that some KENNY looked at Jim's new gun. tree in the garden where several birds
message had been given to Sister "Say, that's a beauty! Let me shoot it," were sitting on a limb. Bing! A sparrow
White regarding them and their he begged. fell to the ground.
"Sure. But just one shot," said Jim. "Whoopee!" Jim shouted, "I killed
work. Kenny had never held an air rifle be- one! I killed one!"
When Ellen White met the Mack- fore. He felt like a hunter. He tiptoed Kenny walked to the tree and picked
ins on that Thursday morning, in to the corner of the garage and aimed at up the limp bird. A Bible verse came to
answer to inquiry as to whether Sis- an empty can. Bing! He hit it. his mind reminding him that God knew
ter White had ever seen in vision "Let me shoot one more time," he who killed the sparrow. A few minutes
or had any message for them re- coaxed. before, this little bird was flying around
garding their special work, she said Jim nodded. "One more time—that's happily. Now it was dead—because Jim
she had not seen them in vision nor all." had a gun.
had she any revelation from the Lord Kenny turned, aimed at a rock and Jim grew bolder during the next few
hit it. days. He was shooting almost everything
regarding their work. "You're a good shot!" exclaimed Jim. that moved.
W. C. White continues: "Why don't you talk your dad into get- "Leave Tippy alone!" Kenny had to
"In this visit I could not discern ting you a gun?" yell a few times. "You're not going to
anything to encourage them regard- Kenny had the same idea. "I'll be shoot my dog."
ing their views that they were di- back in a minute," he said and ran into "Of course not—but it wouldn't hurt
vinely called to a specific work. Here the house. him if I did. Dogs have thick coats of
are the facts: "Mom, I want a gun. Please ask Daddy fur."
to get one for me." Kenny was tired of seeing birds die
" (1) They were confident that the A troubled expression came over and cats scream with pain. One day he
Lord had called them to do a very Mother's face. "We have discussed it be- was standing near a window with his
special work, and that a message fore, don't you remember? Daddy and I mother when they noticed Jim slip
would be given to Sister White vin- think it best that you don't have a gun. around the corner of the house. In a
dicating and establishing that work. Guns stand for something in which second Tippy yelped with pain. Then
In this, they were wrong. No such Christians do not believe—killing." the dog made a leap and landed on Jim.
message has been given. Kenny sighed. "Jim's gun doesn't kill. A few minutes later Jim's mother came
" (2) They were confident that It's a play gun. It shoots BB's." to Kenny's house. She told his mother
they had been shown to Sister White "Jim is much too young to handle any that Tippy had scratched Jim. She said
kind of fun," said Mother. "BB's can several unpleasant things besides.
in vision, and that when they came do harm. An eye can be put out, a bird Kenny's mother quietly told her what
into her presence she would recog- may be killed, or something else might had happened. Then Jim's mother
nize them. happen. I'm sorry, but we can't give you looked ashamed. "That gun is going to
" (3) They expected words of en- a gun." She patted his shoulder. "Please be put away for a while," she said.
couragement. But what they received don't feel unhappy. Your birthday will Later Kenny said, "I'm glad I don't
were words of caution. soon be here, and we are going to give have a gun."
"In view of these facts, they can you something that is much nicer than "So am I," his mom agreed, "but
not with justice refer to their visit a gun." strangely enough your birthday present
with Mrs. Ellen G. White and her "I can't think of anything nicer," is a shooter." She went to a closet and
Kenny said. came back with a package.
son, W. C. White, as an encourage- He felt unhappy as he went outside. Kenny could hardly open it he was
ment in their claims to a special mis- "Someday I'll have a gun," he promised so excited.
sion and work."—W. C. White letter, himself. "A camera!" he exclaimed with joy.
Dec. 2, 1908. Jim called to him, "Watch me!" "A shooter!" he laughed. "Now I can
And then God spoke through vi- Kenny looked in the direction of a have some real fun shooting."
8 REVIEW AND HERALD, August 24, 1972
 bring in a phase of fanaticism that through which you are passing, not spiration carefully studied and
would do great injury to the cause only endanger your own souls, but prayerfully obeyed, will thoroughly
of God, if allowed any place in our the souls of many others; because you furnish unto all good works.
churches. appeal to the precious words of "As a denomination we need to
"You have even supposed that Christ as recorded in the Scriptures, look more continually to God for
power is given you to cast out dev- and to the Testimonies, to vouch for guidance. We are living in an evil
ils. Through your influence over the the genuineness of your message. In age. The perils of the last days are
human mind men and women are supposing that the precious Word, upon us. Because iniquity abounds,
led to believe that they are possessed which is verity and truth, and the Satan presumes to bring in all kinds
of devils, and that the Lord has ap- Testimonies that the Lord has given of delusive theories upon those who
pointed you as His agents for cast- for His people, are your authority, have tried to walk humbly with God,
ing out these evil spirits. you are deceived. You are moved and who are distrustful of self. Shall
"I have been shown that just such by wrong impulses, and are bracing self-confident, fanatical men come
phases of error as I was compelled up yourselves with declarations that to these humble souls assuring them
to meet among Advent believers after mislead. You attempt to make the that they are possessed of evil spir-
the passing of the time in 1844, will truth of God sustain false sentiments its, and after praying with them, af-
be repeated in these last days. In and incorrect actions that are incon- firm that the devil is cast out? Such
our early experience, I had to go sistent and fanatical. This makes are not the manifestations of the
from place to place and bear mes- tenfold, yes, twentyfold harder the Spirit of God, but of another spirit.
sage after message to disappointed work of the church in acquainting "I called upon every church to
companies of believers. The evi- the people with the truths of the beware of being led to think evil of
dences accompanying my messages third angel's message."—Letter 358, those who, because distrustful of self,
were so great that the honest in heart 1908. (Published in part in Selected fear that they have not the Holy
received as truth the words that were Messages, book 2, pp. 44-46.) Spirit. There are those who have fol-
spoken. The power of God was re- "To Our Brethren in California: lowed their own ways instead of the
vealed in a marked manner, and men "Last night instruction was given ways of God. They have not ac-
and women were freed from the bale- me for our people. I seemed to be knowledged the light that God has
ful influence of fanaticism and dis- in a meeting where representations graciously given; and because of this
order, and were brought into the were being made of the strange work they have lost the power to distin-
unity of the faith. of Brother Mackin and wife. I was guish between darkness and light.
"My brother and sister, I have a instructed that it was a work similar There are many who have heard
message for you: you are starting on to that which was carried on in Or- much in regard to the path they
a false supposition. There is much rington, in the State of Maine, and ought to follow, but who ignore the
of self woven into your exhibitions. in various other places after the pass- requirements God makes of them,
Satan will come in with bewitching ing of the time in 1844. I was bidden Their light does not shine in works
power, through these exhibitions. It to speak decidedly against this fa- that reveal the principles of truth
is high time that you call a halt. If natical work. and holiness. It is this class who in
God had given you a special message time of test will accept falsehood and
for His people, you would walk and Labeled Fanaticism erroneous theories for the truth of
work in all humility—not as if you "I was shown that it was not the God.
were on the stage of a theater, but Spirit of the Lord that was inspiring "Great light has been given to
in the meekness of a follower of the Brother and Sister Mackin, but the the people of God. Let our people
lowly Jesus of Nazareth. You would same spirit of fanaticism that is ever awake, and go forward to perfection.
carry an influence altogether differ- seeking entrance into the remnant You will be exposed to the fallacies
ent from that which you have been church. Their application of Scrip- of satanic agencies. Fearful waves of
carrying. You would be anchored on ture to their peculiar exercises is fanaticism will come. But God will
the Rock, Christ Jesus. Scripture misapplied. The work of deliver the people who will earnestly
"My dear young friends, your souls declaring persons possessed of the seek the Lord, and consecrate them-
are precious in the sight of Heaven. devil, and then praying with them selves to His service."—Pacific Un-
Christ has bought you with His own and pretending to cast out the evil ion Recorder, Dec. 31, 1908. (Repub-
precious blood, and I do not want spirits, is fanaticism which will bring lished in Selected Messages, book 2,
you to be indulging a false hope, into disrepute any church which pp. 46, 47.)
and working in false lines. You are sanctions such work. At this point we lose sight of the
certainly on a false track now, and "I was shown that we must give Mackins. Their names disappear
I beg of you, for your souls' sake, to no encouragement to these demon- from our records. Any influence they
imperil no longer the cause of truth strations, but must guard the peo- may have had with our church mem-
for these last days. For your own ple with a decided testimony against bers was undercut by Ellen White's
souls' sake, consider that the man- that which would bring a stain upon statement that she had been shown
ner in which you are working is not the name of Seventh-day Adventists, that it was not the Spirit of the Lord
the way God's cause is to be ad- and destroy the confidence of the that was inspiring the Mackins.
vanced. The sincere desire to do people in the message of truth which In concluding this series of articles
others good will lead the Christian they must bear to the world. The on the Mackin story, it may be in
worker to put away all thought of Lord has done a great work for His place to observe that Ellen White
bringing into the message of present people in placing them on vantage has written much concerning the
truth any strange teachings leading ground. It is the duty of the church baptism of the Holy Spirit. She por-
men and women into fanaticism. At to cherish its influence. Precious are trays the fruitage of this baptism as
this period of the world's history, we the words, 'Search the scriptures; for calm, practical adjuncts to Christian
must exercise the greatest of care in in them ye think ye have eternal life: life and witnessing, and not in the
this respect. and they are they which testify of field of the ecstatic. ++
"Some of the phases of experience me' (John 5:39). The words of in- (Concluded)
REVIEW AND HERALD, August 24, 1972 9
 Itevii
MARCH

ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD + GENERAL CHURCH PAPER OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

SO/d44nd E.cstatic Experiences—

NGUES
EARLY
SDA
Ecstatic experiences were
not uncommon among sin-
cere Christians in the 1830's
RY
By ARTHUR L. WHITE
self-induced in periods of
excitement. In a series of
articles we will explore
and the 1840's. Some who these experiences in their
later became our spiritual historical setting and trace
forefathers were involved in Ellen White's relationship to
them. These experiences them. As Ellen White recounts
may be noted as: (1) Physical her early experience in the
prostration; (2) shouting Advent Awakening before the
the praises of God; visions were given to her, she
(3) speaking in unknown reports a number of occasions when
tongues; (4) divine healing. she was left prostrate by the over-
As we look back from our position today there whelming presence of the Spirit of God. One
appears to be convincing evidence that some of such experience is believed to have taken place
these experiences were genuine. There is also in 1843:
evidence that some were counterfeit or were "I bowed trembling during the prayers that were
offered. After a few had prayed, I lifted up my
Arthur L. White is secretary of the Ellen G. White voice in prayer before I was aware of it. . . . I
Estate. praised God from Continued on page 4
Tongues soul with the peace and love of Jesus and in telling of His love for
Jesus. They considered her as self-
Continued from cover deceived and influenced by over- "The brother who had opposed
wrought feelings. This left Ellen in me then rose, and with tears con-
great perplexity, and she earnestly fessed that his feelings in regard to
the depths of my heart. Everything
sought the Lord. She reports that me had been all wrong. He humbly
seemed shut out from me but Jesus
some days after this: "While we were asked my forgiveness, and said:
and His glory, and I lost conscious-
bowed before the Lord, my heart `Sister Ellen, I will never again lay a
ness of what was passing around me.
was drawn out in prayer and filled straw in your way. God has shown
The Spirit of God rested upon me
with a peace that only Christ can me the coldness and stubbornness
with such power that I was unable
give. My soul rejoiced in the love of of my heart, which He has broken
to go home that night.
the Saviour, and physical strength by the evidence of His power. I have
"When I did return, on the follow- left me. With childlike faith I could been very wrong.' . . . 'My heart is
ing day, a great change had taken only say: 'Heaven is my home, and convinced that I have been warring
place in my mind. It seemed to me
Christ my Redeemer.' against the Holy Spirit.'"—Ibid.,
that I could hardly be the same per-
"One of the family before men- pp. 45-47.
son that left my father's house the
tioned as being opposed to the When presenting, in 1860, the
previous evening. This passage was
manifestations of the power of God story of her life in Spiritual Gifts,
continually in my thoughts: 'The upon me, on this occasion stated his volume 2, she looked back to 1843
Lord is my shepherd; I shall not
belief that I was under an excitement and wrote: "The Spirit of the Lord
want.' My heart was full of happi-
which he thought it my duty to re- often rested upon me in great meas-
ness as I softly repeated these
sist, but instead of doing so, he ure. My frail body could not endure
words."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 31.
thought I encouraged it as a mark the weight of glory which the mind
of God's favor. His doubts and op- grasped and feasted upon, and my
Overpowered by Spirit
position did not affect me at this strength was frequently gone."—
In relating another incident during time, for I seemed shut in with the Page 29.
her early Christian experience as a Lord, and lifted above all outward
young Millerite, she tells of how she, influence; but he had scarcely An Experience Soon After the
with others, was involved in a meet- stopped speaking when a strong First Vision
ing about six months after the one man, a devoted and humble Chris- In a vision given to her, probably
described above. The chapter pre- tian, was struck down before his very early in 1845, and soon after
senting this information is entitled eyes by the power of God, and the her first vision, which was given in
"Opposition of Formal Brethren." room was filled with the Holy Spirit. December, 1844, she states: "My
She recounts: "Upon recovering, I was very strength was taken away, and I fell
"At times the Spirit of the Lord happy in bearing my testimony for to the floor. I seemed to be in the
rested upon me with such power
that my strength was taken from me.
This was a trial to some who had
come out from the formal churches.
Let's Talk About Health
. . . Many could not believe that one By RALPH F. WADDELL, M.D.
could be so overpowered by the
Spirit of God as to lose all strength....
"We had appointed evening Food Poisoning-2 4. All potentially infected frozen food
prayer meetings in different locali- should be kept away from other food
ties of the city to accommodate all Food prepared in large quantities while in the defrosting process.
who wished to attend them. The fam- and served over a period of hours, 5. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods
cold until they are served.
ily that had been most forward in such as in public eating establish-
6. Be extremely careful while caring
opposing me attended one of these. ments, has a greater potential for har-
boring and transmitting salmonellosis. for sick pets. Be certain to wash your
Upon this occasion, while those as- hands thoroughly after handling a sick
sembled were engaged in prayer, Nevertheless, the disease is not un-
common in households in which it animal. If the pet is having any kind of
the Spirit of the Lord came upon digestive problem keep its dishes,
results from contaminated food pre-
the meeting, and one of the members pared in the family kitchen. bedding, and toys away from the fam-
of this family was prostrated as one To guard against food poisoning ily's food and all equipment used in
dead. His relatives stood weeping and to protect their families, house- the preparation of food. 7. Certain
around him, rubbing his hands and wives would do well to observe the pets are particularly prone to harbor
following precautions: 1. Assume salmonella organisms, among them
applying restoratives. At length he
salmonella germs are present in all baby chicks, ducklings, and turtles.
gained sufficient strength to praise
uncooked dairy products including Keep your children away from these
God, and quieted their fears by pets. Investigators have shown that
eggs. (Meat, poultry, and seafood are
shouting with triumph over the an estimated 280,000 cases of sal-
particularly likely to carry salmonella
marked evidence he had received of organisms.) Potentially infected foods monella poisoning are caused an-
the power of the Lord upon him. The should be cooked at temperatures not nually by pet turtles.
young man was unable to return lower than 1400 F. for at least ten Food poisoning can be prevented.
home that night."—Ibid., pp. 44, 45. minutes, or for shorter periods at Care must be exercised in selecting
higher temperatures. raw foods, being certain that they are
Unwillingness to Believe 2. Wash all utensils and dishes that in good condition. High levels of
have been in contact with potentially sanitation are a rule of great impor-
While the family involved accepted
infected material before using them tance in the preparation of food,
this as a manifestation of the power avoiding all sources of possible con-
in preparing other food. 3. Food han-
of the Spirit of God, there was still dlers should thoroughly wash their tamination. Finally, good food prop-
unwillingness to believe that it was hands, wash kitchen counters and erly prepared and served without
divine power that at times had cutting boards after handling poten- undue delay will provide your family
rested upon Ellen, robbing her of tially infected raw foods before con- insurance against food poisoning.
her natural strength and filling her tinuing with the meal preparation. Concluded

4 R&H, MARCH 15, 1973

presence of the angels."—Life ened and refreshed. I never wit- 1848, involves a doctrinal point. The
Sketches, p. 71. nessed such a powerful time be- third, in 1849, gave guidance to mis-
Such experiences were repeated fore."—Letter 28, 1850. sionary endeavor, and the fourth, in
again and again. And there were The records, published and un- 1851, is a report describing the wit-
times when others under the influ- published, in subsequent years in- ness of the Holy Spirit as He mani-
ence of the Spirit of God were pros- dicate that on certain occasions of fested "the presence and power of
trated. Writing of an experience the special outpouring of the Spirit God."
shortly after her marriage in 1846 of God the saints united in shouts of The incident involving a doctrinal
when she was very ill and the neigh- praise to God. point will be developed later in this
bors had given her up to die, she series. Now for a closer look at the
said, "Many prayers had been of- Speaking in Unknown Tongues
three other experiences in more de-
fered to God in my behalf, yet it There are in our early history four tail.
pleased the Lord to try our faith. recorded experiences of speaking Two names figure prominently in
After others had prayed, Brother in tongues. The first took place in the early tongues experiences—
Henry [Nichols] commenced pray- 1847 apparently to guide a young Ralph and Chamberlain. The earliest
ing, and seemed much burdened, man to the ministry. The second, in tongues experience of which we have
and with the power of God resting
upon him, rose from his knees, came
across the room, and laid his hands SPEAKING OUT
upon my head, saying, 'Sister Ellen,
Jesus Christ maketh thee whole,'
and fell back prostrated by the Include the Children
power of God. I believed that the [One measure of a church's strength is the selfish interests. What a sad commen-
work was of God, and the pain left degree of freedom its members have to speak
out—to express minority points of view. The tary when such is descriptive of the
me."—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, p. 84. editors often disagree with the opinions ex- homes of professed Christians.
Shortly after this Mr. and Mrs. pressed in Speaking Out, but they publish them
to stimulate thought, produce constructive dis- Sister White writes the following:
Ralph were prostrated: cussion, and offer readers an opportunity to test "One great reason why there is so
their validity.]
"Last Sunday we were at Brother much evil in the world today is that
Ralph's and we engaged in prayer There was a time when families parents occupy their minds with
for the special teachings of God lived together, played together, other things than that which is all-
how to move, whether to go to New worked together, studied together, important—how to adapt themselves
and vacationed together. There was a to the work of patiently and kindly
York or stay in Connecticut. The
time when it was not uncommon to teaching their children the way of the
spirit came and we had a powerful Lord. If the curtain could be drawn
season. Brother and Sister Ralph see parents with their children sit
together in midweek prayer meetings. aside, we should see that many, many
were both laid prostrate and re- There was a time when children knew children who have gone astray have
mained helpless for some time."— their aunts, their uncles, grandpar- been lost to good influences through
Letter 1, 1848. ents, and great-grandparents. There this neglect."—The Adventist Home,
was a time when certain pleasant or p. 183.
Shouting the Praises of God unpleasant circumstances affecting Not long ago I went to hear one of
one member of the family would af- my then-favorite preachers who was
In early 1850, six-month-old James fect the rest of the family, as well. conducting a series of meetings in our
Edson, the second son of James and Now that parents work at a distance area. Not wanting to miss any of the
Ellen White, was very ill. Here is away from home, it seems all the meetings, I took my child along. To
the account as given by James more necessary that the hours that my great disappointment that preacher
White: could be spent together should be was annoyed with some of the moth-
"The babe was sick and Ellen spent together sharing intimately in ers who had their children with them,
activities. It is also desirable that par- and when he heard a baby's cry he
anointed and prayed for him. The
ents occasionally take their children announced, "Would mothers please
power came down more and more, take their children to the mothers'
with them to work so that they may
and we all shouted and praised the room, so I can carry through with my
see parents at work and meet the peo-
Lord as much as we were a mind to. ple with whom they work. thoughts." How many mothers will
In this state of feelings among us It is discouraging indeed to see want to hear this preacher again? How
Ellen was taken off in vision."— church-oriented programs encourag- many mothers will want to bring their
James White Letter to Leonard ing activities for adults only. It is dis- children with them? There is no won-
Hastings, Jan. 10, 1850. heartening to see in our church bulle- der that children do not attend the
Later in the year, at a conference tins functions encouraging the midweek prayer meetings. Many of
held in Paris, Maine, the believers association of parents without their the mothers in attendance felt deeply
children. Children cannot be fooled. offended.
manifested their rejoicing in loud
praises to God. Ellen White recounts When their parents leave them and Even social functions have now be-
go on functions of their own they come so formal that it has become the
the experience in a letter written
know they are not wanted. They unusual pattern to see children in
November 7: know that they stand in their way. attendance. In a score of weddings to
"Our conference at Topsham was Children do not usually run away which we've been invited during the
one of deep interest. Twenty-eight from home. More often they are past few years, I can't recall one
were present; all took part in the driven away from home by unloving where children were in attendance.
meeting. and uncaring parents. How many chil- Why do we wonder when children
"Sunday the power of God came dren are born into this world because run away from home? Have not their
upon us like a mighty rushing wind. of their parents' "mistake." How parents let them stay on their own
All arose upon their feet and praised many are daily made to feel unloved at a time when they needed parental
and unwanted because they stand in companionship and guidance most?
God with a loud voice; it was some-
the way of their parents' jobs and hin- It is my hope that churches will
thing as it was when the foundation der their parents' fun. Many are con- again take the lead in establishing
of the house of God was laid. The demned to spend their precious family functions, leaving adult activi-
voice of weeping could not be told youthful years with baby-sitters, in ties to schools and colleges.
from the voice of shouting. It was a nurseries, or in front of TV tubes so LATIFA JABBOUR
triumphant time; all were strength- that parents can further pursue their Takoma Park, Md.

R&H, MARCH 15, 1973 5

record is reported in an affidavit others. While the meeting was in (In E. G. White Estate document
signed by early believers of unques- progress, the Spirit of God was file, #311.)
tioned integrity who were well manifest in a special manner. The third tongues experience, in
known as dependable, burden-bear- Brother Ralph spoke in an unknown 1849, involved personal missionary
ing church members. tongue. His message was directed to endeavor. Hiram Edson related his
Brother J. N. Andrews;—that the experience with S. W. Rhodes in the
"Gift of Tongues" Lord had called him to the work of Present Truth (December, 1849) a few
"We also, can testify to the mani- the gospel ministry, and he must days after the incidence.
festation of the gift of tongues. prepare himself for it. Brother S. W. Rhodes had worked diligently
While at a meeting in North Paris, E. L. H. Chamberlain immediately in the great Advent Awakening un-
Maine, we think in the year of 1847 arose to his feet and interpreted der William Miller's leadership. He
or 1848. It was a general meeting. what he had said."—Mrs. S. How- was a man of means, but had dedi-
Brother and Sister White were pres- land, Mrs. Frances Howland Lunt, cated his material resources to the
ent, also Brother Ralph and Cham- Mrs. Rebeckah Howland Winslow, spreading of the message. When the
berlain, from Connecticut, and N. N. Lunt, Battle Creek, Michigan. time of the expected advent of Christ

When You're Young

By MIRIAM WOOD

Two Oars
"NO MATTER WHAT we do, God will not stop loving us; with My precepts? There are many who suppose that they
this is the most important concept we can possibly acquire," are converted, but who are not able to bear the test of
stated a speaker recently. Now, I have no quarrel with the character presented in the Word of God."—Review and
statement itself, for I subscribe to this belief wholeheart- Herald, July 7, 1904.
edly. What does cause me some uneasiness, though, is the Obviously, then, a character transformation must take
inference that at times is being drawn from this viewpoint. place after the essential fact of God's changing love has
Carried to its extreme, a human being could tell himself been internalized. The difference is that we make a change
that no matter what he does, God's love is so all-encom- in our characters, not to earn God's love, but in conse-
passing, so eternal, so magnificent, that all he needs to do quence of His love. God's love is not on trial; the human
is accept the proffered love joyfully. Next step: it doesn't being is on trial as to what he will do in relation to that love.
really matter what I do, since God will love me anyway. When accepted properly, it brings out the best in the hu-
However, it depends on what your goals for yourself man recipient.
are. If heaven is your eventual goal, then it is going to mat- Mrs. White goes even further. In Manuscript 86, 1897,
ter a great deal what you do after you have accepted the she says: "The Lord calls upon all who think they know
basic, primary fact of God's unchanging love. Unpalatable what faith is, to be sure that they are not pulling with only
though the thought may be in this age of "Love is every- one oar, that their little bark is-not going round and round,
thing," the fact remains that God cannot take you to an en- making no progress at all. Faith without intelligent works
vironment where sin will not be tolerated. His love for you is dead, being alone. Faith in the healing power of God will
will never be diminished—that is true. I have never thought not save unless it is combined with good works."
for one moment that the sinners who perish in the final Interestingly enough, I have seldom seen Christians who
lake of fire will be hated by God. They won't be. But by were earnestly endeavoring to work out this combination
rejecting His grace they will have made it impossible for (faith plus works) who didn't stay with the church and their
Him to give them the priceless gift of eternal life. It is in- devotion to Christ. But I've seen all too many people using
conceivable that people who would be unhappy with the the "love is enough" theory become hopelessly lost in the
"restrictions" of heaven—the need to show their love by murky world of half-truths, and eventually give every-
their works—would be forced to endure an atmosphere so thing up.
uncongenial to their outlook. I've always suspected that some of the apostles of the
The standard reply to my line of thought is this: What "Cod is dead" theology don't really believe that God is
about the thief on the cross? He had no works. I agree. dead. They may feel secure in declaring this because in their
Let's assume, though, that by some miracle an influential heart of hearts they know God to be very alive indeed. In
person interceded in his behalf, and he was taken down the same way, perhaps preachers who de-emphasize the
from the cross. What would he do then? He had accepted Ten Commandments know they're safe in doing so be-
Christ's love and forgiveness and His promise of everlasting cause their congregations are dedicated in general to keep-
life. Freed, would he have continued to be a thief? It is lu- ing God's law. I don't know of anyone in my circle of ac-
dicrous to think that the moment he was off the cross he quaintances who thinks for one moment that he is earning
would have been planning his next robbery and lining up anything from God by his admirable life. But it is a fact that
his accomplices. Christ's love and forgiveness have been it is impossible to project anything of value to the rest of
extended to him in his great need; now he would live a the world unless the works are there.
life of honesty and honor. "God's law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is
Some may charge me with being a legalist. Nonetheless, by this law that character is to be judged. If an inquirer
I feel that I must point out the fallacy of believing that ac- after salvation were to ask, 'What must I do to inherit
cepting God's love is all that is necessary. Regardless of eternal life?' the modern teachers of sanctification would
the "feeling of freedom and peace" which is put forward so answer, 'Only believe that Jesus saves you.' But when
strongly, there is another side to the picture. Christ was asked this question He said, 'What is written in
Ellen White has much to say on this. While never swerv- the law? How readest thou?' "—Ellen G. White, in Review
ing from her belief in righteousness by faith, certainly the and Herald, Oct. 5, 1886.
central point of Christianity, she makes it clear that we It takes both oars to keep the ship of salvation on an
have a part to play. "He [God] asks, Is the life in harmony even keel.

6 R&H, MARCH 15, 1973

passed by, Rhodes was humiliated. column is taken to present the vi- this experience published in the
He withdrew from public contact, sion. We quote a few lines: Present Truth, a journal that has
secluding himself in the forests of "While in vision the angel pointed been read widely, there is general
upper New York State. He sustained to the earth, where I saw Brother knowledge within and without the
himself by hunting and fishing, Rhodes in thick darkness; but he still Seventh-day Adventist Church of
augmented by a little garden. Hiram bore the image of Jesus. I saw that it this tongues experience. Its authen-
Edson was aware of his whereabouts was the will of God that Brethren ticity is not questioned. Whether the
and on two different occasions Edson and Ralph should go after "new tongue" spoken by Brother
journeyed by foot to the hideout and him. . . . I saw that Brethren Edson Ralph was a known language is not
attempted to persuade Rhodes to and Ralph should make him believe disclosed to us.
join his brethren. Both attempts there was hope, and mercy for him, One point in connection with this
were unsuccessful. and tear him away, then he would experience is of particular interest,
On November 7, 1849, Edson began come among the flock; and that and that is the coolness of Ellen
a third time to rescue Brother angels would attend them on their White toward the experience. Even
Rhodes. After walking 14 miles he journey."—ELLEN G. WHITE, in Present after the demonstration of the un-
felt constrained to turn back as he Truth, December, 1849. known tongue, Mrs. White was un-
was impressed that the time had Shortly after the vision Brethren convinced that the venture to at-
not come. With this matter upper- Edson and Ralph started on their tempt to rescue Brother Rhodes
most in Elder Edson's mind, he at- journey to find Rhodes. They found was in God's providence and was
tended a conference held at Center- him at work in a field by the Black justified. Not until a vision was
port, New York, on Sabbath and River. They told him that they had given to her directly by God did she
Sunday, November 17 and 18, 1849. come in the name of the Lord, seek- place her endorsement on the ef-
There he met Brethren Ralph and ing his fellowship with them once forts to recover Brother Rhodes.
Belden from Conneticut and James more, that together they would go Brother Rhodes became a strong
and Ellen White from Maine. The into the kingdom. worker in God's cause, and the next
report is that the meeting was "a year his name appeared on the mast-
refreshing season." Ralph Speaks in a Tongue
head of the REVIEW AND HERALD as a
At the close of the conference Again there was a speaking in a member of the publishing commit-
Edson introduced Rhodes's case to new tongue. Hiram Edson, an eye- tee.
Ralph, and he discovered that both witness, reports: A fourth tongues experience took
he and Ralph were individually "God displayed His convincing place in Vermont in the summer
impressed that they had work to do power, and Brother Ralph spoke in of 1851 and is reported in the RE-
together. That evening about six a new tongue, and gave the interpre- VIEW AND HERALD through a letter
persons joined in a season of prayer tation in power, and in the demon- written to James White by (Sister)
over Rhodes's case. Elder Edson stration of the Holy Ghost."—Ibid., F. M. Shimper. She speaks of the
reported: p. 36. deep experience of the church at
"Brother Ralph asked the Lord, in Triumphantly Hiram Edson re- East Bethel, Vermont, and reports
secret, to pour out His Spirit upon ported: that the Lord had recently sent "and
us if it was His will that we should go "Brother Rhodes finally con- abundantly blessed the labors of
after Brother Rhodes. sented to come with us, and went His servant, Brother Holt, among
"The Spirit was poured out, and it about arranging his business in us. After baptizing six of our num-
settled upon us, so that the place was order to leave. . . . Friday, Novem- ber, our dear Brother Morse was set
awful, and glorious. While I was in- ber 23, we returned as far as Brother apart by the laying on of hands, to
quiring of the Lord if He had sent Arnold's, of Volney. . . . They were the administration of the ordinances
His servant so far to go with me to all rejoiced to see Brother Rhodes." of God's house. The Holy Ghost wit-
hunt up Brother Rhodes, at that And the interesting account nessed by the gift of tongues, and
moment Brother Ralph broke out closes with these words: solemn manifestations of the pres-
in a new tongue, unknown to us all. "He stands firm in all the present ence and power of God. The place
Then came the interpretation—`Yes truth; and we heartily bid him god- was awful, yet glorious. We truly
to go with thee.'"—Present Truth, speed, as he goes to search out and felt that 'we never saw it on this
Dec. 1849, p. 35. feed the precious, scattered flock of fashion.' "—Review and Herald, Aug.
Now, it was well known to the Jesus."—Ibid. 19, 1851. ❑
group that neither James nor Ellen With this eyewitness account of Continued next week
White had faith in the interest that
was felt for Rhodes; furthermore
Ellen White had been explicit with
her caution to Ralph "to be sure to
get a clear duty from the Lord." She
told him that she thought Edson's
feelings for Rhodes were mere
The Wedding Tress
By ALMA L. CAMPBELL
sympathy. Edson continues the Stretch out the cloth of my heart, Lord; wash it clean with living water.
story: May no spot, no streak of sin, no muddy motive, no gray intent remain.
"The next morning we had a season Let the sun of righteousness shine on it and transform its dinginess to white.
of prayer, and the Spirit was richly Fashion it after Your seamless robe, please,
poured out, and the Lord gave Sister Made wholly of grace and love.
White the following vision, which Then help me model it for the great wedding feast
was contrary to her former opinion That others, seeing Your workmanship, will ask for a similar gown.
and feeling relating to our going Together, they and I, shall enter into Your presence
after Brother Rhodes, up to the time Appropriately dressed for Your service now—
that the Spirit took her off in vision." Joyously anticipating the marriage supper
Planned from the beginning.
—Ibid.
In the account almost an entire
R&H, MARCH 15, 1973 7
Ecstatic Experiences in Early SDA History-2

'Bible Study Versus

OF THE FOUR recorded experi- ternoon. (This was in marked con- day?' This figure represents the day
ences of speaking in tongues in the trast to the normal way of figuring or the last half of the day. Daylight
early Seventh-day Adventist history the beginning and ending of the day is half gone when the sun is south or
referred to in last week's article, the at midnight.) While there were some halfway from each horizon, at 12
second touched on the development differences of opinion among the o'clock. Now go each way six hours
of doctrine. The whole account of the believers as to just when the Sab- and you will get the twelve-hour day.
way in which the Lord led His peo- bath should begin, the six o'clock At any time of year the day ends at
ple in a doctrinal matter is worthy time prevailed. 6 P.M. Here is where the Sabbath
of detailed study. As we proceed, In 1848 a few of the Sabbathkeep- begins at 6 P.M. Satan would get us
we must remember that the Lord ing Adventists in Maine, from their from this time. But let us stand fast
leads His truth-loving people only as reading of Matthew 28:1, "in the end in the Sabbath as God has given it
fast as they can follow without un- of the sabbath, as it began to dawn to us and Brother Bates."—James
dermining their confidence in what toward the first day of the week," White Letter to "My Dear Brother,"
seems to be important in their ex- took the position that the Sabbath July 2, 1848, written from Berlin,
perience. He will never lead His began and ended at sunrise. Ellen Connecticut.
people in a way that would mini- White was given a vision in which This experience carried weight
mize the importance of Bible study. she heard the angel repeating Leviti- with the believers. They continued
Among the early Adventists Jo- cus 23:32, "From even unto even, to observe the beginning of the
seph Bates was the apostle of the shall ye celebrate your sabbath." Sabbath at six o'clock. It was in this
Sabbath truth. In August, 1846, he This settled the point as far as the general setting that God provided
published a 48-page pamphlet on the fallacy of the sunrise time was con- some far-reaching guidance to His
binding claims of the seventh-day cerned. people.
Sabbath. About this time at a meeting in
Through the careful study of the Connecticut, while the Adventists Vision Concerning Dependence
irrefutable scriptural evidence pre- were discussing the problem of Upon Ecstatic Experiences
sented in this pamphlet, James and when to begin the Sabbath, a tongues
Ellen White accepted the seventh- experience occurred. James White In December, 1850, while at Paris,
day Sabbath, joining a group of wrote: Maine, attending a conference where
about 50 Sabbathkeeping Advent- "There has been some division as all present sensed the deep need of
ists. They began Sabbath observance to the time of beginning the Sab- the outpouring of the Spirit of God,
on Friday evening. Not until six or bath. Some commenced at sundown. Ellen White was given a vision:
seven months after they began to Most, however, at 6 P.M. A week ago "We were united in praying last
keep the Sabbath was a vision given Sabbath we made this a subject of evening for the Spirit of the Lord to
to Ellen White confirming the Sab- prayer. The Holy Ghost came down, fall upon us. God heard our earnest
bath truth and bringing forcibly to Brother Chamberlain was filled with cries. I was taken off in vision. I saw
her attention its very great impor- the power. In this state he cried out how great and holy God was. Said
tance. (See Early Writings, pp. 32-35.) in an unknown tongue. The interpre- the angel, 'Walk carefully before
However, though the scriptural tation followed which was this: Him, for He is high and lifted up and
evidence clearly indicates that the `Give me the chalk, Give me the the train of His glory fills the tem-
Sabbath begins on Friday evening, chalk.' ple.' I saw that everything in heaven
the time of evening was not clear to "Well, thought I, if there is none in was in perfect order. . . . [The mat-
our pioneers. Joseph Bates, the old the house then I shall doubt this, but ter deleted is unrelated to the pres-
sea captain, knowing the problems in a moment a brother took down a ent topic.]
of timekeeping in different parts of good piece of chalk. Brother Cham- "Said the angel, 'Behold ye, and
the world, concluded that in the berlain took it and in the power he know how perfect, how beautiful the
matter of the observance of the Sab- drew a figure on the floor. order in heaven; follow it.'. . .
bath "equatorial time" should be "This represents Jesus' words, "I saw that the exercises were in
followed. He therefore advocated `Are there not twelve hours in the great danger of being adulterated,
that the Sabbath should begin at and their former opinion and knowl-
six o'clock on Friday afternoon and edge governing in a measure their
close at six o'clock on Saturday af- exercise, therefore implicit confi-
dence could not be placed in these
Arthur L. White is secretary of the exercises. But if anyone was lost to
Ellen G. White Estate. everything around him, and he
6 R&H, MARCH 22, 1973
Ecstatic Experiences By ARTHUR L WHITE
should be in the state that Paul was shown that in the ecstatic experi- tural evidence set forth, those
in, whether in the body or out of the ences (or exercises) there was grave present accepted the responsibility
body, he could not tell, and God com- danger of adulteration, the former of shifting from six o'clock to sun-
municate to him through His angels, opinion of the individual involved down as the time to begin the Sab-
there would be then no danger of a "governing in a measure their ex- bath. But the decision was not en-
mistake. ercise." This being the case, implicit tirely unanimous. Joseph Bates, the
"I saw that we should strive at all confidence could not be placed in older member of the pioneer group
times to be free from unhealthy and such experiences. and the apostle of the Sabbath truth,
unnecessary excitement. I saw that But there was one means of com- held out. He was unwilling to sur-
there was great danger of leaving munication upon which dependence render his well-established views.
the word of God and resting down could be firmly grounded, and that And Ellen White reasoned that, since
and trusting in exercises. I saw that was the visions that God gave to the they had kept the Sabbath this way
God had moved by His Spirit upon prophets—here "there would be . . . for ten years, why should they
your company in some of their ex- no danger or mistake." change now? A rift developed.
ercises and their promptings; but She was shown the possible nega- However, at the close of the con-
I saw danger ahead. . . . tive effects of "unnecessary" excite- ference Ellen White was given a vi-
"I saw that the burden of the mes- ment and that there was a grave sion in which she was shown that the
sage now was the truth. The Word of danger of disregarding the Word of Sabbath began at sundown. Her
God should be strictly followed and God and "trusting in exercises." She conversation with the angel in this
held up to the people of God. And it was shown that there were genuine vision is enlightening:
would be beautiful and lovely if experiences in which there were "I saw that it is even so: 'From
God's people should be brought into charismatic exercises, but that even unto even, shall ye celebrate
a strait [place], to see the workings there was danger ahead. your Sabbath.' Said the angel: 'Take
of God through exercises of visions." In this vision the Word of God was the word of God, read it, under-
—Manuscript 11, 1850. magnified. When God's people found stand, and ye cannot err. Read care-
The paragraph that follows reit- themselves in a difficult place He fully, and ye shall there find what
erated the baleful effect of depend- would give guidance and instruction even is, and when it is.' I asked the
ing upon ecstatic experiences or through the visions. angel if the frown of God had been
exercises, especially when search- upon His people for commencing the
ing out sound doctrine: Further Bible Study Urged Sabbath as they had. I was directed
"I saw in our conference meeting, Probably the restlessness on the back to the first rise of the Sabbath,
some laid out the work that God was part of some members concerning and followed the people of God up
to give exercises, and rebels were to the time to begin the Sabbath, and to this time, but did not see that the
be purged out in the meeting. Then the repeated instruction through the Lord was displeased, or frowned
the honest, conscientious ones be- prophetic gift directing them to the upon them. I inquired why it had
gan to tremble. 'I am afraid [that] I Bible, led James White* in 1855, to been thus, that at this late day we
shall be purged out,' and they take urge J. N. Andrews, a young minis- must change the time of commencing
their minds from Jesus, and fix them ter residing in Paris, Maine, to the Sabbath. Said the angel: 'Ye
upon themselves and others, and the undertake a careful investigation of shall understand, but not yet, not
meeting leaves them lower than it the Scriptures to gain evidence from yet.' Said the angel: 'If light comes,
found them. I saw that we must try God's Word as to when the Sabbath and that light is set aside or re-
to lift our minds above self and should begin. In the summer, after jected, then comes condemnation
have them dwell upon God, the high several weeks in a careful investi- and the frown of God; but before the
and lofty One."—Thid. gation of the Scriptures, he demon- light comes, there is no sin, for there
The significance of this vision strated from nine texts in the Old is no light for them to reject.' I saw
given on December 24, 1850, cannot Testament and two texts in the New that it was in the minds of some
be overrated. It is a key document. that the Sabbath began at sundown. that the Lord had shown that the
The believers were praying for an Andrews read his conclusions at Sabbath commenced at six o'clock,
outpouring of the Holy Spirit, pos- the conference in Battle Creek, No- when I had only seen that it com-
sibly hoping for some physically vember, 1855, and, from the scrip- menced at 'even,' and it was inferred
observed demonstration. The rec- that even was at six. I saw that the
*James White in the REVIEW of December 4, 1855,
ords of the time show an accelera- declared that "We have never been fully satisfied with servants of God must draw together,
tion in ecstatic experiences. the testimony presented in favor of six o'clock.... The
subject has troubled us, yet we have never found time press together."—Testimonies, vol.
Coming to the point, she was to thoroughly investigate it." 1, p. 116.
R&H, MARCH 22, 1973 7
 Two points are paramount. First, paramount, its authority never sub- Even the speaking in tongues by
the believers were to go to the Word ordinated to feelings or ecstatic Brother Ralph failed to convince her.
of God for their guidance in doc- exercises. She was later shown that a person's
trinal matters. Second, they were to There is no record of Ellen White's thinking and his feelings have a
press together in unity. In subse- giving explicit support to, or placing large influence on such experiences.
quent years James White used this her endorsement upon, these ec- In tracing the events that led to
experience to illustrate the place of static experiences with unknown the Bible-based position on the time
the gift of prophecy in the church. tongues, although she was an eye- to begin the Sabbath, we jumped
The gift was not to run ahead of Bi- witness to three of the four. She five years beyond the 1850 vision
ble study, but had its place in guard- probably was silent as she watched that warned of dangers to come
ing the church and in confirming with interest the developments in when ecstatic manifestations were
truth. The Bible was ever to be held the instance of Brother Rhodes. relied on inordinately. Other visions
followed that forcibly revealed that
a spirit other than that of the Holy
Ghost could in a large measure affect

44, /01,4,
the feelings. In an 1851 vision she
depicted the experience of certain
Grandmother Has Visitors —2 persons who, unknown to them, were
By RUTH WHEELER cf. under the influence of "an unholy
0
N spirit," and she declares that "the
spirit moved strongly on the feel-
TIM COULD HARDLY wait to feed to get bold enough to come through ings, and these feelings, many of
the chipmunk that came through the the door and grab the food. them, are yet cherished as sacred, as
door at Grandfather's house. He knelt "When they got to eating the food [indited by] the Holy Ghost."—Letter
on the floor with cantaloupe seeds inside the door," Grandmother went
2, 1851.
in his hand. on, "I held my hand down there with
"Come, Chippie," he said. "Come food. Of course, this frightened them, In addition to dependence upon
and have some seeds." but finally they took it from my hand. feelings and in experiences such as
His sister, Terry, was still excited "Now I can sit on the chair on the unknown tongues, there was danger
that the chipmunk had eaten out of porch, and they will come and eat of false guidance also in prostra-
her hand. "Oh, Grandma," she ex- out of my hand while I'm sitting there. tions.
claimed. "His feet felt so soft and light I'm working now to get them to run
when he stood up and put his front up onto my lap to get the nuts and Satan Works in Many Ways
feet on my hand. And I felt his soft seeds."
furry tummy as he leaned over to get "That's fun," Tim said. "I guess it "I saw that Satan was working
the nuts." just takes patience and moving a little through agents in a number of ways.
The chipmunk peeked out of the closer each day, doesn't it?" He was at work through ministers
hollow stump Grandpa had set near Tim and Terry had finished their who have rejected the truth and are
the door. Then he came through the breakfast, but Tim sat at the table given over to strong delusions to
door and stopped by Tim's hand. He thinking. believe a lie that they might be
reached up, took a seed, and stuffed "You know, Grandpa, I have an damned. While they were preaching
it into his cheeks. He took another idea."
or praying, some would fall pros-
and another until his cheeks were "What is it, Tim?"
"Well, there's a new boy at our
trate and helpless, not by the power
full. Then he dashed away to his home
school. He seems to be afraid of every- of the Holy Ghost, but by the power
in the woodpile.
"Grandpa, how did you make the body. When we ask him to play, he of Satan breathed upon these agents,
squirrels and chipmunks so tame?" doesn't want to. Even in the school- and through them to the people."—
Tim asked. "You said they are not room he doesn't talk much to people Early Writings, pp. 43, 44 (1849). In
tame, but wild. How'd you teach and he doesn't look happy. later years Ellen White warned
them to trust you? Did it take very "We've tried to be friendly, but it about counterfeit ecstatic experi-
long?" doesn't seem to do a bit of good. He ences:
"It took quite a while," Grandfather still doesn't act like he wants to be
"Whenever and wherever the Lord
said. "When we first moved into this friends. I think I'll treat him like you
do the chipmunks and squirrels. I'll works in giving a genuine blessing, a
house we didn't see a chipmunk. Then
we saw one running along the fence. just try each day to be friends. Maybe counterfeit is also revealed, in or-
Every day for several weeks we put someday he'll begin to be friendly. We der to make of none effect the true
some food out there. Then one day all want him to be." work of God. Therefore we need to
we saw a chipmunk near the house, "That's a very good idea," Grandpa be exceedingly careful, and walk
so we put food there. Finally one came said. "A very good idea. You just be humbly before God, that we may
up to the porch and we put food kind to him and keep on asking him to have spiritual eyesalve that we may
there. play. Don't give up, and someday distinguish the working of the Holy
"One day we saw two chipmunks you'll maybe have a real friend. Let Spirit of God from the working of
come to the porch. Then we saw me know how your idea works out."
that spirit that would bring in wild
three. We put food on the porch
every day for many days."
license and fanaticism. 'By their
"We watched them come and eat, fruits ye shall know them' (Matt.
but we didn't go near," Grandmother 7:20). Those who are really beholding
added. "Then one day I sat here by Christ will be changed into His
the door, very quietly. They ran away image, even by the Spirit of the Lord,
as soon as they saw me, but every day and will grow up to the full stature
I sat here. Finally they stayed and got of men and women in Christ Jesus.
the food while I was here. After a The Holy Spirit of God will inspire
while I left the door open just a crack.
men with love and purity; and re-
Of course, when they saw that, they
ran away. But I did that every day for
finement will be manifest in their
a week or so. I opened the door far- characters."—Selected Messages, book
ther each day, and I put food just in- 1, p. 142. ❑
side the door. It took them many days To be continued

8 R&H, MARCH 22, 1973

the predictive health program you SDA's and Ecstatic Experiences-3
propose?
Cheraskin: Certainly there are fi-
nancial implications in health. Dis-
ease is a costly business. In 1929,

Face to Face
$3.5 billion was spent for all medical
care. The average annual cost per
person was $35, less than 10c a day.
In 1967-1968, the nation spent $50
billion—$250 per person per year,
68c daily for every man, woman, and
child.
In 1970 the cost of medical care
reached $61 billion—five times the
1950 price and fifteenfold that of
1930. And in 1971, expenditures for
With the
health care climbed to an astronom-
ical $79 billion. It is projected that
by the year 1980 a six-week heart
attack will cost $17,000 for hospital
care alone.
Spurious
Who is most responsive to your new
approaches to health improvement By ARTHUR L. WHITE
and disease prevention?
Cheraskin: We receive more com-
munications, such as requests for
reprints, from the Eastern Euro-
pean countries than anywhere else,
and almost as many from Western
European countries. Veterinary
schools have shown a tremendous FACE TO FACE encounters with sympathy with the woman, while an-
amount of interest. Nutrition has spurious ecstatic experiences had a other group was, and another group
always been important in lower- strong molding influence on our fore- was divided, and so forth. While
animal medicine, especially when it fathers. Elder Loughborough re- James White was speaking, a woman
concerns race horses. We must corded an incident that occurred of impressive bearing entered with
have healthy race horses! during the Whites' first visit to Mich- two men. The two men walked up to
American medicine in general and igan in 1853. the front, and the woman took a seat
the government health agencies show With Elder Loughborough they near the door. Ellen White soon fol-
very little interest. were to hold meetings in four or five lowed her husband in speaking.
places such as Tyrone, Jackson, Bed- She introduced her remarks by ex-
What is your view of the way the ford, Battle Creek, and Vergennes, horting ministers to be careful lest
human body is designed? where there were groups of believ- they mar the work of God. She said
Cheraskin: The body is a beautiful ers. In a vision soon after arriving God would not call a woman to travel
mechanism, and given half a chance in Michigan, Ellen White was shown about the country with a man other
it works beautifully. I think the best certain persons and certain com- than her husband. Finally she said
illustration of how gorgeous an op- panies that they would meet in con- (as reported by Elder Loughbor-
eration it has to be, is that with all nection with their itinerary. When ough): "'That woman who just sat
the abuse it receives it takes 30 or she had written this out she asked down near the door claims that God
40 years to break down. Elder Loughborough to make a copy has called her to preach. She is
for her. traveling with this young man who
If it is so well designed, why do we The copying of the material made a just sat down in front of the desk,
have a country full of sick people? deep impression on Elder Lough- while this old man, her husband—
Cheraskin: Because we just don't borough's mind. He read of a woman God pity him!—is toiling at home to
treat the instrument as we should. who exerted considerable influence earn means which they are using to
If we treated an automobile or any among the Sabbathkeeping Advent- carry on their iniquity. She pro-
other gadget the way we treat the ists in her community, but who was fesses to be very holy—to be sanc-
human body we would have an equal an impostor, and who, when re- tified. With all her pretensions and
number of sick automobiles, sick proved, would stand and say, "God— talk about holiness, God has shown
vacuum cleaners, and sick refrigera- knows—my—heart." me that she and this young man have
tors. There are rules to follow, like Arriving at Vergennes some days violated the seventh command-
greasing and oiling a car. There are later, Ellen White recognized the ment.' "—Review and Herald, May 6,
also rules to follow in greasing and place as the one where she would 1884.
oiling a human, and we don't have meet the impostor. She also recog- Everyone turned toward the
our five- and ten-thousand-mile nized the believers as they arrived woman, wondering what her re-
checkups in humans as we do with in their wagons for the Sabbath sponse would be. After about a min-
our automobiles. So we have prob- morning services. She pointed out to ute she arose, and with a very
lems. When and if we begin to treat those who were close to her that sanctimonious look, said, "God—
the body as it should be treated, as those in the first wagon were not in knows—my—heart." These were the
any wonderful mechanism is treated, precise words the vision two weeks
many of our health problems will Arthur L. White is secretary of the before had predicted her response
be resolved. ❑ Ellen G. White Estate. would be.

R&H, MARCH 29, 1973 9

 During the noon intermission at Sabbath truth and began preaching son, John Herbert, in Battle Creek to
the home where the Whites and their new convictions. Solomon Well- visit Mauston and other church
Elder Loughborough were enter- come soon made the acquaintance groups. He was not well received;
tained, Mrs. White was given another of T. M. Steward. From the begin- his report of his misgivings for the
vision. Coming out of the vision, she ning it was clear that Wellcome en- future of the church in Wisconsin
related still further what the Lord tertained spurious views in regard is significant:
had shown her regarding the woman to sanctification: "We think it our duty to state
on whom attention had been focused: "I was shown that Elder K [Solo- something of the appearance of this
"'This woman professes to talk with mon Wellcome] was upon dangerous work here, which is called by some
tongues, [Ellen White said,] but she ground. He is not in union with the 'The Reformation,' but to us it looks
is deceived. She does not talk the third angel. ... He has brought along more like a deformation. . . .
language she claims to speak. In fact, with him a theory of Methodist sanc- "While we were preaching, a sister
she does not talk any language. If all tification, and presents that in front, broke out in an opposition shout, so
the nations of the earth were to- making it of the highest importance. we waited some time for her to get
gether, and should hear her talk, And the sacred truths applicable to through. It was with difficulty that
no one of them would know what she this time are by him made of little we finished the discourse. . . .
says; for she merely goes over a lot consequence. . . . Satan has con- "This reformation, as it is called,
of meaningless gibberish.'"—Ibid., trolled his mind, and he has done has passed some very important
June 10, 1884. great injury to the cause of truth in decrees. It is said that one or more
Imagine Elder Loughborough's northern Wisconsin."— Testimonies, have the spirit of prophecy, and
surprise, on returning to the place vol. 1, p. 335. that they have seen things of the
of meeting to find this woman speak- Precisely what was involved in deepest interest. For instance, the
ing in what she claimed was the lan- this false sanctification Ellen White body of Sabbathkeepers sustaining
guage of the nearby Garlic Indian did not disclose. There is an inter- the REVIEW have been seen branded
tribe. She said the Lord was sending esting historical record describing as follows—'Advent,' Babylon,'
her to them as a missionary. exercises taking place in a Methodist 'Fallen,' Organization.' This is too
Here is what Loughborough church in that area at about that significant to need comment. Also
heard: "Kene keni, kene keno, kene time: that Sister White's writings, except-
kene," et cetera.—Ibid. "Someone begins to sigh here, now ing the first tract, were all wrong.
At a meeting she held the next there—an 'AH!'—an 'Oh, oh!' es- . . . We leave these dear, mistaken
day, this woman spoke on the sub- caped many a breast. Ever more friends with our pity and our
ject of holiness, and during her talk numerously and louder became prayers."—Review and Herald, Nov.
broke out again in the unknown these "Ah's!' and `Oh's!' till finally 13, 1860.
tongue. An Indian who had been in- all quiet and order seemed to be At first Steward and his close as-
vited to come in to hear her speak broken up. I must have had least 30 sociates responded only partially to
his language jumped to his feet, de- eyes and ears in order to see all James White's reasoning and ap-
claring: "Very bad Indian that! Very these gestures and to hear all these peals. But before long it became
bad Indian that!" When asked what pious groans. . . . A woman tore her clear that what had been attributed
the woman said, he declared: "Noth- hat from her head, threw it away, to God originated with the great ad-
ing; she talk no Indian." and rumpled her hair. . . . Here a versary. The Review and Herald of
A few days later in the presence of woman gazed heavenward, clutched January 22, 1861, carried a state-
an Indian interpreter who knew 17 her bosom as if nothing less than ment entitled "A Delusion Con-
of the languages, she spoke and spiritual emotion would be found in it fessed" written by T. M. Steward:
prayed in her gibberish, and he de- and uttered the words: 'Come, my "To all the dear saints scattered
clared that she had not uttered a Jesus, come my dear Jesus, my dear abroad:
single Indian word. Her influence lover,' etc. Here and there again one "As the question has often been
was short lived, not only because of uttered merely the syllable 'Ji! Ji!' asked by my correspondents, 'What
this experience, but because of the springing up from his seat each time is the nature of the work at Maus-
disclosure that the man with whom as if a wasp had stung him. . . . One ton?' I would now like to give you
she traveled and lived was not her ran forward and fell on the floor my views in regard to it. Further, I
husband. This in time was confessed. and several danced about him as if feel it my duty to do so; I feel I am
they were possessed and cried out: fully prepared to do it; and my
The Wisconsin Experience 'The Spirit has overcome him! He prayer is that the Lord will save us
The second experience involving has received the Holy Spirit,' etc."— from all the delusions of Satan in
spurious ecstatic exercises took Wisconsin Magazine of History, June, these last days.
place in central Wisconsin in 1860 1942, pp. 463-465.* "You are well aware that the work
and 1861. Involved were T. M. Stew- After learning of the growing fa- had just begun when Brother White
ard and his wife, early believers in natical spirit in Wisconsin, James was here, and of course I was not
that State, who had come to some White left his wife with a newborn decided. I begged of them to let me
position of leadership, and a certain alone until we had investigated the
Solomon Wellcome family. * This historical item was furnished by one of our
ministers in Wisconsin, Adriel Chilson. While we do
subject to our satisfaction. I had
The Wellcome family, first-day not positively identify this particular experience with reasons for doubting, but I wanted
Solomon Wellcome's work, there is strong evidence
Adventists from Maine, had settled that many similarities existed. to give it a thorough testing.
in Wisconsin in the late 1840's. In Adriel Chilson's article, "False Sanctification a Cen- "The reason I advocated it, was
tury Ago in Wisconsin," will be published in a future
the mid-1850's two sons accepted the issue of the Review. not because I was established in it,

God does not leave His people to the deceptive power of Satan for
nothing. There is a cause. That cause should be sought for with the deepest feelings
of humiliation, lest a second delusion follow worse than the first.
10 R&H, MARCH 2.9, 1973
but because I could not see anything course of such, and in no instance treme is usually followed by an-
trampled under foot regardless of have we seen them pursue an even other. And we shall be greatly dis-
feelings. So I watched it with in- course so as to exert a good influ- appointed [surprised] if we do not
tense anxiety. At times I detected ence, unless they have chosen a find those who have been under the
faults, but then I was answered with, humble place in the church, relying spirit of error and fanaticism, giving
'It shall all be made plain by and by,' more upon the judgment of those up the subject of spiritual gifts alto-
which made me look for plainer who have had a good experience gether, which error would be more
demonstrations. than upon their own. fatal than the first."—Ibid.
"God does not leave His people to Although the fanaticism was
Struggles With Doubt the deceptive power of Satan for broken, the church suffered for a
"At times I would express doubts nothing. There is a cause. That cause number of years. The Stewards,
and the answer would come, 'Doubt should be sought for with the deep- who required some time to make a
not.' So I would have to give it up for est feelings of humiliation, lest a full recovery, eventually became
the time. Then I would try to reason second delusion follow worse than again trusted workers. Their daugh-
with, and advise them to let judg- the first. Satan's great object in this ter Mary served many years as a
ment decide. But then it would be delusion in northern Wisconsin has proofreader in the Review and Her-
shown that I was in a dreadful trial doubtless been to bring the subject ald and for several years as one of
or under a temptation. So I finally of the perpetuity of spiritual gifts Mrs. White's secretaries. ❑
thought that I would let it develop into disgrace and doubt. One ex- Continued next week
itself."
Then Steward discussed some of
those who were involved in these RESPONSE FROM READERS pointed out that any building con-
experiences, the visions they al- structed with Government grants
leged to have had, and how these must not be used for any religious
visions seemed to be in harmony
with the message: "We had as we
Is the New Policy purposes, nor may the religious doc-
trines of the school be allowed to
supposed many of the gifts. But I on Government Aid "seep" into the courses taught in
such a building. The foregoing in my
was not satisfied with the develop-
ment of these gifts. But on the night Consistent? opinion as a lawyer briefly summa-
rizes the law pertinent to an under-
of January 2, while at Portage, it did standing of the matter.
begin to develop a new feature, and The articles in the December 7th Our philosophy of higher educa-
all that were together and under its and 14th, 1972, issues of the Review tion is that Seventh-day Adventist re-
influence completely lost control of explaining the new policy on Govern- ligious doctrine permeates all courses
themselves (or gave up to be con- ment aid adopted by the Autumn taught in our universities and col-
trolled by the unseen power), and Council and also setting forth the old leges. As stated in the December 7th
the scenes that followed I cannot policy were well detailed and most article previously referred to: "The
describe. I was away at Cascade informative. These are the kinds of spirit of Christ, the instruction of
reports that we need so that we as Christ, the very presence of Christ,
holding meetings, having left the
members may know where the de- must pervade every area of Adventist
day before. nomination stands on an issue and curriculum and campus. It is to be
"These scenes commenced at the reasons the church has taken such hoped that never, as some churches
Brother Billings', where there were a stand. are doing, will we divide our cam-
present my wife, Sister Kelley, and It was stated that church-state sepa- puses into sectarian and secular for
Brother and Sister Billings. These ration in the matter of financial aid is the sake of receiving Government
scenes continued until the evening . . a policy rather than a moral funds. That is one kind of separation
after the Sabbath, when they be- principle." However, it was pointed we do not espouse."
came convinced that it was a de- out that the acceptance of state aid Despite this philosopy, our new
becomes immoral under certain con- policy contemplates application for
lusion. And now we are unanimous
ditions. One of such conditions was and permits the acceptance of "lim-
in pronouncing it the work of the stated as follows: "Acceptance of ited gifts of land, property or equip-
enemy. We fully and freely denounce state aid is immoral in a state whose ment, and Government grants in
it. I love the truths of the third an- laws forbid it." The question then support of operations . . . mainte-
gel's message as ever, and I intend arises whether the new policy calls nance, capital improvements . . ."
to advocate it to the world. for the acceptance of Government aid provided the guidelines specified in
"Brethren, beware of the strong that violates the laws of the United the new policy are adhered to.
delusions of these last days! This States insofar as Government aid to Our new policy therefore contains
Seventh-day Adventist universities a gross inconsistency inasmuch as it
sketch will give you our views in re-
and colleges in this country is con- would be a violation of church-state
gard to the nature of it."—Ibid. separation and therefore illegal for
cerned.
When James White received this us to accept certain types of Gov-
The courts in the United States have
report he was pleased that the fanat- consistently held to the principle that ernment aid if we refuse to divide our
icism had been broken, or at least no man should be forced to finance campuses into sectarian and secular.
seemingly so, and he followed the another man's religion. Being taxed We can't have it both ways. We
confession with his own observa- to support a religious university or should make a choice. Therefore, I
tions: college that is religiously oriented as would urge the denomination to re-
"Remarks: It is no small thing to to all of its courses is a violation of consider its new policy and to remove
fall under the strong delusions of that principle of law. In 1971 the the present inconsistency either by
United States Supreme Court held choosing to divide its campuses into
Satan, especially when persons have sectarian and secular if we choose to
exercises controlling body and that it was not a violation of the
church-state separation principle of seek Government aid for the secular
mind, which they regard as the the United States Constitution for portion of the campus or by going
power of the Holy Spirit. Such lose the Federal Government to aid reli- back to the old policy of refusing
their balance. They lose their judg- gious colleges by way of construction Government aid if we are not willing
ment in spiritual things, which they grants provided such grants were used so to divide our campuses.
seldom ever recover. For the past for buildings that would be limited to JACK C. WERNER
fifteen years we have watched the strictly secular uses. The Court Milwaukee, Wis.

R&H, MARCH 29, 1973 11

SDA's and Ecstatic Experiences-4

They have an "Ye shall know

The Gift unmeaning gib-
berish which they
them by their
fruits."
of Tongues call the unknown
tongue, which is
at Portland, unknown not only
by man but by
and women, aided by the great de-
ceiver. Fanaticism, false excitement,
false talking in tongues, and noisy

Maine the Lord and all

heaven.
exercises have been considered gifts
which God has placed in the church.
Some have been deceived here. The
fruits of all this have not been good.
'Ye shall know them by their fruits.'
"Fanaticism and noise have been
By ARTHUR L. WHITE considered special evidences of
faith. Some are not satisfied with a
meeting unless they have a powerful
and happy time. They work for this
and received in a short time what I and get up an excitement of feeling.
then really believed to be the 'gift But the influence of such meetings is
of tongues,' and sincerely followed not beneficial. When the happy flight
in this way until about six months of feeling is gone, they sink lower
THE THIRD EXPERIENCE of the ago, when my mind became unset- than before the meeting because
early years and one that Ellen tled hi regard to their genuineness, their happiness did not come from
White comments on at considerable as there were some things which the right source. The most profitable
length took place in Portland, Maine, seemed very strange to me at times. meetings for spiritual advancement
in the years 1864 and 1865. It seems I heard things in the 'tongues' which are those which are characterized with
that Portland, the place where the I had no confidence in, and after see- solemnity and deep searching of heart;
first vision was given to Ellen White, ing results, was still more shaken each seeking to know himself, and
became a special target of the in my position. earnestly, and in deep humility,
enemy. For years the work was "At our conference in Portland, seeking to learn of Christ. . . .
weakened by the fanatical elements. about three months ago, I became "According to the light which God
One of these in the middle 1860's was completely disgusted with our posi- has given me, there will yet be a
carried on by an S. C. Hancock, who tion. . . . large company raised up in the East
was a Sabbathkeeper but deeply "I will specify a few exercises: to consistently obey the truth. Those
immersed in ecstatic experiences, Talking with tongues, dancing in the who follow in the distracted course
particularly that of tongues. The Spirit, and swimming in the Spirit. they have chosen will be left to embrace
Review and Herald of March 14, 1865, With the tongues I was in full sym- errors which will finally cause their
carries a short item from a Mrs. pathy, but not with the dancing and overthrow; but they will for a time be
D. A. Parker of Portland, Maine, in swimming, which were exercises stumbling blocks to those who would
which she describes her experience. peculiar to Eld. Hancock. receive the truth. Ministers who
She goes back to 1854 and a time- "More I might speak of, but let this labor in word and doctrine should
setting movement. It was at that time suffice. I can say now that I am be thorough workmen, and should
that she heard the doctrine of the thankful that my eyes have been present the truth in its purity, yet
Advent, and, as she said, "gladly opened to see these delusions which with simplicity. They should feed the
embraced the view that Jesus would I have sympathized with in part since flock with clean provender, thor-
come in the fall of 1854." But this '54; for I partook of the same views oughly winnowed.
time movement proved to be unreli- and spirit with those with whom I "There are wandering stars profess-
able and false. Mrs. Parker tells the was united."—Pages 116, 117. ing to be ministers sent of God who
story: Now with this background we will are preaching the Sabbath from
"Just at this time a class arose who turn to Testimonies for the Church, place to place, but who have truth
claimed that they had the true light volume 1, and hear from Ellen White mixed up with error and are throwing
on 'rising and trimming their lamps,' as she comments on this experience out their mass of discordant views
'the latter rain,' and 'the gifts being in Portland, Maine: to the people. Satan has pushed them
restored in the church.' I searched "Some of these persons have ex- in to disgust intelligent and sensible
the Scriptures and found that the ercises which they call gifts and say unbelievers. Some of these have
gifts were for the church, and be- that the Lord has placed them in the much to say upon the gifts and are
lieving that we were the people of church. They have an unmeaning often especially exercised. They give
God, I went fully with that movement gibberish which they call the unknown themselves up to wild, excitable feel-
tongue, which is unknown not only by ings and make unintelligible sounds
Arthur L. White is secretary of the man but by the Lord and all heaven. which they call the gift of tongues,
Ellen G. White Estate. Such gifts are manufactured by men and a certain class seem to be charmed
6 RAM, APRIL 5, 1973
 with these strange manifestation& A the outpouring of the Spirit of God. lished in Review and Herald, Aug.
strange spirit rules with this class, We quote his question and statement 17, 1972.
which would bear down and run and Ellen White's reply: Shortly after this she was shown
over anyone who would reprove "R. Mackin: In connection with the in vision that the Mackin experience
them. receiving of power from on high was spurious.
"God's Spirit is not in the work and there is a question, it seems to me, It is interesting to observe that
does not attend such workmen. They just as pertinent now as in the days Ellen White, with the many, many
have another spirit. Still, such preach- of the apostles—What is the evi- visions given her down through the
ers have success among a certain dence? If we receive it, will it not years, and facing many, many ex-
class. But this will greatly increase have the same physiological effect periences, felt unable to declare un-
the labor of those servants whom on us as it did back there? It can be equivocally that there would be an
God shall send, who are qualified to expected that we shall speak as the ecstatic experience, such as speak-
present before the people the Sab- Spirit gives us utterance. ing in unknown tongues, in connec-
bath and the gifts in their proper "Ellen G. White: In the future we tion with the outpouring of the Spirit
light, and whose influence and exam- shall have special tokens of the in- of God. In fact, at no time did she
ple are worthy of imitation."—Pages fluence of the Spirit of God—espe- link the evidences of the outpouring
412-414. (Emphasis supplied.) cially at times when our enemies are of the Spirit—sometimes spoken of
And then Ellen White comments: the strongest against us. The time as the baptism of the Holy Spirit—
"Some rejoice and exult that they will come when we shall see some with ecstatic experiences. She taught
have the gifts, which others have not. strange things; but just in what way that the experience of Pentecost en-
May God deliver His people from —whether similar to some of the ex- abled the disciples to speak fluently
such gifts."—Ibid., pp. 418, 419. periences of the disciples after they in known languages. This was true
And she asks whether the people received the Holy Spirit following also of the experience at Ephesus
involved who exercise these gifts the ascension of Christ—I cannot recorded in Acts 19:6. ❑
are "brought into the unity of the say."—Manuscript 115, 1908, pub- Continued next week
faith? And do they convince the un-
believer that God is with them of a
truth?" Let's Talk a Walk—II
And her further observation is
significant: Another Walk Through Yesterday
"When these discordant ones, hold- By RUTH WHEELER
ing their different views, come to-
gether and there is considerable ex-
citement and the unknown tongue, BENNIE could hardly wait for the The boys were quiet as they looked.
they let their light so shine that un- time to come for Tim to visit him the "Say, here's a picture that reminds
believers would say: These people next afternoon. "Look what I've me of one time we had fun," Bennie
are not sane; they are carried away found," he called. He held up a pic- said. "Remember when we went over
with a false excitement, and we know ture of a deer and a fawn in a meadow to the house of those old people who
that they do not have the truth. Such at dusk. "Remember the time we went live at the end of the lane? He'd been
down into the meadow at the edge of sick and couldn't rake up the leaves
stand directly in the way of sinners;
the forest when we were camping in the fall."
their influence is effectual to keep "Oh, yes, an' we raked the leaves
with my folks? Remember how we sat
others from accepting the Sabbath. there an' were quiet an' the deer into two big piles so's your dad could
Such will be rewarded according to came out into the meadow to feed?" haul 'em away. That was really fun.
their works. Would to God they "Yeah," Tim said, "an' there was a When we got the leaves all piled up,
would be reformed or give up the fawn with them, with spotted sides we jumped on the piles an' rolled
Sabbath! They would not then stand just like this one. Remember while down with the leaves flying every
in the way of unbelievers."—/bid., we sat there, a mother skunk an' four way."
skunks came out an' crossed to the "That was fun. We played in the
p. 419.
creek?" leaves an' then raked them all up
With this firm counsel given by
"I thought about the skunks, but I again before Dad got there to pick
Ellen White, based on the visions 'em up. Remember how those old
haven't found a skunk picture. I've
God gave her, the fanatical element been looking for one." folks came out an' laughed at us play-
among the Sabbathkeepers in Port- They looked through some more ing in the leaves?" Bennie smiled as
land, Maine, was soon quenched. It pictures. Tim came to one of a wood- he remembered the day.
is little wonder that as she came pecker. "Remember those woodpeck- "Another time," Tim remembered,
face to face with ecstatic experiences ers that were livin' in a hole in that "was when we went an' picked the
in the years to follow that she should tree above our camp?" he asked. apples for Mrs. Greer because she
Bennie laughed. "I'll never forget wasn't strong enough to move the
approach them guardedly, cau-
'em. They used to come an' tap on ladder around an' climb up high. That
tiously, probing to discern the true was work. Remember how tired we
the trees early in the morning before
elements involved. we wanted to wake up. And remem- were that day? But it was fun, too. Al-
ber the coons that lived along that most as much fun as when we played
The Ralph Mackin Case
river? They used to come into camp in the leaves."
This she did in the experience in an' try to get our food. But they were "Let's find a picture of picking ap-
1908 as Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Mackin cute, with the little black masks on ples," Tim said. "I guess your book
called on her to learn whether their their faces." of happy times will have to be work
experience of talking in tongues and "The farmer didn't think they were as well as walks and trips. I think
cute, 'cause they went into his corn working was almost more fun than
singing in the spirit was of divine
patch every night an' ate his corn," playing last summer. You'd better get
leading. It was in this connection well quick an' maybe we can have
Tim said. "I guess they were pretty
that Ralph Mackin pressed Ellen smart little animals, because no mat- time to pick apples and rake yards
White for an answer to the question ter how he tried to keep 'em out of when I visit before school begins."
of the propriety of looking for and the corn every night they came under "I'll try," Bennie smiled. "I feel bet-
expecting some physical demonstra- the fence or over it. Let's look an' ter already. I guess thinkin' about our
tion in connection with the work of find a picture of coons." happy times is helping me get well."

R&H, APRIL S, 1973 7

SDA's and Ecstatic Experiences-5 ferings, and illnesses of that period.
For example, there was that
spring day when a number of believ-
ers were assembled in Topsham,
Maine, at the home of Stockbridge
Howland. His daughter, Frances, in
WHEN CHRIST sent forth His an upstairs bedroom suffering from his case almost hopeless."—Ibid.,
disciples "to preach the kingdom of rheumatic fever, was under the care p. 75.
God, and to heal the sick" (Luke 9:2), of a physician. Her hands were so Shortly thereafter those of faith
He assured them that in His name badly swollen that the joints could united around his bedside pleading
they would cast out devils, speak not be distinguished. Ellen White with God for his healing. Ellen White
with new tongues, lay hands on the reported: "As we sat together continued: "I have seldom known
sick, and they would recover (see speaking of her case, Brother How- such a reaching out to claim the
Mark 16:17, 18). land was asked if he had faith that promises of God. The salvation of
Early Adventist sources frequently his daughter could be healed in an- the Holy Spirit was revealed, and
referred to healing miracles. Inci- swer to prayer. He answered that power from on high rested upon our
dents in the church today indicate he would try to believe that she sick brother and upon all present.
that the gift of healing is still might, and presently declared that Brother Hyde immediately dressed
with us. he did believe it possible. We all and walked out of the room, praising
When we review the early records knelt in earnest prayer to God in her God, and with the light of heaven
we must keep in mind that during behalf. . . . One of the brethren pres- shining upon his countenance."—
the mid-nineteenth century there ent cried out, 'Is there a sister here Ibid., p. 76.
was great ignorance in regard to the who has the faith to go and take her He joined the family at the dinner
cause and cure of disease. The con- by the hand, and bid her arise in the table, ate heartily, and Ellen White
cept of germs was unknown. Night name of the Lord?' . . . Before he reported that "his recovery was
air was thought to be poisonous. ceased speaking Sister Curtis was complete and permanent."
Poisonous drugs were prescribed on her way to the stairs. She entered In 1848 Ellen White recounted the
freely, inflicting a large death toll. the sickroom with the Spirit of God healing of Sister Penfield, right after
If one had a fever, the physician upon her, and taking the invalid by the first of the Sabbath conferences
probably would drain a pint or a the hand, said, 'Sister Frances, in in Rocky Hill, Connecticut: "Last
quart of blood from the patient's the name of the Lord arise, and be Wednesday about six o'clock P.M., a
veins and pour it down the drain, whole.' New life shot through the brother came from Portland, 11
for the fever supposedly indicated veins of the sick girl, a holy faith miles from here and wanted we
that he had too much blood. Anes- took possession of her, and obeying should go and pray for his wife for
thetics were unknown. Surgery was its impulse, she rose from her bed, she was just alive, and that was all.
of the crudest type and when major stood upon her feet, and walked the She was taken so violent that they
was usually fatal. When an epidemic room, praising God for her recov- called in a physician. He tried to
swept through the land it decimated ery."—Life Sketches, p. 74. help her, but could do her no good,
the population. Almost any kind of Frances dressed and came down and said she must die. Another phy-
sickness was an occasion for terror. to where the group was, "her coun- sician was consulted who said he
As the disease progressed it was tenance lighted up with unspeakable could do nothing. The last was the
often said that the sufferer was joy and gratitude." The next day she most celebrated physician in Mid-
"marked for the grave." rode three miles in rainy weather, dletown, Ct.
How precious, then, seemed the sustained no injury, and continued "Sister Penfield told her husband
promise of James 5, which called for to improve. to go for God's people, she sent for
the anointing with oil and the prayer In the same report, Ellen White us. It was rather of a trial for me to
for healing that "the prayer of faith spoke of William Hyde, who was start, it was rainy and I had been
shall save the sick, and the Lord gravely ill with dysentery. She very weak all day, but I concluded to
shall raise him up" (verse 15). wrote: "His symptoms were alarm- go. James felt he must go too.
Records of the late 1840's abound ing, and the physician pronounced Brother and Sister Ralph also went
in narratives of how God answered according to her request. We prayed
prayer during the desperation, suf- for her at ten o'clock that night and
the spirit began to settle. She had
been in very great agony but we
Arthur White is secretary of the Ellen G. anointed her with oil in the name of
White Estate. By ARTHUR L. WHITE the Lord and then our earnest cries

MIRACULOUS
REN_ING
went up to God for healing power. must be studied, it must be searched
"God began to work, the pain for as hidden treasure. Wonderful
ceased, but we did not get the full illuminations will not be given aside
victory we wanted that night. She from the Word, or to take the place
rested well that night, was free from of it. Cling to the Word, receive the
pain. In the morn we united in ingrafted Word, which will make men
prayer for her again. The power best for them."—Medical Ministry, wise unto salvation. . . .
came down like a mighty, rushing pp. 16, 17. "The wonderful, the marvelous,
wind, the room was filled with the And in her popular book The Min- will be represented and presented.
glory of God, and I was swallowed istry of Healing, Ellen White devotes Through satanic delusions, wonder-
up in the glory and was taken off in an entire chapter to "Prayer for the ful miracles, the claims of human
vision. I saw the willingness of God Sick," in which she encouragingly agents will be urged. Beware of all
to heal the afflicted and dis- wrote: "And he saveth them out of this.
tressed. . . . their distresses. He sendeth his "Christ has given warning, so that
"The work of healing was done up word, and healeth them, and deliv- none need accept falsehood for
well. She grew stronger in body and ereth them from their destructions" truth. The only channel through
mind. . . . Sister Penfield is strong. (Ps. 107:19, 20, R.V.). which the Spirit operates is that of
Praise the Lord."—Letter 1, 1848. "God is just as willing to restore the truth. .. . Our faith and hope are
the sick to health now as when the founded, not in feeling, but in God."
Prayer for the Miracle of Healing —Selected Messages, book 2, pp.
Holy Spirit spoke these words
These particular examples (of through the psalmist. And Christ is 48, 49.
which there are many more) illus- the same compassionate physician She explained why we cannot de-
trate the close link that early be- now that He was during His earthly pend on miracles today, though
lievers saw between physical heal- ministry. In Him there is healing Christ often worked through mir-
ing and the outpouring of the Holy balm for every disease, restoring acles: "The way in which Christ
Spirit. The propriety of asking God power for every infirmity."—Page worked was to preach the Word, and
to work a miracle in healing the sick 226. to relieve suffering by miraculous
has been kept before us in many Broad counsel included the prep- works of healing. But I am instructed
messages from Ellen G. White. In aration required by the sick person that we cannot now work in this way,
1890 she counseled: "As to praying and those who are to pray, the im- for Satan will exercise his power by
for the sick, it is too important a mat- portance of praying in harmony with working miracles. God's servants today
ter to be handled carelessly. I be- God's will, and the wisdom of using could not work by means of miracles,
lieve we should take everything to the best remedial agencies at hand. because spurious works of healing,
the Lord, and make known to God all To do so would be no denial of our claiming to be divine, will be wrought.
our weaknesses, and specify all our faith. "For this reason the Lord has
perplexities. . . . If we are under in- We have been warned that we are marked out a way in which His peo-
firmities of body, it is certainly con- not to depend entirely upon miracu- ple are to carry forward a work of
sistent to trust in the Lord, making lous healing when there is sickness. physical healing, combined with the
supplications to our God in our own We must do everything that we can teaching of the Word. Sanitariums
case, and if we feel inclined to ask for ourselves. We are to study the are to be established, and with these
others in whom we have confidence nature of the disease, find its cause, institutions are to be connected
to unite with us in prayer to Jesus and deal with it intelligently, using workers who will carry forward
who is the Mighty Healer, help will all the facilities at hand. If God were genuine medical missionary work.
surely come if we ask in faith. I think to heal all sickness when requests Thus a guarding influence is thrown
we are altogether too faithless, too are made of Him, this would lead to around those who come to the san-
cold and lukewarm. presumption. Very few would change itariums for treatment."—/bid., p.
"I understand the text in James is their way of life that had brought 54. (Emphasis supplied.)
to be carried out when a person is on the sickness. For this reason Many warnings are sounded such
sick upon his bed, if he calls for the health institutions were to be estab- as these: "The man who makes the
elders of the church, and they carry lished among us where people might working of miracles the test of his faith
out the directions in James, anoint- not only regain their health through will find that Satan can, through a
ing the sick with oil in the name of proper treatment but also could be species of deceptions, perform wonders
the Lord, praying over him the taught how to prevent sickness. that will appear to be genuine mir-
prayer of faith. We read, 'The prayer acles. . . .
of faith shall save the sick, and the Counterfeit Healings "Let not the days pass by and
Lord shall raise him up; and if he However, just as other special precious opportunities be lost of
have committed sins, they shall be blessings made possible through the seeking the Lord with all the heart
forgiven him.'.. . Holy Spirit have been counterfeited, and mind and soul. If we accept not
"Oh, how grateful we should be so have miraculous healings been the truth in the love of it, we may be
that Jesus is willing and able to bear counterfeited. Ellen White warned: among the number who will see the
all our infirmities and strengthen "Let none cherish the idea that spe- miracles wrought by Satan in these
and heal all our diseases if it will be cial providences or miraculous man- last days, and believe them. Many
for our good and for His glory. ifestations are to be the proof of the strange things will appear as won-
"Some died in the days of Christ genuineness of their work or of the derful miracles, which should be re-
and in the days of the apostles be- ideas they advocate. . . . garded as deceptions manufactured
cause the Lord knew just what was "Satan will work in a most subtle by the father of lies. . . . Men under
manner to introduce human inven-
tions clothed with angel garments.
But the light from the Word is shin-
ing amid the moral darkness; and the
Bible will never be superseded by
miraculous manifestations. The truth

R&H, APRIL 12, 1973 5

the influence of evil spirits will work
miracles. They will make people sick
by casting their spell upon them,
Let's Talk About Health
By RALPH F. WADDELL, M.D.
and will then remove the spell, lead-
ing others to say that those who
were sick have been miraculously Mind Over Matter memoirs. This recording process be-
healed. This Satan has done again gins at birth and continues through-
THE WRITER OF Proverbs recorded out life. Basic attitudes determining
and again."—Ibid., pp. 52, 53. (Em- nearly three thousand years ago: "For
subsequent behavior are established
phasis supplied.) as he thinketh in his heart, so is he"
during the early formative years by
(Prov. 23:7). Could you determine
the child's contacts with his parents.
None Need Be Deceived what a man thinks, you could readily
Harris compares the recording thus
determine what he is. This past dec-
But none need be deceived. We ade has brought added understanding
produced to a stereophonic record,
have these assuring words that, of the relationship between the mind
having two sound tracks, which may
while the deceptions and tempta- give rise to a beautiful effect when
and overt disturbances of the body.
tions will be strong, those who cling played together. However, if the in-
Thinking has a direct and specific ef-
put lacks harmony because of discor-
to God's Word will be safe: "'The fect on personality, character, and
dant attitudes and discipline on the
voice of a stranger' is the voice of physical health. Unrecognized emo-
part of the parents, a replay of the
one who neither respects nor obeys tional tension frequently produces
record is unpleasant, and conse-
God's holy, just, and good law. Many severe body changes, as in disease,
quently is put aside and played but
disability, and even death.
make great pretensions to holiness, "The relation that exists between
little. (See page 21.)
and boast of the wonders they per- the mind and the body is very inti-
The emotional and physical health
form in healing the sick, when they mate. When one is affected, the other
of adults depends much on thought
do not regard this great standard patterns developed during early child-
sympathizes. The condition of the
of righteousness. But through whose hood, which in turn determine the
mind affects the health to a far greater
ability of oldsters to cope with sit-
power are these cures wrought? Are degree than many realize. Many of
uations and react to stimuli, as well as
the eyes of either party opened to the diseases from which men suffer
provocative crises. All of us are re-
their transgressions of the law? and are the result of mental depression.
sponsible for individual action and for
do they take their stand as humble, Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse,
the direction given to thought. Fred-
guilt, distrust, all tend to break down
obedient children, ready to obey the life forces and to invite decay and
erick C. Swartz, chairman of the
all of God's requirements? John tes- death ."— The Ministry of Healing,
American Medical Association Com-
tifies of the professed children of p. 241.
mittee on Aging, found that behavior
God: 'He that saith, I know him, and in the elderly is based on proper
Life was hard for the early believers
keepeth not his commandments, is a physical and mental exercise or the
in Philippi. They had undergone per-
lack of it, and not on chronology. He
liar, and the truth is not in him' secution, ridicule, and extreme hard-
states that "some serious reading and
(1 John 2:4). ship. Writing to them from his Roman
thinking should be a part of each
"None need be deceived. The law prison, Paul commended truth, hon-
man's daily life. The muscles are
of God is as sacred as His throne, esty, justice, and loveliness, and then
strengthened and the wits are sharp-
with a final appeal challenged them
and by it every man who cometh with: "If there be any virtue, and if
ened only by proper physical exer-
into the world is to be judged. . . . there be any praise, think on these
cise and mental activity."—Geriatrics,
"If those through whom cures are Dec., 1972, pp. 28-30.
things" (Phil. 4:8). To take account of
performed, are disposed, on account "God bids us fill the mind with
what is beautiful and pure and to allow
of these manifestations, to excuse great thoughts, pure thoughts. He de-
these concepts to fulfill an active part
sires us to meditate upon His love
their neglect of the law of God, and in our daily lives is excellent counsel
and mercy, to study His wonderful
continue in disobedience, though in today's world. If we wish to live
work in the great plan of redemp-
they have power to any and every right, we must think right. The de-
tion. Then clearer and still clearer
extent, it does not follow that they velopment of Christian character re-
will be our perception of truth, higher,
quires right thinking.
have the great power of God. On the holier, our desire for purity of heart
contrary, it is the miracle-working Results of Wrong Use of Mind
and clearness of thought."—Christ's
power of the great deceiver. He is a Object Lessons, p. 60.
transgressor of the moral law, and Worry, anxiety, hatred, and mistrust Mental exercise need not be taken
play havoc with emotional and physi- in the solving of difficult problems
employs every device that he can cal health. These are conditions of the or the development of intellectual
muster to blind men to its true char- mind the end of which is physical masterpieces. Meditation as in the
acter. We are warned that in the last deterioration. The messenger of the personalization of Scripture is of tre-
days he will work with signs and ly- Lord has shown that 90 per cent of all mendous value in maintaining mental
ing wonders. And he will continue diseases are caused by the wrong use and spiritual health. Stress and anxiety
these wonders until the close of of the mind. (See Testimonies, vol. produce excesses of lactic-acid levels
probation, that he may point to them 5, p. 444.) in the blood. It has been shown that
as evidence that he is an angel of Good thought patterns are estab- levels of 11.4 mg. of lactic acid per
light and not of darkness. lished in early childhood. In his book 100 cc. of blood may be reduced to
I'm OK—You're OK, Thomas A. Har- less than 7 mg. per 100 cc. of blood
"Brethren, we must beware of the ris maintains that a person's attitudes, by a mere ten minutes of meditation.
pretended holiness that permits responsiveness, and ability to love are (See R. Keith Wallace, The New
transgression of the law of God. well established by age 5. Following Scientist and Science Journal, Sept.
Those cannot be sanctified who birth the youngster obtains data pri- 30, 1971.)
trample that law under their feet, marily from his parents. This data is It was the Master who said, "Come
and judge themselves by a standard stored away in the recesses of his ye yourselves apart . . . and rest a
of their own devising."—Ibid., pp. brain as is, without editing. (See while" (Mark 6:31). "Be still, and
50, 51. page 11.) know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
How could this matter be placed The brain may be compared to a is as appropriate today as it was 3,000
high-fidelity tape recorder, which in- years ago. Take time to pray and take
before us more plainly? How up to delibly stores away every bit of in- time to meditate on the love of God
date is this counsel! What security it formation that comes to it. Thoughts, and the glories of the hereafter. Such
gives God's people! ❑ as well as experiences, feelings, and is food for the soul, strength for the
Continued next week desires, are locked into recorded body, and health for the mind.

6 R&H, APRIL 12, 1973

SDA's and Ecstatic Experiences-6

Ellen E. While and

the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit By ARTHUR L. WHITE

THROUGH THE 70 YEARS of her At the same time through the given, the understanding enlight-
ministry to the Adventist Church years Ellen White made scores of ened; that which seems dark will be
and the world, Ellen White closely references to the need of the Holy made clear. The faculties will be
tied in to the work of the Holy Spirit Spirit, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, enlarged and sanctified. He can lead
—so closely that the Spirit gave her and experiences in which the Spirit those He is fitting for translation to
2,000 visions. She could declare, for was poured out. The Comprehensive heaven to loftier heights of knowl-
example: Index to the Writings of Ellen G. White edge and broader views of truth.
"While I was praying at the family carries 31 specific references to "The reason that the Lord can do
altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me." baptism of the Holy Spirit. In not so little for those who are handling
—Early Writings, p. 14; and, half a one instance does she link the ec- weighty truths is that so many hold
century later, "The Holy Ghost is the static speaking in tongues with the these truths apart from their life.
author of the Scriptures and of the baptism of the Spirit, either his- They hold them in unrighteousness.
Spirit of Prophecy."—Letter 92, torically or prophetically. In the Their hands are not clean, their
1900 (Notes and Papers, p. 94a). She statements referred to in the 29 hearts are defiled with sin, and
repeatedly spoke of being abun- pages of the Index devoted exclu- should the Lord work for them in
dantly imbued by the Spirit, but sively to the Holy Spirit she does the power of His Spirit correspond-
there is no record of her ever speak- not make one reference to ecstatic ing with the magnitude of the truth
ing in an unknown tongue, or in any experiences as a sign that God has which He has opened to the under-
tongue but English. In a previous favored His people with His Spirit. standing, it would be as though the
article, in which we examined four Evidence of the true baptism of Lord sanctioned sin."—Counsels to
recorded experiences in the early the Spirit, she said often, would Writers and Editors, p. 81.
history of the church in which speak- manifest itself in increased unity Beautiful statements appear in the
ing in tongues occurred, we found no among believers and in new moti- Testimonies:
word of commendation from Ellen vation and empowerment to spread "Impress upon all the necessity
White, but neither do we have any the gospel message. of the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
knowledge of her repudiating the the sanctification of the members of
demonstrations. Battle Creek Outpouring the church, so that they will be liv-
In connection with the experience ing, growing, fruit-bearing trees of
of certain Sabbathkeepers in Port- Referring to an incident in 1893 the Lord's planting."—Volume 6,
land, Maine, who were exercising at Battle Creek College, in which p. 86.
what they called the "gift of tongues," there occurred a special outpouring "God desires to refresh His people
Ellen White characterized the utter- of the Spirit of God, she wrote from by the gift of the Holy Spirit, bap-
ances as "unmeaning gibberish . . . Australia, "I rejoiced when I heard tizing them anew in His love. There
unknown not only by man but by that the Holy Ghost had been poured is no need for a dearth of the Spirit
the Lord and all heaven," and as out upon our people in America, and in the church. After Christ's ascen-
being a false talking in tongues (see I have been anxiously waiting new sion the Holy Spirit came upon the
Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 412). She wrote developments in America as was waiting, praying, believing disciples
of certain Sabbathkeepers who seen after the Holy Spirit descended with a fullness and power that
seemed to be charmed as they gave on the day of Pentecost. I thought reached every heart. In the future
"themselves up to wild, excitable similar fruits would be seen, that the earth is to be lightened with the
feelings and make unintelligible the missionary spirit of God would glory of God. A holy influence is to
sounds which they call the gift of burn in the hearts of all upon whom go forth to the world from those who
tongues." In this connection she the Spirit of God was manifestly are sanctified through the truth. The
wrote: "Impressions and feelings are moving."—Letter B-9a, 1893. earth is to be encircled with an at-
no sure evidence that a person is Ellen White clearly indicates the mosphere of grace. The Holy Spirit
led by the Lord. Satan will, if he is results of the Holy Spirit's baptism. is to work on human hearts, taking
unsuspected, give feelings and im- Note this, written in 1887: "Bap- the things of God and showing them
pressions."—Ibid., p. 413. tized with the Spirit of Jesus, there to men."—Volume 9, p. 40.
will be a love, a harmony, a meek- Ellen White describes what the
Arthur L. White is secretary of the ness, a hiding of the self in Jesus baptism of the Spirit accomplishes:
Ellen G. White Estate. that the wisdom of Christ will be "The baptism of the Holy Spirit will

8 R&H, APRIL 19, 1973

dispel human imaginings, will break were laboring in America [South posing the armies of the prince of
down self-erected barriers, and will Lancaster, Massachusetts], and darkness. They will lead the people
cause to cease the feeling that 'I am there was every youth in our col- away from the living issues that
holier than thou.' There will be a lege, . . . converted as we were tell- should occupy their minds and
humble spirit with all, more faith ing them the simple story of the hearts and prepare them to dis-
and love; self will not be exalted... cross, to come to Jesus just as they tinguish between the voice of the
Christ's spirit, Christ's example, will were. Such an experience. . . . world and the voice of Jesus Christ.
be exemplified in His people. We "It seemed at times at the com- We must ourselves be very watchful
shall follow more closely the ways mencement of the meeting that the and prayerful, that we may be able
and works of Jesus. . . . The love of glory of God was about to drop to understand the voice of the de-
Jesus will pervade our hearts."— upon us, but it did not come only to a ceiver from the voice of Him who
That I May Know Him, p. 114. few, but at this time like a tidal always speaks the truth. Those who
wave it swept through that congre- are worked by the Holy Spirit are
Evidences of the Baptism Easily Seen gation, and what a time of rejoicing. not led by a feeling of enthusiasm,
In reporting on an 1875 camp "There were no wild demonstra- which soon goes out in darkness.
meeting Ellen White said: "Our camp tions, for the praise of God does not The spell of Christ's influence is
meeting from its commencement to lead to that. We never hear of any abiding. 'Be still and know that I am
the present time has been most such things as that in the life of God.' This is a solemn, abiding quie-
solemn and the Spirit of the Lord in Christ, as jumping up and down and tude in God.
a most signal manner has been mani- around, and screaming and holler- "There is danger that all of us will
fested in the social and preaching ing. No; God's work appeals to the have too much zeal, and too little of
meetings. . . . senses and reason of men and Christ's sound wisdom and unques-
"I made a practical application of women. tionable prudence. Every one must
these words [Luke 19:41, 42] to the "There are no such outward dem- stand individually as an active, work-
people of God. The solemn power of onstrations. But the Spirit of God ing agency for the Master, behold-
God was upon me and upon the has an influence upon the human ing His work as it is given in His
hearers. The tearful eye and earnest heart that shows itself in the coun- word for our practice. Individually,
looks revealed the true state of feel- tenance, and the shining of the very they must think for themselves.
ings."—Letter B-16, 1875. face reveals Jesus within. Now it With an open Bible before them,
they must study under the influence
and presence of Jesus Christ, in-
quiring and knowing for their indi-
vidual selves what is the way of the
Lord."—Letter 77, 1900.
There is danger that To Avoid a Sentimental Religion

all of us will have too much zeal In the records of the 1901 General
Conference session at Battle Creek

and too little of Christ's we find an interesting statement

from Ellen White made at a time
when serious, far-reaching decisions
sound wisdom and had to be made. Having been in Aus-
tralia for nine years, she was in Bat-
unquestionable prudence. tle Creek for her first General Con-
ference session in ten years. Just
before the conference opened she
spoke of the important decisions
that must be made and how the Lord
wanted everyone to stand in right
Describing a meeting in 1889 she was a miracle of God's mercy that relation to Him. She spoke of how
wrote: "Friday was a precious day. took every student in that school there should be more praying and
. . Everything has been without and transformed them in character, less talking. And she gave the assur-
excitement or extravagance. The and sent them out as missionaries. ance "that God would let His light
leaven of Christ's righteousness has Two of the teachers are now in Ta- shine into the heart of everyone
been introduced into the experience hiti as missionaries that were in who at this meeting will stand in
and has energized the soul. Oh, that meeting. The light of the glory right relation to Him."
that it may continue to work in its of God was there."—Ms. 49, 1894. Then she declared: "Some have
mysterious power until its diffusive said that they thought that at this
influence quickens the lukewarm A Temporary Feeling of Enthusiasm meeting several days ought to be
souls with whom it is brought in In 1900 Ellen White compared the spent in prayer to God for the Holy
contact. spurious with the genuine experi- Spirit, as at the day of Pentecost. I
"Softly and silently the power of ence, pointing out that spurious ex- wish to say to you that the business
the divine Spirit does its work, wak- periences generate feelings of en- which may be carried on at this
ening the dulled senses, quickening thusiasm that soon give out: "Every meeting is just as much a part of the
the soul and arousing its sensibili- influence will be set in operation by service of God as is prayer. The
ties, until each member of the satanic agencies, to divert minds business meeting is to be just as
church shall indeed be the light of from the genuine work that will much under the dictation of the
the world."—Letter 85, 1889. place men as laborers together with Spirit as the prayer meeting. There
While in Australia, Ellen White God. All who do not aggressively is danger of us getting a sentimen-
referred to an earlier special out- labor in the warfare where Christ, tal, impulsive religion.
pouring of the Spirit of God at South the mighty general of armies, leads, "Let the business transacted at
Lancaster Academy. "One place we will be in the opposite party, com- this meeting stand forth in such sa-

R&H, APRIL 19, 1973 9

credness that the heavenly host can He wishes them to be a representa- We may be led to ask, Was there in
approve of it. We are to guard most tive people, distinct from all other the hearts of some the feeling that
sacredly the business lines of our peoples in our world. He wants they should be seeking for a dem-
work. Every line of business car- them to stand on vantage ground, onstration? Ellen White's counsel
ried on here is to be in accordance because He gave His life that they directed them to a better way.
with the principles of heaven. might stand there. Do not disap-
"God wants you to stand in a posi- point the Lord."—Ms. 29, 1901, Other Tongues
tion where He can breathe upon you March 28, 1901. Ellen White has made several
the Holy Spirit, where Christ can This incident should be pondered statements concerning the Holy
abide in the heart. He wants you at often. The occasion urgently called Spirit's work in preparing men and
the beginning of this meeting to for the guidance and blessing of the women to spread the message among
lay off whatever of controversy, of Spirit of God. But Ellen White gave those who speak other tongues: "God
strife, of dissension, of murmuring, no encouragement to turn away dispenses His gifts as it pleases
you have been carrying. What we from the work at hand to spend a Him. He bestows one gift upon one,
need is a great deal more of Christ period in just seeking the Spirit of and another gift upon another, but
and none of self. The Saviour says, God. She makes it clear that this ex- all for the good of the whole body.
`Without me ye can do nothing.' . . . perience of seeking the Spirit was It is in God's order that some shall
"We have come to a point where one that should permeate our dedi- be of service in one line of work,
God is going to work for His people. cated activities in God's service. and others in other lines,—all work-
ing under the self-same spirit. . . .
"If in the opening providence of
God, it becomes necessary to erect a
meeting house in some locality, the
The Bird House Gets Tenants II h" Lord . . . has given wisdom and skill
to perform the necessary work.
By RUTH WHEELER
co
0 N.
0, "He sends men to carry His truth
to people of a strange tongue, and He
has sometimes opened the minds of
EVERY DAY Tim and Terry watched His missionaries, enabling them
as the flycatchers came and went, quickly to learn the language. The
bringing something in their beaks as
they flew to the house. very ones whom they have come to
"Know what I think?" said Tim. "I help spiritually, will be a help to
think they're getting horse hair from them in learning the language. By
the horse corral, down behind the this relation the natives are pre-
barn." pared to hear the gospel message
"The pony's shedding his winter when it is given in their own
hair," Terry remarked. "I saw bunches tongue."—Special Testimonies, Se-
of hair on the fence where he's rub- ries B, No. 11, p. 26.
bing off his long winter coat. That On another occasion, while on her
would make a nice warm nest for
baby birds, wouldn't it?" two-year sojourn to Europe, during
Soon the birds were spending most which she was often among the
of their time in the young oak. The alert father quail was standing on a post. churches, speaking through trans-
"Those birds think that oak be- lators, she reported to the REVIEW
longs to them," Grandfather said going to look for its nest after break- AND HERALD one of her itineraries
with a smile one evening. "When I fast, he thought. and then declared: "It is with an ear-
water the flowers under that oak they Suddenly he heard a rustling in a nest longing that I look forward to
fly down and swoop over my head. I tree near his window. Slipping from the time when the events of the day
move on as soon as I can so they bed, he peeked out the window. of Pentecost shall be repeated with
won't be frightened and leave. I like There under the apple tree was a
to have those little fellows in the yard. even greater power than on that oc-
whole family of quail. The father was casion. John says, 'I saw another
Have you heard their call?" standing on a post watching every
"What's their call like?" Tim asked. angel come down from heaven, hav-
way. The mother quail was on the ing great power; and the earth was
"I'll look it up in the bird book and ground. Baby quail, like tiny balls of
see how it is described." fluff, were running everywhere. Tim lightened with his glory.' Then, as
He read, "The common call note is a tried to count them, but they moved at the Pentecostal season, the people
pwit, prit-wherr, and they have a too fast. The mother was calling to will hear the truth spoken to them,
long rolling prrip." them softly. every man in his own tongue. God
Grandfather laughed. "I guess Tim put on his clothes and went to can breathe new life into every soul
that is it, all right. It's hard to put bird call Terry. He wanted her to see the that sincerely desires to serve Him,
sounds into words, but prit-wherr quail family and to hear their calls.
must be it. Sounds something like and can touch the lips with a live
that. You children should listen as The two of them softly walked out coal from off the altar, and cause
soon as you wake up in the morning." on the porch. The little quail were them to become eloquent with his
The next morning Tim awakened running among the leaves on the praise.
before the sun was up. He heard the ground. They seemed to be hunting "Thousands of voices will be im-
flycatcher call. It really did sound the food. "Aren't they cute?" Terry whis- bued with the power to speak forth
way the book said. He listened very pered. The father quail flew down from the wonderful truths of God's Word.
carefully and tried to make the sound the post. He called, and all the baby
quail ran to him. He ran ahead of them The stammering tongue will be un-
himself. He was trying to learn all he loosed, and the timid will be made
could about the birds and animals at across the yard and through the fence.
"See how quickly they obey," Terry strong to bear courageous testi-
Grandfather's place.
Far off he heard the call of a dove. said. mony to the truth."—The SDA Bible
That was a call he knew. From the top "The father quail is the head of the Commentary, Ellen G. White Com-
of the apple tree outside his window family," Tim said. "All the little quail ments, on Acts 2:1-4, p. 1055. ❑
he heard the song of the robin. I'm obey when he calls." Concluded next week

10 R&H, APRIL 19, 1973

SDA's and Ecstatic Experiences-7 to prepare a people for the Lord's
second coming."—Page 464.
Then, in prophetic words she de-
scribes how the enemy will intrude
himself: "The enemy of souls desires
to hinder this work; and before the
time for such a movement shall
come, he will endeavor to prevent it
by introducing a counterfeit. In those
churches which he can bring under
his deceptive power he will make it
appear that God's special blessing is
poured out; there will be manifest
what is thought to be great religious
interest. Multitudes will exult that
God is working marvelously for them,
when the work is that of another
spirit."—Ibid.
Elsewhere she emphasized the
subtlety of the conflict: "Satan has
come down in these last days, to
work with all deceivableness of un-
righteousness in them that perish.
His satanic majesty works miracles
in the sight of false prophets, in the
sight of men, claiming that he is in-
deed Christ Himself. Satan gives his
power to those who are aiding him in
his deceptions; therefore those who
claim to have the great power of God
can only be discerned by the great
detector, the law of Jehovah.
"The Lord tells us if it were possi-
The sheep's clothing seems so ble they would deceive the very
real, so genuine, that the elect. The sheep's clothing seems so
real, so genuine, that the wolf cannot
wolf cannot be discerned be discerned only as we go to God's
great moral standard and there find
that they are transgressors of the
law of Jehovah."—Review and Her-
ald, Aug. 25, 1885.

GOD-GIVEN
Where Security Is Found
In this statement we find the key
to the criteria that will give security
to Seventh-day Adventists and oth-
ers seeking the truth—the law of

CRITERIA
God. Those who claim salvation and
the gifts of the Spirit while disre-
garding the claims of God's law are
By ARTHUR L. WHITE not in harmony with the Bible. There
is an important balance between
faith and works that the Bible main-
tains. We hear the cry "Only believe
in Jesus and be saved." But salvation
HOW CAN WE distinguish between which God has sounded the most is not that simple. Warns Ellen
the genuine and the counterfeit? We solemn and repeated warnings, it is White: "The faith in Christ which
may rest assured that God has not on this point. None need be de- saves the soul is not what it is repre-
left us to flounder in a time when ceived, although many will be. sented to be by many. 'Believe, be-
the issues are so acute that if it were Referring to the time of the latter lieve,' is their cry; 'only believe in
possible the very elect would be de- rain in her chapter "Modern Re- Christ and you will be saved. It is
ceived. vivals" in The Great Controversy, Ellen all you have to do.'
Again and again Ellen White has White said: "The Spirit and power "While true faith trusts wholly in
directed us to God's Word as our of God will be poured out upon His Christ for salvation, it will lead to
security. In God's Word we find the children. At that time many will perfect conformity to the law of God.
criteria by which we are to judge be- separate themselves from those Faith is manifested by works. And
tween the true and the counterfeit, churches in which the love of this the apostle John declares, 'He that
the genuine and the spurious. If world has supplanted love for God saith, I know him, and keepeth not
there is one point above another on and His word. Many, both of minis- his commandments, is a liar, and the
ters and people, will gladly accept truth is not in him.'
Arthur L. White is secretary of the those great truths which God has "It is unsafe to trust to feeling or
Ellen G. White Estate. caused to be proclaimed at this time impressions; these are unreliable

6 R&H, APRIL 26, 1973

guides. God's law is the only correct "ro
standard of holiness. It is by this law The Birdhouse Gets Tenants I I I rn
that character is to be judged. If an By RUTH WHEELER ct• 1
45
0
inquirer after salvation were to ask,
`What must I do to inherit eternal
life?' the modern teachers of sancti-
A PAIR OF BLUEBIRDS came to look "I don't know. A cat could climb
fication would answer, 'Only believe at the birdhouses Grandfather had up the tree and reach in there. I guess
that Jesus saves you.' But when put up. They chose one high up in I'm to blame. I should have put the
Christ was asked this question He the oak tree and far out on a limb. nest on a pole, or hung it from the
said, 'What is written in the law? Soon they were busy bringing straw limb with a wire. I'm sorry. Those
How readest thou?' "—Ibid., Oct. 5, and bits of grass and pushing them little birds trusted me, and I felt sure
1886. through the opening in the little they would be safe."
Ellen White is not teaching salva- house. Grandfather had put a tiny The children followed Grandfather
tion by works. No one was more perch just below the door. The birds back to the house, and they all sat
liked to stop there before they went quietly on the porch. Finally Tim
clear than she on this subject: "Man into the house. Sometimes the mother spoke. "Why does God let such things
can not transform himself by the went in to arrange the straw while happen? It says in the Bible that He
exercise of his will. He possesses no the father waited on the perch. watches over the sparrows. Why
power by which this change can be "I can see why they are called couldn't He watch over our fly-
effected. . . . The renewing energy bluebirds," Tim said. "When father catchers?"
must come from God. The change bird spreads his wings and flies down "God does watch over the birds.
can be made only by the Holy Spirit. to the bird bath, you can see how The Bible says that not a sparrow
All who would be saved, high or low, blue his wings are." falls that He does not notice. But
"The mother bird has some blue in after this world was created, Satan
rich or poor, must submit to the
her wings too, but she isn't nearly as tempted Eve and Adam, and they
working of this power."—Christ's pretty, is she, Grandpa?" Terry said. did what he wanted them to do. They
Object Lessons, pp. 96, 97. "Why are mother birds not as bright disobeyed God. Ever since there has
"In order to be saved, we must and pretty as father birds?" been a war in the world between
know by experience the meaning of "Some father and mother birds are good and evil. Not until we reach
true conversion. It is a fearful mis- just alike in color," Grandfather ex- heaven will the evil be cast out. As
take for men and women to go on plained. "Ash-throated flycatchers long as there is sin in the world,
day by day professing to be Chris- look the same. I guess this is some- there will be death and suffering. The
thing we will have to wait until we are innocent, sinless birds must suffer
tians yet having no right to the name.
in heaven to know more about." along with the people."
In God's sight profession is nothing, Tim went out and watered the "I'll be glad when we get to heaven
position is nothing. He asks, Is the plants under the oak. The little fly- and there isn't sin anymore," Terry
life in harmony with My precepts? catchers flew out and circled his said.
There are many who suppose that head and then flew back to the fence. "Yes, we all will be," Grandfather
they are converted but who are not "Prt-wherr! Prt-wherr!" they called. smiled. "And we can enjoy much that
able to bear the test of character Tim laughed. "I won't hurt you, but is good in the world here. I don't
presented in the Word of God. . . . of course you don't know that." think the flycatchers were hurt. Per-
Grandfather called. He and Grand- haps they will start a new nest tomor-
"Let us not forget that in his con-
mother were going to town. The two row. And I'm going to hang that bird-
version and sanctification man must children climbed into the car. They house by wires so no cat can reach it."
cooperate with God. 'Work out your loved to ride down the long shady "What about the bluebirds' house?"
own salvation with fear and trem- road through the woods. Tim asked.
bling,' the Word declares. 'For it is When they were home again, Tim "That's safe, I think. It is much
God which worketh in you both to went to finish the watering under the higher up and out on the end of that
will and to do of his good pleasure' oak. No flycatchers flew out to try to limb. I don't think a cat can reach
(Phil. 2:12, 13)."—In Heavenly Places, drive him away. Terry joined him. "I that."
p. 20. don't see the flycatchers," she said. "I'm glad," Terry said, "and maybe
"I suppose they must both be away the flycatchers will build again right
Two Oars somewhere." away."
Suddenly Tim laid down the hose
She illustrated the relationship and picked up something from under
between faith and works as follows: the tree. It was a bunch of horsehair
"The Lord calls upon all who think all woven together. "What do you
they know what faith is, to be sure think this is?"
that they are not pulling with only "It looks like the hair the birds
one oar, that their little bark is not were carrying into the nest," Terry
going round and round, making no said. "Let's go show it to Grandpa."
progress at all. Faith without intelli- Grandfather came out of the house.
"Come here and look at this,
gent works is dead, being alone.
Grandpa," Tim called.
Faith in the healing power of God "Do you think something has hurt
will not save unless it is combined the flycatchers' nest?" Terry's voice
with good works."—Ms. 86, 1897. was anxious.
She also warned, "If we are faith- Grandfather took the soft bunch of
ful in doing our part, in cooperating horsehair. Then he got a stepladder
with Him, God will work through us and looked in the nest. He carefully
[to do] the good pleasure of His will. reached a little stick down and felt
But God cannot work through us if around.
"Something has pulled all the nest-
we make no effort. If we gain eternal
ing material out of the box. There
life, we must work, and work ear- isn't any left in there," he said.
nestly. . . . "Oh, Grandpa," Terry couldn't hold
"Let us not be deceived by the oft- back the tears. "What could have A pair of bluebirds came to look at the
repeated assertion, 'All you have to done such an awful thing while we houses Grandfather made. They chose the
do is to believe.' Faith and works are were gone?" one high in the old oak tree, out on a limb.

R&H, APRIL 26, 1973 7

two oars which we must use equally commandment-breakers. His law Adventure in Bible Study-10
if we [would] press our way up the lies at the foundation of His govern-
stream against the current of un- ment in earth and in heaven. If they
belief. . . . By faith and good works have knowingly trampled upon and
he [the Christian] keeps his spiritual- despised His law on the earth, they

MAKING
ity strong and healthy, and his will not be taken to heaven to do the
spiritual strength increases as he same work there; there is no change
strives to work the works of God."— of character when Christ comes. . . .
Review and Herald, June 11, 1901. "There are to be but two classes
Emphatically she declared that upon the earth, the obedient chil-
the genuine Spirit-filled experience
will be marked with "a conscientious
regard for all the commandments of
God."
dren of God and the disobedient."—
Ibid., Aug. 25, 1885.
John Our Example
THE SHORT
"Every day our faith should in-
crease. While we say, 'I know that I
am a sinner,' we can say also, 'I know
I have a Saviour.' Jesus died for
sinners, and He will pardon my sins,
How careful we must be to guard
against being swept off our feet in
the modern ecumenical movement
that claims to bind together all men
everywhere under the banner of
SWEET
By LEO R. VAN DOLSON
if I sincerely repent. It is of no avail love. John the apostle was con-
to claim to believe on Christ unless fronted with this problem and
we acknowledge the claims of God's wrote out his warning in his Epis-
law and daily strive to obey its pre- tles. His love for souls permeated
cepts."—Ms. 25, 1886. his writings, yet he ref used to com-
"True sanctification will be evi- promise: "The epistles of John
denced by a conscientious regard for breathe the spirit of love. It seems
all the commandments of God, by a as if he wrote with a pen dipped in YOU'VE HEARD of the "short and
careful improvement of every talent, love. But when he came in contact sweet." But how do you really make
by a circumspect conversation, by with those who were breaking the the short sweet? This article is
revealing in every act the meekness law of God, yet claiming that they designed to help you get the most out
of Christ. . . . were living without sin, he did not of a brief Bible passage or para-
"While they profess to be sinless, hesitate to warn them of their fear- graph. This is done through the use
and boast of their righteousness, ful deception. . . of a chart known as the paragraph
the claimants of sanctification teach "We are authorized to hold in the analysis chart. It may appear at first
that men are at liberty to transgress same estimation as did the beloved glance to be rather complicated, but
the law of God, and that those who disciple those who claim to abide it really helps in recreating the
obey its precepts have fallen from in Christ while living in transgres- grammatical and thought structure
grace. A presentation of its claims sion of God's law. There exist in of the passage being studied. Ob-
arouses their opposition, and ex- these last days evils similar to those viously, the more graphic it is in
cites anger and contempt. . . . It is that threatened the prosperity of portraying the actual structure of
by the law of God that the sinner is the early church; and the teachings a paragraph, the more useful it will
convicted."—Review and Herald, of the apostle John on these points be to you.
Oct. 5, 1886. should be carefully heeded. . . . First, leave a wide left margin on
Ellen White pointed out how hard "While we are to love the souls your paper. Then under separate
it is to reach those who feel that they for whom Christ died, we are to headings of "subject," "verb," and
have the evidences of God's accept- make no compromise with evil. We "modifiers" write down every word
ance while violating His law. She are not to unite with the rebellious from the Bible version you are using
tells us that even Seventh-day and call this charity [love]. God re- in one of these categories, main-
Adventists will be tempted on this quires His people in this age of the taining as far as possible the original
point: "During the meetings at world to stand for the right as un- sequence of the words. In developing
Orebro, I was urged by the Spirit flinchingly as did John in opposi- this structural diagram you need to
of the Lord to present His law as the tion to soul-destroying errors. note the following:
great standard of righteousness, "The apostle teaches that while we 1. Place all important connectives
and to warn our people against the should manifest Christian courtesy such as and, for, but, yet by them-
modern, counterfeit sanctification we are authorized to deal in plain selves in the middle of the chart,
which has its origin in will-worship terms with sin and sinners; that this capitalizing these words.
rather than in submission to the will is not inconsistent with true charity 2. Indicate series, if any, by
of God. This error is fast flooding the [love]. "—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. numbering "1,2,3," et cetera, or with
world, and as God's witnesses we 554, 555. brackets.
shall be called to bear a decided How artfully and carefully the 3. After going through the entire
testimony against it. It is one of the great adversary has maneuvered passage in this way, inserting every
veriest delusions of the last days, to embarrass those who would stand word somewhere in the diagram, go
and will prove a temptation to all who firm and true to God's Word. What back and study what you have done.
believe present truth. we are called upon to do will not be Underline similar words or thoughts
"Those who have not their faith easy or make us popular. We must and note their relationship. Watch
firmly established upon the word of refrain from judging in the wrong
God will be misled. The saddest part sense; we must ever reach out to Leo Van Dolson, who has been an as-
of it all is that so few who are de- others with love in our hearts; but sociate professor of the School of
ceived by this error ever find their our security comes only in keeping Health, Loma Linda University, has
way to the light again."—Ibid. before us the criteria that God has accepted a call to be associate editor of
"None who have had the light of established. 0 The Ministry. He will be moving to
truth will enter the city of God as Concluded Washington, D.C., shortly.
8 R&H, APRIL 26, 1973
 By ARTHUR L. WHITE

[In the March 15 to April 29, 1973, issues of the school at Healdsburg was our second
REVIEW, Elder White presented Ellen White's coun-
sel on'charismatic experiences. Closely related to educational institution, pioneering
this is counsel concerning revivals. In two experi- several important lines of educational
ences, one in Healdsburg, California, in 1885 (dealt
with in this article), and the other at Battle Creek, endeavor. It was at Healdsburg that
Michigan, in 1892 and 1893 (to be dealt with next
week) there was a marked outpouring of the Holy we had our first boarding house, or
Spirit, particularly upon the students in the two dormitory. It was at Healdsburg that
colleges. Some branded the experience "fanati-
cism." In a number of communications Ellen White Bible classes first became a part of the
pointed out that the experiences were genuine,
but showed that when God works, Satan intrudes regular school curriculum. It was at
with a counterfeit.—Eniroasi Healdsburg that we launched out in
DOWN THROUGH the years there certain lines of industrial training.
have been times of special revival Deep Concern
among Seventh-day Adventists as a re-
Ellen White purchased a home
sult of which great blessings have
within four blocks of the school and
come to the church. In connection
resided there until she went to Eu-
with some of these experiences fa-
rope, some three years later. In the
naticism intruded its ugly head, which
summer of 1885, being deeply con-
led to misunderstandings, criticism,
cerned for the welfare of the church,
and restraints. To avoid the counter- she made earnest appeals, calling the
feit experiences some rejected the
members to a deeper religious experi-
genuine.
The counsels that Ellen White gave ence. But the response was less than
in connection with some of these ex- what she had expected and hoped and
periences are worthy of review, for prayed for. She earnestly longed for
she indicates that revivals similar to the church at Healdsburg—the church
some of the past must come to the with which the one training center on
church if it is to be prepared to re- the Pacific Coast was connected—to
ceive the latter rain. Clearly she de- triumph and set an example.
picts the manner in which Satan works In early July, 1885, Ellen White left
to neutralize the work of God. Two to begin her journey to Europe. Six
notable experiences of revival con- weeks later Elder E. P. Daniels (not
cerning which there is ample docu- to be confused with Elder Arthur G.
mentation are those that took place in Daniel1s), who because of certain in-
Healdsburg in 1885 and at Battle debtedness had asked to be excused
Creek College in 1892 and 1893. from his work in the ministry and was
The Healdsburg Experience. The conducting a school in stenography
Healdsburg church was one of the in Oakland, spent the weekend in
early California churches. The estab- Healdsburg with his family. Daniels
lishment of the college there in 1882 was a man of somewhat unstable char-
made it a denominational center, acter, but a good speaker and an ear-
which it remained until the college nest man. Prof. W. C. Grainger, the
was moved to Angwin in 1909. The principal of our Healdsburg school,
invited him to take the Sabbath morn-
Arthur L. White is secretary of the El- ing service in the Healdsburg church.
len G. White Estate. Reporting the meeting in a letter to
REVIVALS
A Time When God and Satan Work

Ellen White, Grainger says: "I noticed a cloud of darkness again. . . . There nesses. Ellen White speaks of these as
that the people seemed greatly moved, is a good interest among outsiders. she writes to a conference leader deal-
so I invited him to speak again in the Quite a number of new converts have ing with the delicate situation as the
evening. He consented. We then ap- been made. Among those who have revival progressed.
pointed meetings for Sunday and Sun- united with the church are my wife's Describing Elder Daniels she said:
day evening. Sunday a call was made mother and cousin."—Ibid. "He is hasty; he feels strongly and
for those who desired to seek the Lord. Another, I. L. Decker, writing to acts impulsively.... He is not a perfect
When nearly the entire church came Ellen White reports: "Oh, such an man, but I know how God regards
forward, I said to Brother Daniels, awakening as this church has had! him,—as a man of erring, impulsive
`It will never do to stop these meet- The Spirit of the Lord has been with disposition, but one who loves and
ings. What shall we do?' He said he him [E. P. Daniels] with might and fears Him, and one who will reach
would go down to Oakland and make power until everyone in the house felt hearts if he has those in whom he can
arrangements with his classes so that the presence until they could not re- have confidence as counselors to
he could come back and remain sist it. Old hardened sinners that have help him."—Letter 10, 1885, written
through the week and carry forward resisted all their lives have broken Nov. 4, 1885.
the interest. That was five weeks ago. all to pieces."—Letter to Ellen G. Unfortunately, as the revival got
The interest still continues."—W. C. White, Sept. 7, 1885. well started Daniels was carried away
Grainger to Ellen G. White, Sept. 17, Decker further reports that there with the success for which God should
1885. were children's meetings, old folks' have had the glory. There are no evi-
Earlier in his letter Grainger wrote: meetings, and young people's meet- dences of excesses. No ecstatic experi-
"We have had a glorious revival in ings all going on at the same time. ences, such as the speaking in tongues,
our church. It has not been surface Others gave similar reports of the were reported. But unbalanced ele-
work, but I feel sure it is deep and revival. ments came in. Under the fervor of
lasting. Confessions were full and the new experience certain pet con-
free. The Lord has given us another Something Went Wrong cepts were brought to the fore. Dan-
opportunity and we have not slighted But some things went wrong, and a iels did not favor the taking up of Sab-
His mercy. I feel sure brighter days few months later as Ellen White was bath school offerings. This became a
are coming for Healdsburg church. able to assess the situation and as God point of excited emphasis, with result-
The cloud has lifted."—Ibid. gave her light in regard to it, she wrote ing antiestablishment reactions. Meet-
In describing the meetings, he to the church at Healdsburg: "The ings were held, the attendance of
pointed out that—"There is no excite- Lord has wrought in your midst and which was confined strictly to those
ment or noisy demonstrations, but Satan who is ever active watching for who enjoyed the revival experience.
there has been a quiet but earnest a favorable opportunity, has intruded Another matter that was greatly
seeking of God. I never witnessed a himself to mingle fanaticism with exaggerated was the fact that Daniels
more earnest movement than this has God's work, to sow tares with the good allowed the members of the Healds-
been. All old troubles have been fully seed."—Letter 21, 1886 to the Healds- burg church who were so wrapped up
settled and that without any pressures burg Church. in the revival experience to give him
other than the straight preaching of And she admonished: "We need to personal financial support. He was
the Word of God."—Ibid. live very close to Jesus in order to known by his ministering brethren as
He closes his letter with the news discern the precious from the spuri- one who was rather irresponsible in
that—"There are better times for us ous."—Ibid. money matters.
at the students' home and in the While God was able to use Elder It is understandable, then, that
school. To God belongs the glory. I Daniels in an effective way, Satan when reports of events at Healdsburg
pray God we may never get under such took advantage of some of his weak- came to conference leaders, some of
R&H, AUGUST 2, 1973 5
them went to Healdsburg. They looked pathy and personal efforts that would condemn the work of the latter rain
into the matter, met with Daniels, and penetrate the barriers built up about when it shall come. For you will see at
decided that the meetings should be the soul that resisted the influence of that time far greater evidences of fa-
discontinued. This brought the whole the truth. God works in and through naticism.
situation to a crisis. Daniels agreed to frail instruments, and He is not dis- "I believe the work at Healdsburg to
follow the counsel of his brethren, cerned."—Ibid. be genuine. I believe there were the
but a large part of the church was At another time, writing of the re- deep movings of the Spirit of God. I
left very unhappy. vival to one of the leaders in Califor- believe unconsecrated, unconverted
When Ellen White, in Europe, nia, Ellen White expressed the wish ones urged themselves to the front.
learned of the manner in which the that many similar revivals would break The enemy always works through
meetings had been cut short, she wrote out: "Just such a work as I hope has those of unbalanced minds and im-
to conference leaders: "In regard to been done in Healdsburg, will be perfect characters. I do not believe
Elder [E.P.] Daniels, he is finite; he is done in every church in our land, and that Elder [E. P.] Daniels moved wisely
not infallible. But there is such a dis- through ways and means that we do in all things, and it would be a new
position to judge others. They do not not look for. Let this work go forward chapter in the experience of workers
keep in view that God works by whom ti
everywhere. Let sins be confessed. if there was not a mistake made in
He will. Christ is to be seen as officiat- Let iniquities be revealed. Let it ex- some things....
ing through the delegated servant. tend far and near. This work will be "When an effort shall be made in the
The great evil is that the mind be- done."—Letter 10, 1885. work of God, Satan will be on the
comes narrowed and loses sight of Concerning such revivals she wrote ground to urge himself to notice, but
the chief Worker; it gets on the in- rather surprising words—words that shall it be the work of ministers to
strument and decides the people can- we may well ponder: "Men may pro- stretch out the hand and say, This
not be advantaged unless the manners nounce against it because it does not must go no farther, for it is not the
and the habits of the worker meet come in their exact line. Fanaticism work of God? ...
their own pattern exactly. They regard will also come in as it always has done "I wish you could see what a deli-
the speaker as a man, merely, not a when God works. The net will gather cate, dangerous matter it is to meddle
messenger whom God may use to de- in its meshes both bad and good, but with the work of God unless you have
liver a message or do a certain work. who will dare to cast the whole thing light from heaven to guide you in your
God Works Through Weakness overboard, because all are not of the decisions....
right kind of fish. I feel deeply over "I fear you have grieved the Spirit 4.
"God has chosen man to do a cer- this matter. I do not doubt but that of God. The fruits were good in the
tain work. His mental capacities may Elder Daniels has erred in some work at Healdsburg, but the spurious
be weak, but then the evidence is things, but has his error been of that was brought in as well as the genuine.
more apparent that God works. His character that it makes him unworthy Then it needed men of discernment,
speech may not be eloquent, but that of a place among God's people?"— of calm, well-balanced minds, to come
is no evidence that he has not a mes- Ibid. (Italics supplied.) in when there was peril and indis-
sage from God. His knowledge may be As Ellen White looked back on the cretion, to have a molding influence
limited, but in many cases God can experience at Healdsburg, on several upon the work. You could have done
work with his wisdom through such occasions she wrote relative to it and this."—Letter 76, 1886. (Italics sup-
an agent, and the power be seen of the final outcome, In so doing she has plied.)
God, more than through one possess- given us some counsels and clues that
ing natural and acquired abilities and should be helpful in the days to come. Review of Experience
who knows it and has confidence in In an undated letter written to church At about this same time she wrote
himself, in his judgment, in his knowl- leaders in California early in 1886, to friends in Healdsburg and again
edge, in his manner of address."— she said: "I wish to say some things in reviewed the experience of revival
Letter 76, 1886. reference to the revival at Healds- that was cut short. This statement
Then Ellen White explained: "But burg. I wish to say I am not in har- sums up much of what she wrote to
E. P. Daniels is an acceptable speaker mony with your treatment of this mat- various individuals concerning the
and as I have been shown a man of not ter. That there were fanatical ones matter and gives a good résumé: "In
the deepest judgment, one who needed who pressed into that work I would regard to the revival meetings at
a counselor; but he is a man who not deny. But if you move in the future Healdsburg, it surely bears fruit of
could come close to the hearts of the as you have done in this matter, you being the work of God, but in every
people and one who possesses sym- may be assured of one thing, you will such revival Satan gains advantages
by coming in through unconsecrated
persons who have had little or no ex-
perience in a life of piety and godli-
ness. These elements will press to the
A lonely pool far from the traveled ways front and on such occasions will be

POOLS of man reflects each passing ray of light.

Still pools will hold the radiance of days
the most forward, the most zealous
and enthusiastic.

boora Against the crepe-black loneliness of night.

Broken reflections—frail and fleeting things—
Mirror themselves upon its placid face.
The bluejays splash the stillness with their wings
"The very ones who could not be
trusted with any important religious
interest would take any burden, shoul-
der any responsibility, as though they
At dusk, when flames and shadows interlace. were men and women who had earned
a reputation through a life of self-de-
By JAMES E. DYKES How good it is to be at peace with life! nial, of self-sacrifice and devotion,
To hold a pool of silence in the mind that they were capable of deciding im-
Twice deep enough to drown out hate and strife portant questions and leading the
Gives one a power, strange and undefined. church.
The soul that bathes itself in truth's clear pool, "To put confidence in these would
In spite of heat and tumult, will be cool. be like committing big vessels into
6 R&H, AUGUST 2, 1973
the hands of children to manage on am talking about, for these matters church in Healdsburg. Their pros-
the high seas. Such persons need the have been laid open before me sev- perity depends upon the right hold
transforming grace of Christ daily in eral times; and yet I would say to my that they have of Jesus. The presence
order to bear fruit to the glory of God. brethren and sisters in Healdsburg, I of personal home piety will tell upon
`Learn of me,' says Christ, 'for I am believe the Spirit of God has done a their own character, upon the char-
meek and lowly of heart.' Such per- work for you. acter of their children, and upon their
sons have never learned this lesson. "Hold fast everything that is good. behavior toward the animals which
If they would wear Christ's yoke and Have no spirit of Phariseeism; have they use."—Letter 9, 1886.
lift Christ's burdens then they would no loftiness and self-confidence. The Having reviewed this experience
understand better how they might lower you lie at the foot of the cross, we might well join Ellen White in her
help and bless others. the more distinct and the more pre- observation that it is "a delicate, dan-
"Now I suppose these individuals cious will be your views of Christ our gerous matter . . . to meddle with the
were the very ones who were the most Redeemer. The one grace that is so work of God." And we are reminded
officious in the meetings in Healds- much wanted with everyone who pro- of Ellen White's words: "We have
burg. From what I have been shown fesses to be a follower of Christ is nothing to fear for the future, except
I would suppose that they were of that meekness, humility, humbleness of as we shall forget the way the Lord has
number that composed the private mind. One view of Jesus sends self- led us, and His teaching in our past
meetings, where only those who were importance to the winds.... history."—Life Sketches, p. 196. ❑
`wholly the Lord's' met. I know what I "I have a deep interest for the Concluded next week

When You're Young

By MIRIAM WOOD

"Somebody Has to Listen" "But you like to sing! Are you sick?" his maternal parent
insisted, feeling his forehead with that gesture used by
COMMUNICATE is a word that is beginning to give me mothers probably since Eve.
negative vibrations. It seems to me that at present nearly Joey looked up earnestly. "Somebody has to listen!" he
everyone is engaged in some kind of frantic endeavor to exclaimed.
communicate his every idea, his every feeling, his every And that makes pretty good sense, when you come right
everything, to anyone and everyone who will listen. The net down to it. Joey apparently got the feeling that with all the
result is a strident, unceasing clamor from morning until melodic singing going on, and with all the effort being put
night—for that matter, all 24 hours of the day, if you count forth, it was a shame that nobody was listening. He at-
the radio DJ's who dispense their artificial cheer and con- tempted to remedy that oversight.
viviality nonstop. Seldom can you spend much time in a Emphasis nowadays is also placed on the necessity for
group without someone's bringing up the thought that communicating with our Lord. Certainly this is the most
communication is all-important. "We must learn to let one important part of the whole area of communication. But it
another know how we feel," we are admonished. often seems that our ironclad determination is to let God
That communication is important I have no doubt. But I know exactly how we feel about everything, about His
seriously question the tacit assumption that human beings world, about the people that He has put in it, and about
have existed through all the ages until this one in a half- the circumstances in which we find ourselves, about the
world of guttural grunts and monosyllables. People seem to paths our lives are taking. This is all well and good, but
have had quite a good deal to say, if their published works that's only the first phase of the communication. After
can be taken as any criterion. we've done all this, after we've laid the whole matter out in
Of course, the theory nowadays is that just "talking" may fine detail, and God has listened, then what comes next?
not necessarily be communication, though for the life of Well, I should think that then the Christian should listen to
me I find this line of reasoning a bit difficult to follow. what God has to say to him.
"Body language" is discussed as having, at times, as much From earliest childhood I have participated in prayer, both
meaning as the words being spoken, and I am sure that privately and in small groups, and in public meetings, yet I
this is true. Yet in my own circle of life I don't seem to find can not think of even one time when, after the prayers were
people either unwilling or unable to let me know exactly offered, I have stayed on my knees for any length of time
what they're thinking and feeling. What I do find is that not to listen to the impressions of the Holy Spirit. If communi-
many people are willing to listen to what the ardent com- cation is, indeed, a two-way street, then this is a serious
municator is trying to communicate. And perhaps that is the omission, and one that is, at the least, rude, and at the
crux of the problem. Everyone wants to be the communica- most, destructive to Christian living.
tor, but nobody wants to be the "communicatee," if that Dynamic Christian living when one is young (or at any
coined word is allowable. age) demands that the Christian put aside his own, some-
A story I read—and it's probably apocryphal—concerns a times frantic, urge to communicate to others in favor of
small boy who was a member of the kindergarten class of listening to what they need to communicate to him. And it
his Sunday school. He always seemed to enjoy the exten- certainly demands that he rise above the immaturity of feel-
sive song period that preceded the lessons and usually ing that God must be continually bombarded with his own
participated enthusiastically. However, one day, he just sat observations, complaints, and requests; he must listen to
there, a happy half-smile on his face, watching the other what God wants to communicate to him. God has much to
children sing lustily their favorite songs. say to the person who will listen.
At the end of the class period, when his mother came to "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). More and
reclaim him, his teacher remarked that Joey hadn't partici- more, in an age of continual communication, obedience
pated very well that day. Concerned, his mother asked, to this text becomes a problem; but this very fact increases
"What's the matter, Joey?" its importance.
"Nothing," he replied, squirming uncomfortably. Remember, "Somebody has to listen!"

R&H, AUGUST 2, 1973 7

Revivals—A Time When God and Satan Work-2 took over the school program, and as
Prescott reports: "The work was
followed up with such instruction,
public and private, as the situation
seemed to demand, and the results in
general seem permanent. Thus the

Revival work went forward until my return

from Walla Walla."
The chapel exercises sometimes
stretched out to four hours and the
evening worship periods would con-

in Battle Cree tinue until ten o'clock at night.

"I have never known of any similar
experience," declared Prescott.
"Everyone recognized it as the work
of the Spirit which while it convinced
By ARTHUR L. WHITE of sin was still a comforter. No one
gave up to discouragement, but there
was such a hungering and thirsting
after righteousness as has not been
experienced before in our midst."
And then he declares: "The work has
gone on steadily since and there has
been such a taking hold of God as we
AS THE 1892-1893 school year men made their move, such a spirit have never known before."
opened at Battle Creek College, the as they could not resist. They were As the report continues it tells of
faculty seemed to sense that it would impelled to leave their rooms and regular meetings being held in Battle
be a year of special significance. W. W. seek help. Some were for a time in Creek even during the year-end
Prescott, the president of the college, great distress of mind. Teachers who holiday. Prescott reported the stu-
reports that when they first met as a were at hand went to work at once to dents' experiences during the vaca-
faculty before the opening of the help those who desired help." tion "visiting among the churches in
school year "we felt that the time had The president further states that— the State, endeavoring to carry to
come that there should be a change "For several hours nothing else oc- others the light and blessing which
in our work. . . . We therefore took up cupied the attention of both the they themselves have received."
the work this year with the expectation teachers and the students. Without What Went Wrong?
that God would bless in a special man- any prearranged plans, praise meet-
ner and would honor our faith for ings were held in the private rooms The president and his associate
unusual power and success in the and in the parlor and one after an- faculty members were overjoyed, and
work." other yielded to the movings of the he declared: "We feel that we can
The teachers in this setting ap- Spirit." now go forward in the work as never
proached their work with the con- Prescott was away at the time visit- before. Teachers are united in their
viction that "every opportunity must ing Walla Walla College, of which he work, and the teachers and students
be used to the best possible advan- was also president. But under the are bound together in such ties as have
tage." In a short time the faculty was guidance of the teachers on the never held them before. I am sure that
confronted with usual disciplinary grounds, the revival "work went on this will be the beginning of an ex-
problems. It was in the midst of their until toward midnight, and closed in perience which will grow brighter
concern as to how to deal with four singing in a most hearty manner, and brighter unto the perfect day."
students who had disobeyed the rules `Praise God From Whom All Blessings Regrettably Prescott's optimism was
of the school that the revival began. Flow.' " not fulfilled, and one may well ask
On Tuesday evening, November 29, why. Oh, yes, the effects of revival were
Timely Messages felt on into early 1893 and through the
two students involved in the discipline
at the beginning of the study hour Interestingly enough, the mail that General Conference session of that
after considerable heart struggle, afternoon had brought some articles year and then faded out. In the ab-
under the influence of the Spirit of from Sister White, who was in Aus- sence of other records, we turn to
God gave themselves fully to God. tralia. In the absence of the president, Ellen White's comments written in
One of the young men had been at the they were delivered to Mrs. Prescott, 1893 and 1894. God sent His angel to
school for a number of years and was who read them and sent them over to give her the information. It is summed
an avowed infidel. The other young the college to be read at the chapel up somewhat in a communication
man had persistently refused every the next day. These messages were written in 1893 addressed to "The
invitation to a Christian life. The two most timely, and the work of revival Teachers and Students of Our College
lived in different dormitories and continued. Classes were dispensed in Battle Creek and in All Our Educa-
neither knew of the experience of with, and as Prescott reports, "The tional Institutions."
the other. Nor was the experience power of God was present in a very It opens with these words: "Many
known to the other students at the marked manner." prayers have been offered for the
college. And he continues: "Those who had outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and
Prescott explains: "There seemed to long been held in sin seemed ready to recently there have been demonstra-
come upon the students in their respond to the invitation to accept tions of gladness of heart in those who
private rooms during the evening Christ and yield themselves to the have looked intently and undividedly
study hour at which time these young service of God. There was no excite- to Jesus Christ, the Lamb slain from
ment, but the deep movings of the the foundation of the world. There has
Arthur L. White is secretary of the Spirit of God were plainly discerned." been in your midst repentance and
Ellen G. White Estate. For several days the work of revival confession of sin, with true remorse of
R&H, AUGUST 9, 1973 7
We must be very careful not to grieve the Holy working of the Spirit of God if it was
not revealed in clear and unmistak-
Spirit of God in pronouncing the ministra- able lines, not only in Battle Creek
tions of His Holy Spirit a species of but in many places?
"I am not surprised that anyone
fanaticism. should be confused at the after result.
But in my experience of the past
forty-nine years I have seen much of
these things, and I have known that
God has wrought in a marked manner;
and let no one venture to say this is
soul. There was a sense of the all- great spiritual light is also a time of not the Spirit of God. It is just that
sufficient sacrifice, and the realizing corresponding spiritual darkness. which we are authorized to believe and
of the fulfillment of the promise in the Satan and his legions of satanic pray for, for God is more willing to
pardon, in transferring the live coal agencies are on the ground, pressing give the Holy Spirt to them that ask
from the altar of atonement and their powers upon every soul to make Him than parents are to give good gifts
touching the lips, which was the of none effect the showers of grace unto their children.
pledge of forgiveness. Lips defiled that have come from heaven to revive "But the Holy Spirit is not for the
with sin were expressing the loftiest and quicken the dormant energies into human agent to work; it is to work and
praise, Hosanna! Blessed be he that decided action to impart that which use the human agent. That God did
cometh in the name of the Lord! God has imparted. Had all the many abundantly bless the students in the
Hosanna! in the highest! .. . souls, then enlightened, gone to work school and the church, I have not one
"But what returns have our young at once to impart to others that which doubt; but a period of great light and
people made to the Lord? Has it been God had given to them for that very the outpouring of the Spirit is quite
as it was with the people of Israel on purpose, more light would have been generally followed by a time of great
the most solemn occasion described given, more power bestowed. God darkness. Why? Because the enemy
in Exodus? Moses had gone up into the does not give light merely for one works with all his deceiving energies
mount to receive instruction from the person but that he may diffuse light, to make of none effect the deep movings
Lord, and the whole congregation and God be glorified. Its influence is of the Spirit of God on the human sub-
should have been in humble attitude felt. ject.
before God; but instead of that they "When the students at the school
ate and drank and rose up to play. Conditions for Advancing Light went into their match games and foot-
Has there been a similar experience in ball playing, when they became
Battle Creek? Have not many lost their "In every age seasons of spiritual absorbed in the amusement question,
hold on God? Did the exercise in revival and the outpouring of the Holy Satan saw it a good time to step in and
games of football bring the partici- Spirit have been followed by spiritual make of none effect the Holy Spirit of
pants into more close relation to God? darkness and prevailing corruptions. God in molding and using the human
"In the night season messages have Taking into account that which God subject. Had the teachers to a man
been given to me to give to you in has done in opportunities and privi- done their duty, had they realized
Battle Creek, and to all our schools. leges and blessings in Battle Creek, their accountability, had they stood
While it is in the order of God that the church has not made honorable in moral independence before God,
the physical powers shall be trained progress in doing her work, and God's had they used the ability which God
as well as the mental, yet the physical blessing will not rest upon the church had given them according to the
exercise should in character be in in advancing still more light until they sanctification of the Spirit through the
complete harmony with the lessons use the light as God has directed in love of the truth, they would have
given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. His Word. The light that would shine had spiritual strength and divine en-
That which is given to the world in clear and distinct rays will grow lightenment to press on and on and
should be seen in the lives of Chris- dim amid the moral darkness. The upward on the ladder of progress
tians; so that in education and in aggressive power of the truth of God is reaching heavenward. The fact is
self-training the heavenly intelli- dependent upon the cooperation of the evident that they did not appreciate or
gences should not record in the books human agent with God in piety, in walk in the light or follow the Light of
that the students and the teachers in zeal, in unselfish efforts to get the the world.
our schools are 'lovers of pleasure light of truth before others."—Manu- "It is an easy matter to idle away,
more than lovers of God.'"—Manu- script 45, 1893. (Italics supplied.) talk and play away, the Holy Spirit's
script 51, 1893. In a letter written in 1893 Ellen influence. To walk in the light is to
The last paragraph and the counsel White went into detail in opening up keep moving onward in the direction
that follows may be found in Funda- just what had taken place and why. of light. If the one blessed becomes
mentals of Christian Education, pages Here is what she wrote: "There have negligent and inattentive and does
220-230. been things written to me in regard to not watch unto prayer, if he does not
the movings of the Spirit of God at the lift the cross and bear the yoke of
A Time of Light and Darkness last conference [1893], and at the Christ, if his love of .amusements and
Another reference is made to the ex- college, which clearly indicate that strivings for the mastery absorb his
perience at Battle Creek, one which in because these blessings were not power or ability, then God is not made
some respects sounds much like what lived up to, minds have been confused, the first and best and last in every-
was written at the time of the Healds- and that which was light from heaven thing, and Satan comes in to act his
burg experience. This statement opens has been called excitement. I have part in playing the game of life for his
the chapter in Selected Messages, book been made sad to have this matter soul. He can play much more earnestly
1, beginning on page 129, entitled viewed in this light. We must be very than they can play, and make deep-
"Safeguarding the New Experience," careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit laid plots for the ruin of the soul..
It reads: "After the outpouring of of God, in pronouncing the ministration "The results after the working of the
the Spirit of God in Battle Creek it was of His Holy Spirit a species of fanati- Spirit of God in Battle Creek are not
proved in the college that a time of cism. How shall we understand the because of fanaticism, but because
8 R&H, AUGUST 9, 1973
those who were blessed did not show
forth the praises of Him who called
them out of darkness into His marvel-
Let's Talk About Health
By RALPH F. WADDELL, M.D.
ous light; and when the earth is light-
ened with the glory of God, some will
not know what it is, and from whence
Optimal Health system, and is thus an invaluable aid
in resisting disease." 6 There is like-
it came, because they misapplied and Abounding energy and endless wise life-giving power in cheerfulness,
misinterpreted the Spirit shed upon vitality need not be exclusive proper- unselfishness, and gratitude.
them. God is a jealous God of His own ties of youth. God created man in His "Nothing tends more to promote
glory. He will not honor those who image and designed that man should health of body and of soul than does
a spirit of gratitude and praise." 7
dishonor Him. Some persons living enjoy optimal living without end. Had
man followed the instruction of his "One of the surest hindrances to the
in the light ought to have instructed recovery of the sick is the centering of
these souls young in experience to Maker he never would have known
sickness, sorrow, or death. attention upon themselves. . . . The
walk in the light after they had re- darkness will be dispelled from their
Six thousand years of sin have
ceived the light. I wish I had time to reduced man to a faded image, to a own hearts as they try to help others.
write more fully, but I fear I have not." sickly, weak, and dying existence. As we seek to comfort others with the
—Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 130-132. But man's state possesses an out- comfort wherewith we are comforted,
(Italics supplied.) standing redeeming factor in that it the blessing comes back to us." 8
provides opportunity for change, for a Optimal living is the result.
Factors That Hinder rerouting of life that bypasses pre- The overwhelming desire of modern
mature decay. Supreme Court Justice man to satisfy his personal carnal
In the days that followed, Ellen needs has reduced his quality of life
William 0. Douglas has tersely said,
White made a number of references and has done much to lower his vi-
"Vitality, in many cases, is a response
to the experience at Battle Creek. She to challenges met and overcome. . . . tality. The outgoing, optimistic
did so in two articles she prepared Vitality thrives on challenge, pro- person has within himself the ingre-
for the REVIEW AND HERALD, one ap- vided there is hope." 1 dients of satisfaction, happiness, and
pearing in the issue of January 30, Inspiration counsels, "Among the radiant health. Douglas observed, "A
1894, and the other on February 6. sick are many who are without . . . man or a woman possessed by some-
Limited space in this article precludes hope. . . . They are losing their hold thing bigger and more profound and
complex than himself acquires
our quoting further. Those interested upon this life." 2 The prisoner of war
who loses hope invariably succumbs vitality. . . . The faces of these people
may read the REVIEW articles as pub- radiate their preoccupation with ideas
lished in Selected Messages, book 1, to illness. Looking forward to freedom
and believing it would come has kept and causes much bigger than them-
pages 133-143. selves." 9
half-starved, disease-ridden soldiers
In these articles she makes clear the alive during years of solitary con- Pouring out one's self in full com-
provisions that God has made for the finement. Hope is destroyed by fear. mitment to the needs of others, be
outpouring of the Holy Spirit and she Keith and Castles have described it physical or spiritual, engenders high
points out those factors that hinder the impact of environmental fear levels of mental health and provides
the work as God would have it done. upon the lives and work of public a base for longevity. We are reminded,
She depicts the appreciative child of health nurses. 3 Fear may destroy initi- "Good deeds are twice a blessing,
God who wishes to retain the experi- ative, reduce a sense of responsibility, benefiting both the giver and the
and lessen the drive for involvement. receiver of the kindness. The con-
ence of special blessing as one who sciousness of right-doing is one of
not only walks in the light, but works Fear deadens the soul and turns chal-
lenges into defeats. the best medicines for diseased bodies
diligently for those about him. and minds." 10
As Moses was about to ascend
Then she wrote: "If there is any one Mount Nebo he blessed Asher with The joy of abundant living is the
thing in the world in which we may "as thy days, so shall thy strength reward of dedication to the service
manifest enthusiasm, it may be mani- of God and the welfare of our fellow
be." 'I Challenges are to be accepted.
fested in seeking the salvation of men. It is essential that man wills to
They are to be met fearlessly with
give of himself if he would avoid
souls for whom Christ died."—Ibid., strength, with confidence and trust.
menial servitude and emotional
p. 139. The willingness to trust, the desire
deterioration. Man's nature is to be
It should be noted that in the revival to achieve, and the ability to endure
selfish, a tendency that plays havoc
experiences both at Healdsburg and bring optimal living. Lecky believes
with the ability to enjoy meaningful
that excitement is man's only basic
Battle Creek, as reported in these life. Leighton found that only 14 per
emotion, and that it manifests itself
articles and supported so abundantly in such ways as fear, anger, courage,
cent of a surveyed population was
with records of the times, there were free from significant signs of mental
and love, depending upon man's inner
no ecstatic experiences heralding the disability,11 a stark reminder that
goals at the time. He further states
reception of the Holy Spirit—no speak- wholeness is not a part of self-pity,
that man's real problem is not in
worry, and anxiety. Christ promised
ing in unknown tongues. In each case, controlling his emotions but in
genuine wholeness in "I am come that
both in the witness of those who were controlling the choice of which
they might have life, and that they
present and in Ellen White's dealing manifestation he will reinforce.5 By
might have it more abundantly." 12
choice a crisis may become a vitalizing
with the matter, it is indicated that The way of life is the way of service.
challenge or an ignominious defeat.
there was a calm, solemn work, un- Vitality has meaning only when it is REFERENCES
marked by special excitement. In both re-enacted in the lives of men and
cases fanaticism intruded itself, and women. It is bred by a willingness
William 0. Douglas, "Toward Greater Vitality,"
Today's Health, May, 1973, p. 54.
Ellen White indicates that in every and a desire to give oneself for a s Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 246.
s Pat M. Keith and N. Castles, "Health Services Re-
genuine experience we may expect cause or something larger than self. ports," March, 1973, pp. 201-204.
that there will be some with a fanatical It was this vitality that caused Daniel Deut. 33:25.
5 Prescott Lecky, "Self-consistency, A Theory of
nature who will join in and carry to rise from POW to prime minister Responsibility," Psycho-Cybernetics, pp. 198, 199.

things to extremes. But even so in under three world rulers. s Ellen G. White, Education, p. 197.
7 --, The Ministry of Healing, p. 251.
Dynamic vitality turns every dis-
these two experiences it did not advantage, disability, and deficiency
''' Ibid., p. 256.
s Douglas, "Toward Greater Vitality," Today's Health,
manifest itself in speaking in tongues. into successes, sickness into health, May, 1973, p. 57.
" Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 257.
There may be lessons here for us to and misery into optimal living. "The D. C. Leighton, "The Distribution of Psychiatric
ponder. 0 electric power of the brain, promoted Symptoms in a Small Town," American Journal of
Psychiatry, 112:716-723,1956.
Concluded by mental activity, vitalizes the whole 12 John 10:10.

R&H, AUGUST 9, 1973 9