Note 25 — Chapter XIII

While it may now appear very evident that the stand taken by Mr. Miller, relative to the character, and the final results, of the fanaticism of which he speaks, was a proper and right one, it is not so clear that he disposed of the question of the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit of God, in harmony with the general scope of Scripture testimony upon the subject. The reader will observe that he does not produce the proof, in his accustomed style of proving his points, that the great commission, with its duties, and its blessings, was given to the ministry for only a limited portion of the Christian age. Mr. Miller, Mr. Himes, and other leading Adventists, failed to show the time when, and by whom, the gifts were removed from the church of God. This gave the fanatics great advantage; and as they maintained the scriptural position upon the perpetuity of spiritual gifts they gained very large numbers to their ranks. The false positions of those who opposed them added fuel to the flame of fanaticism already kindled, and resulted in the breaking up of the once united and happy body of believers.

Seventh-day Adventists have held the scriptural position upon the perpetuity of the gifts from their first existence. They have taken heed to the admonition of Paul to “Despise not prophesyings;” but to “Prove all things;” and “Hold fast that which is good.” 2 Thess. 5:20, 21. They have with their Bibles in their hands applied the rule of John by which to test the spirits. “Believe not every spirit; but try the spirits, whether they are of God.” 1 John 4:1. With this position those who have held it have been prepared to meet every form of fanaticism that has sought a place among us, and now our people are reaping the good fruits of their patient, firm, and energetic efforts upon this point, in the unparalleled union and order throughout the ranks. We would not encourage a disposition to blame those who acted according to the best light they had under the pressure of the trials of the past; but we here express our solemn conviction that very much of the past fanaticism and confusion among the Adventists who could not adopt an unscriptural position, is chargeable to those leaders who took a false position relative to the perpetuity of spiritual gifts.

J. W.