They are Mistaken by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 31, 1863

They are Mistaken.

By James White

MANY suppose that, because we believe in spiritual gifts, we are open to all manner of fanaticism, and ready to harmonize with everything that claims to be the Spirit of God. This is a great mistake. The gifts of the Spirit do not lead us into fanaticism—they correct it and secure us from its influence. In these days of strong delusion, no class is more free from fanatical impulses and extravagant notions than the true believers in the third angel's message, and the gift of prophecy connected with it; because no class is so well prepared to detect false impressions and evil spiritual influences. I am not particularly led to these remarks because I have recently had to meet such impressions, for these things are all along in our experience with the opposers of the present truth.

There are many at the present day who abhor Spiritualism, and profess much love for the Spirit of God and holiness of heart who trust in their feelings and impressions much more than in the word of God. A plain testimony from the Bible is not sufficient to convince them unless the Lord tells them to obey it. What a delusion! waiting for the Lord specially to indicate that it is his will for them to obey his word. Because of such the truth is evil spoken of; others are led to think that all who believe in spiritual gifts, set aside the Bible in like manner.

Some have said thus: "I believe in sister White's writings. I know by experience that God speaks to his people in these days, and I believe that the Lord reveals things to her, just as she says." "What do you believe about the Sabbath?" "O that's a matter of no consequence; what good will your Sabbath do you without holiness;" so sanctification through the truth is set aside. But notice what consistency. They believe that the Lord teaches sister White, just as she says; and she says she has been shown, that the Sabbath is of great importance; but they will not receive it. That is to say, they will not receive what the Lord shows aright. If such persons are led by spiritual influence, they cannot, with any reason expect us to harmonize with such spirits. We remember the sacred warning, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. We know of no test equal to the Bible whereby to try them, assured that, as God is unchangeable, his Spirit will to-day speak in perfect harmony with what it spoke three thousand years ago.

There are many who are afraid to deny the visions, they have had too much evidence of their truthfulness; yet they are unwilling to receive and acknowledge them fully. They try to compromise the matter, by saying that they believe some parts of them, but some things in them they cannot believe. This is another sad mistake. They use them as they would mere human testimony. Can this be right?

On this point I offer the following suggestions, with which all must agree. The testimony of man may be taken with allowance; for however honest they may be, they are liable to mistakes; they may not fully understand whereof they affirm. Therefore, human testimony may be partly true and partly false; part may be received and part rejected. But with the Lord there is neither mistake nor lack of knowledge: therefore, any testimony professedly from the Lord is to be fully received or entirely rejected. For, if it is from the Lord it is all true; but if it is not from the Lord it is all a deception. Let all observe this rule, and not deceive themselves. The Lord is not honored by our believing part of his word. "Either make the tree good and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt." The double minded receive no blessing; let us be of one mind, and trust alone in the one Spirit. J. H. W.