And Still They Come by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 14, 1865

And Still They Come.

By James White

No reformation has ever existed without the existence of some form of fanaticism. But when the friends of reform can see the cause move forward, overcoming fanaticism, obtaining a precious experience, thus fortifying against the wiles of the Devil, they have great cause for rejoicing. Fanaticism and Seventh-day Adventism won't mix. Hence, honest souls will in time renounce the former, and cling to the latter.

The writer of the following frank statement is welcomed to the sympathy of the friends of the Lord, to share their prayers. But such should walk humbly and cautiously, especially if the scales have but partially fallen from their eyes. In this blinded state, they will be much safer to be led than to lead. When the scales fully fall from their eyes, and they clearly see their past dangers, and their own merciful, hair-breadth escapes, they will have no desire to lead, but will be in happy submission to the admonitions of those who have stood in the light, and are capable of giving them counsel.

We believe these statements to be in harmony with the plain teachings of the New Testament. Yet the self-righteous spirit of fanaticism will denounce them as oppressive, and an abridgment of gospel liberty. Here is where the friends of good order and Christian discipline will ever differ with the unteachable and untamable spirit of fanaticism.

Our friends in the East who are coming into the ranks, heart-sick of the administration of S. C. Hancock, deserve the sympathy of the body. They had been left as sheep without a shepherd. They were under the more direct influence of the loose and reckless spirit that attended, more or less, the movement of 1854, and which exists, to a great extent, among New England Adventists. But now that they have the efficient labors of Elders Loughborough and Cornell, they are finding their places with the tried friends of the cause. And still they come. May all such speedily hear the Shepherd's voice, and joyfully join the ranks.

J. W.

Bro. White: I feel that it may be a duty that I owe to you and to the cause, to give you a little of my experience, hoping thereby that some may be benefited. Permit me to say in the first place that my acquaintance with the Advent people dates back only a few years. It was my lot to come out with the '54 time movement. It was about that time that I heard the Advent doctrine for the first time, and gladly embraced the view that Jesus would come in the fall of 1854. But alas, my hopes were blasted. The time passed away. I found myself still here in this cold and dark world; and being full of zeal and interest, I was in that place where I was ready to believe anything that had the appearance of truth.

Just at this time a class arose who claimed that they had the true light on "rising and trimming their lamps," "the latter rain," and "the gifts being restored in the church." I searched the Scriptures and found that the gifts were for the church, and believing that we were the people of God, I went fully with that movement and received in a short time what I then really believed to be the "gift of tongues," and sincerely followed in this way until about six months ago, when my mind became unsettled in regard to their genuineness, as there were some things which seemed very strange to me at times. I heard things in the "tongues" which I had no confidence in, and after seeing results, was still more shaken in my position.

At our conference in Portland, about three months ago, I became completely disgusted with our position as a people, and I then saw that we had been building upon a false foundation, and that many things that we as a people had taken for special evidence that the Lord was with us, now began to manifest themselves in their true light, and instead of advancing the truth served rather to disgust sensible persons, and drive them from the truth.

I will specify a few exercises: Talking with tongues, dancing in the Spirit, and swimming in the Spirit. With the tongues I was in full sympathy, but not with the dancing and swimming, which were exercises peculiar to Eld. Hancock.

More I might speak of, but let this suffice. I can say now that I am thankful that my

eyes have been opened to see these delusions which I have sympathized with in part since '54; for I partook of the same views and spirit with those with whom I was united.

Five years ago this present winter I became interested in the true Sabbath of the Lord which I embraced with all my heart, and connected myself with the Sabbath-keepers in this city. I continued with them for more than one year; during which time I gave one message in the "tongues." Nothing was said against it at that time by the brethren and sisters; and in a short time other messages were given. Soon a spirit of opposition was raised against those messages. But believing as I did that all was from God I could not give up to my brethren and sisters and a separation took place. This was not without a struggle on my part; for I loved them all very much. I soon became acquainted with others who believed as I did, which strengthened me in that position.

Permit me to say here that I do feel thankful to God that he sent some of his servants to labor in Portland, who are not afraid to lay the axe to the root of the tree. May God bless their labors in Portland, and may the honest-hearted be brought out from their hiding places which must soon be swept away. Let me say here I desire the truth as it is in Jesus. I feel that I have great reason to rejoice in God's goodness in leading me to take a stand with his true people, who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy.

Yours in Christian fellowship.

Mrs. D. A. Parker.

Portland, Me., Jan. 26, 1865.