- A Word to the Reader
-
- Introduction
-
- The Danger of Speculative Ideas
- The Charm of New Theories
- The Need for Clear Discernment
- Fanaticism to Appear in Our Midst
- Feeling Not to Master Judgment
- Obedience Versus Emotion or Rapture
- A Call for Old-fashioned Sermons
- Cold Formalism or Fanaticism
- False Ideas of God's Blessing
- All is Quiet, Calm, Unpretending
- The Example of Christ
- A Desire to Change the Present Order
- No Oddities or Eccentricities
- God's Word to Be Uncontaminated by Fallacies
-
-
-
-
- Seek not for Miraculous Manifestations
- When the Miracle Worker Disregards God's Law
- None Need be Deceived
- Will Sweep in the Whole World
- Miracles not a Test
- Wonderful Miracles Will Deceive
- How Satan and His Agents Work
- Ellen G. White Worked No Miracles
- Why Miracles are Less Important Today
- Miracles in the Closing Conflict
-
-
-
-
-
- Introduction
- Chapter 19—An Object Lesson
-
- Satisfaction and Blessing in Sacrificial Labor
- Not to Demand a Stipulated Sum
- Do the Work and Accept Wages Offered
- Pay to Be According to Labor
- Privilege of Working Versus Wages
- “An Expensive Family”
- An Appeal for Equality
- The Toll of Large Wages
- Higher Wages Proposed for Superior Men
- The Necessities and Comforts of Life
- Free From Worldly Enterprises and Conflicting Duties
- Avoid Cultivating Expensive Tastes
- Spirit of Self-Denial of Early Days Required Now
-
- Procuring the Very Best Talent
- Wages for Institutional Workers
- A View of Threatening Dangers in 1890
- The Importance of Self-Denial
- A Threat to All Our Institutions
- A Characteristic Feature of the Work Imperiled
- Physicians and Ministers Called to Self-Denial
- Counsel to a Physician Regarding a Fixed Salary
- A Percentage Proposition Counseled Against
- “Do Not Exact a High Salary”
- Extravagance and Influence
- An Important Interview Regarding Physicians’ Wages
- Meeting an Emergency
-
- Chapter 23—Counsel to One Who for Financial Reasons Was Planning to Leave the Work of God
-
- Introduction
-
-
-
-
- Bereavement Softens and Subdues
- We Shall See Our Children Again
- Children In the Resurrection
- Jesus Says, “Lean on Me”
- Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord
- Look to the Happy Family Reunion
- Will Be Called in Special Resurrection
- No Sin in Weeping
- He Sleeps in Jesus
- The Lord to Be Your Comfort
- Ellen White in Her Hour of Bereavement
- The Glorious Resurrection Morning
-
-
- Introduction
- Chapter 32—Proper Attitude in Prayer
-
- Chapter 34—Useful Occupation Better Than Games
-
-
- Chapter 37—The Aged Who Have No Homes
-
- Chapter 39—Counsel on Voting
- Chapter 40—Hops, Tobacco, and Swine
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix 2—Important Factors in Choosing a Life Companion
-
Section 2—Erroneous and Subversive Movements
Introduction
Through the years several erroneous or subversive movements, based on misinterpretation of Scripture or supposed divine illumination, have arisen among Seventh-day Adventists. These were firmly and squarely dealt with by the Spirit of Prophecy counsels given to meet these situations as they arose. Some of these counsels are included in this section.2SM 62.1
Usually closely linked with the supposed new light was a message of condemnation of the church and its leaders, and often there was some phase of time setting. One such movement, known as the Loud Cry of the Third Angel, led by a Mr. Stanton, was met through a series of articles published in 1893 in the Review and Herald under the title of “The Remnant Church Not Babylon” (now found in Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 32-62, and also in The Remnant Church, 20-43). The materials drawn together in this section make further reference to this movement and deal in considerable detail with several like movements.2SM 62.2
Two prominent cases involving claims to the prophetic gift are also presented here in the form of counsel given by Mrs. White to those directly or indirectly concerned. She was in an extremely delicate position in dealing with situations of this character, but in fulfilling her office as God's messenger, she was given instruction that protected the church from these pretenders to the prophetic office. She emphasized the point that the genuine manifestation of the prophetic gift would bear its own credentials, accompanied by ample clear, convincing evidence.2SM 62.3
As long as there is an adversary to truth, subversive and erroneous movements will arise and must be met. The Ellen G. White depiction of several of these movements with their characteristic teachings, and the counsel given in analyzing the work and teachings, offer much that may prove of great service in easily and clearly identifying and meeting again such situations when they appear.2SM 62.4