ection II—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.
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, pages 32-62, and also in The Remnant Church,
pages 23-53). The materials drawn together in this section make further reference
to this movement and deal in considerable detail with several like movements.
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.
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.—White
Trustees.
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Chap. 7-The Divine Credentials
Dear Brother M: [Letter to one who had come to the conclusion that the
Seventh-day Adventist Church had fallen into the low spiritual state described as
Babylon.—Compilers.]
Your letter addressed to me was received at the beginning of the Sabbath I
should advise you to attend the school, and not to leave this country until you
become thoroughly settled in your mind as to what is truth. I sincerely hope that
you will attend this term of school and learn all you can in regard to this message
of truth that is to go to the world.
The Lord has not given you a message to call the Seventh-day Adventists
Babylon, and to call the people of God to come out of her. All the reasons you
may present cannot have weight with me on this subject, because the Lord has
given me decided light that is opposed to such a message.
I do not doubt your sincerity or honesty. I have written long letters at different
times to those who were accusing the church of Seventh-day Adventists of being
Babylon, that they were not handling the truth. You think individuals have
prejudiced my mind. If I am in this state, I am not fitted to be entrusted with
the work of God. But this
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matter has been brought before my mind in other cases where individuals have
claimed to have messages for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of a similar
character, and the word has been given me, “Believe them not.” “I have not sent
them, and yet they ran.”
A Few Cases Recalled
Elder K, [See p. 96, also Selected Messages 1:176-184.] a dying man, had his
room filled with interested people, while he was at the hospital at Battle Creek.
Many were deceived. The man seemed to be inspired. But the light that was given
me was, “This work is not of God. Believe not the message.”
A few years since, a man named N, of Red Bluff, California, came to me to
deliver his message. He said it was the loud cry of the third angel which was to
lighten the earth with his glory. He thought God had passed all the leading workers
and given him the message. I attempted to show him that he was mistaken. He said
Seventh-day Adventists were Babylon, and when we told him our reasons and set
the matter before him, that he was in error, he had great power come upon him,
and he certainly gave a loud cry We had much trouble with him; his mind became
unbalanced, and he had to be placed in the insane asylum.
One, Garmire, [See ch. 9.] advocated and published a message in regard
to the loud cry of the third angel; he accused the church in a similar manner to
what you are now doing. He said the leaders in the church would all fall through
self-exaltation, and another class of humble men would come to the front, who
would do wonderful things. This man had daughters who claimed to have visions.
This delusion was opened to me. This is an intelligent man, of an acceptable
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address, and self-denying and full of zeal and earnestness, and carrying an
appearance of consecration and devotion. But the w