The Spirit of Prophecy in the Advent Movement

The Call That Woke Us Up

But in 1893 a message came by the Spirit of prophecy that stirred this church into action. Mrs. White was then in Australia. From across the sea came the call to a world work with no qualifications or interpretations: SPIAM 94.3

“The same work must be accomplished in Australia, New Zealand, in Africa, India, China, and the islands of the sea, as has been accomplished in the home field. Under an appropriate symbol of an angel flying through the midst of heaven is represented the work of the people of God.”—The Bible Echo, September 1, 1892. (Melbourne) SPIAM 94.4

The appeals accompanying the instruction were a clarion call to the advent people to take up the task in earnest. It brought an awakening. After the light that came flooding in with the messages of the gift, we forgot all about what restricted ideas we had held. The believers saw that symbol of Revelation 14, the angel flying in the midst of heaven to every nation and tongue. The picture of the prophecy had been there all the time; but now it was seen that it meant the same work in all lands—publishing houses, schools, sanitariums, as well as evangelists, with the training of the young people of remote lands to carry the message to their own people. The believers caught the vision. The message rose and spread its wings yet wider, for stronger, farther, faster flight. SPIAM 94.5

Observers witness this world-wide expansion of a small people, and remark upon the distinctive character of it. Some of these have scant patience with the doctrine of a Spirit of prophecy in the church. Some attack the movement on account of this gift, as the prophecy foretold (Revelation 12:17). But the fact remains that the Spirit of prophecy is one great factor in arousing the spirit of missions in the hearts of the advent believers. By its fruits men may know it. SPIAM 95.1