Charismatic Experiences In Early Seventh-day Adventist History

Chapter 18—To Avoid a Sentimental Religion

In the records of the 1901 General Conference session at Battle Creek we find an interesting statement from Ellen White made at a time when serious, far-reaching decisions had to be made. Having been in Australia for nine years, she was in Battle Creek for her first General Conference session in ten years. Just before the conference opened she spoke of the important decisions that must be made and how the Lord wanted everyone to stand in right relation to Him. She spoke of how there should be more praying and less talking. And she gave the assurance “that God would let His light shine into the heart of everyone who at this meeting will stand in right relation to Him.” CEESDAH 16.2

Then she declared: CEESDAH 16.3

“Some have said that they thought that at this meeting several days ought to be spent in prayer to God for the Holy Spirit, as at the day of Pentecost. I wish to say to you that the business which may be carried on at this meeting is just as much a part of the service of God as is prayer. The business meeting is to be just as much under the dictation of the Spirit as the prayer meeting. There is danger of us getting a sentimental, impulsive religion.

“Let the business transacted at this meeting stand forth in such sacredness that the heavenly host can approve of it. We are to guard most sacredly the business lines of our work. Every line of business carried on here is to be in accordance with the principles of heaven.

“God wants you to stand in a position where He can breathe upon you the Holy Spirit, where Christ can abide in the heart. He wants you at the beginning of this meeting to lay off whatever of controversy, of strife, of dissension, of murmuring, you have been carrying. What we need is a great deal more of Christ and none of self. The Saviour says, ‘Without me ye can do nothing.’ ...

“We have come to a point where God is going to work for His people. He wishes them to be a representative people, distinct from all other peoples in our world. He wants them to stand on vantage ground, because He gave His life that they might stand there. Do not disappoint the Lord.”—Ms. 29, 1901, March 28, 1901.

This incident should be pondered often. The occasion urgently called for the guidance and blessing of the Spirit of God. But Ellen White gave no encouragement to turn away from the work at hand to spend a period in just seeking the Spirit of God. She makes it clear that this experience of seeking the Spirit was one that should permeate our dedicated activities in God’s service. CEESDAH 16.4

We may be led to ask, Was there in the hearts of some the feeling that they should be seeking for a demonstration? Ellen White’s counsel directed them to a better way. CEESDAH 16.5