We are well aware that many honest seekers after truth and
Bible holiness are prejudiced against visions. Two great causes have created
this prejudice. First fanaticism, accompanied by false visions and exercises,
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has existed more or less almost everywhere. This has led
many of the sincere to doubt anything of the kind. Secondly, the exhibition of
mesmerism, and what is commonly called the "mysterious rapping," are
perfectly calculated to deceive, and create unbelief relative to the gifts and
operations of the Spirit of God.
But God is unchangeable. His work through Moses in the
presence of Pharaoh was perfect, notwithstanding Jannes and Jambres were
permitted to perform miracles by the power of Satan, that resembled the
miracles wrought by Moses. The counterfeit also appeared in the days of the
apostles, yet the gifts of the Spirit were manifested in the followers of
Christ. And it is not the purpose of God to leave his people in this age of
almost unbounded deception without the gifts and manifestations of His Spirit.
The design of a counterfeit is to imitate an existing
reality. Therefore the present manifestation of the spirit of error is proof
that God manifests Himself to His children by the power of the Holy Spirit, and
that He is about to fulfill His word gloriously.
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams." Acts 2:17. (Cf. Joel 2:28.)
As for mesmerism, we have ever considered it dangerous,
therefore have had nothing to do with it. We never even saw a person in a
mesmeric sleep and know nothing of the art by experience.
We send out this little work with the hope that it will
comfort the saints.
--James White.
--Saratoga springs, N.Y., August, 1851.