Signs of Christ’s Soon Return
13
An Experience With a False Prophet
Last night a young man, a stranger to us all, but professing to be
a brother from Victoria [Australia], called upon us and asked to see
Sister White. It was evening and I declined seeing him. We invited
him to remain with us during the night, however, and to take breakfast.
After our usual morning worship, as we were about to go to our various
employments, this young man arose and with a commanding gesture
requested us to sit down. He said, “Have you any hymnbooks? We
will sing a hymn, then I have a message to give you.” I said, “If you
have a message, give it without delay, for we are very much pressed to
get off the American mail and have no time to lose.” He then began to
read something he had written, which stated among other things that
the judgment has now begun upon the living....
I listened as he went on and finally said, “My brother, you are not
exactly in your right mind. State plainly how your message concerns
us. Please let us know at once. Your mind is overstrained, you mis-
apprehend your work. Much that you have said is in accordance with
the Bible, and we believe every word of that. But you are overexcited.
Please state what you have for us.”
Well, he said that we must pack up and move at once to Battle
Creek. I asked his reasons, and he responded, “To give this message
that the judgment has begun upon the living.” I answered him, “The
work which the Lord has given us to do is not yet finished. When
our work here is completed we are sure the Lord will let us know
[22]
that it is time for us to move to Battle Creek, instead of teaching you
our duty”.... I left him for Brother Starr to talk with further while I
resumed my writing.
He told Brother Starr that when Sister White spoke to him so
kindly, and yet with such authority, he began to see that he had made a
mistake, that the impressions which had moved him so strongly were
not consistent or reasonable. Although our family is large, consisting
of ten members, besides three visitors, we decided to have this young
man stay with us for a time. We dare not have him go with people
who will treat him harshly and condemn him, neither do we want him
to repeat his “revelations.” We will have him remain for a little time
where we can associate with him and if possible lead him in safe, sure
paths.—
Letter 66, 1894
.