“At times I would express doubts and the answer would come, ‘Doubt not.’ So I would have to give it up for the time. Then I would try to reason with, and advise them to let judgment decide. But then it would be shown that I was in a dreadful trial or under a temptation. So I finally thought that I would let it develop itself.”

Then Steward discussed some of those who were involved in these experiences, the visions they alleged to have had, and how these visions seemed to be in harmony with the message:CEESDAH 10.2

“We had as we supposed many of the gifts. But I was not satisfied with the development of these gifts. But on the night of January 2, while at Portage, it did begin to develop a new feature, and all that were together and under its influence completely lost control of themselves (or gave up to be controlled by the unseen power), and the scenes that followed I cannot describe. I was away at Cascade holding meetings, having left the day before.

“These scenes commenced at Brother Billings’, where there were present my wife, Sister Kelley, and Brother and Sister Billings. These scenes continued until the evening after the Sabbath, when they became convinced that it was a delusion. And now we are unanimous in pronouncing it the work of the enemy. We fully and freely denounce it. I love the truths of the third angel’s message as ever, and I intend to advocate it to the world.

“Brethren, beware of the strong delusions of these last days! This sketch will give you our views in regard to the nature of it.”—Ibid.

When James White received this report he was pleased that the fanaticism had been broken, or at least seemingly so, and he followed the confession with his own observations:CEESDAH 10.3

“Remarks: It is no small thing to fall under the strong delusions of Satan, especially when persons have exercises controlling body and mind, which they regard as the power of the Holy Spirit. Such lose their balance. They lose their judgment in spiritual things, which they seldom ever recover. For the past fifteen years we have watched the course of such, and in no instance have we seen them pursue an even course so as to exert a good influence, unless they have chosen a humble place in the church, relying more upon the judgment of those who have had a good experience than upon their own.

“God does not leave His people to the deceptive power of Satan for nothing. There is a cause. That cause should be sought for with the deepest feelings of humiliation, lest a second delusion follow worse than the first. Satan’s great object in this delusion in northern Wisconsin has doubtless been to bring the subject of the perpetuity of spiritual gifts into disgrace and doubt. One extreme is usually followed by another. And we shall be greatly disappointed [surprised] if we do not find those who have been under the spirit of error and fanaticism, giving up the subject of spiritual gifts altogether, which error would be more fatal than the first.”—Ibid.

Although the fanaticism was broken, the church suffered for a number of years. The Stewards, who required some time to make a full recovery, eventually became again trusted workers. Their daughter Mary served many years as a proofreader in the Review and Herald and for several years as one of Mrs. White’s secretaries.CEESDAH 10.4

Chapter 9—The Wisconsin Experience

The Gift of Tongues at Portland, Maine