Recent research has suggested that the Montanists were not much different from modern Charismatics in their doctrine and practice. I guess that the opposing comments about them would be quite similar to opposing comments about modern Charismatics. So...there is nothing new under the sun!
"The anonymous opponent of the
sect describes the method of prophecy (
Eusebius, V, xvii, 2-3): first the
prophet appears distraught with terror (
en parekstasei), then follows quiet (
adeia kai aphobia, fearlessness); beginning by studied vacancy of thought or passivity of
intellect (
ekousios amathia),
he is seized by an uncontrollable madness (
akousios mania psyches).
The prophets did not speak as messengers of God: "Thus saith the Lord," but described themselves as possessed by God and spoke in His Person. "I am the Father, the Word, and the Paraclete," said Montanus (Didymus, "De Trin.", III, xli); and again: "I am the Lord God omnipotent, who have descended into to man", and "neither an
angel, nor an ambassador, but I, the Lord, the Father, am come" (Epiphanius, "Hær.", xlviii, 11). And Maximilla said: "Hear not me, but hear Christ" (ibid.); and: "I am driven off from among the sheep like a wolf [that is, a
false prophet--cf.
Matthew 7:15]; I am not a wolf, but I am speech, and spirit, and power." This
possession by a spirit, which spoke while the
prophet was incapable of resisting, is described by the spirit of Montanus: "Behold the man is like a lyre, and I dart like the plectrum. The man sleeps, and I am awake" (Epiphanius, "Hær.", xlviii, 4)."
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Montanists