see in the claims and manifestations of spiritualism the working of Satan with power and signs and lying wonders . But rather than yield the liberty so agreeable to the carnal heart , and renounce the sins which they love , multitudes close their eyes to the light and walk straight on , regardless of warnings , while Satan weaves his snares about them , and they become his prey . " Because they received not the love of the truth , that they might be saved ," therefore " God shall send them strong delusion , that they should believe a lie ." 2 Thessalonians 2:10 , 11 .
Those who oppose the teachings of spiritualism are assailing , not men alone , but Satan and his angels . They have entered upon a contest against principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places . Satan will not yield one inch of ground except as he is driven back by the power of heavenly messengers . The people of God should be able to meet him , as did our Saviour , with the words : " It is written ." Satan can quote Scripture now as in the days of Christ , and he will pervert its teachings to sustain his delusions . Those who would stand in this time of peril must understand for themselves the testimony of the Scriptures .
Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives or friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies . These visitants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies and will work miracles to sustain their pretensions . We must be prepared to withstand them with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils . Just before us is " the hour of temptation , which shall come upon all the world , to try them that dwell upon the earth ." Revelation 3:10 .
All whose faith is not firmly established upon the word of God will be deceived and overcome . Satan " works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness " to gain control of the children of men , and his deceptions will continually increase . But he can gain his object only as men voluntarily yield to his temptations . Those who are earnestly seeking a knowledge of the truth and are striving to purify their souls through obedience , thus doing what they can to prepare for the conflict , will find , in the God of truth , a sure defense . " Because thou hast kept the word of My patience , I also will keep thee " ( verse 10 ), is the Saviour ' s promise . He would sooner send every angel out of heaven to protect His people than leave one soul that trusts in Him to be overcome by Satan .
The prophet Isaiah brings to view the fearful deception which will come upon the wicked , causing them to count themselves secure from the judgments of God : " We have made a covenant with death , and with hell are we at agreement ; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through , it shall not come unto us : for we have made lies our refuge , and under falsehood have we hid ourselves ." Isaiah 28:15 . In the class here described are included those who in their stubborn impenitence comfort themselves with the assurance that there is to be no punishment for the sinner ; that all mankind , it matters not how corrupt , are to be exalted to heaven , to become as the angels of God . But still more emphatically are those making a covenant with death and an agreement with
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