There are few who have any just conception of the deceptive power of spiritualism and the danger of coming under its influence . Many tamper with it merely to gratify their curiosity . They have no real faith in it and would be filled with horror at the thought of yielding themselves to the spirits ' control . But they venture upon the forbidden ground , and the mighty destroyer exercises his power upon them against their will . Let them once be induced to submit their minds to his direction , and he holds them captive . It is impossible , in their own strength , to break away from the bewitching , alluring spell . Nothing but the power of God , granted in answer to the earnest prayer of faith , can deliver these ensnared souls . All who indulge sinful traits of character , or willfully cherish a known sin , are inviting the temptations of Satan . They separate themselves from God and from the watchcare of His angels ; as the evil one presents his deceptions , they are without defense and fall an easy prey . Those who thus place themselves in his power little realize where their course will end . Having achieved their overthrow , the tempter will employ them as his agents to lure others to ruin .
Says the prophet Isaiah : " When they shall say unto you , Seek unto them that have familiar spirits , and unto wizards that peep , and that mutter : should not a people seek unto their God ? for the living to the dead ? To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this word , it is because there is no light in them ." Isaiah 8:19 , 20 . If men had been willing to receive the truth so plainly stated in the Scriptures concerning the nature of man and the state of the dead , they would 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
389