The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 555

persons of culture and refinement he presents spiritualism in its more
refined and intellectual aspects, and thus succeeds in drawing many into
his snare. The wisdom which spiritualism imparts is that described by
the apostle James, which “descendeth not from above, but is earthly,
sensual, devilish.” James 3:15. This, however, the great deceiver
conceals when concealment will best suit his purpose. He who could
appear clothed with the brightness of the heavenly seraphs before Christ
in the wilderness of temptation, comes to men in the most attractive
manner as an angel of light. He appeals to the reason by the presentation
of elevating themes; he delights the fancy with enrapturing scenes; and
he enlists the affections by his eloquent portrayals of love and charity.
He excites the imagination to lofty flights, leading men to take so great
pride in their own wisdom that in their hearts they despise the Eternal
One. That mighty being who could take the world’s Redeemer to an
exceedingly high mountain and bring before Him all the kingdoms of
the earth and the glory of them, will present his temptations to men in a
manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power.
Satan beguiles men now as he beguiled Eve in Eden by flattery, by
kindling a desire to obtain forbidden knowledge, by exciting ambition
for self-exaltation. It was cherishing these evils that caused his fall,
and through them he aims to compass the ruin of men. “Ye shall be as
gods,” he declares, “knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5. Spiritualism
teaches “that man is the creature of progression; that it is his destiny
from his birth to progress, even to eternity, toward the Godhead.” And
again: “Each mind will judge itself and not another.” “The judgment
will be right, because it is the judgment of self.... The throne is within
you.” Said a spiritualistic teacher, as the “spiritual consciousness” awoke
within him: “My fellow men, all were unfallen demigods.” And another
declares: “Any just and perfect being is Christ.”
Thus, in place of the righteousness and perfection of the

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