The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 559
a Christian guise. But its utterances from the platform and the press have
been before the public for many years, and in these its real character
stands revealed. These teachings cannot be denied or hidden.
Even in its present form, so far from being more worthy of toleration
than formerly, it is really a more dangerous, because a more subtle,
deception. While it formerly denounced Christ and the Bible, it now
professes to accept both. But the Bible is interpreted in a manner that
is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its solemn and vital truths are
made of no effect. Love is dwelt upon as the chief attribute of God, but it
is degraded to a weak sentimentalism, making little distinction between
good and evil. God’s justice, His denunciations of sin, the requirements
of His holy law, are all kept out of sight. The people are taught to regard
the Decalogue as a dead letter. Pleasing, bewitching fables captivate the
senses and lead men to reject the Bible as the foundation of their faith.
Christ is as verily denied as before; but Satan has so blinded the eyes of
the people that the deception is not discerned.
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.
558