Thosewhoareunwillingtoaccepttheplain，cuttingtruthsoftheBiblearecontinuallyseekingforpleasingfablesthatwillquiettheconscience。Thelessspiritual，self-denying，andhumiliatingthedoctrinespresented，thegreaterthefavorwithwhichtheyarereceived。Thesepersonsdegradetheintellectualpowerstoservetheircarnaldesires。ToowiseintheirownconceittosearchtheScriptureswithcontritionofsoulandearnestprayerfordivineguidance，theyhavenoshieldfromdelusion。Satanisreadytosupplytheheart’sdesire，andhepalmsoffhisdeceptionsintheplaceoftruth。Itwasthusthatthepapacygaineditspoweroverthemindsofmen；
andbyrejectionofthetruthbecauseitinvolvesacross，Protestantsarefollowingthesamepath。AllwhoneglectthewordofGodtostudyconvenienceandpolicy，thattheymaynotbeatvariancewiththeworld，willbelefttoreceivedamnableheresyforreligioustruth。Everyconceivableformoferrorwillbeacceptedbythosewhowillfullyrejectthetruth。Hewholookswithhorrorupononedeceptionwillreadilyreceiveanother。TheapostlePaul，speakingofaclasswho\"receivednottheloveofthetruth，thattheymightbesaved，\"declares:\"ForthiscauseGodshallsendthemstrongdelusion，thattheyshouldbelievealie:thatthey524
allmightbedamnedwhobelievednotthetruth，buthadpleasureinunrighteousness。\"2Thessalonians2:10-12。Withsuchawarningbeforeusitbehoovesustobeonourguardastowhatdoctrineswereceive。
Amongthemostsuccessfulagenciesofthegreatdeceiverarethedelusiveteachingsandlyingwondersofspiritualism。Disguisedasanangeloflight，hespreadshisnetswhereleastsuspected。IfmenwouldbutstudytheBookofGodwithearnestprayerthattheymightunderstandit，theywouldnotbeleftindarknesstoreceivefalsedoctrines。Butastheyrejectthetruththeyfallapreytodeception。
AnotherdangerouserroristhedoctrinethatdeniesthedeityofChrist，claimingthatHehadnoexistencebeforeHisadventtothisworld。ThistheoryisreceivedwithfavorbyalargeclasswhoprofesstobelievetheBible；yetitdirectlycontradictstheplaineststatementsofourSaviourconcerningHisrelationshipwiththeFather，Hisdivinecharacter，andHispre-existence。ItcannotbeentertainedwithoutthemostunwarrantedwrestingoftheScriptures。Itnotonlylowersman’sconceptionsoftheworkofredemption，butunderminesfaithintheBibleasarevelationfromGod。
Whilethisrendersitthemoredangerous，itmakesitalsohardertomeet。
IfmenrejectthetestimonyoftheinspiredScripturesconcerningthedeityofChrist，itisinvaintoarguethepointwiththem；fornoargument，howeverconclusive，couldconvincethem。\"ThenaturalmanreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod:fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim:neithercanheknowthem，becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned。\"
1Corinthians2:14。NonewhoholdthiserrorcanhaveatrueconceptionofthecharacterorthemissionofChrist，orofthegreatplanofGodforman’sredemption。
Stillanothersubtleandmischievouserroristhefast-spreadingbeliefthatSatanhasnoexistenceasapersonalbeing；thatthenameisusedinScripturemerelytorepresentmen’sevilthoughtsanddesires。
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Theteachingsowidelyechoedfrompopularpulpits，thatthesecondadventofChristisHiscomingtoeachindividualatdeath，isadevicetodivertthemindsofmenfromHispersonalcominginthecloudsofheaven。ForyearsSatanhasthusbeensaying，\"Behold，Heisinthesecretchambers\"(Matthew24:23-26)；andmanysoulshavebeenlostbyacceptingthisdeception。
Again，worldlywisdomteachesthatprayerisnotessential。Menofscienceclaimthattherecanbenorealanswertoprayer；thatthiswouldbeaviolationoflaw，amiracle，andthatmiracleshavenoexistence。Theuniverse，saythey，isgovernedbyfixedlaws，andGodHimselfdoesnothingcontrarytotheselaws。ThustheyrepresentGodasboundbyHisownlaws——asiftheoperationofdivinelawscouldexcludedivinefreedom。SuchteachingisopposedtothetestimonyoftheScriptures。WerenotmiracleswroughtbyChristandHisapostles？ThesamecompassionateSaviourlivestoday，andHeisaswillingtolistentotheprayeroffaithaswhenHewalkedvisiblyamongmen。Thenaturalcooperateswiththesupernatural。ItisapartofGod’splantograntus，inanswertotheprayeroffaith，thatwhichHewouldnotbestowdidwenotthusask。
InnumerablearetheerroneousdoctrinesandfancifulideasthatareobtainingamongthechurchesofChristendom。ItisimpossibletoestimatetheevilresultsofremovingoneofthelandmarksfixedbythewordofGod。
Fewwhoventuretodothisstopwiththerejectionofasingletruth。Themajoritycontinuetosetasideoneafteranotheroftheprinciplesoftruth，untiltheybecomeactualinfidels。
TheerrorsofpopulartheologyhavedrivenmanyasoultoskepticismwhomightotherwisehavebeenabelieverintheScriptures。Itisimpossibleforhimtoacceptdoctrineswhichoutragehissenseofjustice，mercy，andbenevolence；andsincethesearerepresentedastheteachingoftheBible，herefusestoreceiveitasthewordofGod。
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AndthisistheobjectwhichSatanseekstoaccomplish。ThereisnothingthathedesiresmorethantodestroyconfidenceinGodandinHisword。
Satanstandsattheheadofthegreatarmyofdoubters，andheworkstotheutmostofhispowertobeguilesoulsintohisranks。Itisbecomingfashionabletodoubt。ThereisalargeclassbywhomthewordofGodislookeduponwithdistrustforthesamereasonaswasitsAuthor——becauseitreprovesandcondemnssin。Thosewhoareunwillingtoobeyitsrequirementsendeavortooverthrowitsauthority。TheyreadtheBible，orlistentoitsteachingsaspresentedfromthesacreddesk，merelytofindfaultwiththeScripturesorwiththesermon。Notafewbecomeinfidelsinordertojustifyorexcusethemselvesinneglectofduty。Othersadoptskepticalprinciplesfromprideandindolence。Tooease-lovingtodistinguishthemselvesbyaccomplishinganythingworthyofhonor，whichrequireseffortandself-denial，theyaimtosecureareputationforsuperiorwisdombycriticizingtheBible。Thereismuchwhichthefinitemind，unenlightenedbydivinewisdom，ispowerlesstocomprehend；andthustheyfindoccasiontocriticize。Therearemanywhoseemtofeelthatitisavirtuetostandonthesideofunbelief，skepticism，andinfidelity。Butunderneathanappearanceofcandoritwillbefoundthatsuchpersonsareactuatedbyself-confidenceandpride。ManydelightinfindingsomethingintheScripturestopuzzlethemindsofothers。Someatfirstcriticizeandreasononthewrongside，fromamereloveofcontroversy。Theydonotrealizethattheyarethusentanglingthemselvesinthesnareofthefowler。Buthavingopenlyexpressedunbelief，theyfeelthattheymustmaintaintheirposition。
ThustheyunitewiththeungodlyandclosetothemselvesthegatesofParadise。
GodhasgiveninHiswordsufficientevidenceofitsdivinecharacter。Thegreattruthswhichconcernourredemptionareclearlypresented。BytheaidoftheHolySpirit，whichispromisedtoallwhoseekitinsincerity，everymanmay527
understandthesetruthsforhimself。Godhasgrantedtomenastrongfoundationuponwhichtoresttheirfaith。
YetthefinitemindsofmenareinadequatefullytocomprehendtheplansandpurposesoftheInfiniteOne。WecanneverbysearchingfindoutGod。WemustnotattempttoliftwithpresumptuoushandthecurtainbehindwhichHeveilsHismajesty。Theapostleexclaims:\"HowunsearchableareHisjudgments，andHiswayspastfindingout！\"Romans11:33。WecansofarcomprehendHisdealingswithus，andthemotivesbywhichHeisactuated，thatwemaydiscernboundlessloveandmercyunitedtoinfinitepower。OurFatherinheavenorderseverythinginwisdomandrighteousness，andwearenottobedissatisfiedanddistrustful，buttobowinreverentsubmission。
HewillrevealtousasmuchofHispurposesasitisforourgoodtoknow，andbeyondthatwemusttrusttheHandthatisomnipotent，theHeartthatisfulloflove。
WhileGodhasgivenampleevidenceforfaith，Hewillneverremoveallexcuseforunbelief。Allwholookforhookstohangtheirdoubtsuponwillfindthem。AndthosewhorefusetoacceptandobeyGod’sworduntileveryobjectionhasbeenremoved，andthereisnolongeranopportunityfordoubt，willnevercometothelight。
DistrustofGodisthenaturaloutgrowthoftheunrenewedheart，whichisatenmitywithHim。ButfaithisinspiredbytheHolySpirit，anditwillflourishonlyasitischerished。Nomancanbecomestronginfaithwithoutadeterminedeffort。Unbeliefstrengthensasitisencouraged；andifmen，insteadofdwellingupontheevidenceswhichGodhasgiventosustaintheirfaith，permitthemselvestoquestionandcavil，theywillfindtheirdoubtsconstantlybecomingmoreconfirmed。
ButthosewhodoubtGod’spromisesanddistrusttheassuranceofHisgracearedishonoringHim；andtheirinfluence，insteadofdrawingotherstoChrist，tendstorepel528
themfromHim。Theyareunproductivetrees，thatspreadtheirdarkbranchesfarandwide，shuttingawaythesunlightfromotherplants，andcausingthemtodroopanddieunderthechillingshadow。Thelifeworkofthesepersonswillappearasanever-ceasingwitnessagainstthem。Theyaresowingseedsofdoubtandskepticismthatwillyieldanunfailingharvest。
Thereisbutonecourseforthosetopursuewhohonestlydesiretobefreedfromdoubts。Insteadofquestioningandcavilingconcerningthatwhichtheydonotunderstand，letthemgiveheedtothelightwhichalreadyshinesuponthem，andtheywillreceivegreaterlight。Letthemdoeverydutywhichhasbeenmadeplaintotheirunderstanding，andtheywillbeenabledtounderstandandperformthoseofwhichtheyarenowindoubt。
Satancanpresentacounterfeitsocloselyresemblingthetruththatitdeceivesthosewhoarewillingtobedeceived，whodesiretoshuntheself-denialandsacrificedemandedbythetruth；butitisimpossibleforhimtoholdunderhispoweronesoulwhohonestlydesires，atwhatevercost，toknowthetruth。Christisthetruthandthe\"Light，whichlightetheverymanthatcomethintotheworld。\"John1:9。TheSpiritoftruthhasbeensenttoguidemenintoalltruth。AndupontheauthorityoftheSonofGoditisdeclared:\"Seek，andyeshallfind。\"\"IfanymanwilldoHiswill，heshallknowofthedoctrine。\"Matthew7:7；John7:17。
ThefollowersofChristknowlittleoftheplotswhichSatanandhishostsareformingagainstthem。ButHewhosittethintheheavenswilloverruleallthesedevicesfortheaccomplishmentofHisdeepdesigns。TheLordpermitsHispeopletobesubjectedtothefieryordealoftemptation，notbecauseHetakespleasureintheirdistressandaffliction，butbecausethisprocessisessentialtotheirfinalvictory。Hecouldnot，consistentlywithHisownglory，shieldthemfromtemptation；fortheveryobjectofthetrialistopreparethemtoresistalltheallurementsofevil。
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NeitherwickedmennordevilscanhindertheworkofGod，orshutoutHispresencefromHispeople，iftheywill，withsubdued，contritehearts，confessandputawaytheirsins，andinfaithclaimHispromises。Everytemptation，everyopposinginfluence，whetheropenorsecret，maybesuccessfullyresisted，\"notbymight，norbypower，butbyMySpirit，saiththeLordofhosts。\"Zechariah4:6。
\"TheeyesoftheLordareovertherighteous，andHisearsareopenuntotheirprayers……Andwhoishethatwillharmyou，ifyebefollowersofthatwhichisgood？\"1Peter3:12，13。WhenBalaam，alluredbythepromiseofrichrewards，practicedenchantmentsagainstIsrael，andbysacrificestotheLordsoughttoinvokeacurseuponHispeople，theSpiritofGodforbadetheevilwhichhelongedtopronounce，andBalaamwasforcedtoexclaim:
\"HowshallIcurse，whomGodhathnotcursed？orhowshallIdefy，whomtheLordhathnotdefied？\"\"Letmediethedeathoftherighteous，andletmylastendbelikehis！\"Whensacrificehadagainbeenoffered，theungodlyprophetdeclared:\"Behold，Ihavereceivedcommandmenttobless:andHehathblessed；andIcannotreverseit。HehathnotbeheldiniquityinJacob，neitherhathHeseenperversenessinIsrael:theLordhisGodiswithhim，andtheshoutofaKingisamongthem。\"\"SurelythereisnoenchantmentagainstJacob，neitheristhereanydivinationagainstIsrael:accordingtothistimeitshallbesaidofJacobandofIsrael，WhathathGodwrought！\"
Yetathirdtimealtarswereerected，andagainBalaamessayedtosecureacurse。Butfromtheunwillinglipsoftheprophet，theSpiritofGoddeclaredtheprosperityofHischosen，andrebukedthefollyandmaliceoftheirfoes:\"Blessedishethatblesseththee，andcursedishethatcurseththee。\"Numbers23:8，10，20，21，23；24:9。
ThepeopleofIsraelwereatthistimeloyaltoGod；andsolongastheycontinuedinobediencetoHislaw，nopowerinearthorhellcouldprevailagainstthem。ButthecursewhichBalaamhadnotbeenpermittedtopronounceagainst530
God’speople，hefinallysucceededinbringinguponthembyseducingthemintosin。WhentheytransgressedGod’scommandments，thentheyseparatedthemselvesfromHim，andtheywerelefttofeelthepowerofthedestroyer。
SataniswellawarethattheweakestsoulwhoabidesinChristismorethanamatchforthehostsofdarkness，andthat，shouldherevealhimselfopenly，hewouldbemetandresisted。Thereforeheseekstodrawawaythesoldiersofthecrossfromtheirstrongfortification，whileheliesinambushwithhisforces，readytodestroyallwhoventureuponhisground。
OnlyinhumblerelianceuponGod，andobediencetoallHiscommandments，canwebesecure。
Nomanissafeforadayoranhourwithoutprayer。EspeciallyshouldweentreattheLordforwisdomtounderstandHisword。Herearerevealedthewilesofthetempterandthemeansbywhichhemaybesuccessfullyresisted。
SatanisanexpertinquotingScripture，placinghisowninterpretationuponpassages，bywhichhehopestocauseustostumble。WeshouldstudytheBiblewithhumilityofheart，neverlosingsightofourdependenceuponGod。
WhilewemustconstantlyguardagainstthedevicesofSatan，weshouldprayinfaithcontinually:\"Leadusnotintotemptation。\"
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Chapter33
TheFirstGreatDeceptionWiththeearliesthistoryofman，Satanbeganhiseffortstodeceiveourrace。HewhohadincitedrebellioninheavendesiredtobringtheinhabitantsoftheearthtounitewithhiminhiswarfareagainstthegovernmentofGod。AdamandEvehadbeenperfectlyhappyinobediencetothelawofGod，andthisfactwasaconstanttestimonyagainsttheclaimwhichSatanhadurgedinheaven，thatGod’slawwasoppressiveandopposedtothegoodofHiscreatures。Andfurthermore，Satan’senvywasexcitedashelookeduponthebeautifulhomepreparedforthesinlesspair。Hedeterminedtocausetheirfall，that，havingseparatedthemfromGodandbroughtthemunderhisownpower，hemightgainpossessionoftheearthandhereestablishhiskingdominoppositiontotheMostHigh。
HadSatanrevealedhimselfinhisrealcharacter，hewouldhavebeenrepulsedatonce，forAdamandEvehadbeenwarnedagainstthisdangerousfoe；butheworkedinthedark，concealinghispurpose，thathemightmoreeffectuallyaccomplishhisobject。Employingashismediumtheserpent，thenacreatureoffascinatingappearance，headdressedhimselftoEve:\"HathGodsaid，Yeshallnoteatofeverytreeofthegarden？\"Genesis3:1。HadEverefrainedfromenteringintoargumentwiththetempter，shewouldhavebeensafe；butsheventuredtoparleywithhimandfellavictimtohis532
wiles。Itisthusthatmanyarestillovercome。TheydoubtandargueconcerningtherequirementsofGod；andinsteadofobeyingthedivinecommands，theyaccepthumantheories，whichbutdisguisethedevicesofSatan。
\"Thewomansaiduntotheserpent，Wemayeatofthefruitofthetreesofthegarden:butofthefruitofthetreewhichisinthemidstofthegarden，Godhathsaid，Yeshallnoteatofit，neithershallyetouchit，lestyedie。Andtheserpentsaiduntothewoman，Yeshallnotsurelydie:
forGoddothknowthatinthedayyeeatthereof，thenyoureyesshallbeopened，andyeshallbeasgods，knowinggoodandevil。\"Verses2-5。HedeclaredthattheywouldbecomelikeGod，possessinggreaterwisdomthanbeforeandbeingcapableofahigherstateofexistence。Eveyieldedtotemptation；andthroughherinfluence，Adamwasledintosin。Theyacceptedthewordsoftheserpent，thatGoddidnotmeanwhatHesaid；theydistrustedtheirCreatorandimaginedthatHewasrestrictingtheirlibertyandthattheymightobtaingreatwisdomandexaltationbytransgressingHislaw。
ButwhatdidAdam，afterhissin，findtobethemeaningofthewords，\"Inthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie\"？Didhefindthemtomean，asSatanhadledhimtobelieve，thathewastobeusheredintoamoreexaltedstateofexistence？Thenindeedtherewasgreatgoodtobegainedbytransgression，andSatanwasprovedtobeabenefactoroftherace。ButAdamdidnotfindthistobethemeaningofthedivinesentence。Goddeclaredthatasapenaltyforhissin，manshouldreturntothegroundwhencehewastaken:\"Dustthouart，anduntodustshaltthoureturn。\"Verse19。ThewordsofSatan，\"Youreyesshallbeopened，\"provedtobetrueinthissenseonly:
AfterAdamandEvehaddisobeyedGod，theireyeswereopenedtodiscerntheirfolly；theydidknowevil，andtheytastedthebitterfruitoftransgression。
InthemidstofEdengrewthetreeoflife，whosefruithadthepowerofperpetuatinglife。HadAdamremained533
obedienttoGod，hewouldhavecontinuedtoenjoyfreeaccesstothistreeandwouldhavelivedforever。Butwhenhesinnedhewascutofffrompartakingofthetreeoflife，andhebecamesubjecttodeath。Thedivinesentence，\"Dustthouart，anduntodustshaltthoureturn，\"pointstotheutterextinctionoflife。
Immortality，promisedtomanonconditionofobedience，hadbeenforfeitedbytransgression。Adamcouldnottransmittohisposteritythatwhichhedidnotpossess；andtherecouldhavebeennohopeforthefallenracehadnotGod，bythesacrificeofHisSon，broughtimmortalitywithintheirreach。
While\"deathpasseduponallmen，forthatallhavesinned，\"Christ\"hathbroughtlifeandimmortalitytolightthroughthegospel。\"Romans5:12；2
Timothy1:10。AndonlythroughChristcanimmortalitybeobtained。SaidJesus:\"HethatbelievethontheSonhatheverlastinglife:andhethatbelievethnottheSonshallnotseelife。\"John3:36。Everymanmaycomeintopossessionofthispricelessblessingifhewillcomplywiththeconditions。All\"whobypatientcontinuanceinwell-doingseekforgloryandhonorandimmortality，\"willreceive\"eternallife。\"Romans2:7。
TheonlyonewhopromisedAdamlifeindisobediencewasthegreatdeceiver。
AndthedeclarationoftheserpenttoEveinEden——\"Yeshallnotsurelydie\"——wasthefirstsermoneverpreachedupontheimmortalityofthesoul。
Yetthisdeclaration，restingsolelyupontheauthorityofSatan，isechoedfromthepulpitsofChristendomandisreceivedbythemajorityofmankindasreadilyasitwasreceivedbyourfirstparents。Thedivinesentence，\"Thesoulthatsinneth，itshalldie\"(Ezekiel18:20)，ismadetomean:Thesoulthatsinneth，itshallnotdie，butliveeternally。WecannotbutwonderatthestrangeinfatuationwhichrendersmensocredulousconcerningthewordsofSatanandsounbelievinginregardtothewordsofGod。
Hadmanafterhisfallbeenallowedfreeaccesstothetree534
oflife，hewouldhavelivedforever，andthussinwouldhavebeenimmortalized。Butcherubimandaflamingswordkept\"thewayofthetreeoflife\"(Genesis3:24)，andnotoneofthefamilyofAdamhasbeenpermittedtopassthatbarrierandpartakeofthelife-givingfruit。Thereforethereisnotanimmortalsinner。
ButaftertheFall，Satanbadehisangelsmakeaspecialefforttoinculcatethebeliefinman’snaturalimmortality；andhavinginducedthepeopletoreceivethiserror，theyweretoleadthemontoconcludethatthesinnerwouldliveineternalmisery。Nowtheprinceofdarkness，workingthroughhisagents，representsGodasarevengefultyrant，declaringthatHeplungesintohellallthosewhodonotpleaseHim，andcausesthemevertofeelHiswrath；andthatwhiletheysufferunutterableanguishandwritheintheeternalflames，theirCreatorlooksdownuponthemwithsatisfaction。
ThusthearchfiendclotheswithhisownattributestheCreatorandBenefactorofmankind。Crueltyissatanic。Godislove；andallthatHecreatedwaspure，holy，andlovely，untilsinwasbroughtinbythefirstgreatrebel。Satanhimselfistheenemywhotemptsmantosin，andthendestroyshimifhecan；andwhenhehasmadesureofhisvictim，thenheexultsintheruinhehaswrought。Ifpermitted，hewouldsweeptheentireraceintohisnet。Wereitnotfortheinterpositionofdivinepower，notonesonordaughterofAdamwouldescape。
Satanisseekingtoovercomementoday，asheovercameourfirstparents，byshakingtheirconfidenceintheirCreatorandleadingthemtodoubtthewisdomofHisgovernmentandthejusticeofHislaws。SatanandhisemissariesrepresentGodasevenworsethanthemselves，inordertojustifytheirownmalignityandrebellion。ThegreatdeceiverendeavorstoshifthisownhorriblecrueltyofcharacteruponourheavenlyFather，thathemaycausehimselftoappearasonegreatlywrongedbyhisexpulsionfromheavenbecausehewouldnotsubmittosounjustagovernor。Hepresentsbefore535
theworldthelibertywhichtheymayenjoyunderhismildsway，incontrastwiththebondageimposedbythesterndecreesofJehovah。ThushesucceedsinluringsoulsawayfromtheirallegiancetoGod。
Howrepugnanttoeveryemotionofloveandmercy，andeventooursenseofjustice，isthedoctrinethatthewickeddeadaretormentedwithfireandbrimstoneinaneternallyburninghell；thatforthesinsofabriefearthlylifetheyaretosuffertortureaslongasGodshalllive。YetthisdoctrinehasbeenwidelytaughtandisstillembodiedinmanyofthecreedsofChristendom。Saidalearneddoctorofdivinity:\"Thesightofhelltormentswillexaltthehappinessofthesaintsforever。Whentheyseeotherswhoareofthesamenatureandbornunderthesamecircumstances，plungedinsuchmisery，andtheysodistinguished，itwillmakethemsensibleofhowhappytheyare。\"Anotherusedthesewords:\"Whilethedecreeofreprobationiseternallyexecutingonthevesselsofwrath，thesmokeoftheirtormentwillbeeternallyascendinginviewofthevesselsofmercy，who，insteadoftakingthepartofthesemiserableobjects，willsay，Amen，Alleluia！praiseyetheLord！\"
Where，inthepagesofGod’sword，issuchteachingtobefound？Willtheredeemedinheavenbelosttoallemotionsofpityandcompassion，andeventofeelingsofcommonhumanity？Arethesetobeexchangedfortheindifferenceofthestoicorthecrueltyofthesavage？No，no；suchisnottheteachingoftheBookofGod。Thosewhopresenttheviewsexpressedinthequotationsgivenabovemaybelearnedandevenhonestmen，buttheyaredeludedbythesophistryofSatan。HeleadsthemtomisconstruestrongexpressionsofScripture，givingtothelanguagethecoloringofbitternessandmalignitywhichpertainstohimself，butnottoourCreator。\"AsIlive，saiththeLordGod，Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked；butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive:turnye，turnyefromyourevilways；
forwhywillyedie？\"Ezekiel33:11。
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WhatwouldbegainedtoGodshouldweadmitthatHedelightsinwitnessingunceasingtortures；thatHeisregaledwiththegroansandshrieksandimprecationsofthesufferingcreatureswhomHeholdsintheflamesofhell？
CanthesehorridsoundsbemusicintheearofInfiniteLove？ItisurgedthattheinflictionofendlessmiseryuponthewickedwouldshowGod’shatredofsinasanevilwhichisruinoustothepeaceandorderoftheuniverse。Oh，dreadfulblasphemy！AsifGod’shatredofsinisthereasonwhyitisperpetuated。For，accordingtotheteachingsofthesetheologians，continuedtorturewithouthopeofmercymaddensitswretchedvictims，andastheypourouttheirrageincursesandblasphemy，theyareforeveraugmentingtheirloadofguilt。God’sgloryisnotenhancedbythusperpetuatingcontinuallyincreasingsinthroughceaselessages。
Itisbeyondthepowerofthehumanmindtoestimatetheevilwhichhasbeenwroughtbytheheresyofeternaltorment。ThereligionoftheBible，fullofloveandgoodness，andaboundingincompassion，isdarkenedbysuperstitionandclothedwithterror。WhenweconsiderinwhatfalsecolorsSatanhaspaintedthecharacterofGod，canwewonderthatourmercifulCreatorisfeared，dreaded，andevenhated？TheappallingviewsofGodwhichhavespreadovertheworldfromtheteachingsofthepulpithavemadethousands，yes，millions，ofskepticsandinfidels。
ThetheoryofeternaltormentisoneofthefalsedoctrinesthatconstitutethewineoftheabominationofBabylon，ofwhichshemakesallnationsdrink。Revelation14:8；17:2。ThatministersofChristshouldhaveacceptedthisheresyandproclaimeditfromthesacreddeskisindeedamystery。TheyreceiveditfromRome，astheyreceivedthefalsesabbath。True，ithasbeentaughtbygreatandgoodmen；butthelightonthissubjecthadnotcometothemasithascometous。Theywereresponsibleonlyforthelightwhichshoneintheirtime；weareaccountableforthatwhichshinesinourday。IfweturnfromthetestimonyofGod’sword，andaccept537
falsedoctrinesbecauseourfatherstaughtthem，wefallunderthecondemnationpronounceduponBabylon；wearedrinkingofthewineofherabomination。
Alargeclasstowhomthedoctrineofeternaltormentisrevoltingaredriventotheoppositeerror。TheyseethattheScripturesrepresentGodasabeingofloveandcompassion，andtheycannotbelievethatHewillconsignHiscreaturestothefiresofaneternallyburninghell。Butholdingthatthesoulisnaturallyimmortal，theyseenoalternativebuttoconcludethatallmankindwillfinallybesaved。ManyregardthethreateningsoftheBibleasdesignedmerelytofrightenmenintoobedience，andnottobeliterallyfulfilled。Thusthesinnercanliveinselfishpleasure，disregardingtherequirementsofGod，andyetexpecttobefinallyreceivedintoHisfavor。
Suchadoctrine，presuminguponGod’smercy，butignoringHisjustice，pleasesthecarnalheartandemboldensthewickedintheiriniquity。
ToshowhowbelieversinuniversalsalvationwresttheScripturestosustaintheirsoul-destroyingdogmas，itisneedfulonlytocitetheirownutterances。Atthefuneralofanirreligiousyoungman，whohadbeenkilledinstantlybyanaccident，aUniversalistministerselectedashistexttheScripturestatementconcerningDavid:\"HewascomfortedconcerningAmnon，seeinghewasdead。\"2Samuel13:39。
\"Iamfrequentlyasked，\"saidthespeaker，\"whatwillbethefateofthosewholeavetheworldinsin，die，perhaps，inastateofinebriation，diewiththescarletstainsofcrimeunwashedfromtheirrobes，ordieasthisyoungmandied，havingnevermadeaprofessionorenjoyedanexperienceofreligion。WearecontentwiththeScriptures；theiranswershallsolvetheawfulproblem。Amnonwasexceedinglysinful；hewasunrepentant，hewasmadedrunk，andwhiledrunkwaskilled。DavidwasaprophetofGod；hemusthaveknownwhetheritwouldbeillorwellforAmnonintheworldtocome。Whatweretheexpressionsofhisheart？
538
`ThesoulofKingDavidlongedtogoforthuntoAbsalom:forhewascomfortedconcerningAmnon，seeinghewasdead。’Verse39。
\"Andwhatistheinferencetobededucedfromthislanguage？Isitnotthatendlesssufferingformednopartofhisreligiousbelief？Soweconceive；
andherewediscoveratriumphantargumentinsupportofthemorepleasing，moreenlightened，morebenevolenthypothesisofultimateuniversalpurityandpeace。Hewascomforted，seeinghissonwasdead。Andwhyso？Becausebytheeyeofprophecyhecouldlookforwardintothegloriousfutureandseethatsonfarremovedfromalltemptations，releasedfromthebondageandpurifiedfromthecorruptionsofsin，andafterbeingmadesufficientlyholyandenlightened，admittedtotheassemblyofascendedandrejoicingspirits。
Hisonlycomfortwasthat，inbeingremovedfromthepresentstateofsinandsuffering，hisbelovedsonhadgonewheretheloftiestbreathingsoftheHolySpiritwouldbesheduponhisdarkenedsoul，wherehismindwouldbeunfoldedtothewisdomofheavenandthesweetrapturesofimmortallove，andthuspreparedwithasanctifiednaturetoenjoytherestandsocietyoftheheavenlyinheritance。
\"Inthesethoughtswewouldbeunderstoodtobelievethatthesalvationofheavendependsuponnothingwhichwecandointhislife；neitheruponapresentchangeofheart，noruponpresentbelief，orapresentprofessionofreligion。\"
ThusdoestheprofessedministerofChristreiteratethefalsehoodutteredbytheserpentinEden:\"Yeshallnotsurelydie。\"\"Inthedayyeeatthereof，thenyoureyesshallbeopened，andyeshallbeasgods。\"Hedeclaresthatthevilestofsinners——themurderer，thethief，andtheadulterer——willafterdeathbepreparedtoenterintoimmortalbliss。
AndfromwhatdoesthisperverteroftheScripturesdrawhisconclusions？
FromasinglesentenceexpressingDavid’ssubmissiontothedispensationofProvidence。His539
soul\"longedtogoforthuntoAbsalom；forhewascomfortedconcerningAmnon，seeinghewasdead。\"Thepoignancyofhisgriefhavingbeensoftenedbytime，histhoughtsturnedfromthedeadtothelivingson，self-banishedthroughfearofthejustpunishmentofhiscrime。Andthisistheevidencethattheincestuous，drunkenAmnonwasatdeathimmediatelytransportedtotheabodesofbliss，theretobepurifiedandpreparedforthecompanionshipofsinlessangels！Apleasingfableindeed，wellsuitedtogratifythecarnalheart！ThisisSatan’sowndoctrine，anditdoeshisworkeffectually。Shouldwebesurprisedthat，withsuchinstruction，wickednessabounds？
Thecoursepursuedbythisonefalseteacherillustratesthatofmanyothers。AfewwordsofScriptureareseparatedfromthecontext，whichwouldinmanycasesshowtheirmeaningtobeexactlyoppositetotheinterpretationputuponthem；andsuchdisjointedpassagesarepervertedandusedinproofofdoctrinesthathavenofoundationinthewordofGod。ThetestimonycitedasevidencethatthedrunkenAmnonisinheavenisamereinferencedirectlycontradictedbytheplainandpositivestatementoftheScripturesthatnodrunkardshallinheritthekingdomofGod。1Corinthians6:10。Itisthusthatdoubters，unbelievers，andskepticsturnthetruthintoalie。Andmultitudeshavebeendeceivedbytheirsophistryandrockedtosleepinthecradleofcarnalsecurity。
Ifitweretruethatthesoulsofallmenpasseddirectlytoheavenatthehourofdissolution，thenwemightwellcovetdeathratherthanlife。Manyhavebeenledbythisbelieftoputanendtotheirexistence。Whenoverwhelmedwithtrouble，perplexity，anddisappointment，itseemsaneasythingtobreakthebrittlethreadoflifeandsoarawayintotheblissoftheeternalworld。
GodhasgiveninHisworddecisiveevidencethatHewillpunishthetransgressorsofHislaw。Thosewhoflatter540
themselvesthatHeistoomercifultoexecutejusticeuponthesinner，haveonlytolooktothecrossofCalvary。ThedeathofthespotlessSonofGodtestifiesthat\"thewagesofsinisdeath，\"thateveryviolationofGod’slawmustreceiveitsjustretribution。Christthesinlessbecamesinforman。Heboretheguiltoftransgression，andthehidingofHisFather’sface，untilHisheartwasbrokenandHislifecrushedout。Allthissacrificewasmadethatsinnersmightberedeemed。Innootherwaycouldmanbefreedfromthepenaltyofsin。Andeverysoulthatrefusestobecomeapartakeroftheatonementprovidedatsuchacostmustbearinhisownpersontheguiltandpunishmentoftransgression。
LetusconsiderwhattheBibleteachesfurtherconcerningtheungodlyandunrepentant，whomtheUniversalistplacesinheavenasholy，happyangels。
\"Iwillgiveuntohimthatisathirstofthefountainofthewateroflifefreely。\"Revelation21:6。Thispromiseisonlytothosethatthirst。Nonebutthosewhofeeltheirneedofthewateroflife，andseekitatthelossofallthingselse，willbesupplied。\"Hethatovercomethshallinheritallthings；andIwillbehisGod，andheshallbeMyson。\"Verse7。Here，also，conditionsarespecified。Inordertoinheritallthings，wemustresistandovercomesin。
TheLorddeclaresbytheprophetIsaiah:\"Sayyetotherighteous，thatitshallbewellwithhim。\"\"Woeuntothewicked！itshallbeillwithhim:fortherewardofhishandsshallbegivenhim。\"Isaiah3:10，11。\"Thoughasinnerdoevilanhundredtimes，\"saysthewiseman，\"andhisdaysbeprolonged，yetsurelyIknowthatitshallbewellwiththemthatfearGod，whichfearbeforeHim:butitshallnotbewellwiththewicked。\"
Ecclesiastes8:12，13。AndPaultestifiesthatthesinneristreasuringupuntohimself\"wrathagainstthedayofwrathandrevelationoftherighteousjudgmentofGod；whowillrendertoeverymanaccordingtohisdeeds；\"
\"tribulationandanguishuponeverysoulofmanthatdoethevil。\"Romans2:5，6，9。
541
\"Nofornicator，noruncleanperson，norcovetousman，whoisanidolater，hathanyinheritanceinthekingdomofChristandGod。\"Ephesians5:5，A。R。V。\"Followpeacewithallmen，andholiness，withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord。\"Hebrews12:14。\"BlessedaretheythatdoHiscommandments，thattheymayhaverighttothetreeoflife，andmayenterinthroughthegatesintothecity。Forwithoutaredogs，andsorcerers，andwhoremongers，andmurderers，andidolaters，andwhosoeverlovethandmakethalie。\"
Revelation22:14，15。
GodhasgiventomenadeclarationofHischaracterandofHismethodofdealingwithsin。\"TheLordGod，mercifulandgracious，long-sufferingandabundantingoodnessandtruth，keepingmercyforthousands，forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin，andthatwillbynomeanscleartheguilty。\"Exodus34:6，7。\"AllthewickedwillHedestroy。\"\"Thetransgressorsshallbedestroyedtogether:theendofthewickedshallbecutoff。\"Psalms145:20；37:38。Thepowerandauthorityofthedivinegovernmentwillbeemployedtoputdownrebellion；yetallthemanifestationsofretributivejusticewillbeperfectlyconsistentwiththecharacterofGodasamerciful，long-suffering，benevolentbeing。
Goddoesnotforcethewillorjudgmentofany。Hetakesnopleasureinaslavishobedience。HedesiresthatthecreaturesofHishandsshallloveHimbecauseHeisworthyoflove。HewouldhavethemobeyHimbecausetheyhaveanintelligentappreciationofHiswisdom，justice，andbenevolence。AndallwhohaveajustconceptionofthesequalitieswillloveHimbecausetheyaredrawntowardHiminadmirationofHisattributes。
Theprinciplesofkindness，mercy，andlove，taughtandexemplifiedbyourSaviour，areatranscriptofthewillandcharacterofGod。ChristdeclaredthatHetaughtnothingexceptthatwhichHehadreceivedfromHisFather。
TheprinciplesofthedivinegovernmentareinperfectharmonywiththeSaviour’sprecept，\"Loveyourenemies。\"God542
executesjusticeuponthewicked，forthegoodoftheuniverse，andevenforthegoodofthoseuponwhomHisjudgmentsarevisited。HewouldmakethemhappyifHecoulddosoinaccordancewiththelawsofHisgovernmentandthejusticeofHischaracter。HesurroundsthemwiththetokensofHislove，HegrantsthemaknowledgeofHislaw，andfollowsthemwiththeoffersofHismercy；buttheydespiseHislove，makevoidHislaw，andrejectHismercy。WhileconstantlyreceivingHisgifts，theydishonortheGiver；theyhateGodbecausetheyknowthatHeabhorstheirsins。TheLordbearslongwiththeirperversity；butthedecisivehourwillcomeatlast，whentheirdestinyistobedecided。WillHethenchaintheserebelstoHisside？WillHeforcethemtodoHiswill？
ThosewhohavechosenSatanastheirleaderandhavebeencontrolledbyhispowerarenotpreparedtoenterthepresenceofGod。Pride，deception，licentiousness，cruelty，havebecomefixedintheircharacters。Cantheyenterheaventodwellforeverwiththosewhomtheydespisedandhatedonearth？Truthwillneverbeagreeabletoaliar；meeknesswillnotsatisfyself-esteemandpride；purityisnotacceptabletothecorrupt；
disinterestedlovedoesnotappearattractivetotheselfish。Whatsourceofenjoymentcouldheavenoffertothosewhoarewhollyabsorbedinearthlyandselfishinterests？
CouldthosewhoseliveshavebeenspentinrebellionagainstGodbesuddenlytransportedtoheavenandwitnessthehigh，theholystateofperfectionthateverexiststhere，——everysoulfilledwithlove，everycountenancebeamingwithjoy，enrapturingmusicinmelodiousstrainsrisinginhonorofGodandtheLamb，andceaselessstreamsoflightflowingupontheredeemedfromthefaceofHimwhosittethuponthethrone，——couldthosewhoseheartsarefilledwithhatredofGod，oftruthandholiness，minglewiththeheavenlythrongandjointheirsongsofpraise？CouldtheyendurethegloryofGodandtheLamb？No，no；yearsofprobation543
weregrantedthem，thattheymightformcharactersforheaven；buttheyhavenevertrainedthemindtolovepurity；theyhaveneverlearnedthelanguageofheaven，andnowitistoolate。AlifeofrebellionagainstGodhasunfittedthemforheaven。Itspurity，holiness，andpeacewouldbetorturetothem；thegloryofGodwouldbeaconsumingfire。Theywouldlongtofleefromthatholyplace。Theywouldwelcomedestruction，thattheymightbehiddenfromthefaceofHimwhodiedtoredeemthem。Thedestinyofthewickedisfixedbytheirownchoice。Theirexclusionfromheavenisvoluntarywiththemselves，andjustandmercifulonthepartofGod。
LikethewatersoftheFloodthefiresofthegreatdaydeclareGod’sverdictthatthewickedareincurable。Theyhavenodispositiontosubmittodivineauthority。Theirwillhasbeenexercisedinrevolt；andwhenlifeisended，itistoolatetoturnthecurrentoftheirthoughtsintheoppositedirection，toolatetoturnfromtransgressiontoobedience，fromhatredtolove。
InsparingthelifeofCainthemurderer，Godgavetheworldanexampleofwhatwouldbetheresultofpermittingthesinnertolivetocontinueacourseofunbridlediniquity。ThroughtheinfluenceofCain’steachingandexample，multitudesofhisdescendantswereledintosin，until\"thewickednessofmanwasgreatintheearth\"and\"everyimaginationofthethoughtsofhisheartwasonlyevilcontinually。\"\"TheearthalsowascorruptbeforeGod，andtheearthwasfilledwithviolence。\"Genesis6:5，11。
Inmercytotheworld，GodblottedoutitswickedinhabitantsinNoah’stime。InmercyHedestroyedthecorruptdwellersinSodom。ThroughthedeceptivepowerofSatantheworkersofiniquityobtainsympathyandadmiration，andarethusconstantlyleadingotherstorebellion。ItwassoinCain’sandinNoah’sday，andinthetimeofAbrahamandLot；itissoinourtime。ItisinmercytotheuniversethatGodwillfinallydestroytherejectersofHisgrace。
544
\"Thewagesofsinisdeath；butthegiftofGodiseternallifethroughJesusChristourLord。\"Romans6:23。Whilelifeistheinheritanceoftherighteous，deathistheportionofthewicked。MosesdeclaredtoIsrael:\"I
havesetbeforetheethisdaylifeandgood，anddeathandevil。\"
Deuteronomy30:15。ThedeathreferredtointhesescripturesisnotthatpronounceduponAdam，forallmankindsufferthepenaltyofhistransgression。Itis\"theseconddeath\"thatisplacedincontrastwitheverlastinglife。
InconsequenceofAdam’ssin，deathpasseduponthewholehumanrace。Allalikegodownintothegrave。Andthroughtheprovisionsoftheplanofsalvation，allaretobebroughtforthfromtheirgraves。\"Thereshallbearesurrectionofthedead，bothofthejustandunjust；\"\"forasinAdamalldie，evensoinChristshallallbemadealive。\"Acts24:15；ICorinthians15:22。Butadistinctionismadebetweenthetwoclassesthatarebroughtforth。\"AllthatareinthegravesshallhearHisvoice，andshallcomeforth；theythathavedonegood，untotheresurrectionoflife；andtheythathavedoneevil，untotheresurrectionofdamnation。\"John5:28，29。
Theywhohavebeen\"accountedworthy\"oftheresurrectionoflifeare\"blessedandholy。\"\"Onsuchtheseconddeathhathnopower。\"Revelation20:6。Butthosewhohavenot，throughrepentanceandfaith，securedpardon，mustreceivethepenaltyoftransgression——\"thewagesofsin。\"Theysufferpunishmentvaryingindurationandintensity，\"accordingtotheirworks，\"
butfinallyendingintheseconddeath。SinceitisimpossibleforGod，consistentlywithHisjusticeandmercy，tosavethesinnerinhissins，Hedepriveshimoftheexistencewhichhistransgressionshaveforfeitedandofwhichhehasprovedhimselfunworthy。Saysaninspiredwriter:\"Yetalittlewhile，andthewickedshallnotbe:yea，thoushaltdiligentlyconsiderhisplace，anditshallnotbe。\"Andanotherdeclares:\"Theyshallbeasthough545
theyhadnotbeen。\"Psalm37:10；Obadiah16。Coveredwithinfamy，theysinkintohopeless，eternaloblivion。
Thuswillbemadeanendofsin，withallthewoeandruinwhichhaveresultedfromit。Saysthepsalmist:\"Thouhastdestroyedthewicked，Thouhastputouttheirnameforeverandever。Othouenemy，destructionsarecometoaperpetualend。\"Psalm9:5，6。John，intheRevelation，lookingforwardtotheeternalstate，hearsauniversalanthemofpraiseundisturbedbyonenoteofdiscord。EverycreatureinheavenandearthwasheardascribingglorytoGod。Revelation5:13。TherewillthenbenolostsoulstoblasphemeGodastheywritheinnever-endingtorment；nowretchedbeingsinhellwillmingletheirshriekswiththesongsofthesaved。
Uponthefundamentalerrorofnaturalimmortalityreststhedoctrineofconsciousnessindeath——adoctrine，likeeternaltorment，opposedtotheteachingsoftheScriptures，tothedictatesofreason，andtoourfeelingsofhumanity。Accordingtothepopularbelief，theredeemedinheavenareacquaintedwithallthattakesplaceontheearthandespeciallywiththelivesofthefriendswhomtheyhaveleftbehind。Buthowcoulditbeasourceofhappinesstothedeadtoknowthetroublesoftheliving，towitnessthesinscommittedbytheirownlovedones，andtoseethemenduringallthesorrows，disappointments，andanguishoflife？Howmuchofheaven’sblisswouldbeenjoyedbythosewhowerehoveringovertheirfriendsonearth？Andhowutterlyrevoltingisthebeliefthatassoonasthebreathleavesthebodythesouloftheimpenitentisconsignedtotheflamesofhell！Towhatdepthsofanguishmustthosebeplungedwhoseetheirfriendspassingtothegraveunprepared，toenteruponaneternityofwoeandsin！
Manyhavebeendriventoinsanitybythisharrowingthought。
WhatsaytheScripturesconcerningthesethings？Daviddeclaresthatmanisnotconsciousindeath。\"Hisbreathgoethforth，hereturnethtohisearth；
inthatverydayhis546
thoughtsperish。\"Psalm146:4。Solomonbearsthesametestimony:\"Thelivingknowthattheyshalldie:butthedeadknownotanything。\"\"Theirlove，andtheirhatred，andtheirenvy，isnowperished；neitherhavetheyanymoreaportionforeverinanythingthatisdoneunderthesun。\"\"Thereisnowork，nordevice，norknowledge，norwisdom，inthegrave，whitherthougoest。\"
Ecclesiastes9:5，6，10。
When，inanswertohisprayer，Hezekiah’slifewasprolongedfifteenyears，thegratefulkingrenderedtoGodatributeofpraiseforHisgreatmercy。
Inthissonghetellsthereasonwhyhethusrejoices:\"ThegravecannotpraiseThee，deathcannotcelebrateThee:theythatgodownintothepitcannothopeforThytruth。Theliving，theliving，heshallpraiseThee，asIdothisday。\"Isaiah38:18，19。Populartheologyrepresentstherighteousdeadasinheaven，enteredintoblissandpraisingGodwithanimmortaltongue；butHezekiahcouldseenosuchgloriousprospectindeath。Withhiswordsagreesthetestimonyofthepsalmist:\"IndeaththereisnoremembranceofThee:inthegravewhoshallgiveTheethanks？\"\"ThedeadpraisenottheLord，neitheranythatgodownintosilence。\"Psalms6:5；
115:17。
PeterontheDayofPentecostdeclaredthatthepatriarchDavid\"isbothdeadandburied，andhissepulcheriswithusuntothisday。\"\"ForDavidisnotascendedintotheheavens。\"Acts2:29，34。ThefactthatDavidremainsinthegraveuntiltheresurrectionprovesthattherighteousdonotgotoheavenatdeath。Itisonlythroughtheresurrection，andbyvirtueofthefactthatChristhasrisen，thatDavidcanatlastsitattherighthandofGod。
AndsaidPaul:\"Ifthedeadrisenot，thenisnotChristraised:andifChristbenotraised，yourfaithisvain；yeareyetinyoursins。ThentheyalsowhicharefallenasleepinChristareperished。\"ICorinthians15:16-18。Ifforfourthousandyearstherighteoushadgonedirectlytoheavenatdeath，howcouldPaulhavesaidthatifthereisnoresurrection，547
\"theyalsowhicharefallenasleepinChristareperished\"？Noresurrectionwouldbenecessary。
ThemartyrTyndale，referringtothestateofthedead，declared:\"Iconfessopenly，thatIamnotpersuadedthattheybealreadyinthefullglorythatChristisin，ortheelectangelsofGodarein。Neitherisitanyarticleofmyfaith；forifitwereso，Iseenotbutthenthepreachingoftheresurrectionofthefleshwereathinginvain。\"——WilliamTyndale，PrefacetoNewTestament(ed。1534)。ReprintedinBritishReformers——Tindal，Frith，Barnes，page349。
ItisanundeniablefactthatthehopeofimmortalblessednessatdeathhasledtoawidespreadneglectoftheBibledoctrineoftheresurrection。ThistendencywasremarkedbyDr。AdamClarke，whosaid:\"ThedoctrineoftheresurrectionappearstohavebeenthoughtofmuchmoreconsequenceamongtheprimitiveChristiansthanitisnow！Howisthis？Theapostleswerecontinuallyinsistingonit，andexcitingthefollowersofGodtodiligence，obedience，andcheerfulnessthroughit。Andtheirsuccessorsinthepresentdayseldommentionit！Soapostlespreached，andsoprimitiveChristiansbelieved；sowepreach，andsoourhearersbelieve。Thereisnotadoctrineinthegospelonwhichmorestressislaid；andthereisnotadoctrineinthepresentsystemofpreachingwhichistreatedwithmoreneglect！\"——Commentary，remarksonICorinthians15，paragraph3。
ThishascontinueduntiltheglorioustruthoftheresurrectionhasbeenalmostwhollyobscuredandlostsightofbytheChristianworld。Thusaleadingreligiouswriter，commentingonthewordsofPaulinIThessalonians4:13-18，says:\"ForallpracticalpurposesofcomfortthedoctrineoftheblessedimmortalityoftherighteoustakestheplaceforusofanydoubtfuldoctrineoftheLord’ssecondcoming。AtourdeaththeLordcomesforus。
Thatiswhatwearetowaitandwatchfor。Thedeadarealreadypassedintoglory。Theydonotwaitforthetrumpfortheirjudgmentandblessedness。\"
548
ButwhenabouttoleaveHisdisciples，JesusdidnottellthemthattheywouldsooncometoHim。\"Igotoprepareaplaceforyou，\"Hesaid。\"AndifIgoandprepareaplaceforyou，Iwillcomeagain，andreceiveyouuntoMyself。\"John14:2，3。AndPaultellsus，further，that\"theLordHimselfshalldescendfromheavenwithashout，withthevoiceoftheArchangel，andwiththetrumpofGod:andthedeadinChristshallrisefirst:thenwewhicharealiveandremainshallbecaughtuptogetherwiththemintheclouds，tomeettheLordintheair:andsoshallweeverbewiththeLord。\"
Andheadds:\"Comfortoneanotherwiththesewords。\"IThessalonians4:16-18。HowwidethecontrastbetweenthesewordsofcomfortandthoseoftheUniversalistministerpreviouslyquoted！Thelatterconsoledthebereavedfriendswiththeassurancethat，howeversinfulthedeadmighthavebeen，whenhebreathedouthislifeherehewastobereceivedamongtheangels。PaulpointshisbrethrentothefuturecomingoftheLord，whenthefettersofthetombshallbebroken，andthe\"deadinChrist\"shallberaisedtoeternallife。
Beforeanycanenterthemansionsoftheblessed，theircasesmustbeinvestigated，andtheircharactersandtheirdeedsmustpassinreviewbeforeGod。Allaretobejudgedaccordingtothethingswritteninthebooksandtoberewardedastheirworkshavebeen。Thisjudgmentdoesnottakeplaceatdeath。MarkthewordsofPaul:\"Hehathappointedaday，inthewhichHewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbythatManwhomHehathordained；whereofHehathgivenassuranceuntoallmen，inthatHehathraisedHimfromthedead。\"Acts17:31。Heretheapostleplainlystatedthataspecifiedtime，thenfuture，hadbeenfixeduponforthejudgmentoftheworld。
Judereferstothesameperiod:\"Theangelswhichkeptnottheirfirstestate，butlefttheirownhabitation，Hehathreservedineverlastingchainsunderdarknessuntothejudgmentofthegreatday。\"And，again，hequotesthewordsofEnoch:\"Behold，theLordcomethwithtenthousandsofHis549
saints，toexecutejudgmentuponall。\"Jude6，14，15。Johndeclaresthathe\"sawthedead，smallandgreat，standbeforeGod；andthebookswereopened:……andthedeadwerejudgedoutofthosethingswhichwerewritteninthebooks。\"Revelation20:12。
Butifthedeadarealreadyenjoyingtheblissofheavenorwrithingintheflamesofhell，whatneedofafuturejudgment？TheteachingsofGod’swordontheseimportantpointsareneitherobscurenorcontradictory；theymaybeunderstoodbycommonminds。Butwhatcandidmindcanseeeitherwisdomorjusticeinthecurrenttheory？Willtherighteous，aftertheinvestigationoftheircasesatthejudgment，receivethecommendation，\"Welldone，thougoodandfaithfulservant:……enterthouintothejoyofthyLord，\"whentheyhavebeendwellinginHispresence，perhapsforlongages？ArethewickedsummonedfromtheplaceoftormenttoreceivesentencefromtheJudgeofalltheearth:\"DepartfromMe，yecursed，intoeverlastingfire\"？
Matthew25:21，41。Oh，solemnmockery！shamefulimpeachmentofthewisdomandjusticeofGod！
ThetheoryoftheimmortalityofthesoulwasoneofthosefalsedoctrinesthatRome，borrowingfrompaganism，incorporatedintothereligionofChristendom。MartinLutherclasseditwiththe\"monstrousfablesthatformpartoftheRomandunghillofdecretals。\"——E。Petavel，TheProblemofImmortality，page255。CommentingonthewordsofSolomoninEcclesiastes，thatthedeadknownotanything，theReformersays:\"Anotherplaceprovingthatthedeadhaveno……feeling。Thereis，saithhe，noduty，noscience，noknowledge，nowisdomthere。Solomonjudgeththatthedeadareasleep，andfeelnothingatall。Forthedeadliethere，accountingneitherdaysnoryears，butwhentheyareawaked，theyshallseemtohavesleptscarceoneminute。\"——MartinLuther，ExpositionofSolomon’sBookeCalledEcclesiastes，page152。
NowhereintheSacredScripturesisfoundthestatement550
thattherighteousgototheirrewardorthewickedtotheirpunishmentatdeath。Thepatriarchsandprophetshaveleftnosuchassurance。ChristandHisapostleshavegivennohintofit。TheBibleclearlyteachesthatthedeaddonotgoimmediatelytoheaven。Theyarerepresentedassleepinguntiltheresurrection。IThessalonians4:14；Job14:10-12。Intheverydaywhenthesilvercordisloosedandthegoldenbowlbroken(Ecclesiastes12:6)，man’sthoughtsperish。Theythatgodowntothegraveareinsilence。Theyknownomoreofanythingthatisdoneunderthesun。Job14:21。Blessedrestforthewearyrighteous！Time，beitlongorshort，isbutamomenttothem。
Theysleep；theyareawakenedbythetrumpofGodtoagloriousimmortality。
\"Forthetrumpetshallsound，andthedeadshallberaisedincorruptible……Sowhenthiscorruptibleshallhaveputonincorruption，andthismortalshallhaveputonimmortality，thenshallbebroughttopassthesayingthatiswritten，Deathisswallowedupinvictory。\"ICorinthians15:52-54。Astheyarecalledforthfromtheirdeepslumbertheybegintothinkjustwheretheyceased。Thelastsensationwasthepangofdeath；thelastthought，thattheywerefallingbeneaththepowerofthegrave。Whentheyarisefromthetomb，theirfirstgladthoughtwillbeechoedinthetriumphalshout:\"O
death，whereisthysting？Ograve，whereisthyvictory？\"Verse55。
(551)
Chapter34
CanOurDeadSpeaktoUs？
Theministrationofholyangels，aspresentedintheScriptures，isatruthmostcomfortingandprecioustoeveryfollowerofChrist。ButtheBibleteachinguponthispointhasbeenobscuredandpervertedbytheerrorsofpopulartheology。Thedoctrineofnaturalimmortality，firstborrowedfromthepaganphilosophy，andinthedarknessofthegreatapostasyincorporatedintotheChristianfaith，hassupplantedthetruth，soplainlytaughtinScripture，that\"thedeadknownotanything。\"Multitudeshavecometobelievethatitisspiritsofthedeadwhoarethe\"ministeringspirits，sentforthtoministerforthemwhoshallbeheirsofsalvation。\"AndthisnotwithstandingthetestimonyofScripturetotheexistenceofheavenlyangels，andtheirconnectionwiththehistoryofman，beforethedeathofahumanbeing。
Thedoctrineofman’sconsciousnessindeath，especiallythebeliefthatspiritsofthedeadreturntoministertotheliving，haspreparedthewayformodernspiritualism。IfthedeadareadmittedtothepresenceofGodandholyangels，andprivilegedwithknowledgefarexceedingwhattheybeforepossessed，whyshouldtheynotreturntotheearthtoenlightenandinstructtheliving？If，astaughtbypopulartheologians，spiritsofthedeadarehoveringabouttheirfriendsonearth，whyshouldtheynotbepermittedtocommunicatewiththem，towarnthemagainstevil，ortocomfort552
theminsorrow？Howcanthosewhobelieveinman’sconsciousnessindeathrejectwhatcomestothemasdivinelightcommunicatedbyglorifiedspirits？
Hereisachannelregardedassacred，throughwhichSatanworksfortheaccomplishmentofhispurposes。Thefallenangelswhodohisbiddingappearasmessengersfromthespiritworld。Whileprofessingtobringthelivingintocommunicationwiththedead，theprinceofevilexerciseshisbewitchinginfluenceupontheirminds。
Hehaspowertobringbeforementheappearanceoftheirdepartedfriends。
Thecounterfeitisperfect；thefamiliarlook，thewords，thetone，arereproducedwithmarvelousdistinctness。Manyarecomfortedwiththeassurancethattheirlovedonesareenjoyingtheblissofheaven，andwithoutsuspicionofdanger，theygiveear\"toseducingspirits，anddoctrinesofdevils。\"
Whentheyhavebeenledtobelievethatthedeadactuallyreturntocommunicatewiththem，Satancausesthosetoappearwhowentintothegraveunprepared。Theyclaimtobehappyinheavenandeventooccupyexaltedpositionsthere，andthustheerroriswidelytaughtthatnodifferenceismadebetweentherighteousandthewicked。Thepretendedvisitantsfromtheworldofspiritssometimesuttercautionsandwarningswhichprovetobecorrect。Then，asconfidenceisgained，theypresentdoctrinesthatdirectlyunderminefaithintheScriptures。Withanappearanceofdeepinterestinthewell-beingoftheirfriendsonearth，theyinsinuatethemostdangerouserrors。Thefactthattheystatesometruths，andareableattimestoforetellfutureevents，givestotheirstatementsanappearanceofreliability；andtheirfalseteachingsareacceptedbythemultitudesasreadily，andbelievedasimplicitly，asiftheywerethemostsacredtruthsoftheBible。ThelawofGodissetaside，theSpiritofgracedespised，thebloodofthecovenantcountedanunholything。ThespiritsdenythedeityofChristandplaceeventheCreatoronalevelwiththemselves。Thusunderanewdisguisethegreatrebel553
stillcarriesonhiswarfareagainstGod，beguninheavenandfornearlysixthousandyearscontinuedupontheearth。
Manyendeavortoaccountforspiritualmanifestationsbyattributingthemwhollytofraudandsleightofhandonthepartofthemedium。Butwhileitistruethattheresultsoftrickeryhaveoftenbeenpalmedoffasgenuinemanifestations，therehavebeen，also，markedexhibitionsofsupernaturalpower。Themysteriousrappingwithwhichmodernspiritualismbeganwasnottheresultofhumantrickeryorcunning，butwasthedirectworkofevilangels，whothusintroducedoneofthemostsuccessfulofsoul-destroyingdelusions。Manywillbeensnaredthroughthebeliefthatspiritualismisamerelyhumanimposture；whenbroughtfacetofacewithmanifestationswhichtheycannotbutregardassupernatural，theywillbedeceived，andwillbeledtoacceptthemasthegreatpowerofGod。
ThesepersonsoverlookthetestimonyoftheScripturesconcerningthewonderswroughtbySatanandhisagents。ItwasbysatanicaidthatPharaoh’smagicianswereenabledtocounterfeittheworkofGod。PaultestifiesthatbeforethesecondadventofChristtherewillbesimilarmanifestationsofsatanicpower。ThecomingoftheLordistobeprecededby\"theworkingofSatanwithallpowerandsignsandlyingwonders，andwithalldeceivablenessofunrighteousness。\"
2Thessalonians2:9，10。AndtheapostleJohn，describingthemiracle-workingpowerthatwillbemanifestedinthelastdays，declares:
\"Hedoethgreatwonders，sothathemakethfirecomedownfromheavenontheearthinthesightofmen，anddeceiveththemthatdwellontheearthbythemeansofthosemiracleswhichhehadpowertodo。\"Revelation13:13，14。Nomereimposturesarehereforetold。MenaredeceivedbythemiracleswhichSatan’sagentshavepowertodo，notwhichtheypretendtodo。
Theprinceofdarkness，whohassolongbentthepowersofhismastermindtotheworkofdeception，skillfullyadaptshistemptationstomenofallclassesandconditions。To554
personsofcultureandrefinementhepresentsspiritualisminitsmorerefinedandintellectualaspects，andthussucceedsindrawingmanyintohissnare。ThewisdomwhichspiritualismimpartsisthatdescribedbytheapostleJames，which\"descendethnotfromabove，butisearthly，sensual，devilish。\"James3:15。This，however，thegreatdeceiverconcealswhenconcealmentwillbestsuithispurpose。HewhocouldappearclothedwiththebrightnessoftheheavenlyseraphsbeforeChristinthewildernessoftemptation，comestomeninthemostattractivemannerasanangeloflight。
Heappealstothereasonbythepresentationofelevatingthemes；hedelightsthefancywithenrapturingscenes；andheenliststheaffectionsbyhiseloquentportrayalsofloveandcharity。Heexcitestheimaginationtoloftyflights，leadingmentotakesogreatprideintheirownwisdomthatintheirheartstheydespisetheEternalOne。Thatmightybeingwhocouldtaketheworld’sRedeemertoanexceedinglyhighmountainandbringbeforeHimallthekingdomsoftheearthandthegloryofthem，willpresenthistemptationstomeninamannertopervertthesensesofallwhoarenotshieldedbydivinepower。
SatanbeguilesmennowashebeguiledEveinEdenbyflattery，bykindlingadesiretoobtainforbiddenknowledge，byexcitingambitionforself-exaltation。Itwascherishingtheseevilsthatcausedhisfall，andthroughthemheaimstocompasstheruinofmen。\"Yeshallbeasgods，\"hedeclares，\"knowinggoodandevil。\"Genesis3:5。Spiritualismteaches\"thatmanisthecreatureofprogression；thatitishisdestinyfromhisbirthtoprogress，eventoeternity，towardtheGodhead。\"Andagain:\"Eachmindwilljudgeitselfandnotanother。\"\"Thejudgmentwillberight，becauseitisthejudgmentofself……Thethroneiswithinyou。\"Saidaspiritualisticteacher，asthe\"spiritualconsciousness\"awokewithinhim:\"Myfellowmen，allwereunfallendemigods。\"Andanotherdeclares:\"AnyjustandperfectbeingisChrist。\"
Thus，inplaceoftherighteousnessandperfectionofthe555
infiniteGod，thetrueobjectofadoration；inplaceoftheperfectrighteousnessofHislaw，thetruestandardofhumanattainment，Satanhassubstitutedthesinful，erringnatureofmanhimselfastheonlyobjectofadoration，theonlyruleofjudgment，orstandardofcharacter。Thisisprogress，notupward，butdownward。
Itisalawbothoftheintellectualandthespiritualnaturethatbybeholdingwebecomechanged。Themindgraduallyadaptsitselftothesubjectsuponwhichitisallowedtodwell。Itbecomesassimilatedtothatwhichitisaccustomedtoloveandreverence。Manwillneverrisehigherthanhisstandardofpurityorgoodnessortruth。Ifselfishisloftiestideal，hewillneverattaintoanythingmoreexalted。Rather，hewillconstantlysinklowerandlower。ThegraceofGodalonehaspowertoexaltman。Lefttohimself，hiscoursemustinevitablybedownward。
Totheself-indulgent，thepleasure-loving，thesensual，spiritualismpresentsitselfunderalesssubtledisguisethantothemorerefinedandintellectual；initsgrosserformstheyfindthatwhichisinharmonywiththeirinclinations。Satanstudieseveryindicationofthefrailtyofhumannature，hemarksthesinswhicheachindividualisinclinedtocommit，andthenhetakescarethatopportunitiesshallnotbewantingtogratifythetendencytoevil。Hetemptsmentoexcessinthatwhichisinitselflawful，causingthem，throughintemperance，toweakenphysical，mental，andmoralpower。Hehasdestroyedandisdestroyingthousandsthroughtheindulgenceofthepassions，thusbrutalizingtheentirenatureofman。Andtocompletehiswork，hedeclares，throughthespiritsthat\"trueknowledgeplacesmanabovealllaw；\"that\"whateveris，isright；\"that\"Goddothnotcondemn；\"
andthat\"allsinswhicharecommittedareinnocent。\"Whenthepeoplearethusledtobelievethatdesireisthehighestlaw，thatlibertyislicense，andthatmanisaccountableonlytohimself，whocanwonderthatcorruptionanddepravityteem556
oneveryhand？Multitudeseagerlyacceptteachingsthatleavethematlibertytoobeythepromptingsofthecarnalheart。Thereinsofself-controlarelaidupontheneckoflust，thepowersofmindandsoularemadesubjecttotheanimalpropensities，andSatanexultinglysweepsintohisnetthousandswhoprofesstobefollowersofChrist。
Butnoneneedbedeceivedbythelyingclaimsofspiritualism。Godhasgiventheworldsufficientlighttoenablethemtodiscoverthesnare。Asalreadyshown，thetheorywhichformstheveryfoundationofspiritualismisatwarwiththeplaineststatementsofScripture。TheBibledeclaresthatthedeadknownotanything，thattheirthoughtshaveperished；theyhavenopartinanythingthatisdoneunderthesun；theyknownothingofthejoysorsorrowsofthosewhoweredearesttothemonearth。
Furthermore，Godhasexpresslyforbiddenallpretendedcommunicationwithdepartedspirits。InthedaysoftheHebrewstherewasaclassofpeoplewhoclaimed，asdothespiritualistsoftoday，toholdcommunicationwiththedead。Butthe\"familiarspirits，\"asthesevisitantsfromotherworldswerecalled，aredeclaredbytheBibletobe\"thespiritsofdevils。\"(CompareNumbers25:1-3；Psalm106:28；ICorinthians10:20；Revelation16:14。)TheworkofdealingwithfamiliarspiritswaspronouncedanabominationtotheLord，andwassolemnlyforbiddenunderpenaltyofdeath。Leviticus19:31；
20:27。Theverynameofwitchcraftisnowheldincontempt。TheclaimthatmencanholdintercoursewithevilspiritsisregardedasafableoftheDarkAges。Butspiritualism，whichnumbersitsconvertsbyhundredsofthousands，yea，bymillions，whichhasmadeitswayintoscientificcircles，whichhasinvadedchurches，andhasfoundfavorinlegislativebodies，andeveninthecourtsofkings——thismammothdeceptionisbutarevival，inanewdisguise，ofthewitchcraftcondemnedandprohibitedofold。
Iftherewerenootherevidenceoftherealcharacterofspiritualism，itshouldbeenoughfortheChristianthatthe557
spiritsmakenodifferencebetweenrighteousnessandsin，betweenthenoblestandpurestoftheapostlesofChristandthemostcorruptoftheservantsofSatan。Byrepresentingthebasestofmenasinheaven，andhighlyexaltedthere，Satansaystotheworld:\"Nomatterhowwickedyouare；nomatterwhetheryoubelieveordisbelieveGodandtheBible。Liveasyouplease；heavenisyourhome。\"Thespiritualistteachersvirtuallydeclare:\"EveryonethatdoethevilisgoodinthesightoftheLord，andHedelightethinthem；or，WhereistheGodofjudgment？\"Malachi2:17。SaiththewordofGod:\"Woeuntothemthatcallevilgood，andgoodevil；thatputdarknessforlight，andlightfordarkness。\"Isaiah5:20。
Theapostles，aspersonatedbytheselyingspirits，aremadetocontradictwhattheywroteatthedictationoftheHolySpiritwhenonearth。TheydenythedivineoriginoftheBible，andthustearawaythefoundationoftheChristian’shopeandputoutthelightthatrevealsthewaytoheaven。SatanismakingtheworldbelievethattheBibleisamerefiction，oratleastabooksuitedtotheinfancyoftherace，butnowtobelightlyregarded，orcastasideasobsolete。AndtotaketheplaceofthewordofGodheholdsourspiritualmanifestations。Hereisachannelwhollyunderhiscontrol；bythismeanshecanmaketheworldbelievewhathewill。TheBookthatistojudgehimandhisfollowersheputsintheshade，justwherehewantsit；
theSaviouroftheworldhemakestobenomorethanacommonman。AndastheRomanguardthatwatchedthetombofJesusspreadthelyingreportwhichthepriestsandeldersputintotheirmouthstodisproveHisresurrection，sodothebelieversinspiritualmanifestationstrytomakeitappearthatthereisnothingmiraculousinthecircumstancesofourSaviour’slife。
AfterthusseekingtoputJesusinthebackground，theycallattentiontotheirownmiracles，declaringthatthesefarexceedtheworksofChrist。
Itistruethatspiritualismisnowchangingitsformand，veilingsomeofitsmoreobjectionablefeatures，isassuming558
aChristianguise。Butitsutterancesfromtheplatformandthepresshavebeenbeforethepublicformanyyears，andintheseitsrealcharacterstandsrevealed。Theseteachingscannotbedeniedorhidden。
Eveninitspresentform，sofarfrombeingmoreworthyoftolerationthanformerly，itisreallyamoredangerous，becauseamoresubtle，deception。
WhileitformerlydenouncedChristandtheBible，itnowprofessestoacceptboth。ButtheBibleisinterpretedinamannerthatispleasingtotheunrenewedheart，whileitssolemnandvitaltruthsaremadeofnoeffect。
LoveisdweltuponasthechiefattributeofGod，butitisdegradedtoaweaksentimentalism，makinglittledistinctionbetweengoodandevil。God’sjustice，Hisdenunciationsofsin，therequirementsofHisholylaw，areallkeptoutofsight。ThepeoplearetaughttoregardtheDecalogueasadeadletter。Pleasing，bewitchingfablescaptivatethesensesandleadmentorejecttheBibleasthefoundationoftheirfaith。Christisasverilydeniedasbefore；butSatanhassoblindedtheeyesofthepeoplethatthedeceptionisnotdiscerned。
Therearefewwhohaveanyjustconceptionofthedeceptivepowerofspiritualismandthedangerofcomingunderitsinfluence。Manytamperwithitmerelytogratifytheircuriosity。Theyhavenorealfaithinitandwouldbefilledwithhorroratthethoughtofyieldingthemselvestothespirits’control。Buttheyventureupontheforbiddenground，andthemightydestroyerexerciseshispoweruponthemagainsttheirwill。Letthemoncebeinducedtosubmittheirmindstohisdirection，andheholdsthemcaptive。
Itisimpossible，intheirownstrength，tobreakawayfromthebewitching，alluringspell。NothingbutthepowerofGod，grantedinanswertotheearnestprayeroffaith，candelivertheseensnaredsouls。
Allwhoindulgesinfultraitsofcharacter，orwillfullycherishaknownsin，areinvitingthetemptationsofSatan。
559
TheyseparatethemselvesfromGodandfromthewatchcareofHisangels；astheevilonepresentshisdeceptions，theyarewithoutdefenseandfallaneasyprey。Thosewhothusplacethemselvesinhispowerlittlerealizewheretheircoursewillend。Havingachievedtheiroverthrow，thetempterwillemploythemashisagentstolureotherstoruin。
SaystheprophetIsaiah:\"Whentheyshallsayuntoyou，Seekuntothemthathavefamiliarspirits，anduntowizardsthatpeep，andthatmutter:shouldnotapeopleseekuntotheirGod？forthelivingtothedead？Tothelawandtothetestimony:iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword，itisbecausethereisnolightinthem。\"Isaiah8:19，20。IfmenhadbeenwillingtoreceivethetruthsoplainlystatedintheScripturesconcerningthenatureofmanandthestateofthedead，theywouldseeintheclaimsandmanifestationsofspiritualismtheworkingofSatanwithpowerandsignsandlyingwonders。Butratherthanyieldthelibertysoagreeabletothecarnalheart，andrenouncethesinswhichtheylove，multitudesclosetheireyestothelightandwalkstraighton，regardlessofwarnings，whileSatanweaveshissnaresaboutthem，andtheybecomehisprey。\"Becausetheyreceivednottheloveofthetruth，thattheymightbesaved，\"therefore\"Godshallsendthemstrongdelusion，thattheyshouldbelievealie。\"2Thessalonians2:10，11。
Thosewhoopposetheteachingsofspiritualismareassailing，notmenalone，butSatanandhisangels。Theyhaveentereduponacontestagainstprincipalitiesandpowersandwickedspiritsinhighplaces。Satanwillnotyieldoneinchofgroundexceptasheisdrivenbackbythepowerofheavenlymessengers。ThepeopleofGodshouldbeabletomeethim，asdidourSaviour，withthewords:\"Itiswritten。\"SatancanquoteScripturenowasinthedaysofChrist，andhewillpervertitsteachingstosustainhisdelusions。ThosewhowouldstandinthistimeofperilmustunderstandforthemselvesthetestimonyoftheScriptures。
560
Manywillbeconfrontedbythespiritsofdevilspersonatingbelovedrelativesorfriendsanddeclaringthemostdangerousheresies。Thesevisitantswillappealtoourtenderestsympathiesandwillworkmiraclestosustaintheirpretensions。WemustbepreparedtowithstandthemwiththeBibletruththatthedeadknownotanythingandthattheywhothusappeararethespiritsofdevils。
Justbeforeusis\"thehouroftemptation，whichshallcomeuponalltheworld，totrythemthatdwellupontheearth。\"Revelation3:10。AllwhosefaithisnotfirmlyestablisheduponthewordofGodwillbedeceivedandovercome。Satan\"workswithalldeceivablenessofunrighteousness\"togaincontrolofthechildrenofmen，andhisdeceptionswillcontinuallyincrease。Buthecangainhisobjectonlyasmenvoluntarilyyieldtohistemptations。Thosewhoareearnestlyseekingaknowledgeofthetruthandarestrivingtopurifytheirsoulsthroughobedience，thusdoingwhattheycantopreparefortheconflict，willfind，intheGodoftruth，asuredefense。\"BecausethouhastkeptthewordofMypatience，Ialsowillkeepthee\"(verse10)，istheSaviour’spromise。HewouldsoonersendeveryangeloutofheaventoprotectHispeoplethanleaveonesoulthattrustsinHimtobeovercomebySatan。
