第15章

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？

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`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。

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"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。

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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。

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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。