Chapter 30—Spiritualism
I saw the rapping delusion. Satan has power to bring the appear-
ance of forms before us purporting to be our relatives and friends that
now sleep in Jesus. It will be made to appear as if they were present,
the words they uttered while here, which we were familiar with, will
be spoken, and the same tone of voice which they had while living will
fall upon the ear. All this is to deceive the world, and ensnare them
into the belief of this delusion.
I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding of the
present truth, which they will have to maintain from the Scriptures.
They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils
will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved friends and relatives,
who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines. They will do all in
their power to excite sympathy, and work miracles before them, to
confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to
withstand these spirits with the Bible truth that the dead know not any
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thing, and that they are the spirits of devils.
I saw that we must examine well the foundation of our hope, for
we shall have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures; for we shall
see this delusion spreading, and we shall have to contend with it face
to face. And unless we are prepared for it, we shall be ensnared and
overcome. But if we do what we can on our part to be ready for the
conflict that is just before us, God will do his part, and his all-powerful
arm will protect us. He would sooner send every angel out of glory to
make a hedge about faithful souls, than that they should be deceived
and led away by the lying wonders of Satan.
I saw the rapidity with which this delusion was spreading. A train
of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel
bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that
the whole world was on board. Then he showed me the conductor,
who looked like a stately fair person, whom all the passengers looked
up to and reverenced. I was perplexed, and asked my attending angel
who it was. Said he, It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form of an
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