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Spiritualism
The rapping delusion was presented before me, and I saw that
Satan has power to bring before us the appearance of forms purport-
ing to be our relatives or friends who sleep in Jesus. It will be made
to appear as if these friends were actually present, the words they
uttered while here, with which we were familiar, will be spoken, and
the same tone of voice that 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
present truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scrip-
tures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of
devils will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved relatives
or friends, who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines. They
will do all in their power to excite sympathy and will 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 anything, and that they who thus appear are the spirits
of devils.
We must examine well the foundation of our hope; for we shall
have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures. This delusion will
spread, 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 have them deceived and led away
by the lying wonders of Satan.
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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, a fair, stately person, whom all the passengers looked up
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