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stopping place. He has become tired of the conflict, and has for some
time wished that he could more freely act himself, and has felt hurt
at the reproofs of his brethren. He was presented to me as standing
upon the brink of an awful gulf, ready to leap. If he takes the leap, it
will be final; his eternal destiny will be fixed. He is doing work and
making decisions for eternity. The work of God is not dependent upon
Brother Hull. If he leaves the ranks of those who bear the bloodstained
banner of Prince Immanuel, and joins the company who bear the black
banner, it will be his own loss, his own eternal destruction.
I saw that those who wish can have plenty of room to doubt the
inspiration and truth of God’s word. God compels none to believe.
They can choose to rely upon the evidences which He has been pleased
to give, or doubt and perish. It is life or death with you, Brother Hull.
Already I saw a cloud of evil angels surrounding you, and you at
perfect ease among them. Satan has been telling you a pleasing story
about an easier way than to be in constant warfare with conflicting
spirits; but if you choose that way, you will find in the end that you
will have a heavy and fearful toll to pay.
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I saw that you have felt strong in yourself, felt that you had argu-
ments which could not be gainsaid, and you have not relied upon the
strength of the Lord. You have too often rushed upon Satan’s ground
to meet an opponent. You have not waited until you knew that the truth
or the cause of God demanded a discussion, but have engaged with
opponents where with a little forethought you would have decided
that the truth could not be advanced or the cause of God benefited.
Precious time has thus been spent.
Satan looked on and witnessed the heavy blow which Brother
Hull dealt to spiritualism in Battle Creek. Spiritualists understood
his organization, and felt assured it would not be in vain to make a
determined effort to overthrow him who injured their cause so much.
In discussing with spiritualists you have not merely to meet man and
his arguments, but Satan and his angels. And never should one man
be sent forth alone to combat with a spiritualist. If the cause of God
really demands that we confront Satan and his host as represented by
a spiritual medium, if enough is at stake to call for such a discussion,
then several should go forth together that with prayer and faith the host
of darkness may be driven back and the speaker shielded by angels
that excel in strength.