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Darkness Before Dawn
modern spiritualism began was not the result of human trickery or
cunning, but was the direct work of evil angels, who thus introduced
one of the most successful of soul-destroying delusions. Many will
be ensnared through the belief that spiritualism is a merely human
imposture; when brought face to face with manifestations which they
cannot but regard as supernatural, they will be deceived, and will be
led to accept them as the great power of God.
These persons overlook the testimony of the Scriptures concerning
the wonders wrought by Satan and his agents. It was by satanic aid
that Pharaoh’s magicians were enabled to counterfeit the work of God.
Paul testifies that before the second advent of Christ there will be
similar manifestations of satanic power. The coming of the Lord is
to be preceded by “the working of Satan with all power and signs
and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.”
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Thessalonians 2:9, 10
. And the apostle John, describing the miracle-
working power that will be manifested in the last days, declares: “He
doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven
on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on
the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.”
Revelation 13:13, 14
. No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are
deceived by the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not
which they pretend to do.
The Mastermind of Deception
The prince of darkness, who has so long bent the powers of his
mastermind to the work of deception, skillfully adapts his temptations
to men of all classes and conditions. To persons of culture and re-
finement he presents spiritualism in its more refined and intellectual
aspects, and thus succeeds in drawing many into his snare. The wis-
dom which spiritualism imparts is that described by the apostle James,
which “descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”
James 3:15
. This, however, the great deceiver conceals when conceal-
ment will best suit his purpose. He who could appear clothed with the
brightness of the heavenly seraphs before Christ in the wilderness of
temptation, comes to men in the most attractive manner as an angel of
light. He appeals to the reason by the presentation of elevating themes;
he delights the fancy with enrapturing scenes; and he enlists the af-