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."(984) 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."(985) 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 prince of darkness, who has so long bent the powers of his master-mind
to the work of deception, skilfully adapts his temptations to men of all
classes and conditions. To persons of culture and refinement he presents
Spiritualism in its more refined and intellectual aspects, and thus
succeeds in drawing many into his snare. The wisdom which Spiritualism
imparts is that described by the apostle James, which "descendeth not from
above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish."(986) This, however, the great
deceiver conceals, when concealment 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 affections by his eloquent portrayals of love
and charity. He excites the imagination to lofty flights, leading men to
take so great pride in their own wisdom that in their hearts they despise
the Eternal One. That mighty being who could take the world's Redeemer to
an exceedingly high mountain, and bring before Him all the kingdoms of the
earth and the glory of them, will present his temptations to men in a
manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power.

Satan beguiles men now as he beguiled Eve in Eden, by flattery, by
kindling a desire to obtain forbidden knowledge, by ex