t that time many will separate themselves from those
churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and
His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those
great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time, to
prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires
to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come,
he will endeavor to prevent it, by introducing a counterfeit. In those
churches which he can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it
appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest
what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that
God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another
spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence
over the Christian world.

In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century,
the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that
will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is
an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is
well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's
word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements.
Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those
plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of
the world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed. And
by the rule which Christ Himself has given, "Ye shall know them by their
fruits,"(778) it is evident that these movements are not the work of the
Spirit of God.

In the truths of His word, God has given to men a revelation of Himself;
and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deceptions of
Satan. It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the
evils which are now becoming so wide-spread in the religious world. The
nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent,
lost sight of. A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and
the obligation of the divine law, has led to errors in relation to
conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard
of piety in the church. Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the
Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our time.

There are, in the various denominations, men eminent for their piety, by