e is no light in them."

Here is certainly a prophecy that a time would come when just such a work
as Spiritualism is now doing would be a distinguishing feature of the age.
The present must be the time referred to, because it has never been so in
any past age; and the present meets the specifications in every
particular. It shows that the only safety for any one now is to seek unto
his God, and make the law and the testimony, the word of God, the great
standard by which to try all spirits. 1 John 4:1. And another great event
is directly connected with this, that is, the second coming of Christ; for
according to verses 16-18, the disciples are then looking for him.

2. Matt. 24:24: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,
and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were
possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

A deception of no ordinary power is here brought to view. It really
results in the division of Christendom; for all but the elect are carried
away by it. In its own claims, Spiritualism fulfils the "Christs" and
"prophets" part of the declaration, claiming of course to be true, while
the Bible says it is "false." The signs and wonders are beginning to be
seen in the many "inexplicable" phenomena attending Spiritualism. But many
more startling exhibitions, as will be presently shown, are yet to appear.
We charge upon Spiritualism, so far, the fulfilment of this prophecy. But
mark! this occurs when the Son of man is about to appear "as the lightning
cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west" (verse 27); and it
is one of the prominent signs of that event. See the prophecy from verse
23 to verse 35. Mark and Luke also dwell upon the same prediction, as
gathered from the lips of our Lord himself.

3. Heb. 10:28, 29: "He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under
two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he
be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath
counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy
thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"

It is the bold stand which Spiritualism has taken against Christ and the
atonement, that makes this scripture applicable to that work. The apostle
is speaking of the times when the great "day is approaching" (verse 25);
when it is but a little while, and he that shall come, will come and will
not tarry (verse 37), and the intr