The Great Controversy

CHAPTER 30

Enmity Between Man and Satan

“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between his seed
and the woman, and between and her seed, he knew that his efforts to
thy seed and her seed; it shall deprave human nature would be inter-
bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his rupted; that by some means man was to
heel.” Genesis 3:15. The divine sentence be enabled to resist his power.
pronounced against Satan after the fall
of man was also a prophecy, embrac- Satan’s enmity against the human
ing all the ages to the close of time and race is kindled because, through Christ,
foreshadowing the great conflict to they are the objects of God’s love and
engage all the races of men who should mercy. He desires to thwart the divine
live upon the earth. plan for man’s redemption, to cast
dishonor upon God, by defacing and
God declares: “I will put enmity.” defiling His handiwork; he would cause
This enmity is not naturally entertained.
When man transgressed the divine law, The inspired warning is sounding
his nature became evil, and he was in down the centuries to our time:
harmony, and not at variance, with “Be sober, be vigilant; because your
Satan. There exists naturally no enmity adversary the devil, as a roaring
between sinful man and the originator of lion, walketh about, seeking whom
sin. Both became evil through apostasy. he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. “Put
The apostate is never at rest, except as on the whole armor of God, that
he obtains sympathy and support by ye may be able to stand against the
inducing others to follow his example. wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11.
For this reason fallen angels and wicked grief in heaven and fill the earth with
men unite in desperate companionship. woe and desolation. And he points to
Had not God specially interposed, Satan all this evil as the result of God’s work
and man would have entered into an in creating man.
alliance against Heaven; and instead
of cherishing enmity against Satan, the It is the grace that Christ implants
whole human family would have been in the soul which creates in man enmity
united in opposition to God. against Satan. Without this convert-
ing grace and renewing power, man
Satan tempted man to sin, as he had would continue the captive of Satan,
caused angels to rebel, that he might a servant ever ready to do his bidding.
thus secure co-operation in his warfare But the new principle in the soul cre-
against Heaven. There was no dissension ates conflict where hitherto had been
between himself and the fallen angels as peace. The power which Christ imparts
regards their hatred of Christ; while on enables man to resist the tyrant and
all other points there was discord, they usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin
were firmly united in opposing the au- instead of loving it, whoever resists and
thority of the Ruler of the universe. But
when Satan heard the declaration that
enmity should exist between himself

290 The Great Controversy

conquers those passions that have held live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
sway within, displays the operation of a persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12.
principle wholly from above.
Satan’s agents are constantly work-
It was not so much because He ing under his direction to establish his
appeared without worldly wealth, authority and build up his kingdom
pomp, or grandeur that the Jews in opposition to the government of
were led to reject Him. … But the God. To this end they seek to deceive
purity and holiness of Christ called Christ’s followers and allure them from
forth against Him the hatred of their allegiance. Like their leader, they
the ungodly. misconstrue and pervert the Scriptures
to accomplish their object. As Satan
The antagonism that exists between endeavored to cast reproach upon God,
the spirit of Christ and the spirit of so do his agents seek to malign God’s
Satan was most strikingly displayed in people. The spirit which put Christ to
the world’s reception of Jesus. It was not death moves the wicked to destroy His
so much because He appeared without followers. All this is foreshadowed in
worldly wealth, pomp, or grandeur that that first prophecy: “I will put enmity
the Jews were led to reject Him. They between thee and the woman, and be-
saw that He possessed power which tween thy seed and her seed.” And this
would more than compensate for the will continue to the close of time.
lack of these outward advantages. But
the purity and holiness of Christ called Satan summons all his forces and
forth against Him the hatred of the throws his whole power into the combat.
ungodly. His life of self-denial and sin- Why is it that he meets with no greater
less devotion was a perpetual reproof resistance? Why are the soldiers of
to a proud, sensual people. It was this Christ so sleepy and indifferent? Because
that evoked enmity against the Son they have so little real connection with
of God. Satan and evil angels joined Christ; because they are so destitute of
with evil men. All the energies of apos- His Spirit. Sin is not to them repulsive
tasy conspired against the Champion and abhorrent, as it was to their Master.
of truth. They do not meet it, as did Christ, with
decisive and determined resistance.
The same enmity is manifested They do not realize the exceeding
toward Christ’s followers as was mani- evil and malignity of sin, and they are
fested toward their Master. Whoever blinded both to the character and the
sees the repulsive character of sin, and power of the prince of darkness. There is
in strength from above resists tempta- little enmity against Satan and his works,
tion, will assuredly arouse the wrath of because there is so great ignorance con-
Satan and his subjects. Hatred of the cerning his power and malice, and the
pure principles of truth, and reproach vast extent of his warfare against Christ
and persecution of its advocates, will and His church. Multitudes are deluded
exist as long as sin and sinners remain. here. They do not know that their enemy
The followers of Christ and the servants is a mighty general who controls the
of Satan cannot harmonize. The offense minds of evil angels, and that with well-
of the cross has not ceased. “All that will matured plans and skillful movements
he is warring against Christ to prevent
the salvation of souls. Among professed
Christians, and even among ministers

Enmity Between Man and Satan 291

of the gospel, there is heard scarcely a assimilating to the world in character,
reference to Satan, except perhaps an words, and actions, they are becoming
incidental mention in the pulpit. They more and more blinded.
overlook the evidences of his continual
activity and success; they neglect the Conformity to worldly customs
many warnings of his subtlety; they seem converts the church to the world; it never
to ignore his very existence. converts the world to Christ. Familiarity
with sin will inevitably cause it to appear
While men are ignorant of his less repulsive. He who chooses to associ-
devices, this vigilant foe is upon their ate with the servants of Satan will soon
track every moment. He is intruding cease to fear their master. When in the
his presence in every department of the way of duty we are brought into trial, as
household, in every street of our cities, was Daniel in the king’s court, we may
in the churches, in the national councils, be sure that God will protect us; but if
in the courts of justice, perplexing, de- we place ourselves under temptation we
ceiving, seducing, everywhere ruining shall fall sooner or later.
the souls and bodies of men, women,
and children, breaking up families, sow- The tempter often works most suc-
ing hatred, emulation, strife, sedition, cessfully through those who are least
murder. And the Christian world seem suspected of being under his control. The
to regard these things as though God possessors of talent and education are ad-
had appointed them and they must exist. mired and honored, as if these qualities
could atone for the absence of the fear of
Satan is continually seeking to God or entitle men to His favor. Talent
overcome the people of God by break-
ing down the barriers which separate He is intruding his presence in every
them from the world. Ancient Israel department of the household, in
were enticed into sin when they ven- every street of our cities, in the
tured into forbidden association with churches, in the national councils,
the heathen. In a similar manner are in the courts of justice, perplexing,
modern Israel led astray. “The god of deceiving, seducing, everywhere
this world hath blinded the minds of ruining the souls and bodies of men,
them which believe not, lest the light women, and children, breaking up
of the glorious gospel of Christ, who families, sowing hatred, emulation,
is the image of God, should shine unto strife, sedition, murder.
them.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. All who are not and culture, considered in themselves,
decided followers of Christ are servants are gifts of God; but when these are made
of Satan. In the unregenerate heart there to supply the place of piety, when, instead
is love of sin and a disposition to cher- of bringing the soul nearer to God, they
ish and excuse it. In the renewed heart lead away from Him, then they become
there is hatred of sin and determined a curse and a snare. The opinion prevails
resistance against it. When Christians with many that all which appears like
choose the society of the ungodly and courtesy or refinement must, in some
unbelieving, they expose themselves to sense, pertain to Christ. Never was there
temptation. Satan conceals himself from a greater mistake. These qualities should
view and stealthily draws his deceptive grace the character of every Christian,
covering over their eyes. They cannot
see that such company is calculated to
do them harm; and while all the time

292 The Great Controversy

for they would exert a powerful influence whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. “Put
in favor of true religion; but they must on the whole armor of God, that ye may
be consecrated to God, or they also are be able to stand against the wiles of the
a power for evil. Many a man of cultured devil.” Ephesians 6:11.
intellect and pleasant manners, who
would not stoop to what is commonly From the days of Adam to our own
time, our great enemy has been exercis-
All who seek to follow Jesus will ing his power to oppress and destroy. He
be brought into conflict with this is now preparing for his last campaign
relentless foe. The more nearly against the church. All who seek to fol-
the Christian imitates the divine low Jesus will be brought into conflict
Pattern, the more surely will he with this relentless foe. The more nearly
make himself a mark for the attacks the Christian imitates the divine Pattern,
of Satan. the more surely will he make himself a
regarded as an immoral act, is but a pol- mark for the attacks of Satan. All who
ished instrument in the hands of Satan. are actively engaged in the cause of God,
The insidious, deceptive character of seeking to unveil the deceptions of the
his influence and example renders him evil one and to present Christ before
a more dangerous enemy to the cause of the people, will be able to join in the
Christ than are those who are ignorant testimony of Paul, in which he speaks
and uncultured. of serving the Lord with all humility of
mind, with many tears and temptations.
By earnest prayer and dependence
upon God, Solomon obtained the Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest
wisdom which excited the wonder and and most subtle temptations, but he was
admiration of the world. But when he repulsed in every conflict. Those battles
turned from the Source of his strength, were fought in our behalf; those victories
and went forward relying upon himself, make it possible for us to conquer. Christ
he fell a prey to temptation. Then the will give strength to all who seek it. No
marvelous powers bestowed on this wis- man without his own consent can be
est of kings only rendered him a more overcome by Satan. The tempter has
effective agent of the adversary of souls. no power to control the will or to force
the soul to sin. He may distress, but
While Satan is constantly seeking to
blind their minds to the fact, let Chris- Christ will give strength to all
tians never forget that they “wrestle who seek it. No man without his
not against flesh and blood, but against own consent can be overcome by
principalities, against powers, against Satan. The tempter has no power
the rulers of the darkness of this world, to control the will or to force the
against wicked spirits in high places.” soul to sin.
Ephesians 6:12, margin. The inspired he cannot contaminate. He can cause
warning is sounding down the centu- agony, but not defilement. The fact that
ries to our time: “Be sober, be vigilant; Christ has conquered should inspire His
because your adversary the devil, as a followers with courage to fight manfully
roaring lion, walketh about, seeking the battle against sin and Satan.

CHAPTER 31

Agency of Evil Spirits

T he connection of the visible with Revelation 5:11. Ten thousand times ten
the invisible world, the ministra- thousand and thousands of thousands,
tion of angels of God, and the were the heavenly messengers beheld
agency of evil spirits, are plainly revealed by the prophet Daniel. The apostle
in the Scriptures, and inseparably in- Paul declared them “an innumerable
terwoven with human history. There is company.” Daniel 7:10; Hebrews 12:22.
a growing tendency to disbelief in the As God’s messengers they go forth, like
existence of evil spirits, while the holy “the appearance of a flash of lightning,”
angels that “minister for them who shall
be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14) None are in greater danger from
are regarded by many as spirits of the the influence of evil spirits than
dead. But the Scriptures not only teach those who, notwithstanding the
the existence of angels, both good and direct and ample testimony of the
evil, but present unquestionable proof Scriptures, deny the existence and
that these are not disembodied spirits agency of the devil and his angels.
of dead men. (Ezekiel 1:14), so dazzling their glory,
and so swift their flight. The angel that
Before the creation of man, angels appeared at the Saviour’s tomb, his coun-
were in existence; for when the founda- tenance “like lightning, and his raiment
tions of the earth were laid, “the morning white as snow,” caused the keepers for
stars sang together, and all the sons of fear of him to quake, and they “became
God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. After the as dead men.” Matthew 28:3, 4. When
fall of man, angels were sent to guard Sennacherib, the haughty Assyrian,
the tree of life, and this before a human reproached and blasphemed God, and
being had died. Angels are in nature threatened Israel with destruction, “it
superior to men, for the psalmist says came to pass that night, that the angel
that man was made “a little lower than of the Lord went out, and smote in
the angels.” Psalm 8:5. the camp of the Assyrians an hundred
fourscore and five thousand.” There were
We are informed in Scripture as to “cut off all the mighty men of valor, and
the number, and the power and glory, of the leaders and captains,” from the army
the heavenly beings, of their connection of Sennacherib. “So he returned with
with the government of God, and also of shame of face to his own land.” 2 Kings
their relation to the work of redemption. 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
“The Lord hath prepared His throne in
the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth Angels are sent on missions of mercy
over all.” And, says the prophet, “I heard to the children of God. To Abraham,
the voice of many angels round about with promises of blessing; to the gates
the throne.” In the presence chamber of Sodom, to rescue righteous Lot from
of the King of kings they wait—“angels,
that excel in strength,” “ministers of His,
that do His pleasure,” “hearkening unto
the voice of His word.” Psalm 103:19-21;

294 The Great Controversy

its fiery doom; to Elijah, as he was about agencies of evil to be met—agencies
to perish from weariness and hunger numerous, determined, and untiring,
in the desert; to Elisha, with chariots of whose malignity and power none can
and horses of fire surrounding the little safely be ignorant or unheeding.
town where he was shut in by his foes;
to Daniel, while seeking divine wisdom Evil spirits, in the beginning created
in the court of a heathen king, or aban- sinless, were equal in nature, power, and
doned to become the lions’ prey; to Peter, glory with the holy beings that are now
doomed to death in Herod’s dungeon; to God’s messengers. But fallen through
the prisoners at Philippi; to Paul and his sin, they are leagued together for the
companions in the night of tempest on dishonor of God and the destruction of
the sea; to open the mind of Cornelius to men. United with Satan in his rebellion,
receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with and with him cast out from heaven,
the message of salvation to the Gentile they have, through all succeeding ages,
stranger—thus holy angels have, in all co-operated with him in his warfare
ages, ministered to God’s people. against the divine authority. We are told
in Scripture of their confederacy and
A guardian angel is appointed to government, of their various orders,
every follower of Christ. These heavenly of their intelligence and subtlety, and
watchers shield the righteous from the of their malicious designs against the
power of the wicked one. This Satan peace and happiness of men.
himself recognized when he said: “Doth
Job fear God for nought? Hast not Thou Old Testament history presents
made an hedge about him, and about occasional mention of their existence
his house, and about all that he hath and agency; but it was during the time
on every side?” Job 1:9, 10. The agency when Christ was upon the earth that
by which God protects His people is evil spirits manifested their power in the
presented in the words of the psalm- most striking manner. Christ had come
ist: “The angel of the Lord encampeth to enter upon the plan devised for man’s
round about them that fear Him, and redemption, and Satan determined to
delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7. Said the assert his right to control the world. He
Saviour, speaking of those that believe had succeeded in establishing idolatry in
in Him: “Take heed that ye despise not every part of the earth except the land
one of these little ones; for I say unto you, of Palestine. To the only land that had
That in heaven their angels do always not fully yielded to the tempter’s sway,
behold the face of My Father.” Matthew Christ came to shed upon the people the
18:10. The angels appointed to minister light of heaven. Here two rival powers
to the children of God have at all times claimed supremacy. Jesus was stretch-
access to His presence. ing out His arms of love, inviting all
who would to find pardon and peace in
Thus God’s people, exposed to the Him. The hosts of darkness saw that they
deceptive power and unsleeping mal- did not possess unlimited control, and
ice of the prince of darkness, and in they understood that if Christ’s mission
conflict with all the forces of evil, are should be successful, their rule was soon
assured of the unceasing guardianship to end. Satan raged like a chained lion
of heavenly angels. Nor is such assurance and defiantly exhibited his power over
given without need. If God has granted the bodies as well as the souls of men.
to His children promise of grace and
protection, it is because there are mighty The fact that men have been pos-
sessed with demons, is clearly stated

Agency of Evil Spirits 295

in the New Testament. The persons But the purposes of Christ were not
thus afflicted were not merely suffer- thwarted. He allowed the evil spirits to
ing with disease from natural causes. destroy the herd of swine as a rebuke
Christ had perfect understanding of to those Jews who were raising these
that with which He was dealing, and unclean beasts for the sake of gain. Had
He recognized the direct presence and not Christ restrained the demons, they
agency of evil spirits. would have plunged into the sea, not
only the swine, but also their keepers
A striking example of their num- and owners. The preservation of both
ber, power, and malignity, and also the keepers and the owners was due
of the power and mercy of Christ, is alone to His power, mercifully exercised
given in the Scripture account of the for their deliverance. Furthermore, this
healing of the demoniacs at Gadara. event was permitted to take place that
Those wretched maniacs, spurning all the disciples might witness the cruel
restraint, writhing, foaming, raging, power of Satan upon both man and
were filling the air with their cries, doing beast. The Saviour desired His followers
violence to themselves, and endangering to have a knowledge of the foe whom
all who should approach them. Their they were to meet, that they might not be
bleeding and disfigured bodies and deceived and overcome by his devices.
distracted minds presented a spectacle It was also His will that the people of
well pleasing to the prince of darkness. that region should behold His power to
One of the demons controlling the suf- break the bondage of Satan and release
ferers declared: “My name is Legion: for his captives. And though Jesus Himself
we are many.” Mark 5:9. In the Roman departed, the men so marvelously de-
army a legion consisted of from three to livered, remained to declare the mercy
five thousand men. Satan’s hosts also are of their Benefactor.
marshaled in companies, and the single
company to which these demons be- Other instances of a similar nature
longed numbered no less than a legion. are recorded in the Scriptures. The
daughter of the Syrophoenician woman
At the command of Jesus the evil was grievously vexed with a devil, whom
spirits departed from their victims, leav- Jesus cast out by His word. Mark 7:26-30.
ing them calmly sitting at the Saviour’s “One possessed with a devil, blind, and
feet, subdued, intelligent, and gentle. But dumb” (Matthew 12:22; a youth who
the demons were permitted to sweep a had a dumb spirit, that ofttimes “cast
herd of swine into the sea; and to the him into the fire, and into the waters,
dwellers of Gadara the loss of these to destroy him” (Mark 9:17-27); the
outweighed the blessings which Christ maniac who, tormented by “a spirit of an
had bestowed, and the divine Healer unclean devil” (Luke 4:33-36), disturbed
was entreated to depart. This was the the Sabbath quiet of the synagogue at
result which Satan designed to secure. Capernaum—all were healed by the
By casting the blame of their loss upon compassionate Saviour. In nearly every
Jesus, he aroused the selfish fears of the instance, Christ addressed the demon
people and prevented them from listen- as an intelligent entity, commanding
ing to His words. Satan is constantly him to come out of his victim and to
accusing Christians as the cause of loss, torment him no more. The worshipers
misfortune, and suffering, instead of at Capernaum, beholding His mighty
allowing the reproach to fall where it power, “were all amazed, and spake
belongs—upon himself and his agents.

296 The Great Controversy

among themselves, saying, What a word really exist?” It is an evidence of his
is this! for with authority and power He success that theories giving the lie to
commandeth the unclean spirits, and the plainest testimony of the Scriptures
they come out.” Luke 4:36. are so generally received in the religious
world. And it is because Satan can most
Those possessed with devils are readily control the minds of those who
usually represented as being in a con- are unconscious of his influence, that the
dition of great suffering; yet there were word of God gives us so many examples
exceptions to this rule. For the sake of of his malignant work, unveiling before
obtaining supernatural power, some us his secret forces, and thus placing us
welcomed the satanic influence. These of on our guard against his assaults.
course had no conflict with the demons.
Of this class were those who possessed The power and malice of Satan and
the spirit of divination,—Simon Magus, his host might justly alarm us were
Elymas the sorcerer, and the damsel who it not that we may find shelter and
followed Paul and Silas at Philippi. deliverance in the superior power of

None are in greater danger from the But those who follow Christ are
influence of evil spirits than those who, ever safe under His watchcare.
notwithstanding the direct and ample Angels that excel in strength are
testimony of the Scriptures, deny the sent from heaven to protect them.
existence and agency of the devil and his The wicked one cannot break
angels. So long as we are ignorant of their through the guard which God has
wiles, they have almost inconceivable stationed about His people.
advantage; many give heed to their sug- our Redeemer. We carefully secure our
gestions while they suppose themselves houses with bolts and locks to protect
to be following the dictates of their own our property and our lives from evil
wisdom. This is why, as we approach the men; but we seldom think of the evil
close of time, when Satan is to work with angels who are constantly seeking ac-
greatest power to deceive and destroy, cess to us, and against whose attacks we
he spreads everywhere the belief that he have, in our own strength, no method of
does not exist. It is his policy to conceal defense. If permitted, they can distract
himself and his manner of working. our minds, disorder and torment our
bodies, destroy our possessions and our
There is nothing that the great lives. Their only delight is in misery and
deceiver fears so much as that we shall destruction. Fearful is the condition of
become acquainted with his devices. The those who resist the divine claims and
better to disguise his real character and yield to Satan’s temptations, until God
purposes, he has caused himself to be gives them up to the control of evil spir-
so represented as to excite no stronger its. But those who follow Christ are ever
emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is safe under His watchcare. Angels that
well pleased to be painted as a ludicrous excel in strength are sent from heaven
or loathsome object, misshapen, half to protect them. The wicked one cannot
animal and half human. He is pleased break through the guard which God has
to hear his name used in sport and stationed about His people.
mockery by those who think themselves
intelligent and well informed.

It is because he has masked himself
with consummate skill that the question
is so widely asked: “Does such a being

CHAPTER 32

Snares of Satan

T he great controversy between the message may not reach those whom
Christ and Satan, that has been he is deceiving on that very point. The
carried forward for nearly six one who most needs the warning will
thousand years, is soon to close; and be urged into some business transaction
the wicked one redoubles his efforts to which requires his presence, or will by
defeat the work of Christ in man’s behalf some other means be prevented from
and to fasten souls in his snares. To hold hearing the words that might prove to
the people in darkness and impenitence him a savor of life unto life.
till the Saviour’s mediation is ended, and
there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, is Again, Satan sees the Lord’s servants
the object which he seeks to accomplish. burdened because of the spiritual dark-
ness that enshrouds the people. He hears
When there is no special effort their earnest prayers for divine grace and
made to resist his power, when indif- power to break the spell of indifference,
ference prevails in the church and the carelessness, and indolence. Then with
world, Satan is not concerned; for he is renewed zeal he plies his arts. He tempts
in no danger of losing those whom he men to the indulgence of appetite or to
is leading captive at his will. But when some other form of self-gratification,
the attention is called to eternal things, and thus benumbs their sensibilities
and souls are inquiring, “What must I so that they fail to hear the very things
do to be saved?” he is on the ground, which they most need to learn.
seeking to match his power against the
power of Christ and to counteract the Satan well knows that all whom he
influence of the Holy Spirit. can lead to neglect prayer and the search-
ing of the Scriptures, will be overcome by
The Scriptures declare that upon his attacks. Therefore he invents every
one occasion, when the angels of God possible device to engross the mind.
came to present themselves before the There has ever been a class professing
Lord, Satan came also among them godliness, who, instead of following on
(Job 1:6), not to bow before the Eternal
King, but to further his own malicious Satan well knows that all whom he
designs against the righteous. With the can lead to neglect prayer and the
same object he is in attendance when searching of the Scriptures, will be
men assemble for the worship of God. overcome by his attacks. Therefore
Though hidden from sight, he is working he invents every possible device to
with all diligence to control the minds engross the mind.
of the worshipers. Like a skillful general to know the truth, make it their religion
he lays his plans beforehand. As he sees to seek some fault of character or error
the messenger of God searching the of faith in those with whom they do
Scriptures, he takes note of the subject not agree. Such are Satan’s right-hand
to be presented to the people. Then he
employs all his cunning and shrewd-
ness so to control circumstances that

298 The Great Controversy

helpers. Accusers of the brethren are of God have contended against false
not few, and they are always active teachers, not merely as vicious men,
when God is at work and His servants but as inculcators of falsehoods that
are rendering Him true homage. They were fatal to the soul. Elijah, Jeremiah,
will put a false coloring upon the words Paul, firmly and fearlessly opposed those
and acts of those who love and obey who were turning men from the word
the truth. They will represent the most of God. That liberality which regards a
earnest, zealous, self-denying servants correct religious faith as unimportant
of Christ as deceived or deceivers. It is found no favor with these holy defend-
their work to misrepresent the motives ers of the truth.
of every true and noble deed, to circulate
insinuations, and arouse suspicion in the The vague and fanciful interpreta-
minds of the inexperienced. In every tions of Scripture, and the many conflict-
conceivable manner they will seek to ing theories concerning religious faith,
cause that which is pure and righteous that are found in the Christian world
to be regarded as foul and deceptive. are the work of our great adversary to
confuse minds so that they shall not
But none need be deceived concern- discern the truth. And the discord and
ing them. It may be readily seen whose division which exist among the churches
children they are, whose example they of Christendom are in a great measure
follow, and whose work they do. “Ye shall due to the prevailing custom of wrest-
know them by their fruits.” Matthew ing the Scriptures to support a favorite
7:16. Their course resembles that of theory. Instead of carefully studying
Satan, the envenomed slanderer, “the ac- God’s word with humility of heart to
cuser of our brethren.” Revelation 12:10. obtain a knowledge of His will, many
seek only to discover something odd
The great deceiver has many agents or original.
ready to present any and every kind
of error to ensnare souls—heresies In order to sustain erroneous doc-
prepared to suit the varied tastes and trines or unchristian practices, some
capacities of those whom he would ruin. will seize upon passages of Scripture
It is his plan to bring into the church separated from the context, perhaps
insincere, unregenerate elements that quoting half of a single verse as proving
will encourage doubt and unbelief, and their point, when the remaining portion
hinder all who desire to see the work would show the meaning to be quite the
of God advance and to advance with it. opposite. With the cunning of the ser-
Many who have no real faith in God or pent they entrench themselves behind
in His word assent to some principles of disconnected utterances construed to
truth and pass as Christians, and thus suit their carnal desires. Thus do many
they are enabled to introduce their errors willfully pervert the word of God. Oth-
as Scriptural doctrines. ers, who have an active imagination,
seize upon the figures and symbols of
The position that it is of no con- Holy Writ, interpret them to suit their
sequence what men believe is one of fancy, with little regard to the testimony
Satan’s most successful deceptions. He of Scripture as its own interpreter, and
knows that the truth, received in the love then they present their vagaries as the
of it, sanctifies the soul of the receiver; teachings of the Bible.
therefore he is constantly seeking to
substitute false theories, fables, another Whenever the study of the Scriptures
gospel. From the beginning the servants is entered upon without a prayerful,

Snares of Satan 299

humble, teachable spirit, the plainest the righteous.” Psalm 97:11. And no
and simplest as well as the most difficult church can advance in holiness unless
passages will be wrested from their true its members are earnestly seeking for
meaning. The papal leaders select such truth as for hid treasure.
portions of Scripture as best serve their
purpose, interpret to suit themselves, and By the cry, Liberality, men are
then present these to the people, while blinded to the devices of their adversary,
they deny them the privilege of studying while he is all the time working steadily
the Bible and understanding its sacred for the accomplishment of his object. As
truths for themselves. The whole Bible he succeeds in supplanting the Bible by
should be given to the people just as it human speculations, the law of God is
reads. It would be better for them not set aside, and the churches are under
to have Bible instruction at all than to the bondage of sin while they claim to
have the teaching of the Scriptures thus be free.
grossly misrepresented.
To many, scientific research has be-
Human knowledge of both material come a curse. God has permitted a flood
and spiritual things is partial and of light to be poured upon the world
imperfect; therefore many are in discoveries in science and art; but
unable to harmonize their views of even the greatest minds, if not guided
science with Scripture statements. by the word of God in their research,
… The Creator and His works are become bewildered in their attempts
beyond their comprehension; and to investigate the relations of science
because they cannot explain these and revelation.
by natural laws, Bible history is
regarded as unreliable. Human knowledge of both mate-
rial and spiritual things is partial and
The Bible was designed to be a guide imperfect; therefore many are unable to
to all who wish to become acquainted harmonize their views of science with
with the will of their Maker. God gave to Scripture statements. Many accept mere
men the sure word of prophecy; angels theories and speculations as scientific
and even Christ Himself came to make facts, and they think that God’s word
known to Daniel and John the things is to be tested by the teachings of “sci-
that must shortly come to pass. Those ence falsely so called.” 1 Timothy 6:20.
important matters that concern our sal- The Creator and His works are beyond
vation were not left involved in mystery. their comprehension; and because they
They were not revealed in such a way as cannot explain these by natural laws,
to perplex and mislead the honest seeker Bible history is regarded as unreliable.
after truth. Said the Lord by the prophet Those who doubt the reliability of the
Habakkuk: “Write the vision, and make records of the Old and New Testaments
it plain, … that he may run that readeth too often go a step further and doubt the
it.” Habakkuk 2:2. The word of God is existence of God and attribute infinite
plain to all who study it with a prayerful power to nature. Having let go their
heart. Every truly honest soul will come anchor, they are left to beat about upon
to the light of truth. “Light is sown for the rocks of infidelity.

Thus many err from the faith and
are seduced by the devil. Men have
endeavored to be wiser than their Cre-
ator; human philosophy has attempted
to search out and explain mysteries

300 The Great Controversy

which will never be revealed through These persons degrade the intellectual
the eternal ages. If men would but search powers to serve their carnal desires. Too
and understand what God has made wise in their own conceit to search the
known of Himself and His purposes, Scriptures with contrition of soul and
they would obtain such a view of the earnest prayer for divine guidance, they
glory, majesty, and power of Jehovah that have no shield from delusion. Satan is
they would realize their own littleness ready to supply the heart’s desire, and
and would be content with that which he palms off his deceptions in the place
has been revealed for themselves and of truth. It was thus that the papacy
their children. gained its power over the minds of men;
and by rejection of the truth because it
It is a masterpiece of Satan’s decep- involves a cross, Protestants are follow-
tions to keep the minds of men search- ing the same path. All who neglect the
ing and conjecturing in regard to that word of God to study convenience and
which God has not made known and policy, that they may not be at variance
which He does not intend that we shall with the world, will be left to receive
understand. It was thus that Lucifer damnable heresy for religious truth.
lost his place in heaven. He became Every conceivable form of error will be
dissatisfied because all the secrets of accepted by those who willfully reject
God’s purposes were not confided to the truth. He who looks with horror
him, and he entirely disregarded that upon one deception will readily receive
which was revealed concerning his own another. The apostle Paul, speaking of
work in the lofty position assigned him. a class who “received not the love of
the truth, that they might be saved,”
It is a masterpiece of Satan’s declares: “For this cause God shall
deceptions to keep the minds of send them strong delusion, that they
men searching and conjecturing should believe a lie: that they all might
in regard to that which God has be damned who believed not the truth,
not made known and which He but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
does not intend that we shall 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. With such
understand. It was thus that Lucifer a warning before us it behooves us to
lost his place in heaven. be on our guard as to what doctrines
By arousing the same discontent in the we receive.
angels under his command, he caused
their fall. Now he seeks to imbue the Among the most successful agencies
minds of men with the same spirit and of the great deceiver are the delusive
to lead them also to disregard the direct teachings and lying wonders of spiritu-
commands of God. alism. Disguised as an angel of light, he
spreads his nets where least suspected.
Those who are unwilling to accept If men would but study the Book of
the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are God with earnest prayer that they might
continually seeking for pleasing fables understand it, they would not be left in
that will quiet the conscience. The less darkness to receive false doctrines. But
spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating as they reject the truth they fall a prey
the doctrines presented, the greater to deception.
the favor with which they are received.
Another dangerous error is the
doctrine that denies the deity of Christ,
claiming that He had no existence before

Snares of Satan 301

His advent to this world. This theory to prayer; that this would be a violation
is received with favor by a large class of law, a miracle, and that miracles
who profess to believe the Bible; yet it have no existence. The universe, say
directly contradicts the plainest state- they, is governed by fixed laws, and
ments of our Saviour concerning His God Himself does nothing contrary
relationship with the Father, His divine to these laws. Thus they represent
character, and His pre-existence. It God as bound by His own laws—as
cannot be entertained without the most if the operation of divine laws could
unwarranted wresting of the Scriptures.
It not only lowers man’s conceptions of Every conceivable form of error will
the work of redemption, but undermines be accepted by those who willfully
faith in the Bible as a revelation from reject the truth.
God. While this renders it the more exclude divine freedom. Such teach-
dangerous, it makes it also harder to ing is opposed to the testimony of the
meet. If men reject the testimony of the Scriptures. Were not miracles wrought
inspired Scriptures concerning the deity by Christ and His apostles? The same
of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point compassionate Saviour lives today, and
with them; for no argument, however He is as willing to listen to the prayer of
conclusive, could convince them. “The faith as when He walked visibly among
natural man receiveth not the things of men. The natural cooperates with the
the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness supernatural. It is a part of God’s plan
unto him: neither can he know them, to grant us, in answer to the prayer of
because they are spiritually discerned.” faith, that which He would not bestow
1 Corinthians 2:14. None who hold did we not thus ask.
this error can have a true conception of
the character or the mission of Christ, Innumerable are the erroneous
or of the great plan of God for man’s doctrines and fanciful ideas that are
redemption. obtaining among the churches of
Christendom. It is impossible to esti-
Still another subtle and mischievous mate the evil results of removing one
error is the fast-spreading belief that of the landmarks fixed by the word of
Satan has no existence as a personal God. Few who venture to do this stop
being; that the name is used in Scripture with the rejection of a single truth. The
merely to represent men’s evil thoughts majority continue to set aside one after
and desires. another of the principles of truth, until
they become actual infidels.
The teaching so widely echoed from
popular pulpits, that the second advent The errors of popular theology have
of Christ is His coming to each indi- driven many a soul to skepticism who
vidual at death, is a device to divert the might otherwise have been a believer in
minds of men from His personal coming the Scriptures. It is impossible for him to
in the clouds of heaven. For years Satan accept doctrines which outrage his sense
has thus been saying, “Behold, He is in of justice, mercy, and benevolence; and
the secret chambers” (Matthew 24:23- since these are represented as the teach-
26); and many souls have been lost by ing of the Bible, he refuses to receive it
accepting this deception. as the word of God.

Again, worldly wisdom teaches that
prayer is not essential. Men of science
claim that there can be no real answer

302 The Great Controversy

And this is the object which Satan actuated by self-confidence and pride.
seeks to accomplish. There is nothing Many delight in finding something in
that he desires more than to destroy the Scriptures to puzzle the minds of
confidence in God and in His word. others. Some at first criticize and reason
Satan stands at the head of the great on the wrong side, from a mere love of
army of doubters, and he works to the controversy. They do not realize that
utmost of his power to beguile souls into they are thus entangling themselves
his ranks. It is becoming fashionable to in the snare of the fowler. But having
doubt. There is a large class by whom the openly expressed unbelief, they feel that
word of God is looked upon with distrust they must maintain their position. Thus
for the same reason as was its Author— they unite with the ungodly and close to
because it reproves and condemns sin. themselves the gates of Paradise.
Those who are unwilling to obey its
requirements endeavor to overthrow its God has given in His word sufficient
authority. They read the Bible, or listen evidence of its divine character. The
to its teachings as presented from the great truths which concern our redemp-
sacred desk, merely to find fault with tion are clearly presented. By the aid of
the Scriptures or with the sermon. Not the Holy Spirit, which is promised to all
a few become infidels in order to justify who seek it in sincerity, every man may
or excuse themselves in neglect of duty. understand these truths for himself. God
Others adopt skeptical principles from has granted to men a strong foundation
pride and indolence. Too ease-loving to upon which to rest their faith.

There is a large class by whom Yet the finite minds of men are
the word of God is looked upon inadequate fully to comprehend the
with distrust for the same reason plans and purposes of the Infinite One.
as was its Author—because it We can never by searching find out
reproves and condemns sin. God. We must not attempt to lift with
Those who are unwilling to obey presumptuous hand the curtain behind
its requirements endeavor to which He veils His majesty. The apostle
overthrow its authority. exclaims: “How unsearchable are His
distinguish themselves by accomplish- judgments, and His ways past finding
ing anything worthy of honor, which re- out!” Romans 11:33. We can so far com-
quires effort and self-denial, they aim to prehend His dealings with us, and the
secure a reputation for superior wisdom motives by which He is actuated, that we
by criticizing the Bible. There is much may discern boundless love and mercy
which the finite mind, unenlightened united to infinite power. Our Father in
by divine wisdom, is powerless to com- heaven orders everything in wisdom
prehend; and thus they find occasion to and righteousness, and we are not to be
criticize. There are many who seem to dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow
feel that it is a virtue to stand on the side in reverent submission. He will reveal to
of unbelief, skepticism, and infidelity. us as much of His purposes as it is for
But underneath an appearance of candor our good to know, and beyond that we
it will be found that such persons are must trust the Hand that is omnipotent,
the Heart that is full of love.

While God has given ample evi-
dence for faith, He will never remove
all excuse for unbelief. All who look
for hooks to hang their doubts upon

Snares of Satan 303

While God has given ample them do every duty which has been made
evidence for faith, He will never plain to their understanding, and they will
remove all excuse for unbelief. All be enabled to understand and perform
who look for hooks to hang their those of which they are now in doubt.
doubts upon will find them.
will find them. And those who refuse to Satan can present a counterfeit
accept and obey God’s word until every so closely resembling the truth that it
objection has been removed, and there deceives those who are willing to be
is no longer an opportunity for doubt, deceived, who desire to shun the self-
will never come to the light. denial and sacrifice demanded by the
truth; but it is impossible for him to hold
Distrust of God is the natural out- under his power one soul who honestly
growth of the unrenewed heart, which desires, at whatever cost, to know the
is at enmity with Him. But faith is truth. Christ is the truth and the “Light,
inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it will which lighteth every man that cometh
flourish only as it is cherished. No man into the world.” John 1:9. The Spirit of
can become strong in faith without a truth has been sent to guide men into
determined effort. Unbelief strengthens all truth. And upon the authority of
as it is encouraged; and if men, instead of the Son of God it is declared: “Seek,
dwelling upon the evidences which God and ye shall find.” “If any man will do
has given to sustain their faith, permit His will, he shall know of the doctrine.”
themselves to question and cavil, they Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.
will find their doubts constantly becom-
ing more confirmed. The followers of Christ know little
of the plots which Satan and his hosts
But those who doubt God’s promises are forming against them. But He who
and distrust the assurance of His grace sitteth in the heavens will overrule all
are dishonoring Him; and their influ- these devices for the accomplishment of
ence, instead of drawing others to Christ, His deep designs. The Lord permits His
tends to repel them from Him. They are people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal
unproductive trees, that spread their of temptation, not because He takes
dark branches far and wide, shutting pleasure in their distress and affliction,
away the sunlight from other plants, and but because this process is essential to
causing them to droop and die under the their final victory. He could not, consis-
chilling shadow. The lifework of these tently with His own glory, shield them
persons will appear as a never-ceasing from temptation; for the very object of
witness against them. They are sowing the trial is to prepare them to resist all
seeds of doubt and skepticism that will the allurements of evil.
yield an unfailing harvest.
Neither wicked men nor devils can
There is but one course for those to hinder the work of God, or shut out His
pursue who honestly desire to be freed
from doubts. Instead of questioning and The Lord permits His people to
caviling concerning that which they do be subjected to the fiery ordeal
not understand, let them give heed to the of temptation, not because He
light which already shines upon them, takes pleasure in their distress and
and they will receive greater light. Let affliction, but because this process
is essential to their final victory.

304 The Great Controversy

presence from His people, if they will, The people of Israel were at this time
with subdued, contrite hearts, confess loyal to God; and so long as they contin-
and put away their sins, and in faith ued in obedience to His law, no power
claim His promises. Every temptation, in earth or hell could prevail against
every opposing influence, whether them. But the curse which Balaam had
open or secret, may be successfully not been permitted to pronounce against
resisted, “not by might, nor by power, God’s people, he finally succeeded in
but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” bringing upon them by seducing them
Zechariah 4:6. into sin. When they transgressed God’s
commandments, then they separated
“The eyes of the Lord are over the themselves from Him, and they were
righteous, and His ears are open unto left to feel the power of the destroyer.
their prayers. … And who is he that will
harm you, if ye be followers of that which Satan is well aware that the weakest
is good?” 1 Peter 3:12, 13. When Balaam, soul who abides in Christ is more than
allured by the promise of rich rewards, a match for the hosts of darkness, and
practiced enchantments against Israel, that, should he reveal himself openly, he
and by sacrifices to the Lord sought to would be met and resisted. Therefore he
invoke a curse upon His people, the seeks to draw away the soldiers of the
Spirit of God forbade the evil which he cross from their strong fortification,
longed to pronounce, and Balaam was while he lies in ambush with his forces,
forced to exclaim: “How shall I curse, ready to destroy all who venture upon
whom God hath not cursed? or how shall his ground. Only in humble reliance
I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?” upon God, and obedience to all His
“Let me die the death of the righteous, commandments, can we be secure.
and let my last end be like his!” When
sacrifice had again been offered, the un- No man is safe for a day or an hour
godly prophet declared: “Behold, I have without prayer. Especially should we en-
received commandment to bless: and He treat the Lord for wisdom to understand
hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He His word. Here are revealed the wiles of
hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither the tempter and the means by which he
hath He seen perverseness in Israel: the may be successfully resisted. Satan is an
Lord his God is with him, and the shout expert in quoting Scripture, placing his
of a King is among them.” “Surely there own interpretation upon passages, by
is no enchantment against Jacob, neither which he hopes to cause us to stumble.
is there any divination against Israel: We should study the Bible with humil-
according to this time it shall be said ity of heart, never losing sight of our
of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God dependence upon God. While we must
wrought!” Yet a third time altars were constantly guard against the devices of
erected, and again Balaam essayed to Satan, we should pray in faith continu-
secure a curse. But from the unwilling ally: “Lead us not into temptation.”
lips of the prophet, the Spirit of God
declared the prosperity of His chosen, Only in humble reliance upon
and rebuked the folly and malice of their God, and obedience to all His
foes: “Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and commandments, can we be secure.
cursed is he that curseth thee.” Numbers
23:8, 10, 20, 21, 23; 24:9.

CHAPTER 33

The First Great Deception

W ith the earliest history of theories, which but disguise the devices
man, Satan began his efforts of Satan.
to deceive our race. He who
had incited rebellion in heaven desired “The woman said unto the serpent,
to bring the inhabitants of the earth to We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the
unite with him in his warfare against the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which
government of God. Adam and Eve had is in the midst of the garden, God hath
been perfectly happy in obedience to the said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye
law of God, and this fact was a constant touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said
testimony against the claim which Satan unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
had urged in heaven, that God’s law was for God doth know that in the day ye eat
oppressive and opposed to the good of thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
His creatures. And furthermore, Satan’s and ye shall be as gods, knowing good
envy was excited as he looked upon the and evil.” Verses 2-5. He declared that
beautiful home prepared for the sinless they would become like God, possessing
pair. He determined to cause their fall, greater wisdom than before and being
that, having separated them from God capable of a higher state of existence. Eve
and brought them under his own power, yielded to temptation; and through her
he might gain possession of the earth influence, Adam was led into sin. They
and here establish his kingdom in op- accepted the words of the serpent, that
position to the Most High. God did not mean what He said; they
distrusted their Creator and imagined
Had Satan revealed himself in his that He was restricting their liberty and
real character, he would have been re- that they might obtain great wisdom
pulsed at once, for Adam and Eve had and exaltation by transgressing His law.
been warned against this dangerous foe;
but he worked in the dark, concealing But what did Adam, after his sin,
his purpose, that he might more effec- find to be the meaning of the words,
tually accomplish his object. Employ- “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou
ing as his medium the serpent, then a shalt surely die”? Did he find them to
creature of fascinating appearance, he mean, as Satan had led him to believe,
addressed himself to Eve: “Hath God that he was to be ushered into a more
said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the exalted state of existence? Then indeed
garden?” Genesis 3:1. Had Eve refrained there was great good to be gained by
from entering into argument with the transgression, and Satan was proved to
tempter, she would have been safe; but be a benefactor of the race. But Adam
she ventured to parley with him and did not find this to be the meaning of
fell a victim to his wiles. It is thus that the divine sentence. God declared that as
many are still overcome. They doubt a penalty for his sin, man should return
and argue concerning the requirements to the ground whence he was taken:
of God; and instead of obeying the “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou
divine commands, they accept human return.” Verse 19. The words of Satan,
“Your eyes shall be opened,” proved to

306 The Great Controversy

be true in this sense only: After Adam from the pulpits of Christendom and
and Eve had disobeyed God, their eyes is received by the majority of mankind
were opened to discern their folly; they as readily as it was received by our first
did know evil, and they tasted the bitter parents. The divine sentence, “The
fruit of transgression. soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel
18:20), is made to mean: The soul
In the midst of Eden grew the tree that sinneth, it shall not die, but live
of life, whose fruit had the power of eternally. We cannot but wonder at the
perpetuating life. Had Adam remained strange infatuation which renders men
obedient to God, he would have contin- so credulous concerning the words of
ued to enjoy free access to this tree and Satan and so unbelieving in regard to
would have lived forever. But when he the words of God.
sinned he was cut off from partaking of
the tree of life, and he became subject to Had man after his fall been allowed
death. The divine sentence, “Dust thou free access to the tree of life, he would
art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” have lived forever, and thus sin would
points to the utter extinction of life. have been immortalized. But cherubim
and a flaming sword kept “the way of the
Immortality, promised to man on tree of life” (Genesis 3:24), and not one of
condition of obedience, had been for- the family of Adam has been permitted
feited by transgression. Adam could not to pass that barrier and partake of the
transmit to his posterity that which he life-giving fruit. Therefore there is not
did not possess; and there could have an immortal sinner.
been no hope for the fallen race had not
God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought But after the Fall, Satan bade his
immortality within their reach. While angels make a special effort to inculcate
“death passed upon all men, for that all the belief in man’s natural immortal-
have sinned,” Christ “hath brought life ity; and having induced the people to
and immortality to light through the receive this error, they were to lead
gospel.” Romans 5:12; 2 Timothy 1:10. them on to conclude that the sinner
And only through Christ can immor- would live in eternal misery. Now the
tality be obtained. Said Jesus: “He that prince of darkness, working through his
believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: agents, represents God as a revengeful
and he that believeth not the Son shall tyrant, declaring that He plunges into
not see life.” John 3:36. Every man may hell all those who do not please Him,
come into possession of this priceless and causes them ever to feel His wrath;
blessing if he will comply with the condi- and that while they suffer unutterable
tions. All “who by patient continuance anguish and writhe in the eternal flames,
in well-doing seek for glory and honor their Creator looks down upon them
and immortality,” will receive “eternal with satisfaction.
life.” Romans 2:7.
Thus the archfiend clothes with his
The only one who promised Adam own attributes the Creator and Benefac-
life in disobedience was the great tor of mankind. Cruelty is satanic. God
deceiver. And the declaration of the is love; and all that He created was pure,
serpent to Eve in Eden—“Ye shall not holy, and lovely, until sin was brought in
surely die”—was the first sermon ever by the first great rebel. Satan himself is
preached upon the immortality of the the enemy who tempts man to sin, and
soul. Yet this declaration, resting solely then destroys him if he can; and when
upon the authority of Satan, is echoed he has made sure of his victim, then he

The First Great Deception 307

exults in the ruin he has wrought. If who, instead of taking the part of these
permitted, he would sweep the entire miserable objects, will say, Amen, Al-
race into his net. Were it not for the leluia! praise ye the Lord!”
interposition of divine power, not one
son or daughter of Adam would escape. Where, in the pages of God’s word,
is such teaching to be found? Will the
Satan is seeking to overcome men redeemed in heaven be lost to all emo-
today, as he overcame our first parents, by tions of pity and compassion, and even
shaking their confidence in their Creator to feelings of common humanity? Are
and leading them to doubt the wisdom these to be exchanged for the indiffer-
of His government and the justice of His ence of the stoic or the cruelty of the
laws. Satan and his emissaries represent savage? No, no; such is not the teaching
God as even worse than themselves, in of the Book of God. Those who present
order to justify their own malignity and the views expressed in the quotations
rebellion. The great deceiver endeavors to given above may be learned and even
shift his own horrible cruelty of character honest men, but they are deluded by
upon our heavenly Father, that he may the sophistry of Satan. He leads them
cause himself to appear as one greatly to misconstrue strong expressions of
wronged by his expulsion from heaven Scripture, giving to the language the
because he would not submit to so un- coloring of bitterness and malignity
just a governor. He presents before the which pertains to himself, but not to
world the liberty which they may enjoy our Creator. “As I live, saith the Lord
under his mild sway, in contrast with the God, I have no pleasure in the death
bondage imposed by the stern decrees of the wicked; but that the wicked turn
of Jehovah. Thus he succeeds in luring from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye
souls away from their allegiance to God. from your evil ways; for why will ye die?”
Ezekiel 33:11.
How repugnant to every emotion of
love and mercy, and even to our sense What would be gained to God
of justice, is the doctrine that the wicked should we admit that He delights in
dead are tormented with fire and brim- witnessing unceasing tortures; that He is
stone in an eternally burning hell; that for regaled with the groans and shrieks and
the sins of a brief earthly life they are to imprecations of the suffering creatures
suffer torture as long as God shall live. Yet whom He holds in the flames of hell?
this doctrine has been widely taught and Can these horrid sounds be music in
is still embodied in many of the creeds the ear of Infinite Love? It is urged that
of Christendom. Said a learned doctor the infliction of endless misery upon
of divinity: “The sight of hell torments the wicked would show God’s hatred
will exalt the happiness of the saints of sin as an evil which is ruinous to the
forever. When they see others who are peace and order of the universe. Oh,
of the same nature and born under the dreadful blasphemy! As if God’s hatred
same circumstances, plunged in such of sin is the reason why it is perpetuated.
misery, and they so distinguished, it will For, according to the teachings of these
make them sensible of how happy they theologians, continued torture without
are.” Another used these words: “While hope of mercy maddens its wretched
the decree of reprobation is eternally victims, and as they pour out their
executing on the vessels of wrath, the rage in curses and blasphemy, they are
smoke of their torment will be eternally forever augmenting their load of guilt.
ascending in view of the vessels of mercy, God’s glory is not enhanced by thus

308 The Great Controversy

perpetuating continually increasing sin conclude that all mankind will finally
through ceaseless ages. be saved. Many regard the threaten-
ings of the Bible as designed merely to
It is beyond the power of the human frighten men into obedience, and not to
mind to estimate the evil which has be literally fulfilled. Thus the sinner can
been wrought by the heresy of eternal live in selfish pleasure, disregarding the
torment. The religion of the Bible, full requirements of God, and yet expect to
of love and goodness, and abounding be finally received into His favor. Such a
in compassion, is darkened by super- doctrine, presuming upon God’s mercy,
stition and clothed with terror. When but ignoring His justice, pleases the
we consider in what false colors Satan carnal heart and emboldens the wicked
has painted the character of God, can in their iniquity.
we wonder that our merciful Creator is
feared, dreaded, and even hated? The To show how believers in universal
appalling views of God which have salvation wrest the Scriptures to sustain
spread over the world from the teachings their soul-destroying dogmas, it is need-
of the pulpit have made thousands, yes, ful only to cite their own utterances.
millions, of skeptics and infidels. At the funeral of an irreligious young
man, who had been killed instantly by
The theory of eternal torment is one an accident, a Universalist minister se-
of the false doctrines that constitute the lected as his text the Scripture statement
wine of the abomination of Babylon, concerning David: “He was comforted
of which she makes all nations drink. concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.”
Revelation 14:8; 17:2. That ministers of 2 Samuel 13:39.
Christ should have accepted this heresy
and proclaimed it from the sacred desk is “I am frequently asked,” said the
indeed a mystery. They received it from speaker, “what will be the fate of those
Rome, as they received the false sabbath. who leave the world in sin, die, perhaps,
True, it has been taught by great and in a state of inebriation, die with the
good men; but the light on this subject scarlet stains of crime unwashed from
had not come to them as it has come to their robes, or die as this young man
us. They were responsible only for the died, having never made a profession
light which shone in their time; we are or enjoyed an experience of religion.
accountable for that which shines in our We are content with the Scriptures; their
day. If we turn from the testimony of answer shall solve the awful problem.
God’s word, and accept false doctrines Amnon was exceedingly sinful; he was
because our fathers taught them, we fall unrepentant, he was made drunk, and
under the condemnation pronounced while drunk was killed. David was a
upon Babylon; we are drinking of the prophet of God; he must have known
wine of her abomination. whether it would be ill or well for Amnon
in the world to come. What were the
A large class to whom the doctrine expressions of his heart? ‘The soul of
of eternal torment is revolting are driven King David longed to go forth unto Ab-
to the opposite error. They see that the salom: for he was comforted concerning
Scriptures represent God as a being of Amnon, seeing he was dead.’ Verse 39.
love and compassion, and they cannot
believe that He will consign His crea- “And what is the inference to be
tures to the fires of an eternally burning deduced from this language? Is it not
hell. But holding that the soul is naturally that endless suffering formed no part
immortal, they see no alternative but to of his religious belief? So we conceive;

The First Great Deception 309

and here we discover a triumphant argu- grief having been softened by time, his
ment in support of the more pleasing, thoughts turned from the dead to the
more enlightened, more benevolent living son, self-banished through fear of
hypothesis of ultimate universal purity the just punishment of his crime. And
and peace. He was comforted, seeing this is the evidence that the incestuous,
his son was dead. And why so? Because drunken Amnon was at death immedi-
by the eye of prophecy he could look ately transported to the abodes of bliss,
forward into the glorious future and see there to be purified and prepared for
that son far removed from all tempta- the companionship of sinless angels!
tions, released from the bondage and A pleasing fable indeed, well suited to
purified from the corruptions of sin, and gratify the carnal heart! This is Satan’s
after being made sufficiently holy and own doctrine, and it does his work effec-
enlightened, admitted to the assembly of tually. Should we be surprised that, with
ascended and rejoicing spirits. His only such instruction, wickedness abounds?
comfort was that, in being removed from
the present state of sin and suffering, his The course pursued by this one false
beloved son had gone where the loftiest teacher illustrates that of many others.
breathings of the Holy Spirit would be A few words of Scripture are separated
shed upon his darkened soul, where his from the context, which would in many
mind would be unfolded to the wisdom cases show their meaning to be exactly
of heaven and the sweet raptures of im- opposite to the interpretation put upon
mortal love, and thus prepared with a them; and such disjointed passages are
sanctified nature to enjoy the rest and perverted and used in proof of doctrines
society of the heavenly inheritance. that have no foundation in the word of
God. The testimony cited as evidence
“In these thoughts we would be un- that the drunken Amnon is in heaven
derstood to believe that the salvation of is a mere inference directly contradicted
heaven depends upon nothing which we by the plain and positive statement of the
can do in this life; neither upon a present Scriptures that no drunkard shall inherit
change of heart, nor upon present belief, the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10.
or a present profession of religion.” It is thus that doubters, unbelievers, and
skeptics turn the truth into a lie. And
Thus does the professed minister of multitudes have been deceived by their
Christ reiterate the falsehood uttered by sophistry and rocked to sleep in the
the serpent in Eden: “Ye shall not surely cradle of carnal security.
die.” “In the day ye eat thereof, then your
eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as If it were true that the souls of all
gods.” He declares that the vilest of sin- men passed directly to heaven at the
ners—the murderer, the thief, and the hour of dissolution, then we might well
adulterer—will after death be prepared covet death rather than life. Many have
to enter into immortal bliss. been led by this belief to put an end to
their existence. When overwhelmed
And from what does this perverter with trouble, perplexity, and disappoint-
of the Scriptures draw his conclusions? ment, it seems an easy thing to break the
From a single sentence expressing brittle thread of life and soar away into
David’s submission to the dispensa- the bliss of the eternal world.
tion of Providence. His soul “longed
to go forth unto Absalom; for he was God has given in His word decisive
comforted concerning Amnon, seeing evidence that He will punish the trans-
he was dead.” The poignancy of his gressors of His law. Those who flatter

310 The Great Controversy

themselves that He is too merciful to himself “wrath against the day of wrath
execute justice upon the sinner, have and revelation of the righteous judgment
only to look to the cross of Calvary. of God; who will render to every man
The death of the spotless Son of God according to his deeds;” “tribulation and
testifies that “the wages of sin is death,” anguish upon every soul of man that
that every violation of God’s law must doeth evil.” Romans 2:5, 6, 9.
receive its just retribution. Christ the
sinless became sin for man. He bore the “No fornicator, nor unclean person,
guilt of transgression, and the hiding nor covetous man, who is an idolater,
of His Father’s face, until His heart was hath any inheritance in the kingdom of
broken and His life crushed out. All this Christ and God.” Ephesians 5:5, A.R.V.
sacrifice was made that sinners might be “Follow peace with all men, and holi-
redeemed. In no other way could man be ness, without which no man shall see
freed from the penalty of sin. And every the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. “Blessed are
soul that refuses to become a partaker of they that do His commandments, that
the atonement provided at such a cost they may have right to the tree of life, and
must bear in his own person the guilt may enter in through the gates into the
and punishment of transgression. city. For without are dogs, and sorcer-
ers, and whoremongers, and murderers,
Let us consider what the Bible and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and
teaches further concerning the ungodly maketh a lie.” Revelation 22:14, 15.
and unrepentant, whom the Universalist
places in heaven as holy, happy angels. God has given to men a declaration
of His character and of His method
“I will give unto him that is athirst of of dealing with sin. “The Lord God,
the fountain of the water of life freely.” merciful and gracious, long-suffering
Revelation 21:6. This promise is only to and abundant in goodness and truth,
those that thirst. None but those who keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving
feel their need of the water of life, and iniquity and transgression and sin, and
seek it at the loss of all things else, will that will by no means clear the guilty.”
be supplied. “He that overcometh shall Exodus 34:6, 7. “All the wicked will
inherit all things; and I will be his God, He destroy.” “The transgressors shall
and he shall be My son.” Verse 7. Here, be destroyed together: the end of the
also, conditions are specified. In order wicked shall be cut off.” Psalms 145:20;
to inherit all things, we must resist and 37:38. The power and authority of the
overcome sin. divine government will be employed
to put down rebellion; yet all the mani-
The Lord declares by the prophet festations of retributive justice will be
Isaiah: “Say ye to the righteous, that it perfectly consistent with the character
shall be well with him.” “Woe unto the of God as a merciful, long-suffering,
wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the benevolent being.
reward of his hands shall be given him.”
Isaiah 3:10, 11. “Though a sinner do evil God does not force the will or judg-
an hundred times,” says the wise man, ment of any. He takes no pleasure in a
“and his days be prolonged, yet surely slavish obedience. He desires that the
I know that it shall be well with them creatures of His hands shall love Him
that fear God, which fear before Him: because He is worthy of love. He would
but it shall not be well with the wicked.” have them obey Him because they have
Ecclesiastes 8:12, 13. And Paul testifies an intelligent appreciation of His wisdom,
that the sinner is treasuring up unto justice, and benevolence. And all who

The First Great Deception 311

have a just conception of these qualities Could those whose lives have been
will love Him because they are drawn to- spent in rebellion against God be sud-
ward Him in admiration of His attributes. denly transported to heaven and witness
the high, the holy state of perfection
The principles of kindness, mercy, that ever exists there,—every soul filled
and love, taught and exemplified by our with love, every countenance beaming
Saviour, are a transcript of the will and with joy, enrapturing music in melo-
character of God. Christ declared that dious strains rising in honor of God
He taught nothing except that which He and the Lamb, and ceaseless streams
had received from His Father. The prin- of light flowing upon the redeemed
ciples of the divine government are in from the face of Him who sitteth upon
perfect harmony with the Saviour’s pre- the throne,—could those whose hearts
cept, “Love your enemies.” God executes are filled with hatred of God, of truth
justice upon the wicked, for the good of and holiness, mingle with the heavenly
the universe, and even for the good of throng and join their songs of praise?
those upon whom His judgments are Could they endure the glory of God and
visited. He would make them happy if the Lamb? No, no; years of probation
He could do so in accordance with the were granted them, that they might form
laws of His government and the justice characters for heaven; but they have
of His character. He surrounds them never trained the mind to love purity;
with the tokens of His love, He grants they have never learned the language of
them a knowledge of His law, and follows heaven, and now it is too late. A life of
them with the offers of His mercy; but rebellion against God has unfitted them
they despise His love, make void His law, for heaven. Its purity, holiness, and peace
and reject His mercy. While constantly would be torture to them; the glory of
receiving His gifts, they dishonor the God would be a consuming fire. They
Giver; they hate God because they know would long to flee from that holy place.
that He abhors their sins. The Lord bears They would welcome destruction, that
long with their perversity; but the deci- they might be hidden from the face of
sive hour will come at last, when their Him who died to redeem them. The des-
destiny is to be decided. Will He then tiny of the wicked is fixed by their own
chain these rebels to His side? Will He choice. Their exclusion from heaven is
force them to do His will? voluntary with themselves, and just and
merciful on the part of God.
Those who have chosen Satan as
their leader and have been controlled Like the waters of the Flood the fires
by his power are not prepared to enter of the great day declare God’s verdict that
the presence of God. Pride, deception, the wicked are incurable. They have no
licentiousness, cruelty, have become fixed disposition to submit to divine authority.
in their characters. Can they enter heaven Their will has been exercised in revolt;
to dwell forever with those whom they and when life is ended, it is too late to
despised and hated on earth? Truth will turn the current of their thoughts in
never be agreeable to a liar; meekness will the opposite direction, too late to turn
not satisfy self-esteem and pride; purity from transgression to obedience, from
is not acceptable to the corrupt; disinter- hatred to love.
ested love does not appear attractive to the
selfish. What source of enjoyment could In sparing the life of Cain the mur-
heaven offer to those who are wholly derer, God gave the world an example of
absorbed in earthly and selfish interests? what would be the result of permitting

312 The Great Controversy

the sinner to live to continue a course of that are brought forth. “All that are in
unbridled iniquity. Through the influ- the graves shall hear His voice, and shall
ence of Cain’s teaching and example, come forth; they that have done good,
multitudes of his descendants were led unto the resurrection of life; and they
into sin, until “the wickedness of man that have done evil, unto the resurrec-
was great in the earth” and “every imagi- tion of damnation.” John 5:28, 29. They
nation of the thoughts of his heart was who have been “accounted worthy” of
only evil continually.” “The earth also the resurrection of life are “blessed and
was corrupt before God, and the earth holy.” “On such the second death hath
was filled with violence.” Genesis 6:5, 11. no power.” Revelation 20:6. But those
who have not, through repentance and
In mercy to the world, God blotted faith, secured pardon, must receive the
out its wicked inhabitants in Noah’s penalty of transgression—“the wages of
time. In mercy He destroyed the cor- sin.” They suffer punishment varying
rupt dwellers in Sodom. Through the in duration and intensity, “according
deceptive power of Satan the workers to their works,” but finally ending in
of iniquity obtain sympathy and admi- the second death. Since it is impossible
ration, and are thus constantly leading for God, consistently with His justice
others to rebellion. It was so in Cain’s and mercy, to save the sinner in his
and in Noah’s day, and in the time of sins, He deprives him of the existence
Abraham and Lot; it is so in our time. It which his transgressions have forfeited
is in mercy to the universe that God will and of which he has proved himself
finally destroy the rejecters of His grace. unworthy. Says an inspired writer: “Yet
a little while, and the wicked shall not
“The wages of sin is death; but the be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus place, and it shall not be.” And another
Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. While declares: “They shall be as though they
life is the inheritance of the righteous, had not been.” Psalm 37:10; Obadiah
death is the portion of the wicked. 16. Covered with infamy, they sink into
Moses declared to Israel: “I have set hopeless, eternal oblivion.
before thee this day life and good, and
death and evil.” Deuteronomy 30:15. Thus will be made an end of sin,
The death referred to in these scriptures with all the woe and ruin which have
is not that pronounced upon Adam, resulted from it. Says the psalmist:
for all mankind suffer the penalty of “Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou
his transgression. It is “the second hast put out their name forever and ever.
death” that is placed in contrast with O thou enemy, destructions are come to
everlasting life. a perpetual end.” Psalm 9:5, 6. John, in
the Revelation, looking forward to the
In consequence of Adam’s sin, death eternal state, hears a universal anthem
passed upon the whole human race. of praise undisturbed by one note of
All alike go down into the grave. And discord. Every creature in heaven and
through the provisions of the plan of earth was heard ascribing glory to
salvation, all are to be brought forth God. Revelation 5:13. There will then
from their graves. “There shall be a be no lost souls to blaspheme God as
resurrection of the dead, both of the just they writhe in never-ending torment;
and unjust;” “for as in Adam all die, even no wretched beings in hell will mingle
so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Acts their shrieks with the songs of the saved.
24:15; I Corinthians 15:22. But a distinc-
tion is made between the two classes

The First Great Deception 313

Upon the fundamental error of In this song he tells the reason why he
natural immortality rests the doctrine thus rejoices: “The grave cannot praise
of consciousness in death—a doctrine, Thee, death cannot celebrate Thee: they
like eternal torment, opposed to the that go down into the pit cannot hope
teachings of the Scriptures, to the for Thy truth. The living, the living,
dictates of reason, and to our feelings he shall praise Thee, as I do this day.”
of humanity. According to the popular Isaiah 38:18, 19. Popular theology rep-
belief, the redeemed in heaven are ac- resents the righteous dead as in heaven,
quainted with all that takes place on the entered into bliss and praising God with
earth and especially with the lives of the an immortal tongue; but Hezekiah could
friends whom they have left behind. But see no such glorious prospect in death.
how could it be a source of happiness With his words agrees the testimony
to the dead to know the troubles of the of the psalmist: “In death there is no
living, to witness the sins committed by remembrance of Thee: in the grave
their own loved ones, and to see them who shall give Thee thanks?” “The dead
enduring all the sorrows, disappoint- praise not the Lord, neither any that go
ments, and anguish of life? How much of down into silence.” Psalms 6:5; 115:17.
heaven’s bliss would be enjoyed by those
who were hovering over their friends on Peter on the Day of Pentecost de-
earth? And how utterly revolting is the clared that the patriarch David “is both
belief that as soon as the breath leaves dead and buried, and his sepulcher is
the body the soul of the impenitent is with us unto this day.” “For David is
consigned to the flames of hell! To what not ascended into the heavens.” Acts
depths of anguish must those be plunged 2:29, 34. The fact that David remains in
who see their friends passing to the grave the grave until the resurrection proves
unprepared, to enter upon an eternity that the righteous do not go to heaven
of woe and sin! Many have been driven at death. It is only through the resur-
to insanity by this harrowing thought. rection, and by virtue of the fact that
Christ has risen, that David can at last
What say the Scriptures concerning sit at the right hand of God.
these things? David declares that man
is not conscious in death. “His breath And said Paul: “If the dead rise not,
goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; then is not Christ raised: and if Christ
in that very day his thoughts perish.” be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are
Psalm 146:4. Solomon bears the same yet in your sins. Then they also which
testimony: “The living know that they are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”
shall die: but the dead know not any- I Corinthians 15:16-18. If for four
thing.” “Their love, and their hatred, and thousand years the righteous had gone
their envy, is now perished; neither have directly to heaven at death, how could
they any more a portion forever in any- Paul have said that if there is no resur-
thing that is done under the sun.” “There rection, “they also which are fallen asleep
is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, in Christ are perished”? No resurrection
nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou would be necessary.
goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10.
The martyr Tyndale, referring to the
When, in answer to his prayer, state of the dead, declared: “I confess
Hezekiah’s life was prolonged fifteen openly, that I am not persuaded that
years, the grateful king rendered to God they be already in the full glory that
a tribute of praise for His great mercy. Christ is in, or the elect angels of God
are in. Neither is it any article of my faith;

314 The Great Controversy

for if it were so, I see not but then the would soon come to Him. “I go to
preaching of the resurrection of the flesh prepare a place for you,” He said. “And
were a thing in vain.”—William Tyndale, if I go and prepare a place for you, I
Preface to New Testament (ed. 1534). will come again, and receive you unto
Reprinted in British Reformers—Tindal, Myself.” John 14:2, 3. And Paul tells us,
Frith, Barnes, page 349. further, that “the Lord Himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, with
It is an undeniable fact that the hope the voice of the Archangel, and with the
of immortal blessedness at death has led trump of God: and the dead in Christ
to a widespread neglect of the Bible doc- shall rise first: then we which are alive
trine of the resurrection. This tendency and remain shall be caught up together
was remarked by Dr. Adam Clarke, who with them in the clouds, to meet the
said: “The doctrine of the resurrection Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
appears to have been thought of much with the Lord.” And he adds: “Com-
more consequence among the primitive fort one another with these words.” I
Christians than it is now! How is this? Thessalonians 4:16-18. How wide the
The apostles were continually insisting contrast between these words of comfort
on it, and exciting the followers of God and those of the Universalist minister
to diligence, obedience, and cheerful- previously quoted! The latter consoled
ness through it. And their successors the bereaved friends with the assurance
in the present day seldom mention it! that, however sinful the dead might have
So apostles preached, and so primitive been, when he breathed out his life here
Christians believed; so we preach, and he was to be received among the angels.
so our hearers believe. There is not a Paul points his brethren to the future
doctrine in the gospel on which more coming of the Lord, when the fetters of
stress is laid; and there is not a doctrine the tomb shall be broken, and the “dead
in the present system of preaching which in Christ” shall be raised to eternal life.
is treated with more neglect!”—Com-
mentary, remarks on I Corinthians 15, Before any can enter the mansions
paragraph 3. of the blessed, their cases must be
investigated, and their characters and
This has continued until the glori- their deeds must pass in review before
ous truth of the resurrection has been God. All are to be judged according to
almost wholly obscured and lost sight the things written in the books and to
of by the Christian world. Thus a lead- be rewarded as their works have been.
ing religious writer, commenting on This judgment does not take place at
the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians death. Mark the words of Paul: “He
4:13-18, says: “For all practical purposes hath appointed a day, in the which He
of comfort the doctrine of the blessed will judge the world in righteousness
immortality of the righteous takes the by that Man whom He hath ordained;
place for us of any doubtful doctrine of whereof He hath given assurance unto
the Lord’s second coming. At our death all men, in that He hath raised Him
the Lord comes for us. That is what we from the dead.” Acts 17:31. Here the
are to wait and watch for. The dead are apostle plainly stated that a specified
already passed into glory. They do not time, then future, had been fixed upon
wait for the trump for their judgment for the judgment of the world.
and blessedness.”
Jude refers to the same period: “The
But when about to leave His dis- angels which kept not their first estate,
ciples, Jesus did not tell them that they

The First Great Deception 315

but left their own habitation, He hath is, saith he, no duty, no science, no
reserved in everlasting chains under knowledge, no wisdom there. Solomon
darkness unto the judgment of the great judgeth that the dead are asleep, and feel
day.” And, again, he quotes the words of nothing at all. For the dead lie there,
Enoch: “Behold, the Lord cometh with accounting neither days nor years, but
ten thousands of His saints, to execute when they are awaked, they shall seem to
judgment upon all.” Jude 6, 14, 15. John have slept scarce one minute.”—Martin
declares that he “saw the dead, small and Luther, Exposition of Solomon’s Booke
great, stand before God; and the books Called Ecclesiastes, page 152.
were opened: … and the dead were
judged out of those things which were Nowhere in the Sacred Scriptures is
written in the books.” Revelation 20:12. found the statement that the righteous
go to their reward or the wicked to their
But if the dead are already enjoying punishment at death. The patriarchs and
the bliss of heaven or writhing in the prophets have left no such assurance.
flames of hell, what need of a future Christ and His apostles have given no
judgment? The teachings of God’s word hint of it. The Bible clearly teaches that
on these important points are neither the dead do not go immediately to heav-
obscure nor contradictory; they may en. They are represented as sleeping un-
be understood by common minds. But til the resurrection. I Thessalonians 4:14;
what candid mind can see either wisdom Job 14:10-12. In the very day when the
or justice in the current theory? Will the silver cord is loosed and the golden
righteous, after the investigation of their bowl broken (Ecclesiastes 12:6), man’s
cases at the judgment, receive the com- thoughts perish. They that go down to
mendation, “Well done, thou good and the grave are in silence. They know no
foafitthhyfuLloserdrv,”awnht:e…n tehnetyerhtahvoeubineetontdhweejolly- more of anything that is done under
ing in His presence, perhaps for long the sun. Job 14:21. Blessed rest for the
ages? Are the wicked summoned from weary righteous! Time, be it long or
the place of torment to receive sentence short, is but a moment to them. They
from the Judge of all the earth: “Depart sleep; they are awakened by the trump
from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting of God to a glorious immortality. “For
fire”? Matthew 25:21, 41. Oh, solemn the trumpet shall sound, and the dead
mockery! shameful impeachment of the shall be raised incorruptible. … So when
wisdom and justice of God! this corruptible shall have put on incor-
ruption, and this mortal shall have put
The theory of the immortality of on immortality, then shall be brought to
the soul was one of those false doctrines pass the saying that is written, Death is
that Rome, borrowing from pagan- swallowed up in victory.” I Corinthians
ism, incorporated into the religion of 15:52-54. As they are called forth from
Christendom. Martin Luther classed their deep slumber they begin to think
it with the “monstrous fables that just where they ceased. The last sensa-
form part of the Roman dunghill of tion was the pang of death; the last
dImecmreotratlasl.”it—y,Ep.aPgeet2a5v5e.l,CTohmemPeronbtilnemg oonf thought, that they were falling beneath
the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, the power of the grave. When they arise
that the dead know not anything, the from the tomb, their first glad thought
Reformer says: “Another place proving will be echoed in the triumphal shout:
that the dead have no … feeling. There “O death, where is thy sting? O grave,
where is thy victory?” Verse 55.

CHAPTER 34

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?

T he ministration of holy angels, If, as taught by popular theologians,
as presented in the Scriptures, is spirits of the dead are hovering about
a truth most comforting and pre- their friends on earth, why should they
cious to every follower of Christ. But the not be permitted to communicate with
Bible teaching upon this point has been them, to warn them against evil, or to
obscured and perverted by the errors of comfort them in sorrow? How can those
popular theology. The doctrine of natu- who believe in man’s consciousness in
ral immortality, first borrowed from the death reject what comes to them as
pagan philosophy, and in the darkness of divine light communicated by glorified
the great apostasy incorporated into the spirits? Here is a channel regarded as
Christian faith, has supplanted the truth, sacred, through which Satan works for
so plainly taught in Scripture, that “the the accomplishment of his purposes.
dead know not anything.” Multitudes The fallen angels who do his bidding
have come to believe that it is spirits appear as messengers from the spirit
of the dead who are the “ministering world. While professing to bring the
spirits, sent forth to minister for them living into communication with the
who shall be heirs of salvation.” And dead, the prince of evil exercises his
this notwithstanding the testimony of bewitching influence upon their minds.
Scripture to the existence of heavenly
angels, and their connection with the He has power to bring before men
history of man, before the death of a the appearance of their departed friends.
human being. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar
look, the words, the tone, are reproduced
The doctrine of man’s consciousness with marvelous distinctness. Many are
in death, especially the belief that spirits comforted with the assurance that their
of the dead return to minister to the liv- loved ones are enjoying the bliss of
ing, has prepared the way for modern heaven, and without suspicion of danger,
spiritualism. If the dead are admitted they give ear “to seducing spirits, and
to the presence of God and holy an- doctrines of devils.”
gels, and privileged with knowledge far
exceeding what they before possessed, When they have been led to be-
why should they not return to the earth lieve that the dead actually return to
to enlighten and instruct the living? communicate with them, Satan causes
those to appear who went into the grave

He has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed
friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone,
are reproduced with marvelous distinctness. Many are comforted with
the assurance that their loved ones are enjoying the bliss of heaven,
and without suspicion of danger, they give ear “to seducing spirits, and
doctrines of devils.”

Can Our Dead Speak to Us? 317

unprepared. They claim to be happy imposture; when brought face to face
in heaven and even to occupy exalted with manifestations which they cannot
positions there, and thus the error is but regard as supernatural, they will be
widely taught that no difference is made deceived, and will be led to accept them
between the righteous and the wicked. as the great power of God.
The pretended visitants from the world
of spirits sometimes utter cautions and These persons overlook the tes-
warnings which prove to be correct. timony of the Scriptures concerning
Then, as confidence is gained, they the wonders wrought by Satan and his
present doctrines that directly under- agents. It was by satanic aid that Pha-
mine faith in the Scriptures. With an raoh’s magicians were enabled to coun-
appearance of deep interest in the well- terfeit the work of God. Paul testifies
being of their friends on earth, they that before the second advent of Christ
insinuate the most dangerous errors. there will be similar manifestations of
The fact that they state some truths, satanic power. The coming of the Lord
and are able at times to foretell future is to be preceded by “the working of
events, gives to their statements an ap- Satan with all power and signs and lying
pearance of reliability; and their false wonders, and with all deceivableness of
teachings are accepted by the multitudes unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9,
as readily, and believed as implicitly, as 10. And the apostle John, describing
if they were the most sacred truths of the miracle-working power that will
the Bible. The law of God is set aside, be manifested in the last days, declares:
the Spirit of grace despised, the blood of “He doeth great wonders, so that he
the covenant counted an unholy thing. maketh fire come down from heaven
The spirits deny the deity of Christ and on the earth in the sight of men, and
place even the Creator on a level with deceiveth them that dwell on the earth
themselves. Thus under a new disguise by the means of those miracles which he
the great rebel still carries on his warfare had power to do.” Revelation 13:13, 14.
against God, begun in heaven and for No mere impostures are here foretold.
nearly six thousand years continued Men are deceived by the miracles which
upon the earth. Satan’s agents have power to do, not
which they pretend to do.
Many endeavor to account for spiri-
tual manifestations by attributing them The prince of darkness, who has so
wholly to fraud and sleight of hand on long bent the powers of his mastermind
the part of the medium. But while it to the work of deception, skillfully
is true that the results of trickery have adapts his temptations to men of all
often been palmed off as genuine mani- classes and conditions. To persons of
festations, there have been, also, marked culture and refinement he presents
exhibitions of supernatural power. The spiritualism in its more refined and
mysterious rapping with which modern intellectual aspects, and thus succeeds
spiritualism began was not the result in drawing many into his snare. The
of human trickery or cunning, but was wisdom which spiritualism imparts is
the direct work of evil angels, who thus that described by the apostle James,
introduced one of the most successful which “descendeth not from above, but
of soul-destroying delusions. Many is earthly, sensual, devilish.” James 3:15.
will be ensnared through the belief This, however, the great deceiver con-
that spiritualism is a merely human ceals when concealment will best suit his
purpose. He who could appear clothed

318 The Great Controversy

with the brightness of the heavenly ser- Satan has substituted the sinful, erring
aphs before Christ in the wilderness of nature of man himself as the only object
temptation, comes to men in the most of adoration, the only rule of judgment,
attractive manner as an angel of light. or standard of character. This is progress,
He appeals to the reason by the presen- not upward, but downward.
tation of elevating themes; he delights
the fancy with enrapturing scenes; and It is a law both of the intellectual
he enlists the affections by his eloquent and the spiritual nature that by behold-
portrayals of love and charity. He excites ing we become changed. The mind
the imagination to lofty flights, leading gradually adapts itself to the subjects
men to take so great pride in their own upon which it is allowed to dwell. It
wisdom that in their hearts they despise becomes assimilated to that which it is
the Eternal One. That mighty being who accustomed to love and reverence. Man
could take the world’s Redeemer to an will never rise higher than his standard
exceedingly high mountain and bring of purity or goodness or truth. If self is
before Him all the kingdoms of the his loftiest ideal, he will never attain to
earth and the glory of them, will pres- anything more exalted. Rather, he will
ent his temptations to men in a manner constantly sink lower and lower. The
to pervert the senses of all who are not grace of God alone has power to exalt
shielded by divine power. man. Left to himself, his course must
inevitably be downward.
Satan beguiles men now as he
beguiled Eve in Eden by flattery, by To the self-indulgent, the pleasure-
kindling a desire to obtain forbidden loving, the sensual, spiritualism presents
knowledge, by exciting ambition for itself under a less subtle disguise than to
self-exaltation. It was cherishing these the more refined and intellectual; in its
evils that caused his fall, and through grosser forms they find that which is in
them he aims to compass the ruin of harmony with their inclinations. Satan
men. “Ye shall be as gods,” he declares, studies every indication of the frailty of
“knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5. human nature, he marks the sins which
Spiritualism teaches “that man is the each individual is inclined to commit,
creature of progression; that it is his and then he takes care that opportuni-
destiny from his birth to progress, ties shall not be wanting to gratify the
even to eternity, toward the Godhead.” tendency to evil. He tempts men to
And again: “Each mind will judge itself excess in that which is in itself lawful,
and not another.” “The judgment will causing them, through intemperance,
be right, because it is the judgment of to weaken physical, mental, and moral
self. … The throne is within you.” Said power. He has destroyed and is destroy-
a spiritualistic teacher, as the “spiritual ing thousands through the indulgence
consciousness” awoke within him: “My of the passions, thus brutalizing the
fellow men, all were unfallen demigods.” entire nature of man. And to complete
And another declares: “Any just and his work, he declares, through the spirits
perfect being is Christ.” that “true knowledge places man above
all law;” that “whatever is, is right;” that
Thus, in place of the righteousness “God doth not condemn;” and that “all
and perfection of the infinite God, the sins which are committed are innocent.”
true object of adoration; in place of the When the people are thus led to believe
perfect righteousness of His law, the that desire is the highest law, that liberty
true standard of human attainment, is license, and that man is accountable

Can Our Dead Speak to Us? 319

only to himself, who can wonder that which has invaded churches, and has
corruption and depravity teem on every found favor in legislative bodies, and
hand? Multitudes eagerly accept teach- even in the courts of kings—this mam-
ings that leave them at liberty to obey the moth deception is but a revival, in a new
promptings of the carnal heart. The reins disguise, of the witchcraft condemned
of self-control are laid upon the neck of and prohibited of old.
lust, the powers of mind and soul are
made subject to the animal propensities, If there were no other evidence
and Satan exultingly sweeps into his net of the real character of spiritualism,
thousands who profess to be followers it should be enough for the Christian
of Christ. that the spirits make no difference be-
tween righteousness and sin, between
But none need be deceived by the the noblest and purest of the apostles
lying claims of spiritualism. God has of Christ and the most corrupt of the
given the world sufficient light to enable servants of Satan. By representing the
them to discover the snare. As already basest of men as in heaven, and highly
shown, the theory which forms the very exalted there, Satan says to the world:
foundation of spiritualism is at war with “No matter how wicked you are; no
the plainest statements of Scripture. matter whether you believe or disbelieve
The Bible declares that the dead know God and the Bible. Live as you please;
not anything, that their thoughts have heaven is your home.” The spiritualist
perished; they have no part in anything teachers virtually declare: “Everyone
that is done under the sun; they know that doeth evil is good in the sight of
nothing of the joys or sorrows of those the Lord, and He delighteth in them; or,
who were dearest to them on earth. Where is the God of judgment?” Malachi
2:17. Saith the word of God: “Woe unto
Furthermore, God has expressly them that call evil good, and good evil;
forbidden all pretended communication that put darkness for light, and light for
with departed spirits. In the days of the darkness.” Isaiah 5:20.
Hebrews there was a class of people
who claimed, as do the spiritualists of The apostles, as personated by these
today, to hold communication with the lying spirits, are made to contradict what
dead. But the “familiar spirits,” as these they wrote at the dictation of the Holy
visitants from other worlds were called, Spirit when on earth. They deny the
are declared by the Bible to be “the spirits divine origin of the Bible, and thus tear
of devils.” (Compare Numbers 25:1-3; away the foundation of the Christian’s
Psalm 106:28; I Corinthians 10:20; hope and put out the light that reveals
Revelation 16:14.) The work of dealing the way to heaven. Satan is making the
with familiar spirits was pronounced an world believe that the Bible is a mere
abomination to the Lord, and was sol- fiction, or at least a book suited to the
emnly forbidden under penalty of death. infancy of the race, but now to be lightly
Leviticus 19:31; 20:27. The very name of regarded, or cast aside as obsolete. And
witchcraft is now held in contempt. The to take the place of the word of God he
claim that men can hold communication holds out spiritual manifestations. Here
with evil spirits is regarded as a fable of is a channel wholly under his control;
the Dark Ages. But spiritualism, which by this means he can make the world
numbers its converts by hundreds of believe what he will. The Book that is
thousands, yea, by millions, which has to judge him and his followers he puts
made its way into scientific circles, in the shade, just where he wants it; the

320 The Great Controversy

Saviour of the world he makes to be no spiritualism and the danger of com-
more than a common man. And as the ing under its influence. Many tamper
Roman guard that watched the tomb of with it merely to gratify their curiosity.
Jesus spread the lying report which the They have no real faith in it and would
priests and elders put into their mouths be filled with horror at the thought of
to disprove His resurrection, so do the yielding themselves to the spirits’ con-
believers in spiritual manifestations try trol. But they venture upon the forbid-
to make it appear that there is nothing den ground, and the mighty destroyer
miraculous in the circumstances of our exercises his power upon them against
Saviour’s life. After thus seeking to put their will. Let them once be induced to
Jesus in the background, they call at- submit their minds to his direction, and
tention to their own miracles, declaring he holds them captive. It is impossible, in
that these far exceed the works of Christ. their own strength, to break away from
the bewitching, alluring spell. Nothing
It is true that spiritualism is now but the power of God, granted in answer
changing its form and, veiling some of its to the earnest prayer of faith, can deliver
more objectionable features, is assum- these ensnared souls.
ing a Christian guise. But its utterances
from the platform and the press have All who indulge sinful traits of
been before the public for many years, character, or willfully cherish a known
and in these its real character stands sin, are inviting the temptations of Satan.
revealed. These teachings cannot be They separate themselves from God
denied or hidden. and from the watchcare of His angels;
as the evil one presents his deceptions,
Even in its present form, so far from they are without defense and fall an easy
being more worthy of toleration than prey. Those who thus place themselves
formerly, it is really a more dangerous, in his power little realize where their
because a more subtle, deception. While course will end. Having achieved their
it formerly denounced Christ and the overthrow, the tempter will employ
Bible, it now professes to accept both. But them as his agents to lure others to ruin.
the Bible is interpreted in a manner that
is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while Says the prophet Isaiah: “When they
its solemn and vital truths are made of shall say unto you, Seek unto them that
no effect. Love is dwelt upon as the chief have familiar spirits, and unto wizards
attribute of God, but it is degraded to that peep, and that mutter: should not
a weak sentimentalism, making little a people seek unto their God? for the
distinction between good and evil. God’s living to the dead? To the law and to the
justice, His denunciations of sin, the testimony: if they speak not according
requirements of His holy law, are all to this word, it is because there is no
kept out of sight. The people are taught light in them.” Isaiah 8:19, 20. If men
to regard the Decalogue as a dead letter. had been willing to receive the truth so
Pleasing, bewitching fables captivate the plainly stated in the Scriptures concern-
senses and lead men to reject the Bible ing the nature of man and the state of
as the foundation of their faith. Christ the dead, they would see in the claims
is as verily denied as before; but Satan and manifestations of spiritualism the
has so blinded the eyes of the people that working of Satan with power and signs
the deception is not discerned. and lying wonders. But rather than yield
the liberty so agreeable to the carnal
There are few who have any just heart, and renounce the sins which they
conception of the deceptive power of

Can Our Dead Speak to Us? 321

love, multitudes close their eyes to the object only as men voluntarily yield to
light and walk straight on, regardless of his temptations. Those who are earnestly
warnings, while Satan weaves his snares seeking a knowledge of the truth and are
about them, and they become his prey. striving to purify their souls through
“Because they received not the love of obedience, thus doing what they can to
the truth, that they might be saved,” prepare for the conflict, will find, in the
therefore “God shall send them strong God of truth, a sure defense. “Because
delusion, that they should believe a lie.” thou hast kept the word of My patience,
2 Thessalonians 2:10, 11. I also will keep thee” (verse 10), is the
Saviour’s promise. He would sooner
Those who oppose the teachings send every angel out of heaven to protect
of spiritualism are assailing, not men His people than leave one soul that trusts
alone, but Satan and his angels. They in Him to be overcome by Satan.
have entered upon a contest against
principalities and powers and wicked The prophet Isaiah brings to view
spirits in high places. Satan will not the fearful deception which will come
yield one inch of ground except as he is upon the wicked, causing them to count
driven back by the power of heavenly themselves secure from the judgments
messengers. The people of God should of God: “We have made a covenant with
be able to meet him, as did our Saviour,
with the words: “It is written.” Satan Many will be confronted by the
can quote Scripture now as in the days spirits of devils personating
of Christ, and he will pervert its teach- beloved relatives or friends and
ings to sustain his delusions. Those who declaring the most dangerous
would stand in this time of peril must heresies. These visitants will appeal
understand for themselves the testimony to our tenderest sympathies and
of the Scriptures. will work miracles to sustain their
pretensions. We must be prepared
Many will be confronted by the to withstand them with the Bible
spirits of devils personating beloved truth that the dead know not
relatives or friends and declaring the anything and that they who thus
most dangerous heresies. These visitants appear are the spirits of devils.
will appeal to our tenderest sympathies death, and with hell are we at agreement;
and will work miracles to sustain their when the overflowing scourge shall pass
pretensions. We must be prepared to through, it shall not come unto us: for
withstand them with the Bible truth we have made lies our refuge, and under
that the dead know not anything and falsehood have we hid ourselves.” Isaiah
that they who thus appear are the spirits 28:15. In the class here described are
of devils. included those who in their stubborn
impenitence comfort themselves with
Just before us is “the hour of temp- the assurance that there is to be no pun-
tation, which shall come upon all the ishment for the sinner; that all mankind,
world, to try them that dwell upon the it matters not how corrupt, are to be ex-
earth.” Revelation 3:10. All whose faith alted to heaven, to become as the angels
is not firmly established upon the word of God. But still more emphatically are
of God will be deceived and overcome.
Satan “works with all deceivableness of
unrighteousness” to gain control of the
children of men, and his deceptions will
continually increase. But he can gain his

322 The Great Controversy

those making a covenant with death and Satan has long been preparing for
an agreement with hell, who renounce his final effort to deceive the world.
the truths which Heaven has provided as The foundation of his work was laid by
a defense for the righteous in the day of the assurance given to Eve in Eden: “Ye
trouble, and accept the refuge of lies of- shall not surely die.” “In the day ye eat
fered by Satan in its stead—the delusive thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
pretensions of spiritualism. and ye shall be as gods, knowing good
and evil.” Genesis 3:4, 5. Little by little
Marvelous beyond expression is the he has prepared the way for his master-
blindness of the people of this genera- piece of deception in the development
tion. Thousands reject the word of God of spiritualism. He has not yet reached
as unworthy of belief and with eager the full accomplishment of his designs;
confidence receive the deceptions of but it will be reached in the last remnant
Satan. Skeptics and scoffers denounce of time. Says the prophet: “I saw three
the bigotry of those who contend for unclean spirits like frogs; … they are the
the faith of prophets and apostles, and spirits of devils, working miracles, which
they divert themselves by holding up to
ridicule the solemn declarations of the Except those who are kept by
Scriptures concerning Christ and the the power of God, through faith
plan of salvation, and the retribution in His word, the whole world
to be visited upon the rejecters of the will be swept into the ranks of
truth. They affect great pity for minds this delusion.
go forth unto the kings of the earth and
Satan has long been preparing for of the whole world, to gather them to the
his final effort to deceive the world. battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
The foundation of his work was Revelation 16:13, 14. Except those who
laid by the assurance given to Eve are kept by the power of God, through
in Eden: “Ye shall not surely die.” faith in His word, the whole world will
so narrow, weak, and superstitious as be swept into the ranks of this delusion.
to acknowledge the claims of God and The people are fast being lulled to a fatal
obey the requirements of His law. They security, to be awakened only by the
manifest as much assurance as if, indeed, outpouring of the wrath of God.
they had made a covenant with death
and an agreement with hell—as if they Saith the Lord God: “Judgment also
had erected an impassable, impenetrable will I lay to the line, and righteousness
barrier between themselves and the to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep
vengeance of God. Nothing can arouse away the refuge of lies, and the waters
their fears. So fully have they yielded to shall overflow the hiding place. And
the tempter, so closely are they united your covenant with death shall be dis-
with him, and so thoroughly imbued annulled, and your agreement with hell
with his spirit, that they have no power shall not stand; when the overflowing
and no inclination to break away from scourge shall pass through, then ye shall
his snare. be trodden down by it.” Isaiah 28:17, 18.

CHAPTER 35

Liberty of Conscience Threatened

C atholicism is now regarded by ever before. As Rome asserts that the
Protestants with far greater “ivncohgnutMrocothhsnheeeSvicmerri,peIrntursertdiet;su,nteeovsreowrf Eeilrlcrci”tle,(saJicoachsotnircdLa-l.
favor than in former years. In History, book 3, century II, part 2, chap-
those countries where it is not in the ter 2, section 9, note 17), how can she
ascendancy, and the papists are taking renounce the principles which governed
a conciliatory course in order to gain her course in past ages?
influence, there is an increasing indif-
ference concerning the doctrines that The papal church will never relin-
separate the reformed churches from the quish her claim to infallibility. All that
papal hierarchy; the opinion is gaining she has done in her persecution of those
ground that, after all, we do not differ who reject her dogmas she holds to be
so widely upon vital points as has been right; and would she not repeat the same
supposed, and that a little concession acts, should the opportunity be pre-
on our part will bring us into a better sented? Let the restraints now imposed
understanding with Rome. The time was by secular governments be removed and
when Protestants placed a high value Rome be reinstated in her former power,
upon the liberty of conscience which and there would speedily be a revival of
had been so dearly purchased. They her tyranny and persecution.
taught their children to abhor popery
and held that to seek harmony with A well-known writer speaks thus
Rome would be disloyalty to God. But of the attitude of the papal hierarchy
how widely different are the sentiments as regards freedom of conscience, and
now expressed! of the perils which especially threaten
the United States from the success of
The defenders of the papacy declare her policy:
that the church has been maligned, and
the Protestant world are inclined to ac- “There are many who are disposed
cept the statement. Many urge that it is to attribute any fear of Roman Catholi-
unjust to judge the church of today by cism in the United States to bigotry or
the abominations and absurdities that childishness. Such see nothing in the
marked her reign during the centuries character and attitude of Catholicism
of ignorance and darkness. They excuse that is hostile to our free institutions, or
her horrible cruelty as the result of the find nothing portentous in its growth.
barbarism of the times and plead that Let us, then, first compare some of the
the influence of modern civilization has fundamental principles of our govern-
changed her sentiments. ment with those of the Catholic Church.

Have these persons forgotten the “The Constitution of the United
claim of infallibility put forth for eight States guarantees liberty of conscience.
hundred years by this haughty power? Nothing is dearer or more fundamental.
So far from being relinquished, this Pope Pius IX, in his Encyclical Letter
claim was affirmed in the nineteenth of August 15, 1854, said: ‘The absurd
century with greater positiveness than and erroneous doctrines or ravings in

324 The Great Controversy

defense of liberty of conscience are a Thousands in that church are serving
most pestilential error—a pest, of all God according to the best light they
others, most to be dreaded in a state.’ have. They are not allowed access to His
The same pope, in his Encyclical Letter word, and therefore they do not discern
of December 8, 1864, anathematized the truth.* They have never seen the
‘those who assert the liberty of con- contrast between a living heart service
science and of religious worship,’ also and a round of mere forms and ceremo-
‘all such as maintain that the church nies. God looks with pitying tenderness
may not employ force.’ upon these souls, educated as they are in
a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying.
“The pacific tone of Rome in the He will cause rays of light to penetrate
United States does not imply a change of the dense darkness that surrounds them.
heart. She is tolerant where she is helpless. He will reveal to them the truth as it is
Says Bishop O’Connor: ‘Religious liberty in Jesus, and many will yet take their
is merely endured until the opposite can position with His people.
be carried into effect without peril to the
Catholic world.’ … The archbishop of St. But Catholicism as a system is no
Louis once said: ‘Heresy and unbelief are more in harmony with the gospel of
crimes; and in Christian countries, as in Christ now than at any former period
Italy and Spain, for instance, where all in her history. The Protestant churches
the people are Catholics, and where the are in great darkness, or they would
Catholic religion is an essential part of discern the signs of the times. The
Roman Church is far-reaching in her
The Roman Church is far-reaching in plans and modes of operation. She is
her plans and modes of operation. employing every device to extend her
She is employing every device to influence and increase her power in
extend her influence and increase preparation for a fierce and determined
her power in preparation for a conflict to regain control of the world,
fierce and determined conflict to to re-establish persecution, and to
regain control of the world, to re- undo all that Protestantism has done.
establish persecution, and to undo Catholicism is gaining ground upon
all that Protestantism has done. every side. See the increasing number of
her churches and chapels in Protestant
the law of the land, they are punished as countries. Look at the popularity of her
other crimes.’ … colleges and seminaries in America, so
“Every cardinal, archbishop, and widely patronized by Protestants. Look
bishop in the Catholic Church takes an at the growth of ritualism in England
oath of allegiance to the pope, in which and the frequent defections to the ranks
occur the following words: ‘Heretics, of the Catholics. These things should
schismatics, and rebels to our said lord awaken the anxiety of all who prize the
(the pope), or his aforesaid successors, pure principles of the gospel.
I will to my utmost persecute and op-
pose.’ ”—Josiah Strong, Our Country, Protestants have tampered with and
ch. 5, pars. 2-4. patronized popery; they have made
It is true that there are real Christians compromises and concessions which
in the Roman Catholic communion. papists themselves are surprised to see
and fail to understand. Men are closing

*Published in 1888 and 1911. See Appendix

Liberty of Conscience Threatened 325

their eyes to the real character of Roman from their infinite Helper, and to live
Catholicism and the dangers to be ap- for this world alone.
prehended from her supremacy. The
people need to be aroused to resist the A religion of externals is attractive
advances of this most dangerous foe to to the unrenewed heart. The pomp and
civil and religious liberty. ceremony of the Catholic worship has a
seductive, bewitching power, by which
Many Protestants suppose that the many are deceived; and they come to
Catholic religion is unattractive and that look upon the Roman Church as the very
its worship is a dull, meaningless round gate of heaven. None but those who have
of ceremony. Here they mistake. While planted their feet firmly upon the foun-
Catholicism is based upon deception, it dation of truth, and whose hearts are
isnotacoarse and clumsy imposture. The renewed by the Spirit of God, are proof
religious service of the Roman Church is a against her influence. Thousands who
most impressive ceremonial. Its gorgeous have not an experimental knowledge of
display and solemn rites fascinate the Christ will be led to accept the forms of
senses of the people and silence the voice godliness without the power. Such a re-
of reason and of conscience. The eye is ligion is just what the multitudes desire.
charmed. Magnificent churches, impos-
ing processions, golden altars, jeweled The church’s claim to the right to
shrines, choice paintings, and exquisite pardon leads the Catholic to feel at
sculpture appeal to the love of beauty. liberty to sin; and the ordinance of con-
The ear also is captivated. The music is fession, without which her pardon is not
unsurpassed. The rich notes of the deep- granted, tends also to give license to evil.
toned organ, blending with the melody He who kneels before fallen man, and
of many voices as it swells through the opens in confession the secret thoughts
lofty domes and pillared aisles of her and imaginations of his heart, is debas-
grand cathedrals, cannot fail to impress ing his manhood and degrading every
the mind with awe and reverence. noble instinct of his soul. In unfolding
the sins of his life to a priest,—an erring,
This outward splendor, pomp, and sinful mortal, and too often corrupted
ceremony, that only mocks the long- with wine and licentiousness,—his
ings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence standard of character is lowered, and he
of inward corruption. The religion of is defiled in consequence. His thought
Christ needs not such attractions to of God is degraded to the likeness of
recommend it. In the light shining from fallen humanity, for the priest stands as
the cross, true Christianity appears so a representative of God. This degrading
pure and lovely that no external deco- confession of man to man is the secret
rations can enhance its true worth. It is spring from which has flowed much of
the beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet the evil that is defiling the world and
spirit, which is of value with God. fitting it for the final destruction. Yet
to him who loves self-indulgence, it
Brilliancy of style is not necessarily is more pleasing to confess to a fellow
an index of pure, elevated thought. High mortal than to open the soul to God. It
conceptions of art, delicate refinement is more palatable to human nature to
of taste, often exist in minds that are do penance than to renounce sin; it is
earthly and sensual. They are often easier to mortify the flesh by sackcloth
employed by Satan to lead men to forget and nettles and galling chains than to
the necessities of the soul, to lose sight crucify fleshly lusts. Heavy is the yoke
of the future, immortal life, to turn away

326 The Great Controversy

which the carnal heart is willing to bear are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
rather than bow to the yoke of Christ. Matthew 11:28.

There is a striking similarity between It is Satan’s constant effort to misrep-
the Church of Rome and the Jewish resent the character of God, the nature
Church at the time of Christ’s first ad- of sin, and the real issues at stake in the
vent. While the Jews secretly trampled great controversy. His sophistry lessens
upon every principle of the law of God, the obligation of the divine law and gives
they were outwardly rigorous in the ob- men license to sin. At the same time he
servance of its precepts, loading it down causes them to cherish false conceptions
with exactions and traditions that made of God so that they regard Him with
obedience painful and burdensome. As fear and hate rather than with love. The
the Jews professed to revere the law, so do cruelty inherent in his own character is
Roman Catholics claim to reverence the attributed to the Creator; it is embodied
cross. They exalt the symbol of Christ’s in systems of religion and expressed
sufferings, while in their lives they deny in modes of worship. Thus the minds
Him whom it represents. of men are blinded, and Satan secures
them as his agents to war against God.
Papists place crosses upon their By perverted conceptions of the divine
churches, upon their altars, and upon attributes, heathen nations were led to
their garments. Everywhere is seen the believe human sacrifices necessary to
insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is secure the favor of Deity; and horrible
outwardly honored and exalted. But the cruelties have been perpetrated under
teachings of Christ are buried beneath a the various forms of idolatry.
mass of senseless traditions, false inter-
pretations, and rigorous exactions. The The Roman Catholic Church, unit-
Saviour’s words concerning the bigoted ing the forms of paganism and Christi-
Jews, apply with still greater force to the anity, and, like paganism, misrepresent-
leaders of the Roman Catholic Church: ing the character of God, has resorted
“They bind heavy burdens and griev- to practices no less cruel and revolting.
ous to be borne, and lay them on men’s In the days of Rome’s supremacy there
shoulders; but they themselves will not were instruments of torture to compel
move them with one of their fingers.” assent to her doctrines. There was the
Matthew 23:4. Conscientious souls are stake for those who would not concede
kept in constant terror fearing the wrath to her claims. There were massacres on
of an offended God, while many of the a scale that will never be known until
dignitaries of the church are living in revealed in the judgment. Dignitaries
luxury and sensual pleasure. of the church studied, under Satan their
master, to invent means to cause the
The worship of images and relics, greatest possible torture and not end
the invocation of saints, and the exal- the life of the victim. In many cases
tation of the pope are devices of Satan the infernal process was repeated to
to attract the minds of the people from the utmost limit of human endurance,
God and from His Son. To accomplish until nature gave up the struggle, and the
their ruin, he endeavors to turn their sufferer hailed death as a sweet release.
attention from Him through whom
alone they can find salvation. He will Such was the fate of Rome’s op-
direct them to any object that can be ponents. For her adherents she had the
substituted for the One who has said: discipline of the scourge, of famishing
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and hunger, of bodily austerities in every

Liberty of Conscience Threatened 327

conceivable, heart-sickening form. To consign men to the prison or the rack
secure the favor of Heaven, penitents because they did not pay Him homage
violated the laws of God by violating as the King of heaven? Was His voice
the laws of nature. They were taught to heard condemning to death those who
sunder the ties which He has formed to did not accept Him? When He was
bless and gladden man’s earthly sojourn. slighted by the people of a Samaritan
The churchyard contains millions of village, the apostle John was filled with
victims who spent their lives in vain indignation, and inquired: “Lord, wilt
endeavors to subdue their natural af- Thou that we command fire to come
fections, to repress, as offensive to God, down from heaven, and consume them,
every thought and feeling of sympathy even as Elias did?” Jesus looked with
with their fellow creatures. pity upon His disciple, and rebuked his
harsh spirit, saying: “The Son of man is
If we desire to understand the de- not come to destroy men’s lives, but to
termined cruelty of Satan, manifested save them.” Luke 9:54, 56. How different
for hundreds of years, not among those from the spirit manifested by Christ is
who never heard of God, but in the that of His professed vicar.
very heart and throughout the extent
of Christendom, we have only to look The Roman Church now presents
at the history of Roman Catholicism. a fair front to the world, covering with
Through this mammoth system of apologies her record of horrible cruel-
deception the prince of evil achieves ties. She has clothed herself in Christlike
his purpose of bringing dishonor to garments; but she is unchanged. Every
God and wretchedness to man. And as principle of the papacy that existed in
we see how he succeeds in disguising past ages exists today. The doctrines
himself and accomplishing his work devised in the darkest ages are still
through the leaders of the church, we held. Let none deceive themselves. The
may better understand why he has so papacy that Protestants are now so ready
great antipathy to the Bible. If that Book to honor is the same that ruled the world
is read, the mercy and love of God will in the days of the Reformation, when
be revealed; it will be seen that He lays men of God stood up, at the peril of
upon men none of these heavy burdens. their lives, to expose her iniquity. She
All that He asks is a broken and contrite possesses the same pride and arrogant
heart, a humble, obedient spirit. assumption that lorded it over kings and
princes, and claimed the prerogatives
Christ gives no example in His life of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and
for men and women to shut themselves despotic now than when she crushed
in monasteries in order to become fitted out human liberty and slew the saints
for heaven. He has never taught that love of the Most High.
and sympathy must be repressed. The
Saviour’s heart overflowed with love. The papacy is just what prophecy
The nearer man approaches to moral declared that she would be, the apostasy
perfection, the keener are his sensibili- of the latter times. 2 Thessalonians 2:3,
ties, the more acute is his perception of 4. It is a part of her policy to assume the
sin, and the deeper his sympathy for character which will best accomplish her
the afflicted. The pope claims to be purpose; but beneath the variable ap-
the vicar of Christ; but how does his pearance of the chameleon she conceals
character bear comparison with that of the invariable venom of the serpent.
our Saviour? Was Christ ever known to “Faith ought not to be kept with heretics,

328 The Great Controversy

nor persons suspected of heresy” (Len- bestowed, the greater the darkness of
fant, volume 1, page 516), she declares. those who pervert and reject it.
Shall this power, whose record for a
thousand years is written in the blood A prayerful study of the Bible would
of the saints, be now acknowledged as show Protestants the real character of the
a part of the church of Christ? papacy and would cause them to abhor
and to shun it; but many are so wise in
It is not without reason that the their own conceit that they feel no need
claim has been put forth in Protestant of humbly seeking God that they may
countries that Catholicism differs less be led into the truth. Although priding
widely from Protestantism than in themselves on their enlightenment, they
former times. There has been a change; are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of
but the change is not in the papacy. Ca- the power of God. They must have some
tholicism indeed resembles much of the means of quieting their consciences, and
Protestantism that now exists, because they seek that which is least spiritual
Protestantism has so greatly degenerated and humiliating. What they desire is a
since the days of the Reformers. method of forgetting God which shall
pass as a method of remembering Him.
As the Protestant churches have The papacy is well adapted to meet the
been seeking the favor of the world, wants of all these. It is prepared for two
false charity has blinded their eyes. They classes of mankind, embracing nearly
do not see but that it is right to believe the whole world—those who would be
good of all evil, and as the inevitable saved by their merits, and those who
result they will finally believe evil of all would be saved in their sins. Here is the
good. Instead of standing in defense of secret of its power.
the faith once delivered to the saints,
they are now, as it were, apologizing to A day of great intellectual darkness
Rome for their uncharitable opinion of has been shown to be favorable to the
her, begging pardon for their bigotry. success of the papacy. It will yet be dem-
onstrated that a day of great intellectual
A large class, even of those who look light is equally favorable for its success.
upon Catholicism with no favor, appre- In past ages, when men were without
hend little danger from her power and God’s word and without the knowledge
influence. Many urge that the intellectu- of the truth, their eyes were blindfolded,
al and moral darkness prevailing during and thousands were ensnared, not see-
the Middle Ages favored the spread of ing the net spread for their feet. In this
her dogmas, superstitions, and oppres- generation there are many whose eyes
sion, and that the greater intelligence of become dazzled by the glare of human
modern times, the general diffusion of speculations, “science falsely so called;”
knowledge, and the increasing liberality they discern not the net, and walk into
in matters of religion forbid a revival it as readily as if blindfolded. God de-
of intolerance and tyranny. The very signed that man’s intellectual powers
thought that such a state of things will should be held as a gift from his Maker
exist in this enlightened age is ridiculed. and should be employed in the service
It is true that great light, intellectual, of truth and righteousness; but when
moral, and religious, is shining upon this pride and ambition are cherished, and
generation. In the open pages of God’s men exalt their own theories above the
Holy Word, light from heaven has been word of God, then intelligence can ac-
shed upon the world. But it should be complish greater harm than ignorance.
remembered that the greater the light

Liberty of Conscience Threatened 329

Thus the false science of the present day, (A.D. 321.) This edict required towns-
which undermines faith in the Bible, will people to rest on “the venerable day of
prove as successful in preparing the way the sun,” but permitted countrymen
for the acceptance of the papacy, with its to continue their agricultural pursuits.
pleasing forms, as did the withholding Though virtually a heathen statute, it
of knowledge in opening the way for was enforced by the emperor after his
its aggrandizement in the Dark Ages. nominal acceptance of Christianity.

In the movements now in progress The royal mandate not proving a
in the United States to secure for the sufficient substitute for divine author-
institutions and usages of the church ity, Eusebius, a bishop who sought the
the support of the state, Protestants favor of princes, and who was the spe-
are following in the steps of papists. cial friend and flatterer of Constantine,
Nay, more, they are opening the door advanced the claim that Christ had
for the papacy to regain in Protestant transferred the Sabbath to Sunday. Not
America the supremacy which she has a single testimony of the Scriptures was
lost in the Old World. And that which produced in proof of the new doctrine.
gives greater significance to this move- Eusebius himself unwittingly acknowl-
ment is the fact that the principal object edges its falsity and points to the real
contemplated is the enforcement of authors of the change. “All things,” he
Sunday observance—a custom which says, “whatever that it was duty to do on
originated with Rome, and which she the Sabbath, these we have transferred to
claims as the sign of her authority. It the Lord’s Day.”—Robert Cox, Sabbath
is the spirit of the papacy—the spirit Laws and Sabbath Duties, page 538. But
of conformity to worldly customs, the the Sunday argument, groundless as it
veneration for human traditions above was, served to embolden men in tram-
the commandments of God—that is pling upon the Sabbath of the Lord. All
permeating the Protestant churches and who desired to be honored by the world
leading them on to do the same work of accepted the popular festival.
Sunday exaltation which the papacy has
done before them. As the papacy became firmly estab-
lished, the work of Sunday exaltation
If the reader would understand the was continued. For a time the people
agencies to be employed in the soon- engaged in agricultural labor when not
coming contest, he has but to trace attending church, and the seventh day
the record of the means which Rome was still regarded as the Sabbath. But
employed for the same object in ages steadily a change was effected. Those
past. If he would know how papists and in holy office were forbidden to pass
Protestants united will deal with those judgment in any civil controversy on
who reject their dogmas, let him see the the Sunday. Soon after, all persons, of
spirit which Rome manifested toward whatever rank, were commanded to
the Sabbath and its defenders. refrain from common labor on pain of
a fine for freemen and stripes in the case
Royal edicts, general councils, and of servants. Later it was decreed that rich
church ordinances sustained by secular men should be punished with the loss
power were the steps by which the pagan of half of their estates; and finally, that
festival attained its position of honor if still obstinate they should be made
in the Christian world. The first public slaves. The lower classes were to suffer
measure enforcing Sunday observance perpetual banishment.
was the law enacted by Constantine.

330 The Great Controversy

Miracles also were called into req- no little embarrassment. The people
uisition. Among other wonders it was questioned the right of their teachers
reported that as a husbandman who to set aside the positive declaration of
was about to plow his field on Sunday Jehovah, “The seventh day is the Sabbath
cleaned his plow with an iron, the iron of the Lord thy God,” in order to honor
stuck fast in his hand, and for two years the day of the sun. To supply the lack of
he carried it about with him, “to his ex- Bible testimony, other expedients were
ceeding great pain and shame.”—Francis necessary. A zealous advocate of Sun-
Wonetsht,eHLiosrtodr’sicDaal ay,npdaPgrea1ct7i4ca. l Discourse day, who about the close of the twelfth
century visited the churches of England,
Later the pope gave directions that was resisted by faithful witnesses for the
the parish priest should admonish the truth; and so fruitless were his efforts
violators of Sunday and wish them to go that he departed from the country for
to church and say their prayers, lest they a season and cast about him for some
bring some great calamity on themselves means to enforce his teachings. When
and neighbors. An ecclesiastical council he returned, the lack was supplied, and
brought forward the argument, since so in his after labors he met with greater
widely employed, even by Protestants, success. He brought with him a roll pur-
that because persons had been struck porting to be from God Himself, which
by lightning while laboring on Sunday, it contained the needed command for
must be the Sabbath. “It is apparent,” said Sunday observance, with awful threats
the prelates, “how high the displeasure of to terrify the disobedient. This precious
God was upon their neglect of this day.” document—as base a counterfeit as the
An appeal was then made that priests institution it supported—was said to
and ministers, kings and princes, and all have fallen from heaven and to have
faithful people “use their utmost endeav- been found in Jerusalem, upon the altar
ors and care that the day be restored to its of St. Simeon, in Golgotha. But, in fact,
honor, and, for the credit of Christianity, the pontifical palace at Rome was the
more devoutly observed for the time to source whence it proceeded. Frauds and
come.”—Thomas Morer, Discourse in forgeries to advance the power and pros-
Six Dialogues on the Name, Notion, and perity of the church have in all ages been
Observation of the Lord’s Day, page 271. esteemed lawful by the papal hierarchy.

The decrees of councils proving The roll forbade labor from the
insufficient, the secular authorities were ninth hour, three o’clock, on Saturday
besought to issue an edict that would afternoon, till sunrise on Monday; and its
strike terror to the hearts of the people authority was declared to be confirmed
and force them to refrain from labor on by many miracles. It was reported that
the Sunday. At a synod held in Rome, all persons laboring beyond the appointed
previous decisions were reaffirmed with hour were stricken with paralysis. A
greater force and solemnity. They were miller who attempted to grind his corn,
also incorporated into the ecclesiastical saw, instead of flour, a torrent of blood
law and enforced by the civil authorities come forth, and the mill wheel stood still,
throughout nearly all Christendom. notwithstanding the strong rush of water.
(See Heylyn, History of the Sabbath, pt. A woman who placed dough in the oven
2, ch. 5, sec. 7.) found it raw when taken out, though the
oven was very hot. Another who had
Still the absence of Scriptural au- dough prepared for baking at the ninth
thority for Sundaykeeping occasioned

Liberty of Conscience Threatened 331

hour, but determined to set it aside till Ethiopia and Abyssinia is especially
Monday, found, the next day, that it had significant. Amid the gloom of the Dark
been made into loaves and baked by Ages, the Christians of Central Africa
divine power. A man who baked bread were lost sight of and forgotten by the
after the ninth hour on Saturday found, world, and for many centuries they
when he broke it the next morning, that enjoyed freedom in the exercise of their
blood started therefrom. By such absurd faith. But at last Rome learned of their
and superstitious fabrications did the ad- existence, and the emperor of Abyssinia
vocates of Sunday endeavor to establish was soon beguiled into an acknowledg-
its sacredness. (See Roger de Hoveden, ment of the pope as the vicar of Christ.
Annals, vol. 2, pp. 528-530.) Other concessions followed. An edict
was issued forbidding the observance of
In Scotland, as in England, a greater the Sabbath under the severest penalties.
regard for Sunday was secured by uniting (See Michael Geddes, Church History
with it a portion of the ancient Sabbath. of Ethiopia, pages 311, 312.) But papal
But the time required to be kept holy var- tyranny soon became a yoke so gall-
ied. An edict from the king of Scotland ing that the Abyssinians determined
declared that “Saturday from twelve at to break it from their necks. After a
noon ought to be accounted holy,” and terrible struggle the Roman Catholics
that no man, from that time till Monday were banished from their dominions,
morning, should engage in worldly busi- and the ancient faith was restored. The
ness.—Morer, pages 290, 291. churches rejoiced in their freedom, and
they never forgot the lesson they had
But notwithstanding all the efforts learned concerning the deception, the
to establish Sunday sacredness, papists fanaticism, and the despotic power of
themselves publicly confessed the divine Rome. Within their solitary realm they
authority of the Sabbath and the human were content to remain, unknown to the
origin of the institution by which it had rest of Christendom.
been supplanted. In the sixteenth cen-
tury a papal council plainly declared: The churches of Africa held the Sab-
“Let all Christians remember that the bath as it was held by the papal church
seventh day was consecrated by God, before her complete apostasy. While
and hath been received and observed, they kept the seventh day in obedience
not only by the Jews, but by all others to the commandment of God, they
who pretend to worship God; though we abstained from labor on the Sunday in
Christians have changed their Sabbath conformity to the custom of the church.
into the Lord’s Day.”—Ibid., pages 281, Upon obtaining supreme power, Rome
282. Those who were tampering with had trampled upon the Sabbath of God
the divine law were not ignorant of the to exalt her own; but the churches of
character of their work. They were de- Africa, hidden for nearly a thousand
liberately setting themselves above God. years, did not share in this apostasy.
When brought under the sway of Rome,
A striking illustration of Rome’s they were forced to set aside the true and
policy toward those who disagree with exalt the false sabbath; but no sooner had
her was given in the long and bloody they regained their independence than
persecution of the Waldenses, some of they returned to obedience to the fourth
whom were observers of the Sabbath. commandment. (See Appendix.)
Others suffered in a similar manner for
their fidelity to the fourth command-
ment. The history of the churches of

332 The Great Controversy

These records of the past clearly of deception. And the revelator declares,
reveal the enmity of Rome toward the also referring to the papacy: “All that
true Sabbath and its defenders, and the dwell upon the earth shall worship him,
means which she employs to honor the whose names are not written in the book
institution of her creating. The word of life.” Revelation 13:8. In both the Old
of God teaches that these scenes are to and the New World, the papacy will
be repeated as Roman Catholics and receive homage in the honor paid to the
Protestants shall unite for the exaltation Sunday institution, that rests solely upon
of the Sunday. the authority of the Roman Church.

The prophecy of Revelation 13 Since the middle of the nineteenth
declares that the power represented century, students of prophecy in the
by the beast with lamblike horns shall United States have presented this testi-
cause “the earth and them which dwell mony to the world. In the events now
therein” to worship the papacy—there taking place is seen a rapid advance
symbolized by the beast “like unto a toward the fulfillment of the predic-
leopard.” The beast with two horns is tion. With Protestant teachers there is
also to say “to them that dwell on the the same claim of divine authority for
earth, that they should make an image Sundaykeeping, and the same lack of
to the beast;” and, furthermore, it is to Scriptural evidence, as with the papal
command all, “both small and great, rich leaders who fabricated miracles to sup-
and poor, free and bond,” to receive the ply the place of a command from God.
mark of the beast. Revelation 13:11-16. It The assertion that God’s judgments are
has been shown that the United States is visited upon men for their violation of
the power represented by the beast with the Sunday-sabbath, will be repeated;
lamblike horns, and that this prophecy already it is beginning to be urged. And
will be fulfilled when the United States a movement to enforce Sunday obser-
shall enforce Sunday observance, which vance is fast gaining ground.
Rome claims as the special acknowledg-
ment of her supremacy. But in this hom- Marvelous in her shrewdness and
age to the papacy the United States will cunning is the Roman Church. She can
not be alone. The influence of Rome in read what is to be. She bides her time,
the countries that once acknowledged seeing that the Protestant churches are
her dominion is still far from being paying her homage in their acceptance
destroyed. And prophecy foretells a res- of the false sabbath and that they are
toration of her power. “I saw one of his preparing to enforce it by the very means
heads as it were wounded to death; and which she herself employed in bygone
his deadly wound was healed: and all the days. Those who reject the light of truth
world wondered after the beast.” Verse will yet seek the aid of this self-styled
3. The infliction of the deadly wound infallible power to exalt an institution
points to the downfall of the papacy in that originated with her. How readily she
1798. After this, says the prophet, “his will come to the help of Protestants in
deadly wound was healed: and all the this work it is not difficult to conjecture.
world wondered after the beast.” Paul Who understands better than the papal
states plainly that the “man of sin” will leaders how to deal with those who are
continue until the second advent. 2 disobedient to the church?
Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close
of time he will carry forward the work The Roman Catholic Church, with
all its ramifications throughout the
world, forms one vast organization

Liberty of Conscience Threatened 333

under the control, and designed to and “that he can absolve subjects from
serve the interests, of the papal see. Its their allegiance to unrighteous rul-
millions of communicants, in every ers.”—Mosheim, b. 3, cent. 11, pt. 2, ch.
country on the globe, are instructed to 2, sec. 9, note 17.
hold themselves as bound in allegiance
to the pope. Whatever their nationality And let it be remembered, it is the
or their government, they are to regard boast of Rome that she never changes.
the authority of the church as above all The principles of Gregory VII and In-
other. Though they may take the oath nocent III are still the principles of the
pledging their loyalty to the state, yet Roman Catholic Church. And had she
back of this lies the vow of obedience but the power, she would put them in
to Rome, absolving them from every practice with as much vigor now as in
pledge inimical to her interests. past centuries. Protestants little know
what they are doing when they propose
History testifies of her artful and to accept the aid of Rome in the work
persistent efforts to insinuate herself of Sunday exaltation. While they are
into the affairs of nations; and having bent upon the accomplishment of their
gained a foothold, to further her own purpose, Rome is aiming to re-establish
aims, even at the ruin of princes and her power, to recover her lost supremacy.
people. In the year 1204, Pope Innocent Let the principle once be established in
III extracted from Peter II, king of Ar- the United States that the church may
ragon, the following extraordinary oath: employ or control the power of the
state; that religious observances may be
Let the principle once be enforced by secular laws; in short, that
established in the United States the authority of church and state is to
that the church may employ or dominate the conscience, and the tri-
control the power of the state; umph of Rome in this country is assured.
that religious observances may be
enforced by secular laws; in short, God’s word has given warning of the
that the authority of church and impending danger; let this be unheeded,
state is to dominate the conscience, and the Protestant world will learn what
and the triumph of Rome in this the purposes of Rome really are, only
country is assured. when it is too late to escape the snare.
“I, Peter, king of Arragonians, profess She is silently growing into power. Her
and promise to be ever faithful and doctrines are exerting their influence
obedient to my lord, Pope Innocent, to in legislative halls, in the churches,
his Catholic successors, and the Roman and in the hearts of men. She is piling
Church, and faithfully to preserve my up her lofty and massive structures in
kingdom in his obedience, defending the the secret recesses of which her former
Catholic faith, and persecuting heretical persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily
poinfraRhvoaimtrym.a”—noinsJymohw, nbit.hD5,tochwhe.lic6nl,agsi,mecTs.h5re5eg.HTairhsdtioisnrigys and unsuspectedly she is strengthening
the power of the Roman pontiff “that it her forces to further her own ends when
is lawful for him to depose emperors” the time shall come for her to strike. All
that she desires is vantage ground, and
this is already being given her. We shall
soon see and shall feel what the purpose
of the Roman element is. Whoever shall
believe and obey the word of God will
thereby incur reproach and persecution.

CHAPTER 36

The Impending Conflict

F rom the very beginning of the Upon this battle we are now entering—
great controversy in heaven it has a battle between the laws of men and
been Satan’s purpose to overthrow the precepts of Jehovah, between the
the law of God. It was to accomplish religion of the Bible and the religion of
this that he entered upon his rebellion fable and tradition.
against the Creator, and though he was
cast out of heaven he has continued the The agencies which will unite against
same warfare upon the earth. To deceive truth and righteousness in this contest
men, and thus lead them to transgress are now actively at work. God’s holy
God’s law, is the object which he has word, which has been handed down to
steadfastly pursued. Whether this be us at such a cost of suffering and blood,
accomplished by casting aside the law is but little valued. The Bible is within the
altogether, or by rejecting one of its reach of all, but there are few who really
precepts, the result will be ultimately accept it as the guide of life. Infidelity
the same. He that offends “in one point,” prevails to an alarming extent, not in the
manifests contempt for the whole law; world merely, but in the church. Many
his influence and example are on the side have come to deny doctrines which are
of transgression; he becomes “guilty of the very pillars of the Christian faith.
all.” James 2:10. The great facts of creation as presented
by the inspired writers, the fall of man,
In seeking to cast contempt upon the atonement, and the perpetuity of the
the divine statutes, Satan has perverted law of God, are practically rejected, either
the doctrines of the Bible, and errors wholly or in part, by a large share of the
have thus become incorporated into professedly Christian world. Thousands
the faith of thousands who profess to who pride themselves upon their wis-
believe the Scriptures. The last great dom and independence regard it as an
conflict between truth and error is but evidence of weakness to place implicit
the final struggle of the long-standing confidence in the Bible; they think it a
controversy concerning the law of God. proof of superior talent and learning to
cavil at the Scriptures and to spiritualize
No error accepted by the Christian and explain away their most important
world strikes more boldly against truths. Many ministers are teaching
the authority of Heaven, none their people, and many professors and
is more directly opposed to the teachers are instructing their students,
dictates of reason, none is more that the law of God has been changed
pernicious in its results, than the or abrogated; and those who regard its
modern doctrine, so rapidly gaining requirements as still valid, to be literally
ground, that God’s law is no longer obeyed, are thought to be deserving only
binding upon men. of ridicule or contempt.

In rejecting the truth, men reject
its Author. In trampling upon the law
of God, they deny the authority of the

The Impending Conflict 335

Law-giver. It is as easy to make an idol It would be far more consistent for
of false doctrines and theories as to nations to abolish their statutes, and
fashion an idol of wood or stone. By permit the people to do as they please,
misrepresenting the attributes of God, than for the Ruler of the universe to
Satan leads men to conceive of Him in annul His law, and leave the world
a false character. With many, a philo-
sophical idol is enthroned in the place Would we know the result of
of Jehovah; while the living God, as He making void the law of God? The
is revealed in His word, in Christ, and experiment has been tried. … When
in the works of creation, is worshiped by the standard of righteousness is
but few. Thousands deify nature while set aside, the way is open for the
they deny the God of nature. Though prince of evil to establish his power
in a different form, idolatry exists in in the earth.
the Christian world today as verily as it without a standard to condemn the
existed among ancient Israel in the days guilty or justify the obedient. Would
of Elijah. The god of many professedly we know the result of making void
wise men, of philosophers, poets, politi- the law of God? The experiment has
cians, journalists—the god of polished been tried. Terrible were the scenes
fashionable circles, of many colleges and enacted in France when atheism be-
universities, even of some theological came the controlling power. It was
institutions—is little better than Baal, then demonstrated to the world that
the sun-god of Phoenicia. to throw off the restraints which God
has imposed is to accept the rule of the
No error accepted by the Christian cruelest of tyrants. When the standard
world strikes more boldly against the au- of righteousness is set aside, the way is
thority of Heaven, none is more directly open for the prince of evil to establish
opposed to the dictates of reason, none his power in the earth.
is more pernicious in its results, than
the modern doctrine, so rapidly gain- Wherever the divine precepts are
ing ground, that God’s law is no longer rejected, sin ceases to appear sinful or
binding upon men. Every nation has righteousness desirable. Those who
its laws, which command respect and refuse to submit to the government
obedience; no government could exist of God are wholly unfitted to govern
without them; and can it be conceived themselves. Through their pernicious
that the Creator of the heavens and the teachings the spirit of insubordination
earth has no law to govern the beings is implanted in the hearts of children
He has made? Suppose that prominent and youth, who are naturally impatient
ministers were publicly to teach that the of control; and a lawless, licentious
statutes which govern their land and state of society results. While scoffing
protect the rights of its citizens were not at the credulity of those who obey the
obligatory—that they restricted the lib- requirements of God, the multitudes
erties of the people, and therefore ought eagerly accept the delusions of Satan.
not to be obeyed; how long would such They give the rein to lust and practice
men be tolerated in the pulpit? But is it the sins which have called down judg-
a graver offense to disregard the laws ments upon the heathen.
of states and nations than to trample
upon those divine precepts which are
the foundation of all government?

336 The Great Controversy

Those who teach the people to re- seems to be a tottering mass, ready to
gard lightly the commandments of God fall to ruin. The vilest of criminals, when
sow disobedience to reap disobedience. thrown into prison for their offenses,
Let the restraint imposed by the divine are often made the recipients of gifts
law be wholly cast aside, and human laws and attentions as if they had attained
would soon be disregarded. Because an enviable distinction. Great publicity
God forbids dishonest practices, covet- is given to their character and crimes.
ing, lying, and defrauding, men are ready The press publishes the revolting details
to trample upon His statutes as a hin- of vice, thus initiating others into the
drance to their worldly prosperity; but practice of fraud, robbery, and murder;
the results of banishing these precepts and Satan exults in the success of his
would be such as they do not anticipate. hellish schemes. The infatuation of vice,
If the law were not binding, why should the wanton taking of life, the terrible
any fear to transgress? Property would increase of intemperance and iniquity of
no longer be safe. Men would obtain every order and degree, should arouse
their neighbor’s possessions by violence, all who fear God, to inquire what can be
and the strongest would become richest. done to stay the tide of evil.
Life itself would not be respected. The
marriage vow would no longer stand as a Courts of justice are corrupt. Rul-
sacred bulwark to protect the family. He ers are actuated by desire for gain and
who had the power, would, if he desired, love of sensual pleasure. Intemperance
take his neighbor’s wife by violence. has beclouded the faculties of many so
The fifth commandment would be set that Satan has almost complete control
aside with the fourth. Children would of them. Jurists are perverted, bribed,
not shrink from taking the life of their deluded. Drunkenness and revelry,
parents if by so doing they could obtain passion, envy, dishonesty of every sort,
the desire of their corrupt hearts. The are represented among those who
civilized world would become a horde administer the laws. “Justice standeth
of robbers and assassins; and peace, afar off: for truth is fallen in the street,
rest, and happiness would be banished and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14.
from the earth.
The iniquity and spiritual darkness
Already the doctrine that men that prevailed under the supremacy of
are released from obedience to God’s Rome were the inevitable result of her
requirements has weakened the force suppression of the Scriptures; but where
of moral obligation and opened the is to be found the cause of the wide-
floodgates of iniquity upon the world. spread infidelity, the rejection of the law
Lawlessness, dissipation, and corrup- of God, and the consequent corruption,
tion are sweeping in upon us like an under the full blaze of gospel light in an
overwhelming tide. In the family, Sa- age of religious freedom? Now that Satan
tan is at work. His banner waves, even can no longer keep the world under his
in professedly Christian households. control by withholding the Scriptures, he
There is envy, evil surmising, hypocrisy, resorts to other means to accomplish the
estrangement, emulation, strife, betrayal same object. To destroy faith in the Bible
of sacred trusts, indulgence of lust. The serves his purpose as well as to destroy
whole system of religious principles the Bible itself. By introducing the belief
and doctrines, which should form the that God’s law is not binding, he as effec-
foundation and framework of social life, tually leads men to transgress as if they
were wholly ignorant of its precepts. And

The Impending Conflict 337

now, as in former ages, he has worked and the advocates of the latter represent
through the church to further his de- themselves as laboring to promote the
signs. The religious organizations of the highest interest of society; and those
day have refused to listen to unpopular who refuse to unite with them are de-
truths plainly brought to view in the nounced as the enemies of temperance
Scriptures, and in combating them they and reform. But the fact that a movement
have adopted interpretations and taken to establish error is connected with a
positions which have sown broadcast work which is in itself good, is not an
the seeds of skepticism. Clinging to the argument in favor of the error. We may
papal error of natural immortality and disguise poison by mingling it with
man’s consciousness in death, they have wholesome food, but we do not change
rejected the only defense against the its nature. On the contrary, it is rendered
delusions of spiritualism. The doctrine more dangerous, as it is more likely to
of eternal torment has led many to be taken unawares. It is one of Satan’s
disbelieve the Bible. And as the claims devices to combine with falsehood just
of the fourth commandment are urged enough truth to give it plausibility. The
upon the people, it is found that the
observance of the seventh-day Sabbath Now that Satan can no longer
is enjoined; and as the only way to free keep the world under his control
themselves from a duty which they are by withholding the Scriptures,
unwilling to perform, many popular he resorts to other means to
teachers declare that the law of God is accomplish the same object. To
no longer binding. Thus they cast away destroy faith in the Bible serves
the law and the Sabbath together. As the his purpose as well as to destroy
work of Sabbath reform extends, this the Bible itself.
rejection of the divine law to avoid the leaders of the Sunday movement may
claims of the fourth commandment will advocate reforms which the people
become well-nigh universal. The teach- need, principles which are in harmony
ings of religious leaders have opened with the Bible; yet while there is with
the door to infidelity, to spiritualism, these a requirement which is contrary
and to contempt for God’s holy law; to God’s law, His servants cannot unite
and upon these leaders rests a fearful with them. Nothing can justify them in
responsibility for the iniquity that exists setting aside the commandments of God
in the Christian world. for the precepts of men.

Yet this very class put forth the claim Through the two great errors, the
that the fast-spreading corruption is immortality of the soul and Sunday
largely attributable to the desecration sacredness, Satan will bring the people
of the so-called “Christian sabbath,” under his deceptions. While the former
and that the enforcement of Sunday lays the foundation of spiritualism, the
observance would greatly improve the latter creates a bond of sympathy with
morals of society. This claim is especially Rome. The Protestants of the United
urged in America, where the doctrine States will be foremost in stretching their
of the true Sabbath has been most hands across the gulf to grasp the hand
widely preached. Here the temperance of spiritualism; they will reach over the
work, one of the most prominent and
important of moral reforms, is often
combined with the Sunday movement,

338 The Great Controversy

abyss to clasp hands with the Roman cast away the shield of truth, will also
power; and under the influence of this be deluded. Papists, Protestants, and
threefold union, this country will follow worldlings will alike accept the form of
in the steps of Rome in trampling on the godliness without the power, and they
rights of conscience. will see in this union a grand movement
for the conversion of the world and
It is God that shields His creatures the ushering in of the long-expected
and hedges them in from the power millennium.
of the destroyer. But the Christian
world have shown contempt for Through spiritualism, Satan appears
the law of Jehovah; and the Lord as a benefactor of the race, healing the
will do just what He has declared diseases of the people, and professing to
that He would—He will withdraw present a new and more exalted system
His blessings from the earth and of religious faith; but at the same time
remove His protecting care from he works as a destroyer. His tempta-
those who are rebelling against His tions are leading multitudes to ruin.
law and teaching and forcing others Intemperance dethrones reason; sensual
to do the same. indulgence, strife, and bloodshed fol-
low. Satan delights in war, for it excites
As spiritualism more closely imitates the worst passions of the soul and then
the nominal Christianity of the day, it sweeps into eternity its victims steeped
has greater power to deceive and en- in vice and blood. It is his object to incite
snare. Satan himself is converted, after the nations to war against one another,
the modern order of things. He will for he can thus divert the minds of the
appear in the character of an angel of people from the work of preparation to
light. Through the agency of spiritual- stand in the day of God.
ism, miracles will be wrought, the sick
will be healed, and many undeniable Satan works through the elements
wonders will be performed. And as the also to garner his harvest of unprepared
spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and souls. He has studied the secrets of the
manifest respect for the institutions of laboratories of nature, and he uses all
the church, their work will be accepted his power to control the elements as far
as a manifestation of divine power. as God allows. When he was suffered
to afflict Job, how quickly flocks and
The line of distinction between herds, servants, houses, children, were
professed Christians and the ungodly swept away, one trouble succeeding
is now hardly distinguishable. Church another as in a moment. It is God that
members love what the world loves shields His creatures and hedges them
and are ready to join with them, and in from the power of the destroyer. But
Satan determines to unite them in one the Christian world have shown con-
body and thus strengthen his cause by tempt for the law of Jehovah; and the
sweeping all into the ranks of spiritual- Lord will do just what He has declared
ism. Papists, who boast of miracles as that He would—He will withdraw His
a certain sign of the true church, will blessings from the earth and remove
be readily deceived by this wonder- His protecting care from those who are
working power; and Protestants, having rebelling against His law and teaching
and forcing others to do the same. Sa-
tan has control of all whom God does
not especially guard. He will favor and