The Work of the Enemy by H. F. PHELPS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 27, 1871

The Work of the Enemy.

By H. F. PHELPS

It seems to have been the great work of the enemy of souls all along, to create a distrust in the minds of men as to the truth of the blessed word of God. Long time ago, when Jeremiah spoke the word of the Lord to the people, a wicked prince, inspired by the wicked one, no doubt, showed his contempt for the words that were read to him by commanding the leaves to be cut out and burned in the fire. But was this the end? No; the book was re-written, and many more things were added of threatened judgments unless the people turned from their wicked ways.

The church of Rome has ever been opposed to the word of God, and there was a time when they had so nearly destroyed it that there were very few copies remaining. France, a nation of infidels, made war upon the two witnesses, the Old and New Testaments, and for three years and a half, the Bible was trampled in the dust, religion cast out as an abominable thing, not worthy the respect of civilized beings, God's name blasphemed in a most daring manner, sacrifice offered to the goddess of reason who was represented by a woman of ill-fame. But was this the end? No. There followed such a revolution as people of those days were not often witnesses of. The streets of the great city ran blood; and such was the condition of society, that the senate was glad to recall the good old Bible in hopes of a better state of things. But as to how far, as a nation, she has accepted of the teachings of the Bible may be seen in the fact that she is known as infidel France still. And even now may she not be tasting of the contents of that bitter cup which will be given to all who discard the word of God? Notwithstanding these efforts, we see the Bible has been especially preserved. It is printed in the language of every known nation under heaven; and millions of copies are sent broadcast over the land.

But it is reserved for the generation, in this enlightened age, the last part of the nineteenth century, to witness the last great masterpiece of Satan against the word of the God of Israel. I speak of spiritualism. And who can deny it, as it has unfolded itself? See how bold, how defiant, numbering its converts by millions, among all classes, high and low, rich and poor, kings and nobles, priests and people, all giving heed to this siren song of Satan. It needs but a slight acquaintance with its teachings to convince almost any one that it must come from the nethermost parts of the infernal regions. Their public speakers openly denounce the Bible, striking right at the foundation of all society, both religious and moral.

These things are too well known to need any proof. Those who have the light of truth must raise their warning voice against it. May the Lord deliver the honest every where from the terrible delusions of these last days. And let us be aware of the fact that we are not beyond Satan's reach, and let us watch and be sober. H. F. PHELPS.