STRONG DELUSION by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 31, 1856

STRONG DELUSION

By Editor

REPLY.—We would be glad to send out the REVIEW on the above conditions; that is, that those who order the paper to such individuals as are above mentioned, shall take charge of the matter, and as soon as they learn that it is not doing any good, inform us immediately. We have in time past sent out a great many papers, for a great while, to those who were beginning to investigate the truth, and it has been left with them to discontinue it if they did not feel interest enough in it, after a fair examination, to become permanent subscribers. It has been too often the case that they have possessed no interest whatever in the matter, and the REVIEW has been sent for months when it was accomplishing no good, until it has finally been returned by the Post Master, or otherwise ordered discontinued.

This might in a measure be remedied, if those who order the paper for such, would or could look after the matter closely, and inform us in regard to it. But it is frequently the case, especially with messengers, that they are unable to look after the papers they order, being perhaps off in a distant part of the field.

In view of these things it has been a question with us how those who are beginning to investigate the views we advocate, could have the REVIEW till they decide either for or against the truth, without our being liable to send out many papers long after they ceased to do any good.

We have consulted with the Publishing Committee, and come to the conclusion that to those who wish to examine the REVIEW, but do not feel free to become permanent subscribers, we will send it for three months on trial; that is, on the condition that if within that time we hear nothing from them, when the three months have expired, their REVIEW will be stopped.

Let all, therefore, who take the paper on these conditions, do it with the understanding, that if they do not report themselves within three months, either to become subscribers, or that they wish the REVIEW and are unable to pay, at the end of that time their REVIEW will be discontinued. Three months is certainly sufficient time for any person to decide in this matter.

Acting on this plan there will doubtless be some papers stopped for which we shall receive no remuneration from the individuals themselves. This will have to be made up, as well as the balance of what we send to the poor, and free, by donations from the liberal which we give under the head, "To send REVIEW to the Poor." We see no better plan at present of acting in this matter. We hope the friends will interest themselves to increase the subscription list of the REVIEW and extend its circulation.

STRONG DELUSION.

THE readers of the REVIEW have been faithfully warned of the deceptive work of Satan in the "spirit manifestations," the way for which had been previously paved by the popular theology of Pagans, Papists and Protestants. But all ought to know that the same class of spirits which "rap" will come in without rapping where they can find open doors and a warm reception without that ceremony. And where they enter silently, they seem to be much more pious; and therefore the delusion is stronger than it is where they make so much noise.

In the little circle of my travels, false religious excitements are increasing and spreading. I find those who profess to be so far advanced in sanctification and holiness that they have no temptation to sin whatever. In a short conversation with such a one, I found that the word of the Lord and the commandments of God could make no impression upon his mind, by way of convicting him of transgression. He made no attempt to justify his course in breaking the fourth commandment by an appeal to the word of God, but appealed from that word to his own feelings, declaring that all was well with him, and that the Lord would not bless him thus, if he were wrong. The word of God was made of "none effect" by the spirit that was in him.

I consider such delusion the strongest of any, to which well-disposed persons are exposed at the present time. It is Satan transformed into an angel of light. But, thanks be to God, his elect will see through this flimsy covering, and will bring the teachings of all such spirits "To the law and to the testimony." R. F. C.