Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

had sought in various ways to destroy our usefulness; that many times he had
laid his plans to remove us from the work of God; he had come in different
ways, and through different agencies, to accomplish his purposes; but
through the ministration of holy angels he had been defeated. I saw that in
our journeying from place to place, he had frequently placed his evil angels
in our path to cause accident which would destroy our lives; but holy angels
were sent upon the ground to deliver. Several accidents have placed my
husband and myself in great peril, and our preservation has been wonderful. I
saw that we had been the special objects of Satan's attacks, because of our
interest in and connection with the work of God. As I saw the great care
which God has every moment for those who love and fear Him, I was
inspired with confidence and trust in God, and felt reproved for my lack of
faith.
It was by the display of supernatural power, in making the serpent his
medium, that Satan caused the fall of Adam and Eve in Eden. Before the
close of time he will work still greater wonders. So far as his power extends,
he will perform actual miracles. Says the Scripture: "He ... deceiveth them
that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to
do" (Revelation 13:13, 14), not merely those which he pretends to do.
Something more than mere impostures is brought to view in this scripture.
But there is a limit beyond which Satan cannot go, and here he calls
deception to his aid and counterfeits the work which he has not power
actually to perform. In the last days he will appear in such a manner as to
make men believe him to be Christ come the second time into the world. He
will indeed transform himself into an angel of light. But while he will bear
the appearance of Christ in every particular, so far as mere appearance goes,
it will deceive none but those who, like Pharaoh, are seeking to resist the
truth.
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