Atthetimeappointedforthejudgment——thecloseofthe2300days，in1844——begantheworkofinvestigationandblottingoutofsins。AllwhohaveevertakenuponthemselvesthenameofChristmustpassitssearchingscrutiny。Boththelivingandthedeadaretobejudged\"outofthosethingswhichwerewritteninthebooks，accordingtotheirworks。\"
Sinsthathavenotbeenrepentedofandforsakenwillnotbepardonedandblottedoutofthebooksofrecord，butwillstandtowitnessagainstthesinnerinthedayofGod。Hemayhavecommittedhisevildeedsinthelightofdayorinthedarknessofnight；buttheywereopenandmanifestbeforeHimwithwhomwehavetodo。AngelsofGodwitnessedeachsinandregistereditintheunerringrecords。Sinmaybeconcealed，denied，coveredupfromfather，mother，wife，children，andassociates；noonebuttheguiltyactorsmaycherishtheleastsuspicionofthewrong；butitislaidbarebeforetheintelligencesofheaven。Thedarknessofthedarkestnight，thesecrecyofalldeceptivearts，isnotsufficienttoveilonethoughtfromtheknowledgeoftheEternal。Godhasanexactrecordofeveryunjustaccountandeveryunfairdealing。Heisnotdeceivedbyappearancesofpiety。HemakesnomistakesinHisestimationofcharacter。Menmaybedeceivedbythosewhoarecorruptinheart，butGodpiercesalldisguisesandreadstheinnerlife。
Howsolemnisthethought！Dayafterday，passingintoeternity，bearsitsburdenofrecordsforthebooksofheaven。Wordsoncespoken，deedsoncedone，canneverberecalled。Angelshaveregisteredboththegoodandtheevil。Themightiestconquerorupontheearthcannotcallbacktherecordofevenasingleday。Ouracts，ourwords，evenourmostsecretmotives，allhavetheirweightindecidingourdestinyforwealorwoe。Thoughtheymaybeforgottenby487
us，theywillbeartheirtestimonytojustifyorcondemn。
Asthefeaturesofthecountenancearereproducedwithunerringaccuracyonthepolishedplateoftheartist，sothecharacterisfaithfullydelineatedinthebooksabove。Yethowlittlesolicitudeisfeltconcerningthatrecordwhichistomeetthegazeofheavenlybeings。Couldtheveilwhichseparatesthevisiblefromtheinvisibleworldbesweptback，andthechildrenofmenbeholdanangelrecordingeverywordanddeed，whichtheymustmeetagaininthejudgment，howmanywordsthataredailyutteredwouldremainunspoken，howmanydeedswouldremainundone。
Inthejudgmenttheusemadeofeverytalentwillbescrutinized。HowhaveweemployedthecapitallentusofHeaven？WilltheLordatHiscomingreceiveHisownwithusury？Haveweimprovedthepowersentrustedus，inhandandheartandbrain，tothegloryofGodandtheblessingoftheworld？
Howhaveweusedourtime，ourpen，ourvoice，ourmoney，ourinfluence？
WhathavewedoneforChrist，inthepersonofthepoor，theafflicted，theorphan，orthewidow？GodhasmadeusthedepositariesofHisholyword；
whathavewedonewiththelightandtruthgivenustomakemenwiseuntosalvation？NovalueisattachedtoamereprofessionoffaithinChrist；
onlythelovewhichisshownbyworksiscountedgenuine。YetitislovealonewhichinthesightofHeavenmakesanyactofvalue。Whateverisdonefromlove，howeversmallitmayappearintheestimationofmen，isacceptedandrewardedofGod。
Thehiddenselfishnessofmenstandsrevealedinthebooksofheaven。Thereistherecordofunfulfilleddutiestotheirfellowmen，offorgetfulnessoftheSaviour’sclaims。TheretheywillseehowoftenweregiventoSatanthetime，thought，andstrengththatbelongedtoChrist。Sadistherecordwhichangelsbeartoheaven。Intelligentbeings，professedfollowersofChrist，areabsorbedintheacquirementofworldlypossessionsortheenjoymentofearthlypleasures。Money，time，andstrengtharesacrificedfordisplayand488
self-indulgence；butfewarethemomentsdevotedtoprayer，tothesearchingoftheScriptures，tohumiliationofsoulandconfessionofsin。
Sataninventsunnumberedschemestooccupyourminds，thattheymaynotdwellupontheveryworkwithwhichweoughttobebestacquainted。Thearchdeceiverhatesthegreattruthsthatbringtoviewanatoningsacrificeandanall-powerfulmediator。HeknowsthatwithhimeverythingdependsonhisdivertingmindsfromJesusandHistruth。
ThosewhowouldsharethebenefitsoftheSaviour’smediationshouldpermitnothingtointerferewiththeirdutytoperfectholinessinthefearofGod。
Theprecioushours，insteadofbeinggiventopleasure，todisplay，ortogainseeking，shouldbedevotedtoanearnest，prayerfulstudyofthewordoftruth。ThesubjectofthesanctuaryandtheinvestigativejudgmentshouldbeclearlyunderstoodbythepeopleofGod。AllneedaknowledgeforthemselvesofthepositionandworkoftheirgreatHighPriest。OtherwiseitwillbeimpossibleforthemtoexercisethefaithwhichisessentialatthistimeortooccupythepositionwhichGoddesignsthemtofill。Everyindividualhasasoultosaveortolose。EachhasacasependingatthebarofGod。EachmustmeetthegreatJudgefacetoface。Howimportant，then，thateverymindcontemplateoftenthesolemnscenewhenthejudgmentshallsitandthebooksshallbeopened，when，withDaniel，everyindividualmuststandinhislot，attheendofthedays。
AllwhohavereceivedthelightuponthesesubjectsaretobeartestimonyofthegreattruthswhichGodhascommittedtothem。ThesanctuaryinheavenistheverycenterofChrist’sworkinbehalfofmen。Itconcernseverysoullivingupontheearth。Itopenstoviewtheplanofredemption，bringingusdowntotheverycloseoftimeandrevealingthetriumphantissueofthecontestbetweenrighteousnessandsin。Itisoftheutmostimportancethatallshouldthoroughlyinvestigatethesesubjectsandbeabletogiveananswerto489
everyonethataskeththemareasonofthehopethatisinthem。
TheintercessionofChristinman’sbehalfinthesanctuaryaboveisasessentialtotheplanofsalvationaswasHisdeathuponthecross。ByHisdeathHebeganthatworkwhichafterHisresurrectionHeascendedtocompleteinheaven。Wemustbyfaithenterwithintheveil，\"whithertheforerunnerisforusentered。\"Hebrews6:20。TherethelightfromthecrossofCalvaryisreflected。Therewemaygainaclearerinsightintothemysteriesofredemption。Thesalvationofmanisaccomplishedataninfiniteexpensetoheaven；thesacrificemadeisequaltothebroadestdemandsofthebrokenlawofGod。JesushasopenedthewaytotheFather’sthrone，andthroughHismediationthesinceredesireofallwhocometoHiminfaithmaybepresentedbeforeGod。
\"Hethatcoverethhissinsshallnotprosper:butwhosoconfessethandforsakeththemshallhavemercy。\"Proverbs28:13。IfthosewhohideandexcusetheirfaultscouldseehowSatanexultsoverthem，howhetauntsChristandholyangelswiththeircourse，theywouldmakehastetoconfesstheirsinsandtoputthemaway。Throughdefectsinthecharacter，Satanworkstogaincontrolofthewholemind，andheknowsthatifthesedefectsarecherished，hewillsucceed。ThereforeheisconstantlyseekingtodeceivethefollowersofChristwithhisfatalsophistrythatitisimpossibleforthemtoovercome。ButJesuspleadsintheirbehalfHiswoundedhands，Hisbruisedbody；andHedeclarestoallwhowouldfollowHim:\"Mygraceissufficientforthee。\"
2Corinthians12:9。\"TakeMyyokeuponyou，andlearnofMe；forIammeekandlowlyinheart:andyeshallfindrestuntoyoursouls。ForMyyokeiseasy，andMyburdenislight。\"Matthew11:29，30。Letnone，then，regardtheirdefectsasincurable。Godwillgivefaithandgracetoovercomethem。
Wearenowlivinginthegreatdayofatonement。Inthetypicalservice，whilethehighpriestwasmakingthe490
atonementforIsrael，allwererequiredtoafflicttheirsoulsbyrepentanceofsinandhumiliationbeforetheLord，lesttheybecutofffromamongthepeople。Inlikemanner，allwhowouldhavetheirnamesretainedinthebookoflifeshouldnow，inthefewremainingdaysoftheirprobation，afflicttheirsoulsbeforeGodbysorrowforsinandtruerepentance。Theremustbedeep，faithfulsearchingofheart。Thelight，frivolousspiritindulgedbysomanyprofessedChristiansmustbeputaway。Thereisearnestwarfarebeforeallwhowouldsubduetheeviltendenciesthatstriveforthemastery。
Theworkofpreparationisanindividualwork。Wearenotsavedingroups。
Thepurityanddevotionofonewillnotoffsetthewantofthesequalitiesinanother。ThoughallnationsaretopassinjudgmentbeforeGod，yetHewillexaminethecaseofeachindividualwithascloseandsearchingscrutinyasiftherewerenotanotherbeingupontheearth。Everyonemustbetestedandfoundwithoutspotorwrinkleoranysuchthing。
Solemnarethescenesconnectedwiththeclosingworkoftheatonement。
Momentousaretheinterestsinvolvedtherein。Thejudgmentisnowpassinginthesanctuaryabove。Formanyyearsthisworkhasbeeninprogress。
Soon——noneknowhowsoon——itwillpasstothecasesoftheliving。IntheawfulpresenceofGodourlivesaretocomeupinreview。AtthistimeaboveallothersitbehooveseverysoultoheedtheSaviour’sadmonition:\"Watchandpray:foryeknownotwhenthetimeis。\"Mark13:33。\"Ifthereforethoushaltnotwatch，Iwillcomeontheeasathief，andthoushaltnotknowwhathourIwillcomeuponthee。\"Revelation3:3。
Whentheworkoftheinvestigativejudgmentcloses，thedestinyofallwillhavebeendecidedforlifeordeath。ProbationisendedashorttimebeforetheappearingoftheLordinthecloudsofheaven。ChristintheRevelation，lookingforwardtothattime，declares:\"Hethatisunjust，lethimbeunjuststill:andhewhichisfilthy，lethimbefilthystill:andhethatisrighteouslethimberighteousstill:andhethatis491
holy，lethimbeholystill。And，behold，Icomequickly；andMyrewardiswithMe，togiveeverymanaccordingashisworkshallbe。\"Revelation22:11，12。
Therighteousandthewickedwillstillbelivingupontheearthintheirmortalstate——menwillbeplantingandbuilding，eatinganddrinking，allunconsciousthatthefinal，irrevocabledecisionhasbeenpronouncedinthesanctuaryabove。BeforetheFlood，afterNoahenteredtheark，Godshuthiminandshuttheungodlyout；butforsevendaysthepeople，knowingnotthattheirdoomwasfixed，continuedtheircareless，pleasure-lovinglifeandmockedthewarningsofimpendingjudgment。\"So，\"saystheSaviour，\"shallalsothecomingoftheSonofmanbe。\"Matthew24:39。Silently，unnoticedasthemidnightthief，willcomethedecisivehourwhichmarksthefixingofeveryman’sdestiny，thefinalwithdrawalofmercy’soffertoguiltymen。
\"Watchyetherefore:……lestcomingsuddenlyHefindyousleeping。\"Mark13:35，36。Perilousistheconditionofthosewho，growingwearyoftheirwatch，turntotheattractionsoftheworld。Whilethemanofbusinessisabsorbedinthepursuitofgain，whilethepleasureloverisseekingindulgence，whilethedaughteroffashionisarrangingheradornments——itmaybeinthathourtheJudgeofalltheearthwillpronouncethesentence:
\"Thouartweighedinthebalances，andartfoundwanting。\"Daniel5:27。
(492)
Chapter29
TheOriginofEvilTomanymindstheoriginofsinandthereasonforitsexistenceareasourceofgreatperplexity。Theyseetheworkofevil，withitsterribleresultsofwoeanddesolation，andtheyquestionhowallthiscanexistunderthesovereigntyofOnewhoisinfiniteinwisdom，inpower，andinlove。Hereisamysteryofwhichtheyfindnoexplanation。AndintheiruncertaintyanddoubttheyareblindedtotruthsplainlyrevealedinGod’swordandessentialtosalvation。Therearethosewho，intheirinquiriesconcerningtheexistenceofsin，endeavortosearchintothatwhichGodhasneverrevealed；hencetheyfindnosolutionoftheirdifficulties；andsuchasareactuatedbyadispositiontodoubtandcavilseizeuponthisasanexcuseforrejectingthewordsofHolyWrit。Others，however，failofasatisfactoryunderstandingofthegreatproblemofevil，fromthefactthattraditionandmisinterpretationhaveobscuredtheteachingoftheBibleconcerningthecharacterofGod，thenatureofHisgovernment，andtheprinciplesofHisdealingwithsin。
Itisimpossibletoexplaintheoriginofsinsoastogiveareasonforitsexistence。YetenoughmaybeunderstoodconcerningboththeoriginandthefinaldispositionofsintomakefullymanifestthejusticeandbenevolenceofGodinallHisdealingswithevil。Nothingismoreplainlytaughtin493
ScripturethanthatGodwasinnowiseresponsiblefortheentranceofsin；
thattherewasnoarbitrarywithdrawalofdivinegrace，nodeficiencyinthedivinegovernment，thatgaveoccasionfortheuprisingofrebellion。Sinisanintruder，forwhosepresencenoreasoncanbegiven。Itismysterious，unaccountable；toexcuseitistodefendit。Couldexcuseforitbefound，orcausebeshownforitsexistence，itwouldceasetobesin。OuronlydefinitionofsinisthatgiveninthewordofGod；itis\"thetransgressionofthelaw；\"itistheoutworkingofaprincipleatwarwiththegreatlawoflovewhichisthefoundationofthedivinegovernment。
Beforetheentranceofeviltherewaspeaceandjoythroughouttheuniverse。
AllwasinperfectharmonywiththeCreator’swill。LoveforGodwassupreme，loveforoneanotherimpartial。ChristtheWord，theOnlyBegottenofGod，wasonewiththeeternalFather，——oneinnature，incharacter，andinpurpose，——theonlybeinginalltheuniversethatcouldenterintoallthecounselsandpurposesofGod。ByChristtheFatherwroughtinthecreationofallheavenlybeings。\"ByHimwereallthingscreated，thatareinheaven，……whethertheybethrones，ordominions，orprincipalities，orpowers\"(Colossians1:16)；andtoChrist，equallywiththeFather，allheavengaveallegiance。
ThelawoflovebeingthefoundationofthegovernmentofGod，thehappinessofallcreatedbeingsdependedupontheirperfectaccordwithitsgreatprinciplesofrighteousness。GoddesiresfromallHiscreaturestheserviceoflove——homagethatspringsfromanintelligentappreciationofHischaracter。Hetakesnopleasureinaforcedallegiance，andtoallHegrantsfreedomofwill，thattheymayrenderHimvoluntaryservice。
Buttherewasonethatchosetopervertthisfreedom。Sinoriginatedwithhimwho，nexttoChrist，hadbeenmosthonoredofGodandwhostoodhighestinpowerandgloryamongtheinhabitantsofheaven。Beforehisfall，Luciferwas494
firstofthecoveringcherubs，holyandundefiled。\"ThussaiththeLordGod；
Thousealestupthesum，fullofwisdom，andperfectinbeauty。ThouhastbeeninEdenthegardenofGod；everypreciousstonewasthycovering……Thouarttheanointedcherubthatcovereth；andIhavesettheeso:thouwastupontheholymountainofGod；thouhastwalkedupanddowninthemidstofthestonesoffire。Thouwastperfectinthywaysfromthedaythatthouwastcreated，tilliniquitywasfoundinthee。\"Ezekiel28:12-15。
LucifermighthaveremainedinfavorwithGod，belovedandhonoredbyalltheangelichost，exercisinghisnoblepowerstoblessothersandtoglorifyhisMaker。But，saystheprophet，\"Thineheartwasliftedupbecauseofthybeauty，thouhastcorruptedthywisdombyreasonofthybrightness。\"Verse17。Littlebylittle，Lucifercametoindulgeadesireforself-exaltation。
\"ThouhastsetthineheartastheheartofGod。\"\"Thouhastsaid，……I
willexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod:Iwillsitalsouponthemountofthecongregation……Iwillascendabovetheheightsoftheclouds；IwillbeliketheMostHigh。\"Verse6；Isaiah14:13，14。InsteadofseekingtomakeGodsupremeintheaffectionsandallegianceofHiscreatures，itwasLucifer’sendeavortowintheirserviceandhomagetohimself。AndcovetingthehonorwhichtheinfiniteFatherhadbestoweduponHisSon，thisprinceofangelsaspiredtopowerwhichitwastheprerogativeofChristalonetowield。
AllheavenhadrejoicedtoreflecttheCreator’sgloryandtoshowforthHispraise。AndwhileGodwasthushonored，allhadbeenpeaceandgladness。Butanoteofdiscordnowmarredthecelestialharmonies。Theserviceandexaltationofself，contrarytotheCreator’splan，awakenedforebodingsofevilinmindstowhomGod’sglorywassupreme。TheheavenlycouncilspleadedwithLucifer。TheSonofGodpresentedbeforehimthegreatness，thegoodness，andthejusticeoftheCreator，andthesacred，unchangingnatureofHislaw。GodHimselfhadestablishedtheorderofheaven；
495
andindepartingfromit，LuciferwoulddishonorhisMaker，andbringruinuponhimself。Butthewarning，givenininfiniteloveandmercy，onlyarousedaspiritofresistance。LuciferallowedjealousyofChristtoprevail，andhebecamethemoredetermined。
Prideinhisownglorynourishedthedesireforsupremacy。ThehighhonorsconferreduponLuciferwerenotappreciatedasthegiftofGodandcalledforthnogratitudetotheCreator。Hegloriedinhisbrightnessandexaltation，andaspiredtobeequalwithGod。Hewasbelovedandreverencedbytheheavenlyhost。Angelsdelightedtoexecutehiscommands，andhewasclothedwithwisdomandgloryabovethemall。YettheSonofGodwastheacknowledgedSovereignofheaven，oneinpowerandauthoritywiththeFather。InallthecouncilsofGod，Christwasaparticipant，whileLuciferwasnotpermittedthustoenterintothedivinepurposes。\"Why，\"questionedthismightyangel，\"shouldChristhavethesupremacy？WhyisHethushonoredaboveLucifer？\"
LeavinghisplaceintheimmediatepresenceofGod，Luciferwentforthtodiffusethespiritofdiscontentamongtheangels。Workingwithmysterioussecrecy，andforatimeconcealinghisrealpurposeunderanappearanceofreverenceforGod，heendeavoredtoexcitedissatisfactionconcerningthelawsthatgovernedheavenlybeings，intimatingthattheyimposedanunnecessaryrestraint。Sincetheirnatureswereholy，heurgedthattheangelsshouldobeythedictatesoftheirownwill。HesoughttocreatesympathyforhimselfbyrepresentingthatGodhaddealtunjustlywithhiminbestowingsupremehonoruponChrist。Heclaimedthatinaspiringtogreaterpowerandhonorhewasnotaimingatself-exaltation，butwasseekingtosecurelibertyforalltheinhabitantsofheaven，thatbythismeanstheymightattaintoahigherstateofexistence。
GodinHisgreatmercyborelongwithLucifer。Hewasnotimmediatelydegradedfromhisexaltedstationwhenhefirstindulgedthespiritofdiscontent，norevenwhenhe496
begantopresenthisfalseclaimsbeforetheloyalangels。Longwasheretainedinheaven。Againandagainhewasofferedpardononconditionofrepentanceandsubmission。Sucheffortsasonlyinfiniteloveandwisdomcoulddeviseweremadetoconvincehimofhiserror。Thespiritofdiscontenthadneverbeforebeenknowninheaven。Luciferhimselfdidnotatfirstseewhitherhewasdrifting；hedidnotunderstandtherealnatureofhisfeelings。Butashisdissatisfactionwasprovedtobewithoutcause，Luciferwasconvincedthathewasinthewrong，thatthedivineclaimswerejust，andthatheoughttoacknowledgethemassuchbeforeallheaven。Hadhedonethis，hemighthavesavedhimselfandmanyangels。HehadnotatthistimefullycastoffhisallegiancetoGod。Thoughhehadforsakenhispositionascoveringcherub，yetifhehadbeenwillingtoreturntoGod，acknowledgingtheCreator’swisdom，andsatisfiedtofilltheplaceappointedhiminGod’sgreatplan，hewouldhavebeenreinstatedinhisoffice。Butprideforbadehimtosubmit。Hepersistentlydefendedhisowncourse，maintainedthathehadnoneedofrepentance，andfullycommittedhimself，inthegreatcontroversy，againsthisMaker。
Allthepowersofhismastermindwerenowbenttotheworkofdeception，tosecurethesympathyoftheangelsthathadbeenunderhiscommand。EventhefactthatChristhadwarnedandcounseledhimwaspervertedtoservehistraitorousdesigns。Tothosewhoselovingtrustboundthemmostcloselytohim，Satanhadrepresentedthathewaswronglyjudged，thathispositionwasnotrespected，andthathislibertywastobeabridged。FrommisrepresentationofthewordsofChristhepassedtoprevaricationanddirectfalsehood，accusingtheSonofGodofadesigntohumiliatehimbeforetheinhabitantsofheaven。Hesoughtalsotomakeafalseissuebetweenhimselfandtheloyalangels。Allwhomhecouldnotsubvertandbringfullytohissideheaccusedofindifferencetotheinterestsofheavenlybeings。Theveryworkwhichhehimselfwasdoinghechargeduponthose497
whoremainedtruetoGod。AndtosustainhischargeofGod’sinjusticetowardhim，heresortedtomisrepresentationofthewordsandactsoftheCreator。ItwashispolicytoperplextheangelswithsubtleargumentsconcerningthepurposesofGod。Everythingthatwassimpleheshroudedinmystery，andbyartfulperversioncastdoubtupontheplaineststatementsofJehovah。Hishighposition，insuchcloseconnectionwiththedivineadministration，gavegreaterforcetohisrepresentations，andmanywereinducedtounitewithhiminrebellionagainstHeaven’sauthority。
GodinHiswisdompermittedSatantocarryforwardhiswork，untilthespiritofdisaffectionripenedintoactiverevolt。Itwasnecessaryforhisplanstobefullydeveloped，thattheirtruenatureandtendencymightbeseenbyall。Lucifer，astheanointedcherub，hadbeenhighlyexalted；hewasgreatlylovedbytheheavenlybeings，andhisinfluenceoverthemwasstrong。God’sgovernmentincludednotonlytheinhabitantsofheaven，butofalltheworldsthatHehadcreated；andSatanthoughtthatifhecouldcarrytheangelsofheavenwithhiminrebellion，hecouldcarryalsotheotherworlds。Hehadartfullypresentedhissideofthequestion，employingsophistryandfraudtosecurehisobjects。Hispowertodeceivewasverygreat，andbydisguisinghimselfinacloakoffalsehoodhehadgainedanadvantage。Eventheloyalangelscouldnotfullydiscernhischaracterorseetowhathisworkwasleading。
Satanhadbeensohighlyhonored，andallhisactsweresoclothedwithmystery，thatitwasdifficulttodisclosetotheangelsthetruenatureofhiswork。Untilfullydeveloped，sinwouldnotappeartheevilthingitwas。
HeretoforeithadhadnoplaceintheuniverseofGod，andholybeingshadnoconceptionofitsnatureandmalignity。Theycouldnotdiscerntheterribleconsequencesthatwouldresultfromsettingasidethedivinelaw。
Satanhad，atfirst，concealedhisworkunderaspeciousprofessionofloyaltytoGod。HeclaimedtobeseekingtopromotethehonorofGod，thestabilityofHisgovernment，andthegoodofalltheinhabitantsof498
heaven。Whileinstillingdiscontentintothemindsoftheangelsunderhim，hehadartfullymadeitappearthathewasseekingtoremovedissatisfaction。WhenheurgedthatchangesbemadeintheorderandlawsofGod’sgovernment，itwasunderthepretensethatthesewerenecessaryinordertopreserveharmonyinheaven。
InHisdealingwithsin，Godcouldemployonlyrighteousnessandtruth。
SatancouldusewhatGodcouldnot——flatteryanddeceit。HehadsoughttofalsifythewordofGodandhadmisrepresentedHisplanofgovernmentbeforetheangels，claimingthatGodwasnotjustinlayinglawsandrulesupontheinhabitantsofheaven；thatinrequiringsubmissionandobediencefromHiscreatures，HewasseekingmerelytheexaltationofHimself。Thereforeitmustbedemonstratedbeforetheinhabitantsofheaven，aswellasofalltheworlds，thatGod’sgovernmentwasjust，Hislawperfect。Satanhadmadeitappearthathehimselfwasseekingtopromotethegoodoftheuniverse。Thetruecharacteroftheusurper，andhisrealobject，mustbeunderstoodbyall。Hemusthavetimetomanifesthimselfbyhiswickedworks。
Thediscordwhichhisowncoursehadcausedinheaven，SatanchargeduponthelawandgovernmentofGod。Allevilhedeclaredtobetheresultofthedivineadministration。HeclaimedthatitwashisownobjecttoimproveuponthestatutesofJehovah。Thereforeitwasnecessarythatheshoulddemonstratethenatureofhisclaims，andshowtheworkingoutofhisproposedchangesinthedivinelaw。Hisownworkmustcondemnhim。Satanhadclaimedfromthefirstthathewasnotinrebellion。Thewholeuniversemustseethedeceiverunmasked。
Evenwhenitwasdecidedthathecouldnolongerremaininheaven，InfiniteWisdomdidnotdestroySatan。SincetheserviceoflovecanalonebeacceptabletoGod，theallegianceofHiscreaturesmustrestuponaconvictionofHisjusticeandbenevolence。Theinhabitantsofheavenandofotherworlds，beingunpreparedtocomprehendthenatureorconsequencesofsin，couldnotthenhaveseenthejusticeand499
mercyofGodinthedestructionofSatan。Hadhebeenimmediatelyblottedfromexistence，theywouldhaveservedGodfromfearratherthanfromlove。
Theinfluenceofthedeceiverwouldnothavebeenfullydestroyed，norwouldthespiritofrebellionhavebeenutterlyeradicated。Evilmustbepermittedtocometomaturity。ForthegoodoftheentireuniversethroughceaselessagesSatanmustmorefullydevelophisprinciples，thathischargesagainstthedivinegovernmentmightbeseenintheirtruelightbyallcreatedbeings，thatthejusticeandmercyofGodandtheimmutabilityofHislawmightforeverbeplacedbeyondallquestion。
Satan’srebellionwastobealessontotheuniversethroughallcomingages，aperpetualtestimonytothenatureandterribleresultsofsin。TheworkingoutofSatan’srule，itseffectsuponbothmenandangels，wouldshowwhatmustbethefruitofsettingasidethedivineauthority。ItwouldtestifythatwiththeexistenceofGod’sgovernmentandHislawisboundupthewell-beingofallthecreaturesHehasmade。Thusthehistoryofthisterribleexperimentofrebellionwastobeperpetualsafeguardtoallholyintelligences，topreventthemfrombeingdeceivedastothenatureoftransgression，tosavethemfromcommittingsinandsufferingitspunishments。
Totheverycloseofthecontroversyinheaventhegreatusurpercontinuedtojustifyhimself。Whenitwasannouncedthatwithallhissympathizershemustbeexpelledfromtheabodesofbliss，thentherebelleaderboldlyavowedhiscontemptfortheCreator’slaw。Hereiteratedhisclaimthatangelsneedednocontrol，butshouldbelefttofollowtheirownwill，whichwouldeverguidethemright。Hedenouncedthedivinestatutesasarestrictionoftheirlibertyanddeclaredthatitwashispurposetosecuretheabolitionoflaw；that，freedfromthisrestraint，thehostsofheavenmightenteruponamoreexalted，moregloriousstateofexistence。
Withoneaccord，SatanandhishostthrewtheblameoftheirrebellionwhollyuponChrist，declaringthatifthey500
hadnotbeenreproved，theywouldneverhaverebelled。Thusstubbornanddefiantintheirdisloyalty，seekingvainlytooverthrowthegovernmentofGod，yetblasphemouslyclaimingtobethemselvestheinnocentvictimsofoppressivepower，thearchrebelandallhissympathizerswereatlastbanishedfromheaven。
Thesamespiritthatpromptedrebellioninheavenstillinspiresrebelliononearth。Satanhascontinuedwithmenthesamepolicywhichhepursuedwiththeangels。Hisspiritnowreignsinthechildrenofdisobedience。LikehimtheyseektobreakdowntherestraintsofthelawofGodandpromisemenlibertythroughtransgressionofitsprecepts。Reproofofsinstillarousesthespiritofhatredandresistance。WhenGod’smessagesofwarningarebroughthometotheconscience，Satanleadsmentojustifythemselvesandtoseekthesympathyofothersintheircourseofsin。Insteadofcorrectingtheirerrors，theyexciteindignationagainstthereprover，asifhewerethesolecauseofdifficulty。FromthedaysofrighteousAbeltoourowntimesuchisthespiritwhichhasbeendisplayedtowardthosewhodaretocondemnsin。
BythesamemisrepresentationofthecharacterofGodashehadpracticedinheaven，causingHimtoberegardedassevereandtyrannical，Sataninducedmantosin。Andhavingsucceededthusfar，hedeclaredthatGod’sunjustrestrictionshadledtoman’sfall，astheyhadledtohisownrebellion。
ButtheEternalOneHimselfproclaimsHischaracter:\"TheLordGod，mercifulandgracious，long-suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth，keepingmercyforthousands，forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin，andthatwillbynomeanscleartheguilty。\"Exodus34:6，7。
InthebanishmentofSatanfromheaven，GoddeclaredHisjusticeandmaintainedthehonorofHisthrone。Butwhenmanhadsinnedthroughyieldingtothedeceptionsofthisapostatespirit，GodgaveanevidenceofHislovebyyieldingupHisonly-begottenSontodieforthefallenrace。
501
IntheatonementthecharacterofGodisrevealed。ThemightyargumentofthecrossdemonstratestothewholeuniversethatthecourseofsinwhichLuciferhadchosenwasinnowisechargeableuponthegovernmentofGod。
InthecontestbetweenChristandSatan，duringtheSaviour’searthlyministry，thecharacterofthegreatdeceiverwasunmasked。NothingcouldsoeffectuallyhaveuprootedSatanfromtheaffectionsoftheheavenlyangelsandthewholeloyaluniverseasdidhiscruelwarfareupontheworld’sRedeemer。ThedaringblasphemyofhisdemandthatChristshouldpayhimhomage，hispresumptuousboldnessinbearingHimtothemountainsummitandthepinnacleofthetemple，themaliciousintentbetrayedinurgingHimtocastHimselfdownfromthedizzyheight，theunsleepingmalicethathuntedHimfromplacetoplace，inspiringtheheartsofpriestsandpeopletorejectHislove，andatthelasttocry，\"CrucifyHim！crucifyHim！——allthisexcitedtheamazementandindignationoftheuniverse。
ItwasSatanthatpromptedtheworld’srejectionofChrist。TheprinceofevilexertedallhispowerandcunningtodestroyJesus；forhesawthattheSaviour’smercyandlove，Hiscompassionandpityingtenderness，wererepresentingtotheworldthecharacterofGod。SatancontestedeveryclaimputforthbytheSonofGodandemployedmenashisagentstofilltheSaviour’slifewithsufferingandsorrow。ThesophistryandfalsehoodbywhichhehadsoughttohindertheworkofJesus，thehatredmanifestedthroughthechildrenofdisobedience，hiscruelaccusationsagainstHimwhoselifewasoneofunexampledgoodness，allsprangfromdeep-seatedrevenge。Thepent-upfiresofenvyandmalice，hatredandrevenge，burstforthonCalvaryagainsttheSonofGod，whileallheavengazeduponthesceneinsilenthorror。
Whenthegreatsacrificehadbeenconsummated，Christascendedonhigh，refusingtheadorationofangelsuntilHehadpresentedtherequest:\"Iwillthattheyalso，whomThouhastgivenMe，bewithMewhereIam。\"John17:24。
Then502
withinexpressibleloveandpowercameforththeanswerfromtheFather’sthrone:\"LetalltheangelsofGodworshipHim。\"Hebrews1:6。NotastainresteduponJesus。Hishumiliationended，Hissacrificecompleted，therewasgivenuntoHimanamethatisaboveeveryname。
NowtheguiltofSatanstoodforthwithoutexcuse。Hehadrevealedhistruecharacterasaliarandamurderer。Itwasseenthattheverysamespiritwithwhichheruledthechildrenofmen，whowereunderhispower，hewouldhavemanifestedhadhebeenpermittedtocontroltheinhabitantsofheaven。
HehadclaimedthatthetransgressionofGod’slawwouldbringlibertyandexaltation；butitwasseentoresultinbondageanddegradation。
Satan’slyingchargesagainstthedivinecharacterandgovernmentappearedintheirtruelight。HehadaccusedGodofseekingmerelytheexaltationofHimselfinrequiringsubmissionandobediencefromHiscreatures，andhaddeclaredthat，whiletheCreatorexactedself-denialfromallothers，HeHimselfpracticednoself-denialandmadenosacrifice。Nowitwasseenthatforthesalvationofafallenandsinfulrace，theRuleroftheuniversehadmadethegreatestsacrificewhichlovecouldmake；for\"GodwasinChrist，reconcilingtheworlduntoHimself。\"2Corinthians5:19。Itwasseen，also，thatwhileLuciferhadopenedthedoorfortheentranceofsinbyhisdesireforhonorandsupremacy，Christhad，inordertodestroysin，humbledHimselfandbecomeobedientuntodeath。
GodhadmanifestedHisabhorrenceoftheprinciplesofrebellion。AllheavensawHisjusticerevealed，bothinthecondemnationofSatanandintheredemptionofman。LuciferhaddeclaredthatifthelawofGodwaschangeless，anditspenaltycouldnotberemitted，everytransgressormustbeforeverdebarredfromtheCreator’sfavor。Hehadclaimedthatthesinfulracewereplacedbeyondredemptionandwerethereforehisrightfulprey。ButthedeathofChristwasanargumentinman’sbehalfthatcouldnotbeoverthrown。The503
penaltyofthelawfelluponHimwhowasequalwithGod，andmanwasfreetoaccepttherighteousnessofChristandbyalifeofpenitenceandhumiliationtotriumph，astheSonofGodhadtriumphed，overthepowerofSatan。ThusGodisjustandyetthejustifierofallwhobelieveinJesus。
ButitwasnotmerelytoaccomplishtheredemptionofmanthatChristcametotheearthtosufferandtodie。Hecameto\"magnifythelaw\"andto\"makeithonorable。\"Notalonethattheinhabitantsofthisworldmightregardthelawasitshouldberegarded；butitwastodemonstratetoalltheworldsoftheuniversethatGod’slawisunchangeable。Coulditsclaimshavebeensetaside，thentheSonofGodneednothaveyieldedupHislifetoatoneforitstransgression。ThedeathofChristprovesitimmutable。AndthesacrificetowhichinfiniteloveimpelledtheFatherandtheSon，thatsinnersmightberedeemed，demonstratestoalltheuniverse——whatnothinglessthanthisplanofatonementcouldhavesufficedtodo——thatjusticeandmercyarethefoundationofthelawandgovernmentofGod。
Inthefinalexecutionofthejudgmentitwillbeseenthatnocauseforsinexists。WhentheJudgeofalltheearthshalldemandofSatan，\"WhyhastthourebelledagainstMe，androbbedMeofthesubjectsofMykingdom？\"theoriginatorofevilcanrendernoexcuse。Everymouthwillbestopped，andallthehostsofrebellionwillbespeechless。
ThecrossofCalvary，whileitdeclaresthelawimmutable，proclaimstotheuniversethatthewagesofsinisdeath。IntheSaviour’sexpiringcry，\"Itisfinished，\"thedeathknellofSatanwasrung。Thegreatcontroversywhichhadbeensolonginprogresswasthendecided，andthefinaleradicationofevilwasmadecertain。TheSonofGodpassedthroughtheportalsofthetomb，that\"throughdeathHemightdestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath，thatis，thedevil。\"Hebrews2:14。Lucifer’sdesireforself-exaltationhadledhimtosay:\"IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod:……IwillbeliketheMostHigh。\"Goddeclares:\"Iwillbring504
theetoashesupontheearth，……andnevershaltthoubeanymore。\"
Isaiah14:13，14；Ezekiel28:18，19。When\"thedaycometh，thatshallburnasanoven；……alltheproud，yea，andallthatdowickedly，shallbestubble:andthedaythatcomethshallburnthemup，saiththeLordofhosts，thatitshallleavethemneitherrootnorbranch。\"Malachi4:1。
Thewholeuniversewillhavebecomewitnessestothenatureandresultsofsin。Anditsutterextermination，whichinthebeginningwouldhavebroughtfeartoangelsanddishonortoGod，willnowvindicateHisloveandestablishHishonorbeforetheuniverseofbeingswhodelighttodoHiswill，andinwhoseheartisHislaw。Neverwillevilagainbemanifest。SaysthewordofGod:\"Afflictionshallnotriseupthesecondtime。\"Nahum1:9。
ThelawofGod，whichSatanhasreproachedastheyokeofbondage，willbehonoredasthelawofliberty。AtestedandprovedcreationwillneveragainbeturnedfromallegiancetoHimwhosecharacterhasbeenfullymanifestedbeforethemasfathomlessloveandinfinitewisdom。
(505)
Chapter30
EnmityBetweenManandSatan\"Iwillputenmitybetweentheeandthewoman，andbetweenthyseedandherseed；itshallbruisethyhead，andthoushaltbruisehisheel。\"Genesis3:15。ThedivinesentencepronouncedagainstSatanafterthefallofmanwasalsoaprophecy，embracingalltheagestothecloseoftimeandforeshadowingthegreatconflicttoengagealltheracesofmenwhoshouldliveupontheearth。
Goddeclares:\"Iwillputenmity。\"Thisenmityisnotnaturallyentertained。
Whenmantransgressedthedivinelaw，hisnaturebecameevil，andhewasinharmony，andnotatvariance，withSatan。Thereexistsnaturallynoenmitybetweensinfulmanandtheoriginatorofsin。Bothbecameevilthroughapostasy。Theapostateisneveratrest，exceptasheobtainssympathyandsupportbyinducingotherstofollowhisexample。Forthisreasonfallenangelsandwickedmenuniteindesperatecompanionship。HadnotGodspeciallyinterposed，SatanandmanwouldhaveenteredintoanallianceagainstHeaven；andinsteadofcherishingenmityagainstSatan，thewholehumanfamilywouldhavebeenunitedinoppositiontoGod。
Satantemptedmantosin，ashehadcausedangelstorebel，thathemightthussecureco-operationinhiswarfareagainstHeaven。TherewasnodissensionbetweenhimselfandthefallenangelsasregardstheirhatredofChrist；whileonall506
otherpointstherewasdiscord，theywerefirmlyunitedinopposingtheauthorityoftheRuleroftheuniverse。ButwhenSatanheardthedeclarationthatenmityshouldexistbetweenhimselfandthewoman，andbetweenhisseedandherseed，heknewthathiseffortstodepravehumannaturewouldbeinterrupted；thatbysomemeansmanwastobeenabledtoresisthispower。
Satan’senmityagainstthehumanraceiskindledbecause，throughChrist，theyaretheobjectsofGod’sloveandmercy。Hedesirestothwartthedivineplanforman’sredemption，tocastdishonoruponGod，bydefacinganddefilingHishandiwork；hewouldcausegriefinheavenandfilltheearthwithwoeanddesolation。AndhepointstoallthisevilastheresultofGod’sworkincreatingman。
ItisthegracethatChristimplantsinthesoulwhichcreatesinmanenmityagainstSatan。Withoutthisconvertinggraceandrenewingpower，manwouldcontinuethecaptiveofSatan，aservanteverreadytodohisbidding。Butthenewprincipleinthesoulcreatesconflictwherehithertohadbeenpeace。ThepowerwhichChristimpartsenablesmantoresistthetyrantandusurper。Whoeverisseentoabhorsininsteadoflovingit，whoeverresistsandconquersthosepassionsthathaveheldswaywithin，displaystheoperationofaprinciplewhollyfromabove。
TheantagonismthatexistsbetweenthespiritofChristandthespiritofSatanwasmoststrikinglydisplayedintheworld’sreceptionofJesus。ItwasnotsomuchbecauseHeappearedwithoutworldlywealth，pomp，orgrandeurthattheJewswereledtorejectHim。TheysawthatHepossessedpowerwhichwouldmorethancompensateforthelackoftheseoutwardadvantages。ButthepurityandholinessofChristcalledforthagainstHimthehatredoftheungodly。Hislifeofself-denialandsinlessdevotionwasaperpetualreprooftoaproud，sensualpeople。ItwasthisthatevokedenmityagainsttheSonofGod。Satanandevilangelsjoinedwithevilmen。
AlltheenergiesofapostasyconspiredagainsttheChampionoftruth。
507
ThesameenmityismanifestedtowardChrist’sfollowersaswasmanifestedtowardtheirMaster。Whoeverseestherepulsivecharacterofsin，andinstrengthfromaboveresiststemptation，willassuredlyarousethewrathofSatanandhissubjects。Hatredofthepureprinciplesoftruth，andreproachandpersecutionofitsadvocates，willexistaslongassinandsinnersremain。ThefollowersofChristandtheservantsofSatancannotharmonize。
Theoffenseofthecrosshasnotceased。\"AllthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution。\"2Timothy3:12。
Satan’sagentsareconstantlyworkingunderhisdirectiontoestablishhisauthorityandbuilduphiskingdominoppositiontothegovernmentofGod。
TothisendtheyseektodeceiveChrist’sfollowersandallurethemfromtheirallegiance。Liketheirleader，theymisconstrueandperverttheScripturestoaccomplishtheirobject。AsSatanendeavoredtocastreproachuponGod，sodohisagentsseektomalignGod’speople。ThespiritwhichputChristtodeathmovesthewickedtodestroyHisfollowers。Allthisisforeshadowedinthatfirstprophecy:\"Iwillputenmitybetweentheeandthewoman，andbetweenthyseedandherseed。\"Andthiswillcontinuetothecloseoftime。
Satansummonsallhisforcesandthrowshiswholepowerintothecombat。Whyisitthathemeetswithnogreaterresistance？WhyarethesoldiersofChristsosleepyandindifferent？BecausetheyhavesolittlerealconnectionwithChrist；becausetheyaresodestituteofHisSpirit。Sinisnottothemrepulsiveandabhorrent，asitwastotheirMaster。Theydonotmeetit，asdidChrist，withdecisiveanddeterminedresistance。Theydonotrealizetheexceedingevilandmalignityofsin，andtheyareblindedbothtothecharacterandthepoweroftheprinceofdarkness。ThereislittleenmityagainstSatanandhisworks，becausethereissogreatignoranceconcerninghispowerandmalice，andthevastextentofhiswarfareagainstChristandHischurch。Multitudesaredeludedhere。Theydonotknowthattheirenemyisamightygeneralwhocontrolsthemindsofevilangels，508
andthatwithwell-maturedplansandskillfulmovementsheiswarringagainstChristtopreventthesalvationofsouls。AmongprofessedChristians，andevenamongministersofthegospel，thereisheardscarcelyareferencetoSatan，exceptperhapsanincidentalmentioninthepulpit。
Theyoverlooktheevidencesofhiscontinualactivityandsuccess；theyneglectthemanywarningsofhissubtlety；theyseemtoignorehisveryexistence。
Whilemenareignorantofhisdevices，thisvigilantfoeisupontheirtrackeverymoment。Heisintrudinghispresenceineverydepartmentofthehousehold，ineverystreetofourcities，inthechurches，inthenationalcouncils，inthecourtsofjustice，perplexing，deceiving，seducing，everywhereruiningthesoulsandbodiesofmen，women，andchildren，breakingupfamilies，sowinghatred，emulation，strife，sedition，murder。
AndtheChristianworldseemtoregardthesethingsasthoughGodhadappointedthemandtheymustexist。
SataniscontinuallyseekingtoovercomethepeopleofGodbybreakingdownthebarrierswhichseparatethemfromtheworld。AncientIsraelwereenticedintosinwhentheyventuredintoforbiddenassociationwiththeheathen。InasimilarmanneraremodernIsraelledastray。\"Thegodofthisworldhathblindedthemindsofthemwhichbelievenot，lestthelightofthegloriousgospelofChrist，whoistheimageofGod，shouldshineuntothem。\"2
Corinthians4:4。AllwhoarenotdecidedfollowersofChristareservantsofSatan。Intheunregenerateheartthereisloveofsinandadispositiontocherishandexcuseit。Intherenewedheartthereishatredofsinanddeterminedresistanceagainstit。WhenChristianschoosethesocietyoftheungodlyandunbelieving，theyexposethemselvestotemptation。Satanconcealshimselffromviewandstealthilydrawshisdeceptivecoveringovertheireyes。Theycannotseethatsuchcompanyiscalculatedtodothemharm；
andwhileallthetimeassimilatingtotheworldincharacter，words，andactions，theyarebecomingmoreandmoreblinded。
509
Conformitytoworldlycustomsconvertsthechurchtotheworld；itneverconvertstheworldtoChrist。Familiaritywithsinwillinevitablycauseittoappearlessrepulsive。HewhochoosestoassociatewiththeservantsofSatanwillsoonceasetofeartheirmaster。Wheninthewayofdutywearebroughtintotrial，aswasDanielintheking’scourt，wemaybesurethatGodwillprotectus；butifweplaceourselvesundertemptationweshallfallsoonerorlater。
Thetempteroftenworksmostsuccessfullythroughthosewhoareleastsuspectedofbeingunderhiscontrol。Thepossessorsoftalentandeducationareadmiredandhonored，asifthesequalitiescouldatonefortheabsenceofthefearofGodorentitlementoHisfavor。Talentandculture，consideredinthemselves，aregiftsofGod；butwhenthesearemadetosupplytheplaceofpiety，when，insteadofbringingthesoulnearertoGod，theyleadawayfromHim，thentheybecomeacurseandasnare。Theopinionprevailswithmanythatallwhichappearslikecourtesyorrefinementmust，insomesense，pertaintoChrist。Neverwasthereagreatermistake。ThesequalitiesshouldgracethecharacterofeveryChristian，fortheywouldexertapowerfulinfluenceinfavoroftruereligion；buttheymustbeconsecratedtoGod，ortheyalsoareapowerforevil。Manyamanofculturedintellectandpleasantmanners，whowouldnotstooptowhatiscommonlyregardedasanimmoralact，isbutapolishedinstrumentinthehandsofSatan。Theinsidious，deceptivecharacterofhisinfluenceandexamplerendershimamoredangerousenemytothecauseofChristthanarethosewhoareignorantanduncultured。
ByearnestprayeranddependenceuponGod，Solomonobtainedthewisdomwhichexcitedthewonderandadmirationoftheworld。ButwhenheturnedfromtheSourceofhisstrength，andwentforwardrelyinguponhimself，hefellapreytotemptation。Thenthemarvelouspowersbestowedonthiswisestofkingsonlyrenderedhimamoreeffectiveagentoftheadversaryofsouls。
510
WhileSatanisconstantlyseekingtoblindtheirmindstothefact，letChristiansneverforgetthatthey\"wrestlenotagainstfleshandblood，butagainstprincipalities，againstpowers，againsttherulersofthedarknessofthisworld，againstwickedspiritsinhighplaces。\"Ephesians6:12，margin。Theinspiredwarningissoundingdownthecenturiestoourtime:\"Besober，bevigilant；becauseyouradversarythedevil，asaroaringlion，walkethabout，seekingwhomhemaydevour。\"1Peter5:8。\"PutonthewholearmorofGod，thatyemaybeabletostandagainstthewilesofthedevil。\"
Ephesians6:11。
FromthedaysofAdamtoourowntime，ourgreatenemyhasbeenexercisinghispowertooppressanddestroy。Heisnowpreparingforhislastcampaignagainstthechurch。AllwhoseektofollowJesuswillbebroughtintoconflictwiththisrelentlessfoe。ThemorenearlytheChristianimitatesthedivinePattern，themoresurelywillhemakehimselfamarkfortheattacksofSatan。AllwhoareactivelyengagedinthecauseofGod，seekingtounveilthedeceptionsoftheeviloneandtopresentChristbeforethepeople，willbeabletojoininthetestimonyofPaul，inwhichhespeaksofservingtheLordwithallhumilityofmind，withmanytearsandtemptations。
SatanassailedChristwithhisfiercestandmostsubtletemptations，buthewasrepulsedineveryconflict。Thosebattleswerefoughtinourbehalf；
thosevictoriesmakeitpossibleforustoconquer。Christwillgivestrengthtoallwhoseekit。NomanwithouthisownconsentcanbeovercomebySatan。Thetempterhasnopowertocontrolthewillortoforcethesoultosin。Hemaydistress，buthecannotcontaminate。Hecancauseagony，butnotdefilement。ThefactthatChristhasconqueredshouldinspireHisfollowerswithcouragetofightmanfullythebattleagainstsinandSatan。
(511)
Chapter31
AgencyofEvilSpiritsTheconnectionofthevisiblewiththeinvisibleworld，theministrationofangelsofGod，andtheagencyofevilspirits，areplainlyrevealedintheScriptures，andinseparablyinterwovenwithhumanhistory。Thereisagrowingtendencytodisbeliefintheexistenceofevilspirits，whiletheholyangelsthat\"ministerforthemwhoshallbeheirsofsalvation\"
(Hebrews1:14)areregardedbymanyasspiritsofthedead。ButtheScripturesnotonlyteachtheexistenceofangels，bothgoodandevil，butpresentunquestionableproofthatthesearenotdisembodiedspiritsofdeadmen。
Beforethecreationofman，angelswereinexistence；forwhenthefoundationsoftheearthwerelaid，\"themorningstarssangtogether，andallthesonsofGodshoutedforjoy。\"Job38:7。Afterthefallofman，angelsweresenttoguardthetreeoflife，andthisbeforeahumanbeinghaddied。Angelsareinnaturesuperiortomen，forthepsalmistsaysthatmanwasmade\"alittlelowerthantheangels。\"Psalm8:5。
WeareinformedinScriptureastothenumber，andthepowerandglory，oftheheavenlybeings，oftheirconnectionwiththegovernmentofGod，andalsooftheirrelationtotheworkofredemption。\"TheLordhathpreparedHisthroneintheheavens；andHiskingdomrulethoverall。\"And，saystheprophet，\"Iheardthevoiceofmanyangelsroundaboutthethrone。\"InthepresencechamberoftheKingofkings512
theywait——\"angels，thatexcelinstrength，\"\"ministersofHis，thatdoHispleasure，\"\"hearkeninguntothevoiceofHisword。\"Psalm103:19-21；
Revelation5:11。Tenthousandtimestenthousandandthousandsofthousands，weretheheavenlymessengersbeheldbytheprophetDaniel。TheapostlePauldeclaredthem\"aninnumerablecompany。\"Daniel7:10；Hebrews12:22。AsGod’smessengerstheygoforth，like\"theappearanceofaflashoflightning，\"
(Ezekiel1:14)，sodazzlingtheirglory，andsoswifttheirflight。TheangelthatappearedattheSaviour’stomb，hiscountenance\"likelightning，andhisraimentwhiteassnow，\"causedthekeepersforfearofhimtoquake，andthey\"becameasdeadmen。\"Matthew28:3，4。WhenSennacherib，thehaughtyAssyrian，reproachedandblasphemedGod，andthreatenedIsraelwithdestruction，\"itcametopassthatnight，thattheangeloftheLordwentout，andsmoteinthecampoftheAssyriansanhundredfourscoreandfivethousand。\"Therewere\"cutoffallthemightymenofvalor，andtheleadersandcaptains，\"fromthearmyofSennacherib。\"Sohereturnedwithshameoffacetohisownland。\"2Kings19:35；2Chronicles32:21。
AngelsaresentonmissionsofmercytothechildrenofGod。ToAbraham，withpromisesofblessing；tothegatesofSodom，torescuerighteousLotfromitsfierydoom；toElijah，ashewasabouttoperishfromwearinessandhungerinthedesert；toElisha，withchariotsandhorsesoffiresurroundingthelittletownwherehewasshutinbyhisfoes；toDaniel，whileseekingdivinewisdominthecourtofaheathenking，orabandonedtobecomethelions’prey；toPeter，doomedtodeathinHerod’sdungeon；totheprisonersatPhilippi；toPaulandhiscompanionsinthenightoftempestonthesea；toopenthemindofCorneliustoreceivethegospel；todispatchPeterwiththemessageofsalvationtotheGentilestranger——thusholyangelshave，inallages，ministeredtoGod’speople。
AguardianangelisappointedtoeveryfollowerofChrist。Theseheavenlywatchersshieldtherighteousfromthepower513
ofthewickedone。ThisSatanhimselfrecognizedwhenhesaid:\"DothJobfearGodfornought？HastnotThoumadeanhedgeabouthim，andabouthishouse，andaboutallthathehathoneveryside？\"Job1:9，10。TheagencybywhichGodprotectsHispeopleispresentedinthewordsofthepsalmist:
\"TheangeloftheLordencampethroundaboutthemthatfearHim，anddelivereththem。\"Psalm34:7。SaidtheSaviour，speakingofthosethatbelieveinHim:\"Takeheedthatyedespisenotoneoftheselittleones；forIsayuntoyou，ThatinheaventheirangelsdoalwaysbeholdthefaceofMyFather。\"Matthew18:10。TheangelsappointedtoministertothechildrenofGodhaveatalltimesaccesstoHispresence。
ThusGod’speople，exposedtothedeceptivepowerandunsleepingmaliceoftheprinceofdarkness，andinconflictwithalltheforcesofevil，areassuredoftheunceasingguardianshipofheavenlyangels。Norissuchassurancegivenwithoutneed。IfGodhasgrantedtoHischildrenpromiseofgraceandprotection，itisbecausetherearemightyagenciesofeviltobemet——agenciesnumerous，determined，anduntiring，ofwhosemalignityandpowernonecansafelybeignorantorunheeding。
Evilspirits，inthebeginningcreatedsinless，wereequalinnature，power，andglorywiththeholybeingsthatarenowGod’smessengers。Butfallenthroughsin，theyareleaguedtogetherforthedishonorofGodandthedestructionofmen。UnitedwithSataninhisrebellion，andwithhimcastoutfromheaven，theyhave，throughallsucceedingages，co-operatedwithhiminhiswarfareagainstthedivineauthority。WearetoldinScriptureoftheirconfederacyandgovernment，oftheirvariousorders，oftheirintelligenceandsubtlety，andoftheirmaliciousdesignsagainstthepeaceandhappinessofmen。
OldTestamenthistorypresentsoccasionalmentionoftheirexistenceandagency；butitwasduringthetimewhenChristwasupontheearththatevilspiritsmanifestedtheirpowerinthemoststrikingmanner。Christhadcometoenter514
upontheplandevisedforman’sredemption，andSatandeterminedtoasserthisrighttocontroltheworld。HehadsucceededinestablishingidolatryineverypartoftheearthexceptthelandofPalestine。Totheonlylandthathadnotfullyyieldedtothetempter’ssway，Christcametosheduponthepeoplethelightofheaven。Heretworivalpowersclaimedsupremacy。JesuswasstretchingoutHisarmsoflove，invitingallwhowouldtofindpardonandpeaceinHim。Thehostsofdarknesssawthattheydidnotpossessunlimitedcontrol，andtheyunderstoodthatifChrist’smissionshouldbesuccessful，theirrulewassoontoend。Satanragedlikeachainedlionanddefiantlyexhibitedhispoweroverthebodiesaswellasthesoulsofmen。
Thefactthatmenhavebeenpossessedwithdemons，isclearlystatedintheNewTestament。Thepersonsthusafflictedwerenotmerelysufferingwithdiseasefromnaturalcauses。ChristhadperfectunderstandingofthatwithwhichHewasdealing，andHerecognizedthedirectpresenceandagencyofevilspirits。
Astrikingexampleoftheirnumber，power，andmalignity，andalsoofthepowerandmercyofChrist，isgivenintheScriptureaccountofthehealingofthedemoniacsatGadara。Thosewretchedmaniacs，spurningallrestraint，writhing，foaming，raging，werefillingtheairwiththeircries，doingviolencetothemselves，andendangeringallwhoshouldapproachthem。Theirbleedinganddisfiguredbodiesanddistractedmindspresentedaspectaclewellpleasingtotheprinceofdarkness。Oneofthedemonscontrollingthesufferersdeclared:\"MynameisLegion:forwearemany。\"Mark5:9。IntheRomanarmyalegionconsistedoffromthreetofivethousandmen。Satan’shostsalsoaremarshaledincompanies，andthesinglecompanytowhichthesedemonsbelongednumberednolessthanalegion。
AtthecommandofJesustheevilspiritsdepartedfromtheirvictims，leavingthemcalmlysittingattheSaviour’sfeet，subdued，intelligent，andgentle。Butthedemonswere515
permittedtosweepaherdofswineintothesea；andtothedwellersofGadarathelossoftheseoutweighedtheblessingswhichChristhadbestowed，andthedivineHealerwasentreatedtodepart。ThiswastheresultwhichSatandesignedtosecure。BycastingtheblameoftheirlossuponJesus，hearousedtheselfishfearsofthepeopleandpreventedthemfromlisteningtoHiswords。SatanisconstantlyaccusingChristiansasthecauseofloss，misfortune，andsuffering，insteadofallowingthereproachtofallwhereitbelongs——uponhimselfandhisagents。
ButthepurposesofChristwerenotthwarted。HeallowedtheevilspiritstodestroytheherdofswineasarebuketothoseJewswhowereraisingtheseuncleanbeastsforthesakeofgain。HadnotChristrestrainedthedemons，theywouldhaveplungedintothesea，notonlytheswine，butalsotheirkeepersandowners。ThepreservationofboththekeepersandtheownerswasduealonetoHispower，mercifullyexercisedfortheirdeliverance。
Furthermore，thiseventwaspermittedtotakeplacethatthedisciplesmightwitnessthecruelpowerofSatanuponbothmanandbeast。TheSaviourdesiredHisfollowerstohaveaknowledgeofthefoewhomtheyweretomeet，thattheymightnotbedeceivedandovercomebyhisdevices。ItwasalsoHiswillthatthepeopleofthatregionshouldbeholdHispowertobreakthebondageofSatanandreleasehiscaptives。AndthoughJesusHimselfdeparted，themensomarvelouslydelivered，remainedtodeclarethemercyoftheirBenefactor。
OtherinstancesofasimilarnaturearerecordedintheScriptures。ThedaughteroftheSyrophoenicianwomanwasgrievouslyvexedwithadevil，whomJesuscastoutbyHisword。(Mark7:26-30)。\"Onepossessedwithadevil，blind，anddumb\"(Matthew12:22；ayouthwhohadadumbspirit，thatofttimes\"casthimintothefire，andintothewaters，todestroyhim\"(Mark9:17-27)；themaniacwho，tormentedby\"aspiritofanuncleandevil\"(Luke4:33-36)，disturbedtheSabbathquietofthesynagogueatCapernaum——allwere516
healedbythecompassionateSaviour。Innearlyeveryinstance，Christaddressedthedemonasanintelligententity，commandinghimtocomeoutofhisvictimandtotormenthimnomore。TheworshipersatCapernaum，beholdingHismightypower，\"wereallamazed，andspakeamongthemselves，saying，Whatawordisthis！forwithauthorityandpowerHecommandeththeuncleanspirits，andtheycomeout。\"Luke4:36。
Thosepossessedwithdevilsareusuallyrepresentedasbeinginaconditionofgreatsuffering；yettherewereexceptionstothisrule。Forthesakeofobtainingsupernaturalpower，somewelcomedthesatanicinfluence。Theseofcoursehadnoconflictwiththedemons。Ofthisclasswerethosewhopossessedthespiritofdivination，——SimonMagus，Elymasthesorcerer，andthedamselwhofollowedPaulandSilasatPhilippi。
Noneareingreaterdangerfromtheinfluenceofevilspiritsthanthosewho，notwithstandingthedirectandampletestimonyoftheScriptures，denytheexistenceandagencyofthedevilandhisangels。Solongasweareignorantoftheirwiles，theyhavealmostinconceivableadvantage；manygiveheedtotheirsuggestionswhiletheysupposethemselvestobefollowingthedictatesoftheirownwisdom。Thisiswhy，asweapproachthecloseoftime，whenSatanistoworkwithgreatestpowertodeceiveanddestroy，hespreadseverywherethebeliefthathedoesnotexist。Itishispolicytoconcealhimselfandhismannerofworking。
Thereisnothingthatthegreatdeceiverfearssomuchasthatweshallbecomeacquaintedwithhisdevices。Thebettertodisguisehisrealcharacterandpurposes，hehascausedhimselftobesorepresentedastoexcitenostrongeremotionthanridiculeorcontempt。Heiswellpleasedtobepaintedasaludicrousorloathsomeobject，misshapen，halfanimalandhalfhuman。Heispleasedtohearhisnameusedinsportandmockerybythosewhothinkthemselvesintelligentandwellinformed。
517
Itisbecausehehasmaskedhimselfwithconsummateskillthatthequestionissowidelyasked:\"Doessuchabeingreallyexist？\"ItisanevidenceofhissuccessthattheoriesgivingthelietotheplainesttestimonyoftheScripturesaresogenerallyreceivedinthereligiousworld。AnditisbecauseSatancanmostreadilycontrolthemindsofthosewhoareunconsciousofhisinfluence，thatthewordofGodgivesussomanyexamplesofhismalignantwork，unveilingbeforeushissecretforces，andthusplacingusonourguardagainsthisassaults。
ThepowerandmaliceofSatanandhishostmightjustlyalarmuswereitnotthatwemayfindshelteranddeliveranceinthesuperiorpowerofourRedeemer。Wecarefullysecureourhouseswithboltsandlockstoprotectourpropertyandourlivesfromevilmen；butweseldomthinkoftheevilangelswhoareconstantlyseekingaccesstous，andagainstwhoseattackswehave，inourownstrength，nomethodofdefense。Ifpermitted，theycandistractourminds，disorderandtormentourbodies，destroyourpossessionsandourlives。Theironlydelightisinmiseryanddestruction。FearfulistheconditionofthosewhoresistthedivineclaimsandyieldtoSatan’stemptations，untilGodgivesthemuptothecontrolofevilspirits。ButthosewhofollowChristareeversafeunderHiswatchcare。Angelsthatexcelinstrengtharesentfromheaventoprotectthem。ThewickedonecannotbreakthroughtheguardwhichGodhasstationedaboutHispeople。
(518)
Chapter32
SnaresofSatanThegreatcontroversybetweenChristandSatan，thathasbeencarriedforwardfornearlysixthousandyears，issoontoclose；andthewickedoneredoubleshiseffortstodefeattheworkofChristinman’sbehalfandtofastensoulsinhissnares。ToholdthepeopleindarknessandimpenitencetilltheSaviour’smediationisended，andthereisnolongerasacrificeforsin，istheobjectwhichheseekstoaccomplish。
Whenthereisnospecialeffortmadetoresisthispower，whenindifferenceprevailsinthechurchandtheworld，Satanisnotconcerned；forheisinnodangeroflosingthosewhomheisleadingcaptiveathiswill。Butwhentheattentioniscalledtoeternalthings，andsoulsareinquiring，\"WhatmustIdotobesaved？\"heisontheground，seekingtomatchhispoweragainstthepowerofChristandtocounteracttheinfluenceoftheHolySpirit。
TheScripturesdeclarethatupononeoccasion，whentheangelsofGodcametopresentthemselvesbeforetheLord，Satancamealsoamongthem(Job1:6)，nottobowbeforetheEternalKing，buttofurtherhisownmaliciousdesignsagainsttherighteous。WiththesameobjectheisinattendancewhenmenassemblefortheworshipofGod。Thoughhiddenfromsight，heisworkingwithalldiligencetocontrolthemindsoftheworshipers。Likeaskillfulgeneralhelayshisplansbeforehand。AsheseesthemessengerofGodsearchingtheScriptures，hetakesnoteofthesubjecttobe519
presentedtothepeople。Thenheemploysallhiscunningandshrewdnesssotocontrolcircumstancesthatthemessagemaynotreachthosewhomheisdeceivingonthatverypoint。Theonewhomostneedsthewarningwillbeurgedintosomebusinesstransactionwhichrequireshispresence，orwillbysomeothermeansbepreventedfromhearingthewordsthatmightprovetohimasavoroflifeuntolife。
Again，SatanseestheLord’sservantsburdenedbecauseofthespiritualdarknessthatenshroudsthepeople。Hehearstheirearnestprayersfordivinegraceandpowertobreakthespellofindifference，carelessness，andindolence。Thenwithrenewedzealheplieshisarts。Hetemptsmentotheindulgenceofappetiteortosomeotherformofself-gratification，andthusbenumbstheirsensibilitiessothattheyfailtoheartheverythingswhichtheymostneedtolearn。
SatanwellknowsthatallwhomhecanleadtoneglectprayerandthesearchingoftheScriptures，willbeovercomebyhisattacks。Thereforeheinventseverypossibledevicetoengrossthemind。Therehaseverbeenaclassprofessinggodliness，who，insteadoffollowingontoknowthetruth，makeittheirreligiontoseeksomefaultofcharacterorerroroffaithinthosewithwhomtheydonotagree。SuchareSatan’sright-handhelpers。
Accusersofthebrethrenarenotfew，andtheyarealwaysactivewhenGodisatworkandHisservantsarerenderingHimtruehomage。Theywillputafalsecoloringuponthewordsandactsofthosewholoveandobeythetruth。
Theywillrepresentthemostearnest，zealous，self-denyingservantsofChristasdeceivedordeceivers。Itistheirworktomisrepresentthemotivesofeverytrueandnobledeed，tocirculateinsinuations，andarousesuspicioninthemindsoftheinexperienced。Ineveryconceivablemannertheywillseektocausethatwhichispureandrighteoustoberegardedasfoulanddeceptive。
Butnoneneedbedeceivedconcerningthem。Itmaybereadilyseenwhosechildrentheyare，whoseexampletheyfollow，andwhoseworktheydo。\"Yeshallknowthemby520
theirfruits。\"Matthew7:16。TheircourseresemblesthatofSatan，theenvenomedslanderer，\"theaccuserofourbrethren。\"Revelation12:10。
Thegreatdeceiverhasmanyagentsreadytopresentanyandeverykindoferrortoensnaresouls——heresiespreparedtosuitthevariedtastesandcapacitiesofthosewhomhewouldruin。Itishisplantobringintothechurchinsincere，unregenerateelementsthatwillencouragedoubtandunbelief，andhinderallwhodesiretoseetheworkofGodadvanceandtoadvancewithit。ManywhohavenorealfaithinGodorinHiswordassenttosomeprinciplesoftruthandpassasChristians，andthustheyareenabledtointroducetheirerrorsasScripturaldoctrines。
ThepositionthatitisofnoconsequencewhatmenbelieveisoneofSatan’smostsuccessfuldeceptions。Heknowsthatthetruth，receivedintheloveofit，sanctifiesthesoulofthereceiver；thereforeheisconstantlyseekingtosubstitutefalsetheories，fables，anothergospel。FromthebeginningtheservantsofGodhavecontendedagainstfalseteachers，notmerelyasviciousmen，butasinculcatorsoffalsehoodsthatwerefataltothesoul。Elijah，Jeremiah，Paul，firmlyandfearlesslyopposedthosewhowereturningmenfromthewordofGod。Thatliberalitywhichregardsacorrectreligiousfaithasunimportantfoundnofavorwiththeseholydefendersofthetruth。
ThevagueandfancifulinterpretationsofScripture，andthemanyconflictingtheoriesconcerningreligiousfaith，thatarefoundintheChristianworldaretheworkofourgreatadversarytoconfusemindssothattheyshallnotdiscernthetruth。AndthediscordanddivisionwhichexistamongthechurchesofChristendomareinagreatmeasureduetotheprevailingcustomofwrestingtheScripturestosupportafavoritetheory。
InsteadofcarefullystudyingGod’swordwithhumilityofhearttoobtainaknowledgeofHiswill，manyseekonlytodiscoversomethingoddororiginal。
521
Inordertosustainerroneousdoctrinesorunchristianpractices，somewillseizeuponpassagesofScriptureseparatedfromthecontext，perhapsquotinghalfofasingleverseasprovingtheirpoint，whentheremainingportionwouldshowthemeaningtobequitetheopposite。Withthecunningoftheserpenttheyentrenchthemselvesbehinddisconnectedutterancesconstruedtosuittheircarnaldesires。ThusdomanywillfullypervertthewordofGod。
Others，whohaveanactiveimagination，seizeuponthefiguresandsymbolsofHolyWrit，interpretthemtosuittheirfancy，withlittleregardtothetestimonyofScriptureasitsowninterpreter，andthentheypresenttheirvagariesastheteachingsoftheBible。
WheneverthestudyoftheScripturesisentereduponwithoutaprayerful，humble，teachablespirit，theplainestandsimplestaswellasthemostdifficultpassageswillbewrestedfromtheirtruemeaning。ThepapalleadersselectsuchportionsofScriptureasbestservetheirpurpose，interprettosuitthemselves，andthenpresentthesetothepeople，whiletheydenythemtheprivilegeofstudyingtheBibleandunderstandingitssacredtruthsforthemselves。ThewholeBibleshouldbegiventothepeoplejustasitreads。ItwouldbebetterforthemnottohaveBibleinstructionatallthantohavetheteachingoftheScripturesthusgrosslymisrepresented。
TheBiblewasdesignedtobeaguidetoallwhowishtobecomeacquaintedwiththewilloftheirMaker。Godgavetomenthesurewordofprophecy；
angelsandevenChristHimselfcametomakeknowntoDanielandJohnthethingsthatmustshortlycometopass。Thoseimportantmattersthatconcernoursalvationwerenotleftinvolvedinmystery。Theywerenotrevealedinsuchawayastoperplexandmisleadthehonestseekeraftertruth。SaidtheLordbytheprophetHabakkuk:\"Writethevision，andmakeitplain，……
thathemayrunthatreadethit。\"Habakkuk2:2。ThewordofGodisplaintoallwhostudyitwithaprayerful522
heart。Everytrulyhonestsoulwillcometothelightoftruth。\"Lightissownfortherighteous。\"Psalm97:11。Andnochurchcanadvanceinholinessunlessitsmembersareearnestlyseekingfortruthasforhidtreasure。
Bythecry，Liberality，menareblindedtothedevicesoftheiradversary，whileheisallthetimeworkingsteadilyfortheaccomplishmentofhisobject。AshesucceedsinsupplantingtheBiblebyhumanspeculations，thelawofGodissetaside，andthechurchesareunderthebondageofsinwhiletheyclaimtobefree。
Tomany，scientificresearchhasbecomeacurse。Godhaspermittedafloodoflighttobepouredupontheworldindiscoveriesinscienceandart；buteventhegreatestminds，ifnotguidedbythewordofGodintheirresearch，becomebewilderedintheirattemptstoinvestigatetherelationsofscienceandrevelation。
Humanknowledgeofbothmaterialandspiritualthingsispartialandimperfect；thereforemanyareunabletoharmonizetheirviewsofsciencewithScripturestatements。Manyacceptmeretheoriesandspeculationsasscientificfacts，andtheythinkthatGod’swordistobetestedbytheteachingsof\"sciencefalselysocalled。\"1Timothy6:20。TheCreatorandHisworksarebeyondtheircomprehension；andbecausetheycannotexplainthesebynaturallaws，Biblehistoryisregardedasunreliable。ThosewhodoubtthereliabilityoftherecordsoftheOldandNewTestamentstoooftengoastepfurtheranddoubttheexistenceofGodandattributeinfinitepowertonature。Havingletgotheiranchor，theyarelefttobeataboutupontherocksofinfidelity。
Thusmanyerrfromthefaithandareseducedbythedevil。MenhaveendeavoredtobewiserthantheirCreator；humanphilosophyhasattemptedtosearchoutandexplainmysterieswhichwillneverberevealedthroughtheeternalages。IfmenwouldbutsearchandunderstandwhatGodhadmadeknownofHimselfandHispurposes，theywouldobtainsuchaviewoftheglory，majesty，andpowerofJehovahthat523
theywouldrealizetheirownlittlenessandwouldbecontentwiththatwhichhasbeenrevealedforthemselvesandtheirchildren。
ItisamasterpieceofSatan’sdeceptionstokeepthemindsofmensearchingandconjecturinginregardtothatwhichGodhasnotmadeknownandwhichHedoesnotintendthatweshallunderstand。ItwasthusthatLuciferlosthisplaceinheaven。HebecamedissatisfiedbecauseallthesecretsofGod’spurposeswerenotconfidedtohim，andheentirelydisregardedthatwhichwasrevealedconcerninghisownworkintheloftypositionassignedhim。Byarousingthesamediscontentintheangelsunderhiscommand，hecausedtheirfall。NowheseekstoimbuethemindsofmenwiththesamespiritandtoleadthemalsotodisregardthedirectcommandsofGod。
