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Chapter 27—The Snares of Satan
As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan
holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most successful
plan of overthrowing their faith. He sees that the popular churches
are already lulled to sleep by his deceptive power. By pleasing
sophistry and lying wonders he can continue to hold them under his
control. Therefore he directs his angels to lay their snares especially
for those who are looking for the second advent of Christ, and
endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God.
Says the great deceiver: “We must watch those who are calling
the attention of the people to the Sabbath of Jehovah; they will lead
many to see the claims of the law of God; and the same light which
reveals the true Sabbath, reveals also the ministration of Christ in the
heavenly sanctuary, and shows that the last work for man’s salvation
is now going forward. Hold the minds of the people in darkness till
that work is ended, and we shall secure the world and the church
also.
“The Sabbath is the great question which is to decide the destiny
of souls. We must exalt the Sabbath of our creating. We have caused
it to be accepted by both worldlings and church-members; now the
church must be led to unite with the world in its support. We must
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work by signs and wonders to blind their eyes to the truth, and lead
them to lay aside reason and the fear of God, and follow custom and
tradition.
“I will influence popular ministers to turn the attention of their
hearers from the commandments of God. That which the Scriptures
declare to be a perfect law of liberty shall be represented as a yoke of
bondage. The people accept their ministers’ explanations of Scrip-
ture, and do not investigate for themselves. Therefore by working
through the ministers, I can control the people according to my will.
“But our principal concern is to silence this sect of Sabbath-
keepers. We must excite popular indignation against them. We will
enlist great men and worldly-wise men upon our side, and induce
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