Chapter 21—The Deceitfulness of Sin
Nothing is more treacherous than the deceitfulness of sin. It is
the god of this world that deludes, and blinds, and leads to destruc-
tion. Satan does not enter with his array of temptations at once. He
disguises these temptations with a semblance of good. He mingles
with amusements and folly some little improvements, and deceived
souls make it an excuse that great good is to be derived by engaging in
them. This is only the deceptive part. It is Satan’s hellish arts masked.
Beguiled souls take one step, then are prepared for the next. It is so
much more pleasant to follow the inclinations of their own hearts than
to stand on the defensive, and resist the first insinuation of the wily
foe, and thus shut out his in-comings.
Oh, how Satan watches to see his bait taken so readily, and to see
souls walking in the very path he has prepared! He does not want them
to give up praying and maintaining a form of religious duties; for he
can thus make them more useful in his service. He unites his sophistry
and deceptive snares with their experiences and professions, and thus
wonderfully advances his cause.
Self-Examination
There is a necessity for close self-examination, and to closely
investigate in the light of God’s word, Am I sound, or am I rotten, at
heart? Am I renewed in Christ, or am I still carnal at heart, with an
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outside, new dress put on? Rein yourself up to the tribunal of God,
and see as in the light of God if there is any secret sin, any iniquity,
any idol you have not sacrificed. Pray, yes, pray as you have never
prayed before, that you may not be deluded by Satan’s devices; that
you may not be given up to a heedless, careless, and vain spirit, and
attend religious duties to quiet your own conscience....
One of the sins that constitute one of the signs of the last days, is
that professed Christians are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of
God. Deal truly with your own souls. Search carefully. How few, after
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