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Prophets and Kings
distinct. They refused to enter into alliance with those who, though
familiar with the requirements of God’s law, would not yield to its
claims.
The principles set forth in Deuteronomy for the instruction of Israel
are to be followed by God’s people to the end of time. True prosperity
is dependent on the continuance of our covenant relationship with God.
Never can we afford to compromise principle by entering into alliance
with those who do not fear Him.
There is constant danger that professing Christians will come to
think that in order to have influence with worldlings, they must to
a certain extent conform to the world. But though such a course
may appear to afford great advantages, it always ends in spiritual
loss. Against every subtle influence that seeks entrance by means of
flattering inducements from the enemies of truth, God’s people must
strictly guard. They are pilgrims and strangers in this world, traveling
a path beset with danger. To the ingenious subterfuges and alluring
inducements held out to tempt from allegiance, they must give no
heed.
It is not the open and avowed enemies of the cause of God that
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are most to be feared. Those who, like the adversaries of Judah and
Benjamin, come with smooth words and fair speeches, apparently
seeking for friendly alliance with God’s children, have greater power
to deceive. Against such every soul should be on the alert, lest some
carefully concealed and masterly snare take him unaware. And es-
pecially today, while earth’s history is closing, the Lord requires of
His children a vigilance that knows no relaxation. But though the
conflict is a ceaseless one, none are left to struggle alone. Angels help
and protect those who walk humbly before God. Never will our Lord
betray one who trusts in Him. As His children draw near to Him for
protection from evil, in pity and love He lifts up for them a standard
against the enemy. Touch them not, He says; for they are Mine. I have
graven them upon the palms of My hands.
Untiring in their opposition, the Samaritans “weakened the hands
of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, and hired coun-
selors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus
king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius.”
Ezra 4:4, 5
. By false
reports they aroused suspicion in minds easily led to suspect. But for