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The Christian’s Safeguard, September 18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints.
Ephesians 6:18
.
There is a feverish love of pleasure at this time, a fearful increase
of licentiousness, a contempt for all authority. Not only worldlings but
professed Christians also are governed by inclination rather than duty. The
words of Christ are sounding down through the ages, “Watch and pray”
(
Matthew 26:41
)
Watchfulness and vigilance are needed now as never before in the
history of the race. The eye must be turned off from beholding vanity.
Lawlessness, the prevailing spirit of the age, must be met with a decided
rebuke. Let none feel that they are in no danger. As long as Satan lives,
his efforts will be constant and untiring to make the world as wicked as
before the Flood and as licentious as were the inhabitants of Sodom and
Gomorrah. The prayer may well be offered daily by those who have the
fear of God before them, that He will preserve their hearts from evil desires
and strengthen their souls to resist temptation. Those who in their self-
confidence feel no need of watchfulness and unceasing prayer are near
some humiliating fall. All who do not feel the importance of resolutely
guarding their affections will be captivated by those who practice their
arts to ensnare and lead astray the unwary. Men may have a knowledge
of divine things and an ability to fill an important place in the work of
God, yet, unless they cherish a simple faith in their Redeemer they will be
ensnared and overcome by the enemy.
It is because the duties of watchfulness and prayer have been so sadly
neglected that there is so great a lack of moral power. This is why so
many who have a form of godliness bring forth no corresponding works.
A careless indifference, a carnal security concerning religious duties and
eternal things, prevails to an alarming extent. The Word of God exhorts
us to be found “praying always ... , and watching thereunto with all
perseverance....” Here is the Christian’s safeguard, his protection amid the
perils that surround his pathway
[268]
20
The Review and Herald, December 20, 1881
.
21
The Review and Herald, October 11, 1881
.
275