22
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
While it is believed that one human mind so wonderfully affects
another, Satan, who is ready to press every advantage, insinuates
himself and works on the right hand and on the left. And while those
who are devoted to these sciences laud them to the heavens because
of the great and good works which they affirm are wrought by them,
they little know what a power for evil they are cherishing; but it is a
power which will yet work with all signs and lying wonders—with
all deceivableness of unrighteousness. Mark the influence of these
sciences, dear reader, for the conflict between Christ and Satan is not
yet ended.
Neglect of prayer leads men to rely on their own strength and opens
the door to temptation. In many cases the imagination is captivated
by scientific research, and men are flattered through the consciousness
of their own powers. The sciences which treat of the human mind are
very much exalted. They are good in their place, but they are seized
upon by Satan as his powerful agents to deceive and destroy souls.
His arts are accepted as from heaven, and he thus receives the worship
which suits him well. The world, which is supposed to be benefited so
much by phrenology and animal magnetism, never was so corrupt as
now. Through these sciences, virtue is destroyed and the foundations
of spiritualism are laid.—
The Signs of the Times, November 6, 1884
.
(
Selected Messages 2:351, 352
.)
[21]
His Work to Divert the Mind of Man—Satan has come right in
and placed himself between God and man. It is his work to divert
the human mind, and he throws his darkened shadow right athwart
our pathways so that we cannot discern between God and the moral
darkness and corruption and the mass of iniquity that is in our world.
Then what are we going to do about the matter? Shall we let that
darkness remain? No.
There is a power here for us that will bring in the light of heaven to
our dark world. Christ has been in heaven, and He will bring the light
of heaven, drive back the darkness, and let the sunlight of His glory in.
Then we shall see, amid the corruption and pollution and defilement,
the light of heaven.
We must not give up at the defilement that is in the human race,
and ever keep that before the mind’s eye. We must not look at that....
What then are we to do? What is our work? To “behold what manner