Dangers in Psychology
25
There is not any one man’s mind so perfect that there is no danger
[24]
of his moving from wrong motives, viewing things from a wrong
standpoint.—
Letter 41, 1891
Satan Watching for Unguarded Minds—Satan is watching that
he may find the mind in an unguarded moment, and so get possession
of it. We do not want to be ignorant of his devices, neither do we want
to be overpowered by his devices. He is pleased with the pictures that
represent him as having horns and hooves, for he has intelligence; he
was once an angel of light.—
Manuscript 11, 1893.
Evil Angels Attempt to Destroy Man’s Will—If permitted, the
evil angels will work [captivate and control] the minds of men until
they have no mind or will of their own.—
Manuscript 64, 1904.
Only Safety in Resistance—Our only safety is in giving no place
to the devil; for his suggestions and purposes are ever to injure us and
hinder us from relying upon God. He transforms himself into an angel
of purity that he may, through his specious temptations, introduce his
devices in such a manner that we may not discern his wiles. The more
we yield, the more powerful will be his deceptions over us. It is unsafe
to controvert or to parley with him. For every advantage we give the
enemy, he will claim more.
Our only safety is to reject firmly the first insinuation to presump-
tion. God has given us grace through the merits of Christ sufficient to
withstand Satan, and be more than conquerors. Resistance is success.
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Resistance must be firm
and steadfast. We lose all we gain if we resist today only to yield
tomorrow.—
The Review and Herald, April 8, 1880
. (HC 95.)
Avoiding Presumptuous Acts—There are those who recklessly
place themselves in scenes of danger and peril and expose themselves
[25]
to temptations, out of which it would require a miracle of God to bring
them unharmed and untainted. These are presumptuous acts, with
which God is not pleased. Satan’s temptation to the Saviour of the
world to cast Himself from the pinnacle of the temple was firmly met
and resisted. The archenemy quoted a promise of God as security, that
Christ might with safety do this on the strength of the promise. Jesus
met this temptation with Scripture: “It is written, ... Thou shalt not
tempt the Lord thy God.” In the same way Satan urges men into places
where God does not require them to go, presenting Scripture to justify
his suggestions.—
The Review and Herald, April 8, 1880
. (HC 95.)