Philosophy and Vain Deceit
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leads fallen man, through his “all deceivableness of unrighteousness,“
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to believe that he can do very well without an atonement, that he need
not depend upon a crucified and risen Saviour, that man’s own merits
will entitle him to God’s favor. And then he destroys man’s confidence
in the Bible, well knowing that if he succeeds here, and faith in the
detector which places a mark upon himself is destroyed, he is safe.
He fastens upon minds the delusion that there is no personal devil,
and those who believe this make no effort to resist and war against
that which they think does not exist. Thus poor, blind mortals finally
adopt the maxim, “Whatever is, is right.” They acknowledge no rule
to measure their course.
Satan leads many to believe that prayer to God is useless and but a
form. He well knows how needful are meditation and prayer to keep
Christ’s followers aroused to resist his cunning and deception. By his
devices he would divert the mind from these important exercises, that
the soul may not lean for help upon the Mighty One and obtain strength
from Him to resist his attacks. I was pointed to the fervent, effectual
prayers of God’s people anciently. “Elias was a man subject to like
passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly.” Daniel prayed unto his
God three times a day. Satan is enraged at the sound of fervent prayer,
for he knows that he will suffer loss. Daniel was preferred above
the presidents and the princes because an excellent spirit was in him.
Fallen angels feared that his influence would weaken their control
over the rulers of the kingdom, for Daniel was high in command.
The accusing host of evil angels stirred up the presidents and princes
to envy and jealousy, and they watched Daniel closely to find some
occasion against him that they might report him to the king; but they
failed. Then these agents of Satan sought to make his faithfulness to
God the cause of his destruction. Evil angels laid out the plan for them,
and these agents readily carried it into effect.
The king was ignorant of the subtle mischief purposed against
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Daniel. With full knowledge of the king’s decree, Daniel still bows
before his God, “his windows being open.” He considers supplication
to God of so great importance that he would rather sacrifice his life
than relinquish it. On account of his praying to God, he is cast into
the lions’ den. Evil angels thus far accomplish their purpose. But
Daniel continues to pray, even in the den of lions. Was he suffered to
be consumed? Did God forget him there? Oh, no; Jesus, the mighty