288
Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
shall not surely die.” Thousands cut off the Head, and the result is the
members act without Jesus for their head, and another guides the body.
Satan controls them.
I was shown that Satan cannot control minds unless they are yielded
to his control. Those who depart from the right are in serious danger
now. They separate themselves from God and from the watchcare of
His angels, and Satan, ever upon the watch to destroy souls, begins
to present to them his deceptions. Such are in the utmost peril; and if
they see and try to resist the powers of darkness and to free themselves
from Satan’s snare, it is not an easy matter. They have ventured on
Satan’s ground, and he claims them. He will not hesitate to engage all
his energies and call to his aid all his evil host to wrest a single human
being from the hand of Christ. Those who have tempted the devil to
tempt them will have to make desperate efforts to free themselves from
his power. But when they begin to work for themselves, then angels of
God whom they have grieved will come to their rescue. Satan and his
angels are unwilling to lose their prey. They contend and battle with
the holy angels, and the conflict is severe. But if those who have erred
continue to plead, and in deep humility confess their wrongs, angels
who excel in strength will prevail and wrench them from the power of
the evil angels.
[302]
As the curtain was lifted and I was shown the corruption of this age,
my heart sickened, my spirit nearly fainted within me. I saw that the
inhabitants of the earth were filling up the measure of the cup of their
iniquity. God’s anger is kindled and will be no more appeased until the
sinners are destroyed out of the earth. Satan is Christ’s personal enemy.
He is the originator and leader of every species of rebellion in heaven
and earth. His rage increases; we do not realize his power. If our eyes
could be opened to discern the fallen angels at work with those who
feel at ease and consider themselves safe, we would not feel so secure.
Evil angels are upon our track every moment. We expect a readiness
on the part of bad men to act as Satan suggests; but while our minds
are unguarded against his invisible agents, they assume new ground
and work marvels and miracles in our sight. Are we prepared to resist
them by the word of God, the only weapon we can use successfully?
Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from God. The
sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our
sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying