Basic HTML Version
Snares of Satan
227
them to conclude that the requirements of Christ are less strict than
they once believed, and that by conformity to the world they would
[340]
exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate
from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and
erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.
“Until the great decisive blow shall be struck, our efforts against
commandment-keepers must be untiring. We must be present at
all their gatherings. In their large meetings especially our cause
will suffer much, and we must exercise great vigilance, and employ
all our seductive arts to prevent souls from hearing the truth and
becoming impressed by it.
“I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false
doctrines mingled with just enough truth to deceive souls. I will also
have unbelieving ones present, who will express doubts in regard to
the Lord’s messages of warning to his church. Should the people
read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of
overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these
warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and
we shall secure them in our ranks at last. God will not permit his
words to be slighted with impunity. If we can keep souls deceived
for a time, God’s mercy will be withdrawn, and he will give them
up to our full control.
“We must cause distraction and division. We must destroy their
anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticise, to judge, and
to accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish selfishness and
enmity. For these sins, God banished us from his presence; and all
who follow our example will meet a similar fate.”
[341]
The Scriptures declare that upon one occasion, when the angels
of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came
also among them, not to bow before the Eternal King, but to further
his own malicious designs against the righteous. With the same
object he is in attendance when men assemble for the worship of
God. Though hidden from sight, he is working with all diligence to
control the minds of the worshipers. Like a skillful general, he lays
his plans beforehand. As he sees the messenger of God searching
the Scriptures, he takes note of the subject to be presented to the
people. Then he employs all his cunning and shrewdness to so
control circumstances that the message may not reach those whom