262
Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
then explains that it is by means of corrupt teachers that the enemy
will assail the faith of the church. “For such are false apostles,” he
says, “deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles
of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an
angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness.”
The more we learn in reference to the early days of the Christian
church, and see with what subtlety Satan worked to weaken and de-
stroy, the better we shall be prepared to resist his devices and meet
coming perils. We are in the time when tribulations such as the world
has never yet seen will prevail. “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and
of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath,
because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” But God has set
bounds that Satan cannot pass. Our most holy faith is this barrier; and
if we build ourselves up in the faith, we shall be safe in the keeping
of the Mighty One. “Because thou hast kept the word of My patience,
I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come
upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
[298]