Chapter 55—Moral Standards
Satan Seeks to Pervert the Marriage Institution—It was Sa-
tan’s studied effort [in the antediluvian age] to pervert the marriage
institution, to weaken its obligations and lessen its sacredness; for in
no surer way could he deface the image of God in man and open the
door to misery and vice
Satan well knows the material with which he has to deal in the
human heart. He knows—for he has studied with fiendish intensity for
thousands of years—the points most easily assailed in every character;
and through successive generations he has wrought to overthrow the
strongest men, princes in Israel, by the same temptations that were so
successful at Baal-peor. All along through the ages there are strewn
wrecks of character that have been stranded upon the rocks of sensual
indulgence
Tragedy in Israel—The crime that brought the judgments of God
upon Israel was that of licentiousness. The forwardness of women to
entrap souls did not end at Baal-peor. Notwithstanding the punishment
that followed the sinners in Israel, the same crime was repeated many
times. Satan was most active in seeking to make Israel’s overthrow
complete
The licentious practice of the Hebrews accomplished for them
that which all the warfare of nations and the enchantments of Balaam
could not do. They became separated from their God. Their cover-
ing and protection were removed from them. God turned to be their
enemy. So many of the princes and people were guilty of licentious-
ness that it became a national sin, for God was wroth with the whole
[327]
congregation
The History to Be Repeated—Near the close of this earth’s his-
tory Satan will work with all his powers in the same manner and with
1
Patriarchs and Prophets, 338
.
2
Ibid., 457
.
3
The Review and Herald, May 17, 1887
.
4
Ibid
.
247