204
From Eternity Past
Heathen nations were led to believe that human sacrifices were
necessary to secure the favor of their deities; and the most horrible
cruelties have been perpetrated under various forms of idolatry. Among
[236]
these was the practice of causing their children to pass through the
fire before their idols. When one came through unharmed, the people
believed their offerings were accepted. The one thus delivered was
regarded as specially favored by the gods, was loaded with benefits, and
ever afterward held in high esteem. However aggravated his crimes,
he was never punished. But should one be burned in passing through
the fire, his fate was sealed; the anger of the gods could be appeased
only by taking the life of the victim. In times of great apostasy these
abominations prevailed, to some extent, among the Israelites.
The violation of the seventh commandment also was early prac-
ticed in the name of religion. Licentious and abominable rites were
made a part of the heathen worship. The gods themselves were impure,
and their worshipers gave rein to the baser passions. Religious festivals
were characterized by universal, open impurity.
Polygamy was one of the sins that brought the wrath of God upon
the antediluvian world. Yet after the Flood it again became widespread.
It was Satan’s studied effort to pervert marriage, to weaken its obliga-
tions and lessen its sacredness. In no surer way could he deface the
image of God in man and open the door to misery and vice.
God Will Win the Battle
Multitudes give ear to Satan’s deceptions and set themselves
against God. But amid the working of evil, God’s purposes move
steadily forward to their accomplishment. To all created intelligences
He is making manifest His justice and benevolence. The whole human
race have become transgressors of God’s law, but by the sacrifice of
His Son they may return to God. Through the grace of Christ they may
be enabled to render obedience to the Father’s law. In every age God
gathers out a people “in whose heart is His law.”
Isaiah 51:7
.
[237]
God’s dealings with rebellion will result in fully unmasking the
work so long carried on under cover. The fruits of setting aside the
divine statutes will be laid open to the view of all created intelligences.
The law of God will stand fully vindicated. Satan himself, in the