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the owners was due alone to his merciful interposition for their de-
liverance. Furthermore, this scene was permitted to take place that
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the disciples might witness the cruel power of Satan upon both man
Agency of Evil Spirits
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and beast. The Saviour desired his followers to have a knowledge
of the foe whom they were to meet, that they might not be deceived
and overcome by his devices. It was also his will that the people of
that region should behold his power to break the bondage of Satan
and release his captives. And though Jesus himself departed, the
men so marvelously delivered, remained to declare the mercy of
their Benefactor.
Other instances of a similar nature are recorded in the Scriptures.
The daughter of the Syrophenician woman was grievously vexed
with a devil, whom Jesus cast out by his word. [Mark 7:26-30.]
One “possessed with a devil, blind and dumb,” [Matthew 12:22.] a youth who had a dumb spirit, that ofttimes “cast him into the fire,
and into the waters, to destroy him,” [Mark 9:17-27.] the maniac, who, tormented by “a spirit of an unclean devil,” [Luke 4:33-36.]
disturbed the Sabbath quiet of the synagogue at Capernaum, were
all healed by the compassionate Saviour. In nearly every instance,
Christ addressed the demon as an intelligent entity, commanding
him to come out of his victim and to torment him no more. The
worshipers at Capernaum, beholding his mighty power, “were all
amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this!
for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits,
and they come out.”
Those possessed with devils are usually represented as being in
a condition of great suffering; yet there were exceptions to this rule.
For the sake of obtaining supernatural power, some welcomed the
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Satanic influence. These of course had no conflict with the demons.
Of this class were those who possessed the spirit of divination,—
Simon Magus, Elymas the sorcerer, and the damsel who followed
Paul and Silas at Philippi.
None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits than
are those who, notwithstanding the direct and ample testimony of
the Scriptures, deny the existence and agency of the devil and his
angels. So long as we are ignorant of their wiles, they have almost
inconceivable advantage; many give heed to their suggestions while
they suppose themselves to be following the dictates of their own
wisdom. This is why, as we approach the close of time, when Satan
is to work with greatest power to deceive and destroy, he spreads
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everywhere the belief that he does not exist. It is his policy to conceal
himself and his ma
There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as that we
shall become acquainted with his devices. The better to disguise his
real character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so repre-
sented as to excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt.
He is well pleased to be painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object,
misshapen, half animal and half human. He is pleased to hear his
name used in sport and mockery by those who consider themselves
intelligent and well-informed.
It is because he has masked himself with consummate skill that
the question is so widely asked, “Does such a being really exist?”
It is an evidence of his success that theories giving the lie to the
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plainest testimony of the Scriptures are so generally received in the
religious world. And it is because Satan can most readily control the
minds of those who are unconscious of his influence that the word
of God gives us so many examples of his malignant work, unveiling
before us his secret forces, and thus placing us on our guard against
his assaults.
The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us,
were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior
power of our Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts
and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we
seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access
to us, and against whose attacks we have no method of defense. If
permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder, torment our bodies,
destroy our possessions and our lives. Their only delight is in misery
and destruction. Fearful is the condition of those who resist the
divine claims and yield to Satan’s temptations until God gives them
up to the control of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever
safe under his watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from
Heaven to protect them. The wicked one ca
guard which God has stationed about his people.
Chapter 27—The Snares of Satan
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As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan
holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most successful
plan of overthrowing their faith. He sees that the popular churches
are already lulled to sleep by his deceptive power. By pleasing
sophistry and lying wonders he can continue to hold them under his
control. Therefore he directs his angels to lay their snares especially
for those who are looking for the second advent of Christ, and
endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God.
Says the great deceiver: “We must watch those who are calling
the attention of the people to the Sabbath of Jehovah; they will lead
many to see the claims of the law of God; and the same light which
reveals the true Sabbath, reveals also the ministration of Christ in the
heavenly sanctuary, and shows that the last work for man’s salvation
is now going forward. Hold the minds of the people in darkness till
that work is ended, and we shall secure the world and the church
also.
“The Sabbath is the great question which is to decide the destiny
of souls. We must exalt the Sabbath of our creating. We have caused
it to be accepted by both worldlings and church-members; now the
church must be led to unite with the world in its support. We must
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work by signs and wonders to blind their eyes to the truth, and lead
them to lay aside reason and the fear of God, and follow custom and
tradition.
“I will influence popular ministers to turn the attention of their
hearers from the commandments of God. That which the Scriptures
declare to be a perfect law of liberty shall be represented as a yoke of
bondage. The people accept their ministers’ explanations of Scrip-
ture, and do not investigate for themselves. Therefore by working
through the ministers, I can control the people according to my will.
“But our principal concern is to silence this sect of Sabbath-