professed Christians , and even among ministers of the gospel , there is heard scarcely a reference to Satan , except perhaps an incidental mention in the pulpit . They overlook the evidences of his continual activity and success ; they neglect the many warnings of his subtlety ; they seem to ignore his very existence .
While men are ignorant of his devices , this vigilant foe is upon their track every moment . He is intruding his presence in every department of the household , in every street of our cities , in the churches , in the national councils , in the courts of justice , perplexing , deceiving , seducing , everywhere ruining the souls and bodies of men , women , and children , breaking up families , sowing hatred , emulation , strife , sedition , murder . And the Christian world seem to regard these things as though God had appointed them and they must exist .
Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the barriers which separate them from the world . Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when they ventured into forbidden association with the heathen . In a similar manner are modern Israel led astray . " The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not , lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ , who is the image of God , should shine unto them ." 2 Corinthians 4:4 . All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan . In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish and excuse it . In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin and determined resistance against it . When Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving , they expose themselves to temptation . Satan conceals himself from view and stealthily draws his deceptive covering over their eyes . They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them harm ; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character , words , and actions , they are becoming more and more blinded .
Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world ; it never converts the world to Christ . Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive . He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master . When in the way of duty we are brought into trial , as was Daniel in the king ' s court , we may be sure that God will protect us ; but if we place ourselves under temptation we shall fall sooner or later . The tempter often works most successfully through those who are least suspected of being under his control . The possessors of talent and education are admired and honored , as if these qualities could atone for the absence of the fear of God or entitle men to His favor .
Talent and culture , considered in themselves , are gifts of God ; but when these are made to supply the place of piety , when , instead of bringing the soul nearer to God , they lead away from Him , then they become a curse and a snare . The opinion prevails with many that all
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