The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 509

and that with well-matured plans and skillful movements he is warring
against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls. Among 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.

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