The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 517

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.” Luke
4:36.
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 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
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 everywhere the belief
that he does not exist. It is his policy to conceal himself and his manner
of working.
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 represented
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 think themselves intelligent and well informed.

516