The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 518

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 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, in our own strength, no method of defense. If
permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder and 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 cannot break through the guard which
God has stationed about His people.

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