The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 527

And this is the object which Satan seeks to accomplish. There is
nothing that he desires more than to destroy confidence in God and in
His word. Satan stands at the head of the great army of doubters, and
he works to the utmost of his power to beguile souls into his ranks.
It is becoming fashionable to doubt. There is a large class by whom
the word of God is looked upon with distrust for the same reason as
was its Author—because it reproves and condemns sin. Those who are
unwilling to obey its requirements endeavor to overthrow its authority.
They read the Bible, or listen to its teachings as presented from the
sacred desk, merely to find fault with the Scriptures or with the sermon.
Not a few become infidels in order to justify or excuse themselves
in neglect of duty. Others adopt skeptical principles from pride and
indolence. Too ease-loving to distinguish themselves by accomplishing
anything worthy of honor, which requires effort and self-denial, they
aim to secure a reputation for superior wisdom by criticizing the Bible.
There is much which the finite mind, unenlightened by divine wisdom,
is powerless to comprehend; and thus they find occasion to criticize.
There are many who seem to feel that it is a virtue to stand on the side
of unbelief, skepticism, and infidelity. But underneath an appearance of
candor it will be found that such persons are actuated by self-confidence
and pride. Many delight in finding something in the Scriptures to puzzle
the minds of others. Some at first criticize and reason on the wrong
side, from a mere love of controversy. They do not realize that they are
thus entangling themselves in the snare of the fowler. But having openly
expressed unbelief, they feel that they must maintain their position. Thus
they unite with the ungodly and close to themselves the gates of Paradise.
God has given in His word sufficient evidence of its di vine character.
The great truths which concern our redemption are clearly presented.
By the aid of the Holy Spirit, which is promised to all who seek it in
sincerity, every man may

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