The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 601
things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult
of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the
heart so to comprehend God’s word that we shall be charmed with its
beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by
its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open
Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.”
Psalm 119:18. Temptations often appear irresistible because, through
neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot
readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture
weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught
in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their
remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy
shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard
against him.” Isaiah 59:19.
Jesus promised His disciples: “The Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shal l teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said
unto you.” John 14:26. But the teachings of Christ must previously have
been stored in the mind in order for the Spirit of God to bring them to
our remembrance in the time of peril. “Thy word have I hid in mine
heart,” said David, “that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11.
All who value their eternal interests should be on their guard against
the inroads of skepticism. The very pillars of truth will be assailed. It
is impossible to keep beyond the reach of the sarcasms and sophisms,
the insidious and pestilent teachings, of modern infidelity. Satan adapts
his temptations to all classes. He assails the illiterate with a jest
or sneer, while he meets the educated with scientific objections and
philosophical reasoning, alike calculated to excite distrust or contempt
of the Scriptures. Even youth of little experience presume to insinuate
doubts concerning the fundamental
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