ough 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."(893) 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.

Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never
converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause
it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants
of Satan, will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we
are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the king's court, we may be sure
that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under temptation, we
shall fall sooner or later.

The tempter often works most successfully through those who are least
suspected of being under his control. The possessors of talent and
education are admired and honored, as if these qualities could atone for
the absence of the fear of God, or entitle men to His favor. Talent and
culture, considered in themselves, are gifts of God; but when these are
made to supply the place of piety, when, instead of bringing the soul
nearer to God, they lead away from Him, then they become a curse and a
snare. The opinion prevails with many that all which appears like courtesy
or refinement must, in some sense, pertain to Christ. Never was there a
greater mistake. These qualities should grace the character of every
Christian, for they would exert a powerful influence in favor of true
religion; but they must be consecrated to God, or they also are a power