for evil. Many a man of cultured intellect and pleasant manners, who would
not stoop to what is commonly regarded as an immoral act, is but a
polished instrument in the hands of Satan. The insidious, deceptive
character of his influence and example renders him a more dangerous enemy
to the cause of Christ than are those who are ignorant and uncultured.

By earnest prayer and dependence upon God, Solomon obtained the wisdom
which excited the wonder and admiration of the world. But when he turned
from the Source of his strength, and went forward relying upon himself, he
fell a prey to temptation. Then the marvelous powers bestowed on this
wisest of kings, only rendered him a more effective agent of the adversary
of souls.

While Satan is constantly seeking to blind their minds to the fact, let
Christians never forget that they "wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places."(894) The
inspired warning is sounding down the centuries to our time: "Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour."(895) "Put on the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."(896)

From the days of Adam to our own time, our great enemy has been exercising
his power to oppress and destroy. He is now preparing for his last
campaign against the church. All who seek to follow Jesus will be brought
into conflict with this relentless foe. The more nearly the Christian
imitates the divine Pattern, the more surely will he make himself a mark
for the attacks of Satan. All who are actively engaged in the cause of
God, seeking to unveil the deceptions of the evil one and to present
Christ before the people, will be able to join in the testimony of Paul,
in which he speaks of serving the Lord with all humility of mind, with
many tears and temptations.

Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest and most subtle temptations; but
he was repulsed in every conflict. Those battles were fought in our
behalf; those victories make it possible for us to conquer. Christ will
give strength to all who seek it. No man without his own consent can be
overcome by Satan. The tempter has no power to control the will or to
force the soul to sin. He may distress, but he cannot contaminate. He can
cause agony, but not defilement. The fact that Christ h