d to
torment him no more. The worshipers at Capernaum, beholding His mighty
power, "were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, 'What a word
is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits,
and they come out.' "(913)

Those possessed with devils are usually represented as being in a
condition of great suffering; yet there were exceptions to this rule. For
the sake of obtaining supernatural power, some welcomed the satanic
influence. These of course had no conflict with the demons. Of this class
were those who possessed the spirit of divination,--Simon Magus, Elymas the
sorcerer, and the damsel who followed Paul and Silas at Philippi.

None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits than those
who, notwithstanding the direct and ample testimony of the Scriptures,
deny the existence and agency of the devil and his angels. So long as we
are ignorant of their wiles, they have almost inconceivable advantage;
many give heed to their suggestions while they suppose themselves to be
following the dictates of their own wisdom. This is why, as we approach
the close of time, when Satan is to work with greatest power to deceive
and destroy, he spreads everywhere the belief that he does not exist. It
is his policy to conceal himself and his manner of working.

There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as that we shall
become acquainted with his devices. The better to disguise his real
character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so represented as to
excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased
to be painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object, misshapen, half animal
and half human. He is pleased to hear his name used in sport and mockery
by those who think themselves intelligent and well informed.

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