reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments, too often go a
step farther, and doubt the existence of God, and attribute infinite power
to nature. Having let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon
the rocks of infidelity.

Thus many err from the faith, and are seduced by the devil. Men have
endeavored to be wiser than their Creator; human philosophy has attempted
to search out and explain mysteries which will never be revealed, through
the eternal ages. If men would but search and understand what God has made
known of Himself and His purposes, they would obtain such a view of the
glory, majesty, and power of Jehovah, that they would realize their own
littleness, and would be content with that which has been revealed for
themselves and their children.

It is a masterpiece of Satan's deceptions to keep the minds of men
searching and conjecturing in regard to that which God has not made known,
and which He does not intend that we shall understand. It was thus that
Lucifer lost his place in heaven. He became dissatisfied because all the
secrets of God's purposes were not confided to him, and he entirely
disregarded that which was revealed concerning his own work in the lofty
position assigned him. By arousing the same discontent in the angels under
his command, he caused their fall. Now he seeks to imbue the minds of men
with the same spirit, and to lead them also to disregard the direct
commands of God.

Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible,
are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the
conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the
doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they are received.
These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their carnal
desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with
contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have no
shield from delusion. Satan is ready to supply the heart's desire, and he
palms off his deceptions in the place of truth. It was thus that the
papacy gained its power over the minds of men; and by rejection of the
truth because it involves a cross, Protestants are following the same
path. All who neglect the word of God to study convenience and policy,
that they may not be at variance with the world, will be left to receive
damnable heresy for religious truth. Every conceivable form of error will
be accepted by those who