gainst God's people, he finally succeeded in bringing upon them
by seducing them into sin. When they transgressed God's commandments, then
they separated themselves from Him, and they were left to feel the power
of the destroyer.

Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is more
than a match for the hosts of darkness, and that, should he reveal himself
openly, he would be met and resisted. Therefore he seeks to draw away the
soldiers of the cross from their strong fortification, while he lies in
ambush with his forces, ready to destroy all who venture upon his ground.
Only in humble reliance upon God, and obedience to all His commandments,
can we be secure.

No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Especially should we
entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His word. Here are revealed the
wiles of the tempter, and the means by which he may be successfully
resisted. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing his own
interpretation upon passages, by which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We
should study the Bible with humility of heart, never losing sight of our
dependence upon God. While we must constantly guard against the devices of
Satan, we should pray in faith continually, "Lead us not into temptation."

33. THE FIRST GREAT DECEPTION.

[Illustration: Chapter header.]

With the earliest history of man, Satan began his efforts to deceive our
race. He who had incited rebellion in heaven, desired to bring the
inhabitants of the earth to unite with him in his warfare against the
government of God. Adam and Eve had been perfectly happy in obedience to
the law of God, and this fact was a constant testimony against the claim
which Satan had urged in heaven, that God's law was oppressive, and
opposed to the good of His creatures. And furthermore, Satan's envy was
excited as he looked upon the beautiful home prepared for the sinless
pair. He determined to cause their fall, that, having separated them from
God and brought them under his own power, he might gain possession of the
earth, and here establish his kingdom, in opposition to the Most High.

Had Satan revealed himself in his real character, he would have been
repulsed at once, for Adam and Eve had been warned against this dangerous
foe; but he worked in the dark, concealing his purpose, that he might more
effectually accomplish his object. Employing as his medium the serpent,
then a creature