comprehension. It is the
office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God's word
that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or
animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist's
petition our own, "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things
out of Thy law."(1034) Temptations often appear irresistible because,
through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one
cannot readily remember God's promises and meet Satan with the Scripture
weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in
divine things; and in the time of great necessity, they will bring to
their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus "when the enemy
shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a
standard against him."(1035)

Jesus promised His disciples, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you."(1036) But the teachings of Christ must previously have been stored
in the mind, in order for the Spirit of God to bring them to our
remembrance in the time of peril. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart,"
said David, "that I might not sin against Thee."(1037)

All who value their eternal interests should be on their guard against the
inroads of skepticism. The very pillars of truth will be assailed. It is
impossible to keep beyond the reach of the sarcasms and sophisms, the
insidious and pestilent teachings, of modern infidelity. Satan adapts his
temptations to all classes. He assails the illiterate with a jest or
sneer, while he meets the educated with scientific objections and
philosophical reasoning, alike calculated to excite distrust or contempt
of the Scriptures. Even youth of little experience presume to insinuate
doubts concerning the fundamental principles of Christianity. And this
youthful infidelity, shallow as it is, has its influence. Many are thus
led to jest at the faith of their fathers, and to do despite to the Spirit
of grace.(1038) Many a life that promised to be an honor to God and a
blessing to the world, has been blighted by the foul breath of infidelity.
All who trust to the boastful decisions of human reason, and imagine that
they can explain divine mysteries, and arrive at truth unaided by the
wisdom of God, are entangled in the snare of Satan.

We are