his direction to establish his
authority and build up his kingdom in opposition to the government of God.
To this end they seek to deceive Christ's followers, and allure them from
their allegiance. Like their leader, they misconstrue and pervert the
Scriptures to accomplish their object. As Satan endeavored to cast
reproach upon God, so do his agents seek to malign God's people. The
spirit which put Christ to death moves the wicked to destroy His
followers. All this is foreshadowed in that first prophecy, "I will put
enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed." And
this will continue to the close of time.

Satan summons all his forces, and throws his whole power into the combat.
Why is it that he meets with no greater resistance? Why are the soldiers
of Christ so sleepy and indifferent? Because they have so little real
connection with Christ; because they are so destitute of His Spirit. Sin
is not to them repulsive and abhorrent, as it was to their Master. They do
not meet it, as did Christ, with decisive and determined resistance. They
do not realize the exceeding evil and malignity of sin, and they are
blinded both to the character and the power of the prince of darkness.
There is little enmity against Satan and his works, because there is so
great ignorance concerning his power and malice, and the vast extent of
his warfare against Christ and His church. Multitudes are deluded here.
They do not know that their enemy is a mighty general, who controls the
minds of evil angels, and that with well-matured plans and skilful
movements he is warring against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls.
Among professed Christians, and even among ministers of the gospel, there
is heard scarcely a reference to Satan, except perhaps an incidental
mention in the pulpit. They overlook the evidences of his continual
activity and success; they neglect the many warnings of his subtlety; they
seem to ignore his very existence.

While men are ignorant of his devices, this vigilant foe is upon their
track every moment. He is intruding his presence in every department of
the household, in every street of our cities, in the churches, in the
national councils, in the courts of justice, perplexing, deceiving,
seducing, everywhere ruining the souls and bodies of men, women, and
children, breaking up families, sowing hatred, emulation, strife,
sedition, murder. And the Christian world seem to regard these things as
th