so doing he beguileth himself. But verily if
he strive with them, he need not be much afraid of consenting, for
striving breaketh peace and false accord."[19]

{161}

IV. _Spiritual Safety, Spiritual Victory_

The reader will observe that although we are speaking of the soul being
kept from the power of Satan, yet the heading of the foregoing section
speaks of the signs, not of the soul's _safety_, but of the soul's
_victory_. There is a significance in this choice of words, for in the
spiritual combat the soul that is safe is indeed victorious. Herein
lies one of the radical differences between the spiritual warfare and
any other. In the world's wars an army may be safe from defeat and
capture, and yet be far from victorious. But in the spiritual life, to
be safe is to be the victor. There are no drawn battles in this
warfare. Once the soul has been enlisted in God's army, once it has
been signed, and sealed, and has put on the whole armour of God,
thenceforth to be safe is to be victorious, not to be conquered is to
conquer Satan. So we may seem to be making but little progress, but if
we hold fast that which we have no man can take our crown.

This is made quite clear to us in the message of the Spirit to the
Seven Churches of Asia.[20] The Church at that time was hard-pressed.
The fires of persecution were burning out the dross, and purifying her
over against the coming {162} of the Lord. It was a time for
longsuffering, for patient waiting until the arm of the Lord should be
bared to avenge her of her adversaries. So the Spirit speaks not of
Pentecostal achievements; there is no mention of mighty triumphs that
the world could see and applaud. It was a patient waiting, finding her
strength in sitting still.[21]

What is it under these conditions that God requires? No aggressive
plan of advance is outlined; only a patient faithfulness wherein would
lie victory and reward. Examine them one by one. Ephesus receives
praise of God because "Thou hast borne and hast had patience." Smyrna
is only to "Fear none of those things that thou shalt suffer."
Pergamos is praised, because "Thou boldest fast My name, and has not
denied My faith." To Thyatira it is said, "That which ye have already,
hold fast till I come." Sardis has lost somewhat of the heavenly gift,
but she will yet be safe if she will but "Strengthen the things that
remain." Philadelphia is accounted worthy of great promises because
"Tho