ng that in
failure there is no ground for mercy, but only the terrible destruction
that has been so long predicted. He knew when he formed this
God-dishonoring purpose that it must either wholly succeed or he himself
fall into terrible judgment. On the other side of the conflict there is
perfect calmness and certainty as to the end, for the judgment and
sentence are past; yet every true believer is implored to be instant in
season and out of season in the present projects of grace, that the
sufferings and separations of earth may be cut short in righteousness.

Well may believers study their own motives in service in view of these
vastly differing programs; and question whether there is in them a
humble willingness to co-operate in the present purpose of God in
preparing the Bride for the returning King: or whether they have
carelessly fallen in with the Satanic ideal, which rejects the coming
Kingdom of Christ by an unholy attempt to establish the present kingdom
of Satan.

The program of Satan, which the world calls "optimistic" rests on the
Satanic purpose of a reformed society: the program of God, which is
called "pessimistic" in that it discredits this age, rests upon the
infinite wisdom, love and power of God; and is so certain and near that
the believer is taught to watch, wait, and be ready for the first Divine
movement toward this glorious end.

Chapter VII.

Satan's Methods.

The two great activities of Satan, already mentioned, are referred to in
II Thes. 2:4 in connection with the Man of sin, who will be Satan's last
and greatest manifestation. This being is spoken of as he "who
_opposeth_ and _exalteth_ himself above all that is called God, or that
is worshipped." These two activities are inseparable in that, while
Satan is seeking to exalt himself above all that is called God or that
is worshipped, he can keep his subjects or prolong his own existence
only by an unceasing warfare in which he opposes himself against God.
Whether Satan now believes that he may yet succeed in spite of the
decree of the Cross and the evident superior power of God, is not
revealed.

It is still further revealed that the enmity of Satan is not only toward
the person of God, from whom he has everything to fear, but also toward
every true child of God. Too much emphasis cannot be placed on this
fact. Satan has no controversy or warfare with his own unregenerate
people, but there is abundant Scripture to prove that