shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our
Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect
our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil
angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks
we have, in our own strength, no method of defense. If permitted, they can
distract our minds, disorder and torment our bodies, destroy our
possessions and our lives. Their only delight is in misery and
destruction. Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine
claims, and yield to Satan's temptations, until God gives them up to the
control of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under
His watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to
protect them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has
stationed about His people.

32. SNARES OF SATAN.

[Illustration: Chapter header.]

The great controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried
forward for nearly six thousand years, is soon to close; and the wicked
one redoubles his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man's behalf,
and to fasten souls in his snares. To hold the people in darkness and
impenitence till the Saviour's mediation is ended, and there is no longer
a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he seeks to accomplish.

When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when
indifference prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned;
for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his
will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are
inquiring, "What must I do to be saved?" he is on the ground, seeking to
match his power against the power of Christ, and to counteract the
influence of the Holy Spirit.

The Scriptures declare that upon one occasion, when the angels of God came
to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among them,(914)
not to bow before the Eternal King, but to further his own malicious
designs against the righteous. With the same object he is in attendance
when men assemble for the worship of God. Though hidden from sight, he is
working with all diligence to control the minds of the worshipers. Like a
skilful general, he lays his plans beforehand. As he sees the messenger of
God searching the Scriptures, he takes note of the subject to be presented
to the people. Then he employs all his cunni