rince of darkness," and "the god of
this world." All these titles denote the exercise of great power. He is
also called _destroyer_; and is said to walk about, seeking whom he may
devour. Indeed, so great was his power, and so mighty his work of ruin
and destruction in this lost world, that it became necessary for the son
of God to come into the world to destroy his works. "For this purpose
was the Son of God manifested, that he might _destroy the works of the
devil_."

But, although he is powerful, yet his power is limited. This you see in
the case of Job. No doubt, his malice would have destroyed that holy man
at once. But he could do nothing against him till he was permitted; and
then he could go no farther than the length of his chain. God reserved
the life of his servant. And the apostle Jude speaks of the devils as
being "reserved _in chains_, under darkness." But the objection arises,
"As God is almighty, why is Satan permitted to exercise any power at
all?" To this objection the Bible furnishes satisfactory answers. (1.)
It is to try the faith of his children. This was the case with Job. The
devil had slandered that holy man, by accusing him of serving God from
selfish motives. By suffering Satan to take away all he had, the Lord
proved this accusation to be false; and Job came out of the furnace,
greatly purified. The apostle James says, "My brethren, count it all
joy, when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying
of your faith worketh patience." If the children of God were never
tempted, they would never have an opportunity to prove the sincerity of
their faith. But they have the blessed assurance, that God will not
suffer them to be tempted above what they are able to bear, but will,
with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that they may be able
to bear it. (2.) Again; the devil is permitted to exercise his power,
for the discovery of hypocrites and for the punishment of sinners.
"These have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of
temptation fall away." "But, if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them
that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of
them that believe not."

2. _He has much knowledge._ He knew the command of God to our first
parents, and therefore tempted them to break it. When those that were
possessed with devils were brought to Christ, they cried out, "We _know_
thee, who thou art, the holy one of God." He has also a knowledge of t