Untitled article by V. N. Cudworth

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · January 7, 1868

PUT ON THE ARMOR.

By V. N. Cudworth

“Put on the whole armor of God.” Why? “That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness, or (wicked spirits,) in high places.”

This is a fearful host, truly, and none of them flesh and blood. Some think that to deny themselves and take up their cross daily, is fighting this battle; but this is only a part of the armor, or getting into fighting order. It is a great thing to have on the whole armor of God; but every saint should have it on, today. This is not something to reach at the end of the conflict, but for actual service in the warfare.

We are plainly told that there is great danger from this host of experienced, though evil, warriors. We are also told of a mode of warfare that is successful against them, and a kind of armor that is invulnerable. Verses 14-17, and Bunyan adds the 18th, describes the armor. Please read them, for they really portray an admirable character. And Paul seemed to think that the brethren were able to put it on, and were not safe unless they did. There is a large class among us, I mean here in Springfield, that do not believe in any Devil; but those that believe there is, and do not understand any effectual mode of resisting him, are just about as bad off. Few have ever brought their minds or wills into direct opposition to Satan. They always speak and think of him as the third person, when he should be the second person, spoken to. Christ spake directly to him, and brought the truth to bear against the sophistry of that wily foe. He also commanded him to get behind him, which every armored saint has power to do. “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” James iv, 7. Martin Luther talked to this enemy as though he believed that he did exist. But it is evident that very few appreciate yet what Satan can do, and is doing, and the power there is in the church to resist him. But soon if we continue ignorant of his devices we are lost. We have entered the time when he is represented as having great wrath, knowing that his time is short. New modes of his warfare we are daily witnessing. He generally uses man as his agent, but undoubtedly there are subtle influences that he brings to bear oft-times upon the innocent, that result in death. In old times he made people maniacs and sick, bended people double almost, tore the children, and think you he is doing less now? Perhaps he thinks the doctors do that fast enough now. We may be sure if the Lord did not curtail his power, from time to time, we should fare no better than Job.

But we should not be ignorant of his devices, nor of our power over him. The old Methodists used to sing, > “The Devil hates the Methodists, > Because they preach up holiness.”

I have no doubt but he hates the advocates of holiness, but is more incensed against those that live it. It is evident that he hates God, his law, and the remnant that keep the commandments of God. For this he stirs up a power to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The word says, “There is that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.” Undoubtedly when Satan sees some one that can torment or mislead God's people, he brings things so to bear on them that their lives are also prolonged. Watts says, > “He worries whom he can’t devour, > With a malicious art.”

These reflections came into my mind while I was observing how the advocates of error prospered in getting fables before the people; but truth goes like its Master, without the camp, bearing the reproach. If an effort is made to get the truth before the mind, it seems as though all the hosts of darkness were arrayed against the move. If one is inquiring the right way, Satan will send ten to talk to them where one can find a chance to give a “Thus saith the Lord.” And Satan is pushing men into every excess, that he may destroy them, soul and body. > “The poisoning of the tyrant king, > Broods o’er his subjects still; > And many a sparkling eye grows dim, > Beneath its icy chill.”

But there is light in the track of truth, and nowhere else. Those that are in it, find a timely warning and abundance of instruction on the reforms in eating, drinking, dressing, &c. May we, dear children, be able to successfully resist this mighty host of wicked spirits, conquer self, die to sin, live to God, and bear much fruit, is my earnest prayer.

V. N. CUDWORTH. Springfield, Mass.