THE POWER OF THE ENEMY.
By C. N. Suttle
Our Lord bids us watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation. How essential that we heed these words. We cannot lay our armor by and think there is no more danger; for Satan is watching to see if there is not some unguarded spot where he can enter. Let us remember with what a wily foe we have to contend. Have you not in watching the spider seen how he overcomes his prey? When first caught in his web, the fly struggles hard and long to free itself. The spider watches him19with great anxiety. Soon, seemingly exhausted, the fly ceases his efforts. Had he struggled but a moment longer, he would have been free. Unlucky moment! for now his enemy darts toward him, and throws his web around him. The efforts of the victim seem to be more feeble, but still he struggles on for a little time. Again he stops, and again the web is drawn around him. At last the spider has him in his power, and he binds him stronger and stronger until there is no hope. Does not Satan work in a similar manner? He does not bind his cords around us all at once, but works so artfully that before we are aware we are in his power. Like the spider, he eagerly watches for a favorable moment, that he may bind about us, one by one, the cords of sin. He is well pleased with his success, and smilingly notes the effect on his victim. And so time after time he throws around us his web of deceit, till at last, like the poor fly, we cease to struggle. Satan has triumphed. Ah, how sad to contemplate! Had we struggled on a little longer, we might have come off conqueror; but now nothing but the infinite mercy of God will enable us to burst the bands that bind us. Let us buckle on the armor of faith more firmly, and heed the voice of our Great Commander. We cannot stop by the way, for there is danger. We may be sorely tempted and tried; but let us remember the trials of Christ,—that he was tempted in all points as we are,—and his grace will be sufficient for us. He says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Let us struggle on a little longer. Soon we shall hear the voice of our Redeemer, and the victory will be won. C. N. SUTTLE.