FIGHTING THE DEVIL

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 10, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 22.

FIGHTING THE DEVIL.

THERE are two ways of fighting the devil—at long range and at short range. The adversary, who is ingenious in his devices, prefers to attack the believer at "long range," in which he has many and obvious advantages. In such a contest we are generally badly beaten, when we are in such fear that we may not glorify God under some imaginary future conditions, that we let down our shields against present assaults. We are so afraid that we shall not have "dying grace" that our supplies of grace for living are cut off; and so this long-range fight with the evil one works against us in many ways. It is much better for us to be content to combat present and real instead of future and imaginary foes. The present hour is always our present battlefield. If the Christian knows his weapons and how to use them he will prefer to fight his great enemy at short range—that is, to meet present and immediate dangers rather than those which are future and remote. Let him pray every morning that God will give him grace to go through one day; to give him courage and patience and fidelity, and deliver him out of all trials and temptations. If he can by God's help always take good care of to-day, next week or next year will take care of itself.—The Evangelist (Presbyterian).