Takes to itself a thousand different shapes and forms, and exists in different shades and lights, in various minds, and the individual affected by it is under the firm persuasion that he or she is in the light of truth.
"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool," says the wise man, and in nothing is this remark more applicable, than in religious matters.
Satan is satisfied if he can persuade the believer to place great stress upon dreams, and impressions, and other airy fancies, which like the "will o' the wisp," only dazzle to blind and bewilder.
E. has dreamed that a measuring rod was given him to measure the adjacent country, and he knows now all who are to be saved in his vicinity.
T. has been shown that there would be 100 days of cloudy weather, which has proved incorrect.
G. has been shown that in just seven years, Christ would send the great hail upon the wicked, which is contrary to Scripture, as no time is given in the present message.
H. has prayed over his pipe and tobacco box, and it has been clearly shown to him that it is right to puff, and smoke, and chew, although the Bible says, the filthy cannot enter heaven. H. cannot mistake, he thinks, for he has so often tried his dreams, &c.
I. thinks he must do this, or that, because it was impressed upon his mind with such force; and so common sense was set aside, and I. became a rank fanatic for days, until his brethren plucked him out of the fire.
Now all these errors come from self-confidence, mixed with vain-glory and ignorance, and not being acquainted with the devices of Satan.
Watch and pray. First watch, second pray; as though watchfulness were most necessary, and we tempted ones must know who our enemy is, and what are his modes of warfare.
Time, precious time is lost, more than lost, by parleying with evil. Oh, let us not sleep as do others, but watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation.
"Could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matt. xxvi. 40. J. CLARKE.