RESIST THE DEVIL by C. W. Sperry

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 2, 1861

RESIST THE DEVIL.

By C. W. Sperry

"If sinners entice thee consent thou not." Prov. i, 10.

I WOULD rejoice could I say something to the young that would induce them to shun the deceptive snares of Satan, and walk in the paths of virtue and secure eternal life. In the scripture which stands at the head of this article, is an important exhortation and warning. First, because if heeded, it will prevent the first steps toward ruin and death; and the first step is the most important. Satan, the great artful deceiver, approaches us in such a pleasing manner, and first suggests so slight deviations, that before we are aware, we are caught by his influences and led captive by him at his will.

In these last days while the Saviour stands knocking at the door of our hearts saying, Open unto me, Satan also stands knocking saying, Let me in, making many promises to induce us to open unto him. And oh what multitudes are enticed and consent to let him in. You remember how Satan took the Saviour up into a high mountain, and showed him the kingdoms of this world, and promised them all to him if he would bow down and worship him. But the Saviour would not consent. So Satan comes to us with pleasing anticipations about the things of this world if we will follow him, but our only safety is to resist the first temptation. Satan works through our near friends sometimes to influence us to take the first steps toward our ruin. The Lord help you to have decision of character that will not consent to any of his devices. Satan will present a path that will look pleasant for a while; but, my dear young friends, let me impress your minds with the fact that it ends only in sorrow and woe. Then, as the wise man says, "Refrain thy foot from their path, for their feet run to evil." And David says, "Walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor sit in the seat of the scornful."

The temptations of these days are many and strong. The love of the world, the pride of life, pleasure parties, and such things engross the attention; and the most of the world are enticed by them, to turn their feet away from the truth, but I entreat you to consent not; for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world; and the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. 1 John ii, 16, 17.

Then if you are invited to follow these things consent thou not. I know of some young friends who were once engaged in religion, and loved the present truth, who are now immersed in the follies of this world. They were led there by yielding to the first temptations of Satan. A young lady who died a few months since, before her death said to her mother who kept the Sabbath, "If such ones had lived out their religion, I should have joined them before now; but," said she, "if they could not live religion, how could I?" Some of these individuals had said to her that the ball-room was the happiest place they had ever found. But in her sickness she left a testimony saying, Tell them that at the feet of the Saviour she had found a place far better than the ball-room. So you see by consenting to the devices of Satan, it leads others also to follow your example.

Now, my young friends, let me exhort you to carry this watchword with you, "If sinners entice thee, consent thou not."