Parleying with the Enemy.
By J. Clarke
HAD our first mother, Eve, only refused to parley with the enemy, what a world of trouble would have been avoided. Had she just said to herself, I'll be sure who this plausible creature is, that is persuading me; I'm rather doubtful about it, and then hastened to Adam for advice, all would have been well for us. Then, O what would this world have been! Not a cloud of sorrow, or pain. But no! she must parley, and listen, and believe the ingenious, artful lie. Little did she think of the far-reaching consequences. So now, the Eves and Adams of this age, are exposed to the same artful foe; only he is a thousand times more artful now; a thousand times more151malicious. Eve parleyed with her first foe. This was her first step. Dear young reader, this is the snare for you now: if he can only hold a parley with you, it will be all he wants: he is sure. Beware of the first step! Be much in prayer, and watchfulness, and reading, and meditation. I need not say to you what book is the best. Be much with the wise and good and the devoted; and may there be for you many good advisers, who will care for you as the shepherd careth for his lambs. Then be sure you abide by their counsel.