Amen!

THE GOSPEL HERALD, JUNE 1905 (published in Nashville, Tennessee)

“Be On Your Guard”

“It has been presented to me that Satanic agencies are working in ways that man does not expect. At times he puts on the robes of an angel of light, and many receive him as such a being. If we will link ourselves with Christ, Satan will have no power to overcome us. As we draw near to God, He draws near to us, and lifts for us a standard against the enemy.

“I have been shown that some, even of those who teach the word of God, would be in great danger of being overcome. I saw some linking their arms in the arm of Satan, while he talked most earnestly with them, telling them of the many things that needed to be changed in the church. Afterward his words were repeated by those to whom he had talked. They were delighted with what seemed to them to be a clearer perception and better methods of working.

“I say to all, ‘Be on your guard, for as an angel of light Satan is walking among every church, trying to win members to his side.’ I am bidden to give the people of God the warning, ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked.’”

A note was added by the Editor of The Gospel Herald, in which he stated:

“NOTE: One startling thought runs through the above communication: Satan is ever on hand to help us plan our church work. He is also present at our committee meetings and other important gatherings, suggesting methods of work for advancing the interests of the cause of God.

“We have ever realised that the devil is opposed to the advancement of the work of God in the earth, and that he works against every God-given enterprise. The advancement of the Christian life has many times been represented as a battle or a march. Most of us are familiar with this side of Satan’s work. But when he comes as a friend, linking arms with us, and standing as an adviser in the work of the cause of God, we have before us a feature of his work that may well give us pause. The devil as a friend and adviser is the greatest peril the Christian can encounter. From this, may the good Lord protect us. May not many of the ill-advised moves in the history of our people be traced to this source. Who is your adviser? — EDITOR.”

“The voice of God’s servants must be heard to give the trumpet a certain sound, words of warning and alarm must be given by the watchmen with no whispered tones, no sleepy minds, but in earnest, solemn warning, crying, The morning cometh and also the night. The people must be warned. Men and women must be aroused. Important truths applicable to this time must be presented before the people in the clearest manner which will agitate, stir and arouse them from their peace and safety slumbers to inquire for themselves the time of night. While the false prophets are crying, Peace and safety, and are seeking to soothe the consciences of men, saying to the sinner, Don’t be alarmed, it shall be well with thee, the voice of God’s faithful servants must be heard to arouse them that are asleep, crying, Sudden destruction cometh upon every soul of man who is not watching, awake and watching and waiting for the appearing of their Lord in the clouds of heaven. The third angel’s message in power will go forth and the earth will be lightened with his glory.” 2LtMs, Lt 34, 1875, par. 8

“Satan is pressing in on every side, and unless we watch for him, and have our eyes open to his devices and snares, and have on the whole armor of God, the fiery darts of the wicked will hit us. There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is “present truth” that the flock needs now. I have seen the danger of the messengers running off from the important points of present truth, to dwell upon subjects that are not calculated to unite the flock and sanctify the soul. Satan will here take every possible advantage to injure the cause.” EW 63.1

“The present truth, the special message given to our world, even the third angel’s message, comprehends a vast field, containing heavenly treasures. No one can be excusable who says, I will no longer have anything to do with these special messages; I will preach Christ. No one can preach Christ, and present the truth as it is in Jesus, unless he presents the truths that are to come before the people at the present time, when such important developments are taking place.” 12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 24