Vll, HB 18 A WATOBFUL AND CRAFTY ONE (vers. 4-, 13, 15), varying hia methods according t.o the ease in hand. "We &re not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor. ii. 11). We have t.o contend against "the wiles of the devil" {Eph. vi. 11). He is aotive, 'too, in executing his plans. The whole of this chapter i1 one lengthened sketch, in symbol, of the manifold forms of his activity. And perhaps we are hardly prepared to see bow varied are his methods of work, until we collect the several hints acattered throughout the Word of God. In the world at large he, counterplot11 the sowing of the Son of man (Matt. xiii. 38, 39); be deceives by powers, and signs, and lying wonders (2 Tbess. ii. 9, 10); in a city like Pergamos he sets up his throne {eh. ii. 12, 13) ; he collects his followers in a synagogue of his own (eh. iL 9) ; he preys on the body, infiictin~ dumbness on one (Mark ix. 17), and binding another for eighteen years (Luke xiiL 16), he casts some of the saints into prison {eh. ii. 10), and hinders apostles in their work (1 Thess. ii. 18); he inflicts on Paul a thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. xii. 7, 8), and goes about in search of prey (1 Pet. v. 8), in a constant state of unrest (Matt. xii. 43); he lays snares for the ungodly (2 Tim. ii. 26); causes, many to tum aside after him (1 Tim. v. 15); he puts it into the heart of Judas to betray his Master (John xiii. 2), and leads Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Ghost (Acts v. 3); if men are just coming t.o Jesus, he throws them down and tears .them (Luke ix. 42); and while the Word is being heard, he stealthily takes it out of the heart, lest they should believe and be saved (Luke viiL 12). So terrible is the tale of his deeeit that we are ready t.o give up heart, till we not8-' . VIIL HB IS A OIROUMSOBIBED FOE. 'l'his chapter tells us of three limits put t.o him and t.o his power. 1. One, of space. He is cast down to earth. He is "the god of this world" (2 Cor. iv. 4). 2. A second, of time. "A time, and times, and half a time." The same mysterious period of twelve hundred and sixty days, du.ring which the witne11B-bearing is t.o go on, and the beast {eh. xiii.) is t.o continue. 8. 'l'here is yet a third limit, that of force (ver.16, "'l'he earth helped the woman," eto.). Nothing can be plainer than that in this chapter we are shown the cheerinj! fact that the evil one cannot have it all his own way. If his work counterplots the good, none the less surely does the good counteract him. He is mighty; but there is a Stmnger than he. We are taught in Scripture that there are five ways by which his power is restrieted and his intention foiled. (1) There is providential dispensation (vmi. 6, 14:, 16; 1 Cor. x. 13). (2) There is angelic ministry (ver. 7). (3) There is the direot exertion of Christ's commanding word (Matt. xvii. 18). (4) There is the C01lllteracting power of Divine grace (2 Cor, xii. 9). (5) There is the intercession of our Redeemer (Luke xxii. 31, 82). IX. H:B 18 A FOB WITH WH081!1 DEVICES WE HAVE TO RECKON IN FIGHTING 'THE BATTLB 01' LIFE. (Ver. 17.) Note: 1. He is one at whom we cannot afford to laugh, and whose existence we cannot afford to deny. Nothing gives the enemy such leverage a.s the denial of his existence. It is the very lie he loves to put into our mouths. The only "father," surely, who loves his children to disown his existence. 2. He is a foe before whom we need not quail. While we may not laugh in careless indifference, we need not cower in fear. Life is not so easy as if there were no devil to fight; it is not so hard but that we may ensure bis defeat. 3. He is a foe to whom not an inch of room should be given (Eph. iv, 27). Let us ever be wary lest he get advantage over us; and let us swear eternal enmity to him and all his works. 4. He is a foe for whose onsets we should prepare, by a survey and appropriation of heavenly,forces. We stand between two opposing agencies-the Spirit of God on one side, and the devil on the other. Let us not grieve the Spirit by toying with the devil. 5. He is a foe on whose ultimate defeat and complete discomfiture we may surely and confidently reckon if we look to Jesus. "Greater is he that iA for us," etc. Our Lord bath over- come him for us, and in his strength we shall overcome too. And we shall be better and stronger Christians for having had such a foe to fight. Not only is it the battle that wiea the soldier, but that makes him. We have, however, not just one skirmish, and then peace. Oh no I " Patient continuance in well-doing." Daily fighting, daily praying. daily vict.ory, till the end.
" The land of triumph lies on high : 1'llBN are DO fou f encoW1te1 thfll'e l" 818 'fllE, REVELATION O!!' ST. JOHN .THE DIVINE. [on. :xn. 1--l't.