07.02.2017 Views

Mind, Character and Personality, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

easily banished. Satan has his evil angels around<br />

us, <strong>and</strong> though they cannot read men’s thoughts,<br />

they closely watch their words <strong>and</strong> actions. Satan<br />

takes advantage of the weaknesses <strong>and</strong> defects of<br />

character that are thus revealed <strong>and</strong> presses his<br />

temptations where there is the least power of<br />

resistance. He makes evil suggestions <strong>and</strong> inspires<br />

worldly thoughts, knowing that he can thus bring<br />

the soul into condemnation <strong>and</strong> bondage. To those<br />

who are selfish, worldly, avaricious, proud,<br />

faultfinding, or given to detraction—to all who are<br />

cherishing errors <strong>and</strong> defects of character—Satan<br />

presents the indulgence of self <strong>and</strong> leads the soul<br />

off upon a track that the Bible condemns, but<br />

which he makes appear attractive.<br />

For every class of temptations there is a<br />

remedy. We are not left to ourselves to fight the<br />

battle against self <strong>and</strong> our sinful natures in our own<br />

finite strength. Jesus is a mighty helper; a neverfailing<br />

support.... The mind must be restrained <strong>and</strong><br />

not allowed to w<strong>and</strong>er. It should be trained to dwell<br />

upon the Scriptures <strong>and</strong> upon noble, elevating<br />

themes. Portions of Scripture, even whole chapters,<br />

490

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!