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Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

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The greatness <strong>and</strong> power with which the<br />

Crea<strong>to</strong>r endowed Lucifer, he has perverted; yet<br />

when it suits his purpose, he can impart <strong>to</strong> men<br />

sentiments that are enchanting. Satan can inspire<br />

his agents with thoughts that appear elevating <strong>and</strong><br />

noble. Did he not come <strong>to</strong> Christ with quotations of<br />

Scripture when he designed <strong>to</strong> overthrow Him with<br />

specious temptations? It is thus that he comes <strong>to</strong><br />

men, disguising his temptations under an<br />

appearance of goodness <strong>and</strong> making them believe<br />

him <strong>to</strong> be the friend rather than the enemy of<br />

humanity. In this way he has deceived <strong>and</strong> seduced<br />

the race, beguiling them with subtle temptations,<br />

bewildering them with specious deceptions.<br />

God Misrepresented<br />

Satan has ascribed <strong>to</strong> God all the evils <strong>to</strong> which<br />

flesh is heir. He has represented Him as a God who<br />

delights in the sufferings of His creatures, who is<br />

revengeful <strong>and</strong> implacable. It was Satan who<br />

originated the doctrine of eternal <strong>to</strong>rment as a<br />

punishment for sin, because in this way he could<br />

lead men in<strong>to</strong> infidelity <strong>and</strong> rebellion, distract<br />

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