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The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

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aid wherewith to accomplish his mission, and on<br />

one occasion, at least, he distinctly refused it.<br />

When <strong>the</strong> Redeemer was alone in <strong>the</strong><br />

wilderness, fasting in behalf <strong>of</strong> fallen man, it is<br />

written: “Again, <strong>the</strong> devil taketh him up into an<br />

exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all <strong>the</strong><br />

kingdoms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, and <strong>the</strong> glory <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m; and<br />

saith unto him, All <strong>the</strong>se things will I give <strong>the</strong>e, if<br />

thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Mat<strong>the</strong>w<br />

4:8, 9) Here was an opportunity. <strong>The</strong> gospel was to<br />

be preached. <strong>The</strong> world, and all <strong>the</strong> governments <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> world, stood arrayed in open hostility against it.<br />

But here were <strong>the</strong> kingdoms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, and <strong>the</strong><br />

glory--<strong>the</strong> power--<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, freely <strong>of</strong>fered. Could<br />

not <strong>the</strong> gospel be carried to better advantage if<br />

Christ controlled <strong>the</strong> reins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> civil power? He<br />

did not so believe. Was not this whispering a<br />

“providential call, a new mission, a distinct call to<br />

duty,--manifest destiny?” It was a whispering, not<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Almighty, but from Satan, and was<br />

repulsed with <strong>the</strong> words, “Get <strong>the</strong>e hence, Satan.”<br />

In <strong>the</strong> garden <strong>of</strong> Gethsemane, Peter cut <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong><br />

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