Lucifer had been the covering cherub. He had stood in the light of God's presence. He had been the highest of all created beings, and had been foremost in revealing God's purposes to the universe. After he had sinned, his power to deceive Page 759 was the more deceptive, and the unveiling of his character was the more difficult, because of the exalted position he had held with the Father. Rebellion was not to be overcome by force.
Compelling power is found only under Satan's government.
The Lord's principles are not of this order. God's government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power. It was God's purpose to place things on an eternal basis of security, and in the councils of heaven it was decided that time must be given for Satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his system of government. He had claimed that these were superior to God's principles. Time was given for the working of Satan's principles, that they might be seen by the heavenly universe.