The Tupelo journal., 1905-02-03

marked the place
since the coming
of these apostate angels had given way
to a mad glee and fiendish expectancy.
Evil reiOices always at the prospect OF
evil; it is never so happy as when its
internal ingenuity is exercised to propa-
gate evil; it is never so hopeful as when
its baleful eyes see the opportunity OF
striking its poison fanes into sweet in
nocency, and making it a slave of Satan.
This is the reason there was rejoicing
in hell.
Satan had just returned with tidings
from the earth. But short time before
this he had gone forth in response to
the advice and counsel of his followers.
Though defeated and cast out of Heaven
they were not subdued, but, like the
conquered foe that plots secret revenge
and waits but for the favored moment
to strike, they with one voice and one
purpose counseled war against high
Heaven. That open conflict was folly,
they had but too recently learned. But
if they could not successfully measure
arms with Michael and his hosts, they
determined that by strategy and subter-
fuge and trickeTy, which have come to
be the favorite methods of warfare of
Satan and his angels, they would in
fiict sore disaster upon their enemies,
and perchance regain the paradise they
had lost
In pursuance of this plan Satan had
gone forth and at last found his way
to the earth, which the Son had but so
recently formed. Fair indeed was the
place, as We know. and to the eyes of
Satan how beautiful and refreshing after
the blackness and foulness Of the pit,
with its lurid sulphur flames, which
made the darkness more awful. and its
fetid air. AS he wandered hither and
thither and noted that all that the Son
had created was good, indeed, and that
next to Heaven this place was much
to be desired, he resolved that he would
make it his abode.
While he stood thus thrilled by the
new hope and purpose that had taken
root within his black heart, two objects
drew near and stopped on the other
side of the clump of bushes behind which
Satan stood concealed. No sight since
coming TO earth had so stirred him as
did these two fair creatures. They could
be none other than the man and the
woman who had been the browning tri-
umph of the Sons creative power, for
he beheld in them the likeness of the
Father and the Son, and knew that it
was of these the angels had spoken in
Heaven.
Voices broke the spell which held him,
and he heard the woman say:
See Adam, there stands the tree of
which God said We should not partake.
How often We come thither without
realizing it,
Yes, responded Adam, Il have noted
that each path from our dwelling leads
hither, for the tree stands in the midst
of the garden"
1T is as though God would have US
realize that every step We take leads
in the direction where we must choose
His will rather than our own" spoke
up Eve, with woman's quick intuition.
Thou art ready with thy thoughts,
my love- exclaimed her husband, appre-
ciatively. Il verify believe thou hast
spoken a wonderful truth. But thou
hast not yet offered explanation of the
darkness which suddenly rolled in upon
us three days ago and of the vivid flash
of light which sped through space" he
challenged, half playfully, half ear
nestly.
mo. neither can l even venture a
guess" slowly and thoughtfully Eve re-
piled. "Yet | cannot dispel the feeling
that some new danger turks about u.s.
And drawing closer to the side of her
husband she stood in silence, while he
in gentle response clasped his arm more
closely about her.
'tAha!" chuckled Satan, in fiendish
glee, as he withdrew and sped back to
the regions where his Iegions of demon
angels awaited his coming. Revenge
is sweet, and verify | shall have my
fill, for man shall feel my power and the
earth shall become my dwelling place
Thus musing he entered in high spirits
the gates of hell, and quickly related
all the marvellous story of the earth and
its inhabitants, and the opportunities
presented for warning against God and
spelling His treasures.
The blood curdlinC cheers and cries
which filled the dismal place when Satan
had ceased speaking had scarcely died
away before the conference had begun
as to the best methods to pursue in ac-
complishing their purposes. Some were
for instant invasion of the earth and
assault in force upon the inhabitants
thereof. but Satan reminded them of the
irresistible power of God which sur
rounded all who abode in His will, re-
calling to their minds the futile assaults
upon the Palace and the attempt to get
at the person of the Son.
ut were folly to attempt to pass the
boundaries which God has set, and it
would but reveal to man our true pur-
pose and intent. Neither must we ap-
near a numerous company, else will
we alright our prey and lose our quarry.
Man is wholly given up to the will of
God. and his heart is towards Him.
should we inadvisedly proceed, there is
danger that our true character may be
revealed and man be put upon his
guard. In all deceit and guile we must