"The glory of the
incorruptible God" was everywhere, except in the land of Judea,
"changed into images made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and
beasts, and creeping-things." The world, which the Almighty created
for Himself, seemed to have become a temple of idols. Even to vices
and passions altars were raised; and what was entitled religion, was
in effect a discipline of impurity. In the midst of this universal
darkness, Satan had erected his throne, and the learned and the
polished, as well as the savage nations, bowed down before him. But at
the hour when Christ appeared on the cross, the signal of His defeat
was given. His kingdom suddenly departed from Him; the reign of
idolatry passed away: He was beheld to fall "like lightning from
heaven." In that hour the foundation of every pagan temple shook. The
statue of every false god tottered on its base. The priest fled from
his falling shrine; and the heathen oracles became dumb forever.
As on the cross Christ triumphed over Satan, so He overcame His
auxiliary, the world. Long had it assailed Him with its temptations
and discouragements; in this hour of severe trial He surmounted them
all.
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