Saved from Satan's Snare

 •  4 min. read  •  grade level: 7
 
In order to show the great blessing and influence for good which a consistent Christian may be, and how this may work for the glory of the name of Christ, I will relate what I know of a young man who now occupies an important position of trust in a large dry goods establishment.
"When I came from the country, to seek a situation, I was employed in a fashionable house of business, where a great many assistants were kept. I soon found out that the habits of the young men were frivolous and trifling. I had made up my mind in coming to the city to see a little more of the world than I had done, or could do, in my own little country town in the far north.
"Never having really felt my lost condition before God, nor my need of a Savior, and never having known His great love for me,
I was neither anxious nor troubled about my state. There was, however, one of the assistants in the store who often spoke to me about my soul's salvation. She was a very bright, consistent Christian, and her good influence was felt by many. She told me of the happiness and peace she had in following Jesus, and what a safeguard she had found it in business, surrounded as she was by many temptations, and by those who had no sympathy with her, and who made a mock at sin, calling it innocent amusement; and she warned me against the halls and theaters frequented by young men.
"One evening, which I believe was, in God's hands, the turning-point in my life's history, some of the young men told me they were going to a certain Hall after business, as something very attractive vas to be sung and performed there. Would I go with them, they asked? As yet I. had never been to such places, and had been laughed at for not going. I was much tempted to go and see for myself what it really was like; but the words of warning spoken to me against the places seemed to follow me. A struggle went on within me between conscience and inclination. Shall I go, or shall I not go?
When at last I was able, by God's grace, to say plainly and definitely,
“‘No, I shall never go to that Hall,' the temptation was gone, and I stood a free man and a victor. Thanks be to God!"
"Dare to be a Daniel!
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known!"
How true is the word of God,
"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7.
"The next morning I told the Christian lady what a battle I had had, and how I had gained the victory over the temptation.
"O, I am glad," she said, "praise the Lord for answering my prayers. It was the Savior who helped you through; you did not know it." She was right. From that hour the Holy Spirit worked mightily in my heart, and humbled me in the dust before God; showing me that I was a great sinner, and that I could neither save myself from the power of sin, nor from its condemnation, but that I needed a Savior. I have found Him, or rather, I should say,
He has found me, and has put my feet in His way, and guides me onward.
"When I look back on the past, I ponder over what might have been, if I had gone that night to the Hall with companions in folly. I feel confident I should have plunged into a life of wickedness, for the drinking, gambling, and smoking in which they indulge, combined with the influence of the companions they meet there, all work together towards certain ruin.
“‘Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Gal. 6:7.
"I can bear my most solemn testimony that 'Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.' " 1 Tim. 4:8.