THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD

The devil has a kingdom. His throne is set up in the hearts of men. Satan does not care for their purses, but their hearts. Satan's empire is very large. Most people in the world pay tribute to him.

His kingdom has two characters.

1. Satan's kingdom is a kingdom of impiety. Nothing but sin goes on in his kingdom. murder and heresy, lust and treachery, oppression and division, are the constant trade driven in his dominions. He is called the unclean spirit. Nothing else but iniquity is propagated in his kingdom.

2. Satan's kingdom is a kingdom of slavery. He makes all his subjects slaves. The sinner is held captive under the grim tyranny of the devil. Satan is a tyrant, and a worse tyrant than any other. Other tyrants do but rule over the body, but Satan rules over the soul. He rides his captives as we ride upon horses. Other tyrants have some pity on their slaves, though they make them work in the galleys, yet they give them food and let them have their hours for rest. But Satan is a merciless tyrant who gives his slaves poison instead of food, and hurtful lusts to feed on. 1 Timothy 6 verse 9. nor will he let his slaves have any rest. He wearies them out to do his drudgery. They weary themselves to commit iniquity." Jeremiah 9 verse 5. When men have served him to their utmost strength, he welcomes them to hell with fire and brimstone. Thus, he is the worst of tyrants.

Men are willing slaves to Satan. They will fight and die for him. Therefore he is not only called the Prince of this world, but the God of this world. 2 Corinthians 4 verse 4. To show what power he has over men's souls. O let us pray that they may come to their senses and escape the devil's trap, having been captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2 verse 26.

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