Satan's spiritual dominion over young people. By J.C. Ryle. Matthew chapter 17, verse 18. Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

We must not forget that there are still many instances of Satan's spiritual dominion over young people, which are quite as painful as the case described in this passage. There are thousands of young people who seem to have wholly given themselves up to Satan's temptations and to be led captive at his will. They cast off all fear of God and all respect for his commandments. They serve all kinds of wicked lusts and pleasures. They run wildly into every vile excess. They refuse to listen to the advice of parents, teachers, or ministers. They fling aside all regard for health, character, or worldly respectability. They do all that lies in their power to ruin themselves, body, and soul, for time and eternity.

They are willing slaves of Satan, who has not seen such young people. They are to be seen in both town and in country. They are to be found among both rich and among poor. Surely such young people give mournful proof that Satan still exercises a fearful dominion over many men's souls.

Yet we must never despair, even over such young people as these. We must call to mind the almighty power of our Lord Jesus Christ. As bad as this boy's case was, of whom we read in these verses, he was healed from that moment that he was brought to Christ. Parents and teachers and ministers should go on praying for young people, even at their worst. As hard as their hearts seem now, God may yet soften them. As desperate as their wickedness now appears, God may yet save them. God may yet grant them faith and repentance, and they may become trophies of His sovereign and saving grace. Who can tell?

Let it be a settled principle with us when we read our Lord's miracles never to despair of the conversion of any soul.