For several decades we have been approaching the doctrine which denies all Personalism--either good or bad. When we repudiate the Bible teaching, that the source of all evil emanates from a great Personality, the Bible teaching of the Incarnation suffers in the same proportion.
The title of this book is a question, and one by no means strained, if considered from the view-point of modern thought. We have undertaken an answer. If by reason and revelation we can arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, the gain thereby cannot be overestimated. If the personality of Satan can be successfully consigned to the religious junk pile, our Bible is at once thrown into a jumble of contradictions and inconsistencies. The result will be even worse than our enemies claim for it now. One of the late recognized writers on the Old Testament says: "The Old Testament is no longer considered valuable among scholars as a sacred oracle, but it is valuable in that it is the history of a people." _If the Devil is a Myth, our Bible can be nothing better than historical chaos._
In the preparation of these pages, we wish to acknowledge with deep gratitude the assistance of Mr. S. D. Gordon, author of "Quiet Talks"; Dr. I. M. Haldeman, author and preacher; Dr. Gross Alexander, editor, author, and preacher; Dr. W. B. Godbey, an author of great learning and extensive travel; Dr. B. Carradine, evangelist and author; Dr. H. C. Morrison, college president, editor, author, and evangelist; Prof. L. T. Townsend, and Hon. Philip Mauro.
If the reading of this book shall bring to any struggling soul helpful information concerning our common Enemy, we shall be doubly repaid for the labour of its preparation. We send it forth saturated with prayer.
V. DIABOLUS--DEMONIA--ABADDON-APOLLYON 28
XVI. THE DEVIL A THEOLOGIAN (_Continued_) 71
"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."--_Genesis vi. 5._
That we may appreciate this discussion, removed as far as possible from theological terminology and theories, and get a concrete view-point, the following head-lines from a single issue of a metropolitan daily will suffice: "War Clouds Hanging Low;" "Men Higher Up Involved;" "Eighty-seven Divorces On Docket;" "Blood Flows In the Streets;" "Gaunt Hunger Among Strikers;" "Arrested For Forgery;" "A White Slave Victim;" "Attempted Train Robbery;" "Kills Wife and Ends Own Life;" "Two Men Bite Dust;" "Investigate Bribery."