in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all per severance and supplication for all saints” (6:18). The provision of prayer is not to be regarded as a part of the warrior’s resources, equipment, or weapon. It is the actual use of his resources of strength “ in Christ” and his equipment in the “ full armor of God.” Only through prayer which is “all sorts,” “at all seasons,” “ for all saints,” with all perseverance and supplication: and “in the Spirit” can the believer utilize the strength which is his “ in the Lord.” Only through prayer can he put on and use the whole armor, and “there fore, stand.” Prayer in Ephesians 6 is the actual conflict in which the foe is vanquished and the victory won, not only for ourselves, but also by intercession for others (6:19-20). It is quite obvious from such a conflict result ing in such a victory that benefit will accrue to the believer. But the question is frequently asked, What possible good purpose may evil powers have ? The facts of pathological medicine may be used to illustrate the frequent use that powers of dark ness may serve. As serums and inoculations, that would be harmful and perhaps fatal to sick men, may be of incalculable value when introduced into the systems of those in hearty health, so Satan and demons may not only not harm, but be a posi tive blessing in disguise and an inestimable serv ice to those having spiritual stamina. They assault and tempt the Spirit-filled, but the resistance evoked calls forth the noblest faith and effort and issues in the development of the highest types of sterling character. Except for the rough and un pleasant things in life, the fierce battles, and the resulting call to achievement, the human race would never have advanced beyond its spiritual infancy and immaturity. In this fact there doubt less lies, at least a partial answer, to the mysteri ous problem of the divine permission of evil in the universe. Again, as fresh air, pure water, sunlight, nour ishing food, proper exercise, and general cleanli ness are prime and basic factors in preserving the normal functions o f the human body, in main taining physical fitness, and rendering one ex empt from the depredations of millions o f mali cious disease-causing germs, so an invigorating atmosphere o f prayer (Eph. 6:18), living in the heights, where Scripture urges people to dwell (Col. 3:1-3), appropriating the Word of God, which is substantial food (John 6:32-58), being continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18), who satisfies the spiritually thirsty (John 7:37- 39), walking in Christ, the light of the world
(John 8:12; I John 1:7), engaging in true spir itual service (Rom. 12:11), and diligently remain ing in separation from the world and complicity with evil (II Cor. 6 :17) : these are the simple, never-failing rules of good spiritual health, and automatically work immunity for the human soul against demonic danger. As violation o f the laws of health exposes the transgressor, sooner or later, to the fatal attacks of disease-producing bacteria, so every sinful act or neglect is a direct invitation to Satan and demons to gain a foothold, and work harm to the human soul. Demonism and the Banishment of Spiritual Disease The dark cloud of evil which hangs today like a pall over the moral universe is not without a silver lining, for Christ has conquered the unseen realms of evil, and Christians conquer in Him. Already foregleams of the coming glory may be discerned through the present darkness. And so secure are Christians in our all-conquering Re deemer, that we look forward with assurance to walking the streets of gold and treading the spot less corridors of the heavenly mansions. Every shadow will then pass away, and the cloud of evil, now so ominous, will dwindle and pale into insignificance in the clear blue of God’s cloudless and sinless tomorrow, when “he shall wipe away every tear . . . and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more; the first things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4). But where in that sinless and tranquil universe will Satan and the demons be? Will they ever again have permission to roam at large? No; when evil has accomplished its divine purpose, it will be rigidly isolated and eternally imprisoned. Satan, demons, and incorrigibly wicked men are to move onward and downward into a place all to them selves, there to remain forever (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10; 21:8). Nor will that dread habitation mar the harmony and tranquility of God’s illimitable empire. Just as the public health and the welfare of society demand that certain persons afflicted with contagious diseases be quarantined, and that crimi nals afflicted with moral and spiritual distempers be imprisoned, so the safety and general good of the universe require the final segregation and im prisonment of those whose case is hopeless and whose freedom would jeopardize the peace and security of the moral universe. This prison-abode o f the wicked will be the one dismal region of disobedient and miserable in-
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