I saw in the first part of the valley some of Satan's shrewdest agents
at work. They were stationed along the Narrow Path at close intervals,
and were endeavoring, by all kinds of schemes, to attract the attention
of Christians as they journeyed through the valley.
From one point they threw a hook baited with wealth over to the edge
of the King's Highway way. I saw an ambitious Christian, contrary to
the signs of warning and all advice, eagerly grasp this bait. Then did
the agents of Satan pull gently. The man seeing a clue to wealth in
his hand would not let it go, and so was drawn slowly and unconsciously
over into the territory of the World. He did not see the strand that
drew him, for it was invisible, nor was he conscious of being thus
drawn, having his mind so fixed upon the object of his earnest pursuit.
Thus do these agents ply their nefarious skill without ceasing, and
so have drawn large numbers away from their original faith.
Another agent I saw near-by throwing out a hook baited with fame. An
ambitious youth let go all he had and seized the baited hook with
singular avidity. It inspired him with inward hope, and he became so
engaged in thinking of his golden future that he followed whither the
gentle drawing led him, until he also reached the questionable ground
of the World. There he became still further entangled until he was
utterly under the sway of the tempter.
Close by I saw an agent of the Devil fastening a book to a line and
throwing it to the edge of the King's Highway. In bold letters it bore
the title, "Forbidden Fruit," and under this title there was an impure
picture.
Many, in passing by, who saw the book would have examined it had it
not been for their modesty.
But one man, whose curiosity was stronger than his judgment, took the
book and commenced perusing it. While thus engaged the invisible strands
of influence drew the captive from the Narrow Way until he found a
series of books and illustrations to enchain his attention, and Satan
succeeded in totally winning his heart.
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