Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/141

 his dominion over it. And hence St. John, We know that we are of God, and all who are not of God, the whole world, [Greek: en tô ponêrô kei tai;] Not, lieth in wickedness: but lieth in the wicked one; lives and moves in him, as they who are not of the world, do in God.

2. For the devil is not to be considered only as a roaring lion, going about seeking whom he may devour: nor barely as a subtle enemy, who cometh unawares upon poor souls, and ''leads them captive at his will'': but as he who dwelleth in them and walketh in them; ''who ruleth the darkness or wickedness of this world'', of worldly men and all their dark designs and actions, by keeping possession of their hearts, setting up his throne there, and bringing every thought into obedience to himself. Thus the ''strong one armed keepeth his house; and if this unclean spirit'' sometime go out of a man, yet he often returns with seven spirits worse than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. Nor can he be idle in his dwelling. He is continually working in these ''children of disobedience''. He works in them with power, with mighty energy, transforming them into his own likeness, effacing all the remains of the image of God, and preparing them for every evil word or work.

3. It is therefore an unquestionable truth, that the God and prince of this world, still possesses all who know not God. Only the manner wherein he possesses them now, differs from