Satan always scores a victory when a neighbourhood is shocked by the news of a suicide; the victory is direct and indirect. If the victim is prepared or unprepared, sane or insane, the crime can somehow never be forgiven. A strange demoralizing influence is always felt; a feeling of horror and depression. If the victim is pious, and many, many are the most devout in the church, do they forfeit their salvation by the _felo de se_? Not necessarily. Now we wish to say here, with every word underscored: _no sane, devout person will destroy themselves_. Where, then, is the motive and victory of Satan? Much, every way. The whole church or community will be religiously paralyzed. It is generally believed that no self-murderer can be saved. But behold a sainted mother in Israel found hanging in the barn: we have in mind just such an incident, and remember also the gloom, the depression, the silent whispers, the downcast look on the faces of all who knew her. Satan may know that he has nothing directly to gain, but, indirectly, doubt and discouragement prevail. Anything to get the world to doubt God. A very devout man, writing of a personal experience, says: "There seemed to be some designing spirit near me for days that constantly whispered in my ear, and sometimes it seemed almost audible, "Go kill thyself; you have disgraced your Redeemer and you are not fit to live." Scores of such testimonies are on record. Think of the logical traps used by the Designer to incite the deed: if poverty, "My family will be cared for better than I can." If a suffering body, "This will cure me of my pain." If fear of exposure, "That will end it--charity will forgive me then." If hopeless over some sin, "Better die than face the disgrace. It will solve all the problems," says the Tempter. It is often remarked concerning some one: "How cowardly;" but it is not cowardice; it is inability to answer the Devil's logic to commit suicide. Again, gruesome as it is, and here is more strange evidence in favour of the satanic explanation: It is fearfully contagious. Professor Bailey, of Yale, said that the report of a suicide by any special method will be followed by others in the same manner. Morbid, despondent people hear of it and follow the example. That which should be revolting in the extreme possesses a strange charm. Ingersol toured the country at one time advocating suicide as the best way out of life's difficulties. Many took his advice and a fearful epidemic followed. One young man in a rural community of Illinois committed suicide; three others, all associates, followed in a few weeks. No special motive could be given for either. We are forced to place the blame where it belongs, and sympathize with the victims. XXXI DEVIL WORSHIP