Bedlam let loose: some were kneeling in ecstatic adoration, others screaming, dancing, and jumping; the more zealous put the flame into their mouths, or applied it to their faces or naked breasts. It is asserted that the holy fire does not burn or hurt any one, but Mr. Dalton noticed that few kept it long enough near to give it a fair trial. In ten minutes every taper was extinguished, and the pilgrims dispersed, carrying away the precious relics.”[N] In former parts of this volume, it has been shown that surprising effects are frequently produced for the amusement of others, or from the love of gain and celebrity, so common to fallen man. And, doubtless, wherever true piety does not operate--the piety which is displayed in supreme love to God, and pure and expansive benevolence to man--there will be some manifestation of the “spirit” that worketh in “the children of disobedience.” While “he that doeth righteousness is righteous, he that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning,” 1 John iii. 7, 8. To transgressors of every age our Lord still says, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do,” John viii. 44. And bondage to the “god of this world” brings on his captives, whether old or young, rich or poor, instructed or untaught, not only guilt but misery; while “the end of these things is death,” Rom. vi. 21. But when we see impious pretences employed in order to hold the minds of men in the most degrading vassalage, we have a fearful display of enormous guilt, accumulated by a wilful subjection to “the father of lies.” Satan was “a liar from the beginning.” To accomplish his purposes, he can “transform himself into an angel of light;” and still he leads multitudes “captive at his will.” Marvellous is the forbearance of the Supreme Governor of the universe, who does not at once ease him of his adversaries, but still richly and freely offers the blessings of salvation to a world which lieth in the wicked one. Who will not desire that the goodness of God may lead the greatest transgressors to repentance? And, as one act of submission to the prince of the power of the air is a fearful step towards an absolute and eternal thraldom, it becomes each of us to imitate those who could say, “We are not ignorant of his devices;” constantly to present at the throne of grace the petition, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil;” and to trust implicitly in Him who, on the cross having “spoiled principalities and powers, made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it,” 2 Cor. ii. 11; Matt. vi. 13; Col. ii. 15. CHAPTER XI.