5. How close is the daily relationship between men and false gods? Daniel 2:11.
NOTE: ‘The astrologers pretended, and were supposed to be able to declare the will of the gods from the stars. . . . And as the stars were the gods, and these astrologers were the ones who pretended to declare the word of the stars, they simply pretended to declare the word and will of the gods. The sorcerers were of the same order as the magicians, only that these had more peculiarly to do with evil spirits. The Chaldeans were the priestly caste, who had control of the books in which was contained the instruction in magic, and sorcery, and all pertaining to the gods. Thus they were the instructors in all the wisdom and knowledge of the gods. They were the chief claimants to divine knowledge; they were the very chief guardians of such knowledge. If any men could be supposed to be able to declare secret and divine things, it would have been these. Now, when all these together declared that none but the gods could tell this thing that was wanted, and that the gods were not near enough to men to allow this to be understood from them, this was nothing less than to confess that their whole profession was a fraud.’ A. T. Jones: Review & Herald, March 22, 1898.
6. How close is the real God? Jeremiah 23:24. Compare Acts 17:27-28.
NOTE: ‘In every difficulty and danger the Father is at [His children’s] side. “Fear not, for I have redeemed thee. I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.” “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” They may tell their Father all their wants. “In everything make known your requests unto God.” His ear is ever open to their cry, and His hand ever outstretched to do them good. As a father He provides for them an inheritance; but, unlike those of earth, it is “incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away.” O what happiness to be a child of God; to feel that God is my Father! He loves me, pities, pardons, keeps me. I am safe from all evil. Wicked men and wicked spirits cannot harm me. God is my refuge, ever near; and He never slumbers, never is weary, never forgets, and will never change. He says “I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” He will be always near me while on my journey here, and at last will take me to dwell with Him in His palace forever. What earthly greatness can equal this? Reader, would you be a child of God? You may if you come to Jesus; for “as many as received,” came to, “Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.”’ Uriah Smith: Review & Herald, December 15, 1859.