Another Great Reporter
Paul Harvey broadcasted “If I Were The
Devil.”
Quote: 1963ss posted this , but its well worth reposting
"In 1965, Paul Harvey broadcasted “If I Were The Devil.” I am posting the
transcript of this on Fresh Manna Today. It is really amazing to realize over 47
years ago how accurately he “prophesied” the future spiritual condition of the
United States. Many of his statements were considered ridiculously outlandish at
that time in history. Yet, we find ourselves today…
If I were the devil … If I were the Prince of Darkness, I’d want to engulf the
whole world in darkness. And I’d have a third of it’s real estate, and four-fifths of
its population, but I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the
tree — Thee. So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States.
I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the
wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you
please.’
“If I were the devil I’d soon have families that war with themselves, churches at
war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn
was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media
fanning the flames. If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young
intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before
you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every
schoolhouse door.
“If I were the devil I’d take from those, and who have, and give to those wanted
until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. And what do you bet? I could get
whole states to promote gambling as thee way to get rich? I would caution against
extremes and hard work, in Patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the
young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see
on the TV is the way to be. And thus I could undress you in public, and I could
lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I
were the devil I’d just keep right on doing on what he’s doing. Paul Harvey, good
day.”