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The Sins of Babylon
I saw that since the second angel proclaimed the fall of the
churches, they have been growing more and more corrupt. They
bear the name of being Christ’s followers; yet it is impossible to
distinguish them from the world. Ministers take their texts from the
Word of God, but preach smooth things. To this the natural heart
feels no objection. It is only the spirit and power of the truth and
the salvation of Christ that are hateful to the carnal heart. There is
nothing in the popular ministry that stirs the wrath of Satan, makes
the sinner tremble, or applies to the heart and conscience the fearful
realities of a judgment soon to come. Wicked men are generally
pleased with a form of piety without true godliness, and they will
aid and support such a religion.
Said the angel, “Nothing less than the whole armor of righ-
teousness can enable man to overcome the powers of darkness and
retain the victory over them. Satan has taken full possession of the
churches as a body. The sayings and doings of men are dwelt upon
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instead of the plain, cutting truths of the Word of God. The spirit and
friendship of the world are at enmity with God. When the truth in its
simplicity and strength, as it is in Jesus, is brought to bear against the
spirit of the world, it at once awakens the spirit of persecution. Very
many who profess to be Christians have not known God. The natural
heart has not been changed, and the carnal mind remains at enmity
with God. They are Satan’s faithful servants, notwithstanding they
have assumed another name.”
I saw that since Jesus left the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary
and entered within the second veil, the churches have been filling up
with every unclean and hateful bird. I saw great iniquity and vileness
in the churches; yet their members profess to be Christians. Their
profession, their prayers, and their exhortations are an abomination
in the sight of God. Said the angel, “God will not smell in their
assemblies. Selfishness, fraud, and deceit are practiced by them
without the reprovings of conscience. And over all these evil traits
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