To the Saints Scattered Abroad
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The following is from the Review of August 11th, 1853.
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Dear Brethren and Sisters,
As error is fast progressing, we should seek to be awake in the
cause of God, and realize the time in which we live. Darkness is to
cover the earth, and gross darkness the people. And as nearly all around
us are being enveloped in the thick darkness of error and delusion, it
becomes us to shake off stupidity, and live near to God, where we can
draw the divine rays of light and glory from the countenance of Jesus.
As darkness thickens, and error increases, we should obtain a more
thorough knowledge of the truth, and be prepared to maintain from the
Scriptures the truth of our position.
We must be sanctified through the truth, be wholly consecrated to
God, and live out our holy profession, so that he can shed increasing
light upon us, that we may have light in his light, and be strengthened
with his strength. Every moment that we are not on our watch, we
are liable to be beset by the enemy, and in great danger of being
overcome by the powers of darkness. Satan has his angels, who are
commissioned by him to be vigilant, and overthrow all they can; to find
out the waywardness and besetting sins of those who profess the truth,
and throw darkness around them, that they may cease to be watchful,
and take a course that will dishonor the cause they profess to love,
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bring sorrow upon the church, while daily the misguided, unwatchful
souls are growing darker, and the light of heaven is fading from them.
They cannot discover their besetting sins, and satan weaves his net
about them, until they are taken in the snare.
God is our strength. We must look to him for wisdom and guidance,
and with his glory in view, and the good of the church, and the salvation
of our own souls, overcome our besetting sins. Each individual should
seek to obtain new victory every day. We must learn to stand alone,
and depend wholly upon God. The sooner we learn this the better. Let
each one find out where he fails, and then faithfully watch, that his
sins may not overcome him, but get the victory over his sins. Then
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