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wisdom, the Fountain of goodness, purity, and truth. The mind which
is occupied with exalted themes becomes itself ennobled.
Desecrated Shrines
Those who profess to serve God, and yet make no advancement in
knowledge and piety, are Christians only in name. The soul-temple is
filled with desecrated shrines. Frivolous reading, trifling conversation,
and worldly pleasure, occupy the mind so completely that there is no
room left for the entrance of God’s Word. Worldliness, frivolity, and
pride take the place which Christ should occupy in the soul....
Degradation Through Sensual Indulgence
Those who seek as their chief good the indulgence of appetite and
passion, are never good or truly great men. However high they may
stand in the opinion of the world, they are low, vile, and corrupt in
God’s estimation. Heaven has ordered that the mark of their depravity
shall be written upon their very countenance. Their thoughts are of
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the earth, earthly. Their words reveal the low level of the mind. They
have filled the heart with vileness, and well-nigh effaced therefrom
the image of God. The voice of reason is drowned, and judgment
is perverted. Oh, how is man’s entire nature debased by sensual
indulgence! When the will is surrendered to Satan, to what depths of
vice and folly will not men descend! In vain does truth appeal to the
intellect; for the heart is opposed to its pure principles.—
The Signs of
the Times, December 1, 1881
.
Help in Temptation
By faith and prayer all may meet the requirements of the gospel. No
man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained;
the soul must purpose the sinful act, before passion can dominate over
reason, or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation, however
strong, is never an excuse for sin. “The eyes of the Lord are over the
righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” Cry unto the Lord,
tempted soul. Cast yourself, helpless, unworthy, upon Jesus, and claim
His very promise. The Lord will hear. He knows how strong are the