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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
to its precepts, and like Abraham of old command their households
after them, the poor children with such an influence around them think
their parents unnecessarily exacting and overcareful in regard to their
associates. They naturally desire to follow the example of worldly,
pleasure-loving professors.
In these days, persecution and reproach for Christ’s sake are
scarcely known. Very little self-denial and sacrifice is necessary in
order to put on a form of godliness and have the name upon the church
book; but to live in such a manner that our ways will be pleasing to
God, and our names registered in the book of life, will require watch-
fulness and prayer, self-denial and sacrifice on our part. Professed
Christians are no example for the youth, only as far as they follow
Christ. Right actions are unmistakable fruits of true godliness. The
Judge of all the earth will give everyone according to his works. Chil-
dren who follow Christ have a warfare before them; they have a daily
cross to bear in coming out from the world and being separate, and
imitating the life of Christ.
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