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become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,
sound in faith, in charity, in patience.... Young men likewise exhort
to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good
works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound
speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part
may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” This instruction
is written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach the
word, and also for the benefit of His people who hear the word.
The truth of God will never degrade, but will elevate the receiver,
refine his taste, sanctify his judgment, and perfect him for the company
of the pure and holy angels in the kingdom of God. There are some
whom the truth finds coarse, rough, odd, boastful, who take advantage
of their neighbors if they can, in order to benefit themselves; they err
in many ways, yet when the truth is believed by them from the heart,
it will work an entire change in their lives. They will immediately
commence the work of reformation. The pure influence of truth will
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elevate the whole man. In his business deal with his fellow men he will
have the fear of God before him, and will love his neighbor as himself,
and will deal just as he would wish to be dealt by. His conversation
will be truthful, chaste, and of so elevating a character that unbelievers
cannot take advantage of it, or say evil of him justly, and are not
disgusted with his uncourteous ways and unbecoming speech. He will
carry the sanctifying influence of the truth into his family and let his
light so shine before them that they by seeing his good works may
glorify God. He will in all the walks of life exemplify the life of Christ.
The law of God will be satisfied with nothing short of perfection,
of perfect and entire obedience to all its claims. To come halfway to
its requirements, and not render perfect and thorough obedience, will
avail nothing. The worldling and the infidel admire consistency and
have ever been powerfully convicted that God was of a truth with His
people when their works correspond with their faith. “By their fruits
ye shall know them.” Every tree is known by its own fruits. Our words,
our actions, are the fruit we bear. There are many who hear the sayings
of Christ, but do them not. They make a profession, but their fruits are
such as to disgust unbelievers. They are boastful, and pray and talk in
a self-righteous manner, exalting themselves, recounting their good
deeds, and, like the Pharisee, virtually thanking God that they are not
as other men. Yet these very ones are crafty, and overreach in business