Unconsecrated Ministers
411
thereof. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and
spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
In almost every case where persons become unsettled in regard to
the inspiration of the word of God, it is on account of their unsanctified
lives, which that word condemns. They will not receive its reproofs
and threatenings because these reflect upon their wrong course of
action. They do not love those who would convert and restrain them.
Difficulties and doubts which perplex the vicious heart will be cleared
away before the one practicing the pure principles of truth.
Many possess talents which would accomplish much good if sanc-
tified and used in the cause of Christ, or much harm if employed in
the service of unbelief and Satan. The gratification of self and its
various lusts will pervert the talents and make them a curse instead of a
blessing. Satan, the archdeceiver, possesses wonderful talents. He was
once an exalted angel, next to Christ. He fell through self-exaltation,
and created a rebellion in heaven, and caused many to fall with him.
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Then his talents and skill were employed against the government of
God, to cause all whom he could control to despise the authority of
heaven. Those who are charmed with his Satanic majesty may choose
to imitate this fallen general and share with him his fate at last.
Purity of life imparts refinement, which will lead those possessing
it to shrink more and more from coarseness and indulgence in sin.
Such will not be led away from the truth or be given up to doubt the
inspiration of the word of God. On the contrary, they will engage in
the daily study of the sacred word with ever-increasing interest, and
the evidences of Christianity and inspiration will stamp their impress
on the mind and life. Those who love sin will turn away from the
Bible, will love to doubt, and will become reckless in principle. They
will receive and advocate false theories. Such will ascribe man’s sins
to his circumstances, and when he commits some great sin they make
him a subject of pity instead of looking upon him as a criminal to be
punished. This will always suit a depraved heart, which in course of
time will develop the principles of fallen nature. By some general
process, men abolish sin at once to avoid the unpleasant necessity
of individual reformation and exertion. In order to free themselves
from the obligation of present effort, many are ready to declare of no
account all the labor and effort of their lives while following the sacred
principles of God’s word. Elder Hull’s philosophical necessity has its