30
Selected Messages Book 2
We must as workers be united in frowning down and condemning
anything that bears the least approach to evil, in our associations with
one another. Our faith is holy; our work is to vindicate the honor of
God’s law, and is not of a character to bring anyone down to a low level
in thought or in deportment. There are many who claim to believe and
teach the truth who have error and fanciful ideas of their own mingled
with the truth. But there is an exalted platform for us to stand upon. We
must believe and teach the truth as it is in Jesus. Holiness of heart will
never lead to impure actions. When one who claims to be teaching the
truth is inclined to be much in the company of young or even married
women, when he familiarly lays his hand upon their person, or is often
found conversing with them in a familiar manner, be afraid of him;
the pure principles of truth are not inwrought in his soul. Such are not
workers with Jesus; they are not in Christ, and Christ is not abiding in
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them. They need a thorough conversion before God can accept their
labors.
The truth of heavenly origin never degrades the receiver, never
leads him to the least approach to undue familiarity; on the contrary, it
sanctifies the believer, refines his taste, elevates and ennobles him, and
brings him into a close connection with Jesus. It leads him to regard
the apostle Paul’s injunction to abstain from even the appearance of
evil, lest his good should be evil spoken of.—
The Review and Herald,
November 10, 1885
.
[
For further references to early fanaticism see
Life Sketches, 85-
94
;
Testimonies for the Church 1:71-73
;
Testimonies for the Church
8:291, 292
;
Gospel Workers, 316, 317
.]
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