State of the Church
431
recklessly, and are as insensible of their danger, as though there were
no future judgment. A fearful retribution awaits them, and yet they are
controlled by impulse and gross passion; they are filling out a dark life
record for the judgment. I lift my voice of warning to all who name
the name of Christ to depart from all iniquity. Purify your souls by
obeying the truth. Cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. You to whom this
applies know what I mean. Even you who have corrupted your ways
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before the Lord, partaken of the iniquity that abounds, and blackened
your souls with sin, Jesus still invites you to turn from your course,
take hold of His strength, and find in Him that peace, power, and grace
that will make you more than conquerors in His name.
The corruptions of this degenerate age have stained many souls
who have been professedly serving God. But even now it is not too
late for wrongs to be righted and for the blood of a crucified and risen
Saviour to atone in your behalf if you repent and feel your need of
pardon. We need now to watch and pray as never before, lest we fall
under the power of temptation and leave the example of a life that is a
miserable wreck. We must not, as a people, become careless and look
upon sin with indifference. The camp needs purging. All who name
the name of Christ need to watch and pray and guard the avenues of the
soul; for Satan is at work to corrupt and destroy if the least advantage
is given him.
My brethren, God calls upon you as His followers to walk in the
light. You need to be alarmed. Sin is among us, and it is not seen
to be exceedingly sinful. The senses of many are benumbed by the
indulgence of appetite and by familiarity with sin. We need to advance
nearer heaven. We may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.
Walking in the light, running in the way of God’s commandments,
does not give the idea that we can stand still and do nothing. We must
be advancing.
In self-love, self-exaltation, and pride there is great weakness; but
in humility there is great strength. Our true dignity is not maintained
when we think most of ourselves, but when God is in all our thoughts
and our hearts are all aglow with love to our Redeemer and love to
our fellow men. Simplicity of character and lowliness of heart will
give happiness, while self-conceit will bring discontent, repining, and