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thought to be, after all, not so very sinful, when pecuniary gain or loss
is involved. But sin is sin, whether committed by the possessor of
millions or by the beggar in the streets. Those who secure property
by false representations are bringing condemnation on their souls. All
that is obtained by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to the receiver.
Adam and Eve suffered the terrible consequences of disobeying
the express command of God. They might have reasoned: This is a
very small sin, and will never be taken into account. But God treated
the matter as a fearful evil, and the woe of their transgression will be
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felt through all time. In the times in which we live, sins of far greater
magnitude are often committed by those who profess to be God’s
children. In the transaction of business, falsehoods are uttered and
acted by God’s professed people that bring His frown upon them and
a reproach upon His cause. The least departure from truthfulness and
rectitude is a transgression of the law of God. Continual indulgence in
sin accustoms the person to a habit of wrongdoing, but does not lessen
the aggravated character of the sin. God has established immutable
principles, which He cannot change without a revision of His whole
nature. If the word of God were faithfully studied by all who profess
to believe the truth, they would not be dwarfs in spiritual things. Those
who disregard the requirements of God in this life would not respect
His authority were they in heaven.
Every species of immorality is plainly delineated in the word of
God and its result spread before us. The indulgence of the lower
passions is presented before us in its most revolting character. No one,
however dark may be his understanding, need to err. But I have been
shown that this sin is cherished by many who profess to be walking
in all the commandments of God. God will judge every man by His
word.
Said Christ: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have
eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” The Bible is an
unerring guide. It demands perfect purity in word, in thought, and in
action. Only virtuous and spotless characters will be permitted to enter
the presence of a pure and holy God. The word of God, if studied and
obeyed, would lead the children of men, as the Israelites were led by a
pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. The Bible is God’s
will expressed to man. It is the only perfect standard of character, and
marks out the duty of man in every circumstance of life. There are