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better will it be for the cause. Their words and acts in matters of deal
are not reliable. This is the case with A B and his brothers generally.
The world and the church have a right to say that their religion is vain.
They are worldly and scheming, and watch their opportunity to make a
close bargain. They are harsh and severe with those who are connected
with them. They are envious, jealous, puffed up.
Those who thus represent the truth rear a mighty barrier to the
salvation of others. Unless they become transformed, it would be
better had they never embraced the truth. Their minds are controlled
more by Satan than by the Spirit of God. Brother A B’s wife naturally
possesses a kind heart, but she has been molded by her husband. She
is a careless talker. Her tongue is frequently set on fire of hell; it is
untamable. “In the multitude of words,” says Solomon, “there wanteth
not sin.” This is certainly true in her case. She exaggerates and bears
false witness and is thus constantly transgressing the commandment
of God, while she professes to be a commandment keeper. She does
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not mean to do wrong, but her heart is not sanctified by the truth.
While you, Brethren B, have been forward to engage in controversy
with others upon points of our faith, without an exception you have
been asleep in reference to those things which pertain to Christianity.
You are not even dreaming of the perilous position you occupy. This
apathy extends over the church and over everyone who, professing
Christ as you have done, denies Him by his works. You are leading
others in the same path of recklessness in which you are treading.
God’s word declares that without holiness no man shall see God.
Jesus died to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify unto Himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works.
“The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Christ says:
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect.” What do your prayers amount to while you regard iniquity
in your hearts? Unless you make a thorough change, you will, not
far hence, become weary of reproof, as did the children of Israel;
and, like them, you will apostatize from God. Some of you in words
acknowledge reproof, but you do not in heart accept it. You go on
the same as before, only being less susceptible to the influence of the
Spirit of God, becoming more and more blinded, having less wisdom,