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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
I was shown that the brothers B and their families are descending
lower and lower. “Clouds they are without water, carried about of
winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit;” and if they continue
in the course they have been pursuing, they will finally be “twice dead,
plucked up by the roots.” In leaning to their own understanding, they
have gone down to the point where they have no practical godliness,
no heaven, no God as theirs.
If God’s people were all connected with Him, they would discern
the limited capacities of these men, their prejudices, envy, jealousy,
and self-confidence. The objections which their wicked hearts may
raise against the Testimonies of the Spirit of God, will not, in the
providence of God, be removed. They may stumble and fall upon
questions of their own originating. But God’s people should see that
their proud hearts have never been humbled, and their high looks have
never been brought low. The Bible is clear upon all points which
relate to Christian duty. All who do the will of God shall know of the
doctrine. But these persons are seeking light from their own tapers
and not from the Sun of Righteousness.
No man who does not utter the real sentiment of his heart can be
called a truthful man. Falsehood virtually consists in an intention to
deceive; and this may be shown by a look or a word. Even facts may
be so arranged and stated as to constitute falsehoods. Some are adepts
at this business, and they will seek to justify themselves for departing
from strict veracity. There are some who, in order to tear down or
injure the reputation of another, will, from sheer malice, fabricate
falsehoods concerning them. Lies of self-interest are uttered in buying
and selling goods, cattle, or any kind of merchandise. Lies of vanity
are uttered by men who love to appear what they are not. A story
cannot pass through their hands without embellishment. Oh, how
much is done in the world which the doers will one day wish to undo!
But the record of words and deeds in the books of heaven will tell the
sad story of falsehoods spoken and acted.
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Falsehood and deception of every cast is sin against the God of
truth and verity. The word of God is plain upon these points. Ye shall
not “deal falsely, neither lie one to another.” “All liars shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the
second death.” God is a God of sincerity and truth. The word of God
is a book of truth. Jesus is a faithful and true witness. The church is