Indulgence of Appetite
39
It is all that Brother C can do, in the weakness of his nature,
to guard his own soul and close every avenue whereby Satan can
gain access to insinuate doubts in regard to others. He is in great
danger of losing his soul by failing to perfect Christian character
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during probationary time. He is slow to follow Christ. His senses seem
to be clouded and almost paralyzed so that he does not place a proper
estimate upon sacred things. He may even now correct his errors and
overcome his defects, if he will work in the strength of God.
There are several in the church at-----whose names I cannot call
who have victories to gain over their appetites and passions. Some
talk too much; they stand in this position: “Report, ... and we will
report it.” Miserable indeed is such a position! If all these gossipers
would ever bear in mind that an angel is following them, recording
their words, there would be less talking and much more praying.
There are children of Sabbathkeepers who have been taught from
their youth to observe the Sabbath. Some of these are very good
children, faithful to duty as far as temporal matters are concerned;
but they feel no deep conviction of sin and no need of repentance
from sin. Such are in a dangerous condition. They are watching the
deportment and efforts of professed Christians. They see some who
make high professions, but who are not conscientious Christians, and
they compare their own views and actions with these stumbling blocks;
and as there are no outbreaking sins in their own lives, they flatter
themselves that they are about right.
To these youth I am authorized to say: Repent ye and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out. There is no time for you to waste.
Heaven and immortal life are valuable treasures that cannot be obtained
without an effort on your part. No matter how faultless may have been
your lives, as sinners you have steps to take. You are required to repent,
believe, and be baptized. Christ was wholly righteous; yet He, the
Saviour of the world, gave man an example by Himself taking the
steps which He requires the sinner to take to become a child of God,
and heir of heaven.
If Christ, the spotless and pure Redeemer of man, condescended
to take the steps necessary for the sinner to take in conversion, why
should any, with the light of truth shining upon their pathway, hesitate
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to submit their hearts to God, and in humility confess that they are
sinners, and show their faith in the atonement of Christ by words