Importance of the Canvassing Work
357
sepulchers, fair without, but corrupt to the core. The heart is spotted,
stained with sin; and thus the record stands in the heavenly courts. A
process has been going on in the mind that has made them callous,
past feeling. But if their characters, weighed in the balances of the
sanctuary, are pronounced wanting in the great day of God, it will
be a calamity that they do not now comprehend. Truth, precious,
untarnished truth, is to be a part of the character.
Whatever way is chosen, the path of life is beset with perils. If the
workers in any branch of the cause become careless and inattentive to
their eternal interests, they are meeting with great loss. The tempter
will find access to them. He will spread nets for their feet, and will
lead them in uncertain paths. Those only are safe whose hearts are
garrisoned with pure principles. Like David they will pray: “Hold up
my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” A constant battle
must be kept up with the selfishness and corruption of the human heart.
Often the wicked seem to be prospered in their way; but those who
forget God, even for an hour or a moment, are in a dangerous path.
They may not realize its perils; but ere they are aware, habit, like an
iron band, holds them in subjection to the evil with which they have
tampered. God despises their course, and His blessing will not attend
them.
I have seen that young men undertake this work without connect-
ing themselves with heaven. They place themselves in the way of
temptation to show their bravery. They laugh at the folly of others.
They know the right way; they know how to conduct themselves. How
easily they can resist temptation! how vain to think of their falling!
But they make not God their defense. Satan has an insidious snare
prepared for them, and they themselves become the sport of fools.
Our great adversary has agents that are constantly hunting for an
[398]
opportunity to destroy souls, as a lion hunts his prey. Shun them,
young man; for, while they appear to be your friends, they will slyly
introduce evil ways and practices. They flatter you with their lips, and
offer to help and guide you; but their steps take hold on hell. If you
listen to their counsel, it may be the turning point in your life. One
safeguard removed from conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit,
a single neglect of the high claims of duty, may be the beginning of a
course of deception that will pass you into the ranks of those who are
serving Satan, while you are all the time professing to love God and