Servants of Sin
[
Testimonies for the Church 2:346-353
(1869).]
I have been shown that we live amid the perils of the last days.
Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. The word
“many” refers to the professed followers of Christ. They are affected by
the prevailing iniquity, and backslide from God; but it is not necessary
that they should be thus affected. The cause of this declension is that
they do not stand clear from this iniquity. The fact that their love to
God is waxing cold because iniquity abounds, shows that they are, in
some sense, partakers in this iniquity, or it would not affect their love
for God and their zeal and fervor in His cause.
A terrible picture of the condition of the world has been presented
before me. Immorality abounds everywhere. Licentiousness is the
special sin of this age. Never did vice lift its deformed head with such
boldness as now. The people seem to be benumbed, and the lovers
of virtue and true goodness are nearly discouraged by its boldness,
strength, and prevalence. The iniquity which abounds is not merely
confined to the unbeliever and the scoffer. Would that this were the
case; but it is not. Many men and women who profess the religion
of Christ are guilty. Even some who profess to be looking for His
appearing are no more prepared for than event that Satan himself. They
are not cleansing themselves from all pollution. They have so long
served their lust that it is natural for their thoughts to be impure and
their imaginations corrupt. It is as impossible to cause their minds to
dwell upon pure and holy things as it would be to turn the course of
Niagara and send its waters pouring up the falls.
[616]
Youth Ensnared
Youth and children of both sexes engage in moral pollution and
practice this disgusting, soul-and-body-destroying vice. Many pro-
fessed Christians are so benumbed by the same practice that their
moral sensibilities cannot be aroused to understand that it is sin, and
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