Blinded by Sin
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to them, as Satan came to Christ, disguised as an angel of light, and
draws them still farther from the path of right.
The unhappiness and degradation that follow in the train of licen-
tiousness cannot be estimated. The world is defiled under its inhab-
itants. They have nearly filled up the measure of their iniquity; but
that which will bring the heaviest retribution, is the practice of iniq-
uity under the cloak of godliness. The Redeemer of the world never
spurned true repentance, however great the guilt; but He hurls burning
denunciations against Pharisees and hypocrites. There is more hope
for the open sinner than for this class....
As Christ’s ambassador, I entreat you who profess present truth
to promptly resent any approach to impurity and forsake the society
of those who breathe an impure suggestion. Loathe these defiling
sins with the most intense hatred. Flee from those who would, even
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in conversation, let the mind run in such a channel; “for out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Matthew 12:34
.
As those who practice these defiling sins are steadily increasing in
the world and would intrude themselves into our churches, I warn you
to give no place to them. Turn from the seducer. Though a professed
follower of Christ, he is Satan in the form of man; he has borrowed the
livery of heaven that he may the better serve his master. You should not
for one moment give place to an impure, covert suggestion; for even
this will stain the soul, as impure water defiles the channel through
which it passes.
Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends, or any suffer-
ing, rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death before dishonor or
the transgression of God’s law, should be the motto of every Christian.
As a people professing to be reformers, treasuring the most solemn,
purifying truths of God’s word, we must elevate the standard far higher
than it is at the present time. Sin and sinners in the church must be
promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated. Truth and
purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp
from Achans. Let those in responsible positions not suffer sin in a
brother. Show him that he must either put away his sins or be separated
from the church.
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