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Fundamentals of Christian Education
reverently and earnestly to seek daily for His blessing. The blessing of
God is a precious gift, and it is to be counted of such worth that it will
not be surrendered at any cost. The blessing of God maketh rich, and
it addeth no sorrow.
My heart is stirred to its depths as I read of the prostitution of
noble powers to the service of Satan. In governmental departments,
in positions of high responsibility, in official trusts, men are tempted
by the evil one; and corruption and crime, embezzlements, robberies,
and extortions are the result. There are terrible sinks of corruption,
pouring out upon our world poisonous influences that corrupt the com-
munity. In every place Satan has set his traps that he may catch men of
education, of good natural endowments, men who are capable of be-
coming laborers together with God, companions of angels, inhabitants
of heaven, that he may bind them to his car as his slaves. And yet Jesus
has ransomed them from the bondage of the enemy, and they refuse to
be at liberty, and will not become the sons of God, heirs of God, and
joint heirs with Jesus Christ to an immortal inheritance. They live as
though the earth, money, position, houses, and lands were the main
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objects of their creation. Through the tender mercy of God their life is
prolonged; but is it not a pitiable sight to see men of high ability living
on so low a plane?
The ransom has been paid, and it is possible for all to come to God,
and through a life of obedience to attain unto everlasting life. Then
how sad it is that men turn from the immortal inheritance, and live
for the gratification of pride, for selfishness and display, and through
submission to the rule of Satan, lose the blessing which they might
have both in this life and in the life to come. They might enter into
the palaces of heaven, and associate on terms of freedom and equality
with Christ and heavenly angels, and with the princes of God; and
yet, incredible as it may seem, they turn from heavenly attractions.
The Creator of all worlds proposes to love those who believe in His
only-begotten Son as their personal Saviour, even as He loves His
Son. Even here and now His gracious favor is bestowed upon us to
this marvelous extent. He has given to men the gift of the Light and
Majesty of heaven, and with Him He has bestowed all the treasures
of heaven. Much as He has promised us for the life to come, He also
bestows princely gifts upon us in this life, and as subjects of His grace,
He would have us enjoy everything that will ennoble, expand, and