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Low State of Morals, May 25
Fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once
named among you, as becometh saints.
Ephesians 5:3
.
There is an alarming commonness in conversation at the present day,
which shows a low state of thoughts and morals. True dignity of character
is very rare. True modesty and reserve are seldom seen. There are but few
who are pure and undefiled....
Polluted thoughts harbored become habit, and the soul is scarred and
defiled. Once do a wrong action and a blot is made which nothing can
heal but the blood of Christ; and if the habit is not turned from with firm
determination, the soul is corrupted and the streams flowing from this
defiling fountain corrupt others.
There are men and women who invite temptation; they place themselves
in positions where they will be tempted, where they cannot but be tempted,
when they place themselves in society that is objectionable. The best way
to keep safe from sin is to move with due consideration at all times and
under all circumstances, never to move or act from impulse. Move with the
fear of God ever before you and you will be sure to act right.
The moral dangers to which all, both old and young, are exposed are
daily increasing. Moral derangement, which we call depravity, finds ample
room to work, and an influence is exerted by men, women, and youth
professing to be Christians that is low, sensual, devilish....
Those who have learned the truth and do not have works corresponding
with their profession of faith are subject to Satan’s temptations. They
encounter danger at every step they advance. They are brought into contact
with evil, they see sights, they hear sounds, that will awaken their unsubdued
passions; they are subjected to influences that lead them to choose the evil
rather than the good, because they are not sound at heart....
There is no training we need so much now as the preparing of young
men and women to have moral rectitude and to cleanse their souls of every
spot and stain of moral defilement.
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