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cation of a depraved appetite or the heavenly blessings promised only
to the self-denying and God-fearing, the claims of appetite prevail, and
God and heaven are virtually despised. How many, even of professed
Christians, cling to indulgences that are injurious to health and that
benumb the sensibilities of the soul. When the duty is presented of
cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfect-
ing holiness in the fear of God, they are offended. They see that they
cannot retain these hurtful gratifications and yet secure heaven, and
they conclude that since the way to eternal life is so strait, they will no
longer walk therein.
Multitudes are selling their birthright for sensual indulgence.
Health is sacrificed, the mental faculties are enfeebled, and heaven
is forfeited; and all for a mere temporary pleasure—an indulgence at
once both weakening and debasing in its character. As Esau awoke to
see the folly of his rash exchange when it was too late to recover his
loss, so it will be in the day of God with those who have bartered their
heirship to heaven for selfish gratifications.
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