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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Professed Christians as Decoys of Satan
Satan has been multiplying his snares in Battle Creek; and pro-
fessed Christians who are superficial in character and religious expe-
rience are used by the tempter as his decoys. This class are always
ready for the gatherings for pleasure or sport, and their influence
attracts others. Young men and young women who have tried to be
Bible Christians are persuaded to join the party, and they are drawn
into the ring. They did not prayerfully consult the divine standard,
to learn what Christ had said in regard to the fruit to be borne on
the Christian tree. They do not discern that these entertainments are
really Satan’s banquet, prepared to keep souls from accepting the
call to the marriage supper of the Lamb; they prevent them from
receiving the white robe of character, which is the righteousness
of Christ. They become confused as to what it is right for them
as Christians to do. They do not want to be thought singular, and
naturally incline to follow the example of others. Thus they come
under the influence of those who have never had the divine touch on
heart or mind.
In these exciting gatherings, carried away by the glamour and
passion of human influence, youth that have been carefully instructed
to obey the law of God, are led to form attachments for those whose
education has been a mistake, and whose religious experience has
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been a fraud. They sell themselves to a lifelong bondage. As long
as they live, they must be hampered by their union with a cheap,
superficial character, one who lives for display, but who has not the
precious, inward adorning, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which in the sight of God is of great price. When sickness and death
shall come to those who have lived to please themselves merely,
they find that they have provided no oil in their vessels with their
lamps, and they are utterly unfitted to close their life’s history. This
has been, this will continue to be.
We ask of those who have had great light in Battle Creek, Has the
truth of God lost its hold upon the soul? Has the fine gold become
dim? What has been the cause of this fanaticism and enthusiasm?
A fearful accountability rests upon world-loving, selfish parents,
for sin lies at their door. How much more favorable it would be
if the school buildings that are now in Battle Creek were far off