Honored Minister
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heavenly reward that awaits the faithful, they would be guarded against
Satan’s temptations. But, by many, vile thoughts are entertained almost
constantly. They are carried into the house of God and even into the
sacred desk.
[193]
Discipline of Erring Ministers—I tell you the truth, Elder Butler,
that unless there is a cleansing of the soul temple on the part of many
who claim to believe and to preach the truth, God’s judgments, long
deferred, will come. These debasing sins have not been handled with
firmness and decision. There is corruption in the soul, and, unless it is
cleansed by the blood of Christ, there will be apostasies among us that
will startle you.
I ask myself the question, “How is it possible for men who are
opening the Scriptures to others—men who have abundance of light—
men who have good ability—men who are living in the face of the
judgment, upon the very borders of the eternal world—to give their
thoughts and bodies to unholy practices? Well may the words of the
apostle be repeated with emphasis: “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners:
and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn,
and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to
heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall
lift you up” (
James 4:8-10
).—
Letter 51, 1886
.