so weakens the brain-nerve power that eternal things are not
appreciated, but placed upon a level with the common. The higher powers
of the mind, designed for elevated purposes, are brought into slavery to the
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baser passions. If our physical habits are not right, our mental and moral
powers cannot be strong; for great sympathy exists between the physical
and the moral. The apostle Peter understood this and raised his voice of
warning to his brethren: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and
pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
There is but little moral power in the professed Christian world.
Wrong habits have been indulged, and physical and moral laws have been
disregarded, until the general standard of virtue and piety is exceedingly
low. Habits which lower the standard of physical health enfeeble mental
and moral strength. The indulgence of unnatural appetites and passions has
a controlling influence upon the nerves of the brain. The animal organs
are strengthened, while the moral are depressed. It is impossible for an
intemperate man to be a Christian, for his higher powers are brought into
slavery to the passions.
Those who have had the light upon the subjects of eating and dressing
with simplicity in obedience to physical and moral laws, and who turn from
the light which points out their duty, will shun duty in other things. If they
blunt their consciences to avoid the cross which they will have to take up
to be in harmony with natural law, they will, in order to shun reproach,
violate the Ten Commandments. There is a decided unwillingness with
some to endure the cross and despise the shame. Some will be laughed out
of their principles. Conformity to the world is gaining ground among God’s
people, who profess to be pilgrims and strangers, waiting and watching for
the Lord’s appearing. There are many among professed Sabbathkeepers in
New York who are more firmly wedded to worldly fashions and lusts than
they are to healthy bodies, sound minds, or sanctified hearts.
God is testing and proving individuals in New York. He has permitted
some to have a measure of prosperity, to develop what is in their hearts.
Pride and love of the world have separated them from God. The principles
of truth are virtually sacrificed, while they profess to love the truth.
Christians
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should wake up and act. Their influence is telling upon, and molding,
the opinions and habits of others. They will have to bear the weighty
responsibility of deciding by their influence the destiny of souls.
The Lord, by close and pointed truths for these last days, is cleaving
out a people from the world and purifying them unto Himself. Pride and
unhealthful fashions, the love of display, the love of approbation—all must
be left with the world if we would be renewed in knowledge after the image
of Him who created us. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works.”
The church in—–need sifting. A thorough conversion is necessary
before they can be in working order. Selfishness, pride, envy, malice, evil
surmising, backbiting, gossiping, and tattling have been cherished among
them, until the Spirit of God has but little to do with them. While some
who profess to know God remain in their present state, their prayers are an
abomination in His sight. They do not sustain their faith by their works, and
it would have been better for some never to have professed the truth than
to have dishonored their profession as they have. While they profess to
be servants of Christ, they are servants of the enemy of righteousness; and
their works testify of them that they are not acquainted with God and that
their hearts are not in obedience to the will of Christ. They make child’s
play of religion; they act like pettish children.
The children of God, the world over, are one great brotherhood. Our
Saviour has clearly defined the spirit and principles which should govern
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
the actions of those who, by their consistent, holy lives, distinguish
themselves from the world.
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Love for one another, and supreme love to their heavenly Father
