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worship hinders man's spiritual growth and keeps
him from demonstrating his power over error.
(Sorrow and reformation)
Sorrow for wrong-doing is but one step towards reform
and the very easiest step. The next and great step required
by wisdom is the test of our sincerity,
- namely, reformation. To this end we are
placed under the stress of circumstances. Temptation
bids us repeat the offence, and woe comes in return for
what is done. So it will ever be, till we learn that there
is no discount in the law of justice and that we must pay
"the uttermost farthing." The measure ye mete "shall
be measured to you again," and it will be full "and running
over."
Saints and sinners get their full award, but not always
in this world. The followers of Christ drank his cup.
Ingratitude and persecution filled it to the brim; but God
pours the riches of His love into the understanding and
affections, giving us strength according to our day. Sinners
flourish "like a green bay tree;" but, looking farther,
the Psalmist could see their end, - the destruction of sin
through suffering.
(Cancellation of human sin)
Prayer is not to be used as a confessional to cancel sin.
Such an error would impede true religion. Sin is forgiven
only as it is destroyed by Christ, - Truth and
Life. If prayer nourishes the belief that sin is
cancelled, and that man is made better merely by praying,
prayer is an evil. He grows worse who continues in sin
because he fancies himself forgiven.
(Diabolism destroyed)
An apostle says that the Son of God [Christ] came to
"destroy the works of the devil." We should
follow our divine Exemplar, and seek the destruction
of all evil works, error and disease included.
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