p. 3 | Moral Cleanliness in the Closing Message

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 21, 1908

Moral Cleanliness in the Closing Message

WHILE strength of conviction, of faith, and of purpose are indispensable in the successful proclamation of the closing message, there is another characteristic also that must be possessed—“Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” Without moral cleanliness, the messenger dishonors the Author of the message, and brings the message itself into disrepute. Of that triumphant band on whose forehead is to be written the Father's name, it is declared that they are free from defilement; that “in their mouth was found no lie: they are without blemish.” Because of this characteristic they are permitted to “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” The Prince of peace can not fellowship discord. The King of righteousness can not fellowship iniquity, nor use the purveyor of iniquity in promulgating the true gospel of salvation. The whole law of God must be written in the heart by the finger of its Author, and its principles must shine out undimmed in the life. The peace of heaven is for those alone who are in harmony with heaven’s rule of conduct. It will be true in the experience of every saved soul that “righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”