Hypocrites | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 46.

Hypocrites.

THE most dangerous enemies of the church are not infidels and worldlings, but hypocritical Christians. An enemy is far more powerful for evil in the camp than outside of it. One inconsistent Christian injures the cause of religion more than five rampant infidels. One backsliden minister strikes a more thrilling blow at the church than a dozen of Ingersoll's most eloquent lectures. In view of this, it is an ominous sign that so many ministers are departing from the old faith, preaching the "enticing words of men's wisdom," while they still pretend to be the elect of God. These men proclaiming falsehood from the pulpit, pandering to the spirit of the times with a perverted gospel, are the most powerful agencies of Satan in fighting the kingdom of God. When, in the history of the people of Israel, the destruction of Ahab was desired, and the Lord planned how to effect it, the problem was solved in this way: A spirit came forth and stood before the Lord and said, "I will persuade him; I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of his prophets." The plan met with approval, and the spirit, by speaking falsehood from the mouth of the prophet, accomplished Ahab's ruin when no other could have prevailed. Give the devil the "livery of Heaven," and he will lead more souls astray than he otherwise could. Put the deceitful, flattering words of human speculation into the form of a sermon, apparently supported by divine authority, and they are made thrice as potent for evil as usual.—Christian World.