errors , to repent , and , by the aid of divine grace , to purify his soul " in obeying the truth ." But Judas did not walk in the light so graciously permitted to shine upon him . By indulgence in sin he invited the temptations of Satan . His evil traits of character became predominant . He yielded his mind to the control of the powers of darkness , he became angry when his faults were reproved , and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master . So do all who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who disturb their peace by condemning their course of sin . When a favourable opportunity is presented , they will , like Judas , betray those who for their good have sought to reprove them .
The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness while they were secretly cherishing iniquity . Ananias and Sapphira acted the part of deceivers , pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God , when they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves . The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders , and the judgments of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity . This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers . They could not long remain in connection with those who were , in habit and disposition , constant representatives of Christ ; and as trials and persecution came upon His followers , those only who were willing to forsake all for the truth ' s sake desired to become His disciples . Thus , as long as persecution continued , the church remained comparatively pure . But as it ceased , converts were added who were less sincere and devoted , and the way was open for Satan to obtain a foothold .
But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness , and there can be no union between their followers . When Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted from paganism , they entered upon a path which led further and further from the truth . Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ . He then brought his power to bear more fully upon these , and inspired them to persecute those who remained true to God . None understood so well how to oppose the true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders ; and these apostate Christians , uniting with their half-pagan companions , directed their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of Christ .
It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church . The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith . The doctrine of religious freedom was termed heresy , and its upholders were hated and proscribed . After a long and severe conflict , the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry . They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God . They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls , and set an example which would imperil the faith of their children and children ' s children . To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God ; but they felt that even peace
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