to the Pattern , the other class shun the plain , practical truths which expose their errors . Even in her best estate the church was not composed wholly of the true , pure , and sincere . Our Saviour taught that those who willfully indulge in sin are not to be received into the church ; yet He connected with Himself men who were faulty in character , and granted them the benefits of His teachings and example , that they might have an opportunity to see their errors and correct them . Among the twelve apostles was a traitor . Judas was accepted , not because of his defects of character , but notwithstanding them . He was connected with the disciples , that , through the instruction and example of Christ , he might learn what constitutes Christian character , and thus be led to see his 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 favorable 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
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