unnoticed , and place implicit confidence in the words of the ministers . But are ministers infallible ? How can we trust our souls to their guidance unless we know from God ’ s word that they are light bearers ? A lack of moral courage to step aside from the beaten track of the world leads many to follow in the steps of learned men ; and by their reluctance to investigate for themselves , they are becoming hopelessly fastened in the chains of error . They see that the truth for this time is plainly brought to view in the Bible ; and they feel the power of the Holy Spirit attending its proclamation ; yet they allow the opposition of the clergy to turn them from the light . Though reason and conscience are convinced , these deluded souls dare not think differently from the minister ; and their individual judgment , their eternal interests , are sacrificed to the unbelief , the pride and prejudice , of another .
Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influence to bind his captives . He secures multitudes to himself by attaching them by the silken cords of affection to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ . Whatever this attachment may be , parental , filial , conjugal , or social , the effect is the same ; the opposers of truth exert their power to control the conscience , and the souls held under their sway have not sufficient courage or independence to obey their own convictions of duty .
The truth and the glory of God are inseparable ; it is impossible for us , with the Bible within our reach , to honor God by erroneous opinions . Many claim that it matters not what one believes , if his life is only right . But the life is molded by the faith . If light and truth is within our reach , and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it , we virtually reject it ; we are choosing darkness rather than light .
“ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death .” Proverbs 16:25 . Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin , when there is every opportunity
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