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Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene - Ellen G. White

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Chapter 16<br />

Social Purity<br />

“Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see<br />

God.” (Matthew 5:8) Man has fallen, <strong>and</strong> the work<br />

of his life-time, be it longer or shorter, must be to<br />

recover through Christ what he has lost by sin,—<br />

the likeness to the divine. This work requires a<br />

thorough transformation of soul, body, <strong>and</strong> spirit.<br />

God mercifully sends rays of light to show man his<br />

true condition; but if he will not walk in the light, it<br />

is manifest that he takes pleasure in darkness. He<br />

avoids the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.<br />

A picture of the terrible condition of the world<br />

has been presented before me. Immorality abounds<br />

on every h<strong>and</strong>. Licentiousness is the prevailing sin<br />

of this age. Never did vice lift its deformed head<br />

with such boldness as now, <strong>and</strong> by its strength <strong>and</strong><br />

prevalence the lovers of virtue are almost<br />

discouraged. Unless man has more than human<br />

strength to resist the current of evil, he will be<br />

overcome, <strong>and</strong> borne down to perdition.<br />

231

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