Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Thousands of homes throughout Israel followed Eli's family
life. Actions speak louder than the most positive claim of godliness.
The evils of parental unfaithfulness are great under any
circumstances, but they are ten times greater in the families of those
who teach the people.
Effective Agents of Satan
When people use their sacred calling as a cover for selfish or
sensual gratification, they make themselves effective agents of
Satan. Like Hophni and Phinehas, they cause others to "abhor the
offering of the Lord." They may do their evil deeds in secret for a
time, but when their true character is finally exposed, the faith of the
people receives a shock that often results in distrusting anyone who
professes to teach the Word of God. The message of the true servant
of Christ is received with doubt, and the question constantly comes
up, "Won't this man turn out to be like the one we thought so holy,
and found so corrupt?"
Eli's reproof to his sons contains these solemn and fearful
words: "If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him;
but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?" (KJV).
If their crimes had injured only other people, the judge might have
made reconciliation by setting a penalty and requiring repayment;
and so the offenders might have been pardoned. But their sins were
so interwoven with their ministry as priests of the Most High, the
work of God was treated so disrespectfully and dishonored in front
of the people, that no atonement could be accepted for them. Their
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