Editorial

Editorial – Lest Any Fail of the Grace of God

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It is possible to receive the grace of God in vain and fail to receive eternal life.

Paul said, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:14, 15).

“We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1).

The special messenger to the Second Advent Movement gives us insight as to how this happens.

“A soul hurt is often a soul destroyed. …

“The redemption of man means unity with Jesus Christ. The Saviour pledged Himself to recover the principles of human dependence upon a plan that could save and reform man. He would make man a laborer together with God. By the sacrifice of Himself He would enable every human being to be one with his fellow men and with God. …

“This plan unites the believers to God as one man. One rule of life is the principle of action. A chain of mutual dependence, made fast to the throne of God, passes round every blood-bought soul. … It is the work of God to expel evil from the soul by connecting humanity with divinity. All difference and disunion are destroyed by a union with the great Center.  …

“Man stands in need of just such a firm, abiding life-principle, a principle which will connect him with God, and through God with his fellow man. …

“The Redeemer did not shun man as man is inclined to shun his fellow men. When God condemned the guilty sinner because he was deserving of condemnation, the Majesty of heaven came near in all the fullness of the God-head. … He knew that by paying the ransom He could end the reign of the enemy, and vindicate the justice of God. Therefore He clothed His divinity with humanity. He stooped to this fallen world that He might restore in man the divine image.

“ ‘Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,’ the apostle writes; ‘and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed’ (Hebrews 12:12). … Let not your coldness, your unkindness, turn souls from the path that leads to Christ. There are souls who need your words of encouragement, and these can not be helped by your unfeeling decisions, and words and looks of contempt.” Excerpted from The Review and Herald, June 5, 1900. (All emphasis supplied.)

Editorial – Tuberculosis and Modern Pandemics

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Tuberculosis, a major cause of death throughout the world even today, was one of the leading causes of death in Ellen White’s day. It is usually spread by infected air-borne droplets, coughed up by individuals with the active disease and inhaled by susceptible persons—a very similar means of transmission to the modern emerging viruses that have recently caused panic throughout the world. Therefore, Ellen White’s counsel to God’s people about how to help people afflicted with tuberculosis has never been more appropriate for study and application than today. Here is her counsel:

“Sanitariums that are erected for consumptive patients should be placed some distance out of the city, where there is plenty of open space, a clear stream, and land which can be cultivated. Then the patients can be drawn out into the fresh air, while those who are strong can cultivate the soil. …

“Large numbers of persons with this disease should not be gathered together in one home. …

“She [Sister Hansen] may entirely recover from her lung difficulty, but it will be well to take every precaution. …

“Let those of the patients who are able to work be given something to do. They should give the muscles judicious exercise. Let them work in the soil. This will be found especially advantageous. Let all be taught that cheerfulness is God’s remedy for sickness. Let them talk faith, and think as little as possible about disagreeable things. Let the heart go forth in praise and thanksgiving to God. Let them pray for themselves and for one another, and let them keep the love of God in the soul. The great Physician can heal consumption. …

“Many who are threatened with consumption will be healed through faith. Many others will be healed through proper eating and drinking and through living largely in the open air. To those who are suffering from this disease I would say, Take regular exercise, and keep as cheerful as possible. Keep busy, and live as much as possible out-of-doors. Keep your heart free from all jealousy and evil-surmising, and ask God to help you to improve as fast as possible. Some will overcome the disease; yes, many will, through faith in the mighty Healer. ‘Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me;’ the Lord says, ‘and he shall make peace with Me’ (Isaiah 27:5).”

Excerpts from Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 281–287.

Editorial – If You Are Loyal and True

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When King Nebuchadnezzar had the three Hebrews cast into the fiery furnace (see Daniel 3), “his triumph suddenly came to an end. He saw something that he thought must be an illusion. … With a voice trembling with excitement, he cried, ‘Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.’ (Daniel 3:25). [Emphasis author’s.] …

“History will be repeated. False religion will be exalted. The first day of the week, a common working day, possessing no sanctity whatever, will be set up as was the image at Babylon. …

“Trial and persecution will come to all who, in obedience to the word of God, refuse to worship this false sabbath. Force is the last resort of every false religion. At first it tries attraction, as the king of Babylon tried the power of music and outward show. If these attractions, invented by men inspired by Satan, failed to make men worship the image, the hungry flames of the furnace were ready to consume them. So it will be now. The Papacy has exercised her power to compel men to obey her, and she will continue to do so. …

“ ‘If ye love Me,’ said Christ, ‘keep My commandments.’ ‘He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him’ (John 14:15, 21). And has not Christ manifested Himself to His faithful children? Did He not walk in the furnace with the captives who refused to yield to the golden image one tittle of the reverence which belonged to God? Did He not manifest Himself to John, banished to the Isle of Patmos for his faithfulness? …

“Truth is to be obeyed at any cost, even tho gaping prisons, chain-gangs, and banishment stare us in the face. If you are loyal and true, that God who walked with the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, who protected Daniel in the lions’ den, who manifested Himself to John on the lonely island, will go with you wherever you go. His abiding presence will comfort and sustain you; and you will realize the fulfilment of the promise, ‘If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him’ (verse 23).” The Signs of the Times, May 6, 1897.

Editorial – Fishers of Men

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“Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks” (Jeremiah 16:16).

Jesus told His disciples that He would make them fishers of men. To fish, you put bait on a line and then wait for a fish to bite. I have watched fishermen sitting for hours waiting for a fish to accept the bait. Evangelistic meetings and literature distribution of all kinds are the bait that is divinely ordained to reach people with the opportunity of salvation.

A hunter though follows a different approach. Instead of waiting for a fish to accept the bait, he goes to where the prey is and seeks to take it. This is like a Bible worker who aggressively visits all the people in a neighborhood or town or city.

We were instructed that “In every large city there should be a corps of organized, well-disciplined workers; not merely one or two, but scores should be set to work.” Evangelism, 96. Also, “A great work can be done by presenting to the people the Bible just as it reads. Carry the word of God to every man’s door, urge its plain statements upon every man’s conscience.” The Review and Herald, July 10, 1883.

But today, just as in Ellen White’s day, “there is a dearth of workers at a time when we so much need men who show all-around efficiency.” Spalding and Magan Collection, 344.

Has God called you to engage full time in the finishing of His work in the earth?

“In all fields, nigh and afar off, men will be called from the plow and from the more common commercial business vocations that largely occupy the mind, and will be educated in connection with men of experience. As they learn to labor effectively, they will proclaim the truth with power. ” Testimonies, vol. 9, 96.

There is still opportunity for properly trained gospel workers to gain an abundant harvest in God’s work. If God has called you but you need training or if you are already trained and looking for a full-time opportunity in gospel ministry, please contact us. We know of many opportunities both in the United States and in foreign countries. Contact Steps to Life via email with a statement of your qualifications and desires at historic@stepstolife.org, or by U.S. mail at Steps to Life Ministry, PO Box 782828, Wichita, KS  67278.

Editorial – I Am

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At the burning bush, Moses asked the Lord what he was to tell the children of Israel as to who had sent him for their deliverance from Egypt, the Lord said to say that “I AM” had sent him (Exodus 3:14).

The word Jehovah or Yahweh is a derivative of the expression “I AM.” What does the expression “I AM” signify? It was the name of God given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence of God (see The Desire of Ages, 469, 470). It also signifies that the person bearing this name is self-existent (Ibid).

Abraham wanted to see the promised Saviour of the world. “He offered up the most earnest prayer that he might see Him before he died.” The Signs of the Times, May 3, 1899.

His prayer was answered in a way he had not expected. He was asked to sacrifice his only son—a burnt offering to the Lord (Genesis 22).

“This terrible ordeal was imposed upon Abraham that he might see the day of Christ, and realize the great love of God for the world, so great that, to raise it from its degradation, He gave His only-begotten Son to a most shameful death.

“Abraham learned of God the greatest lesson ever given to mortal. His prayer that he might see Christ before he should die, was answered. He saw Christ; he saw all that mortal can see and live. By making an entire surrender, he was able to understand the vision of Christ, which had been given him. He was shown that in giving His only-begotten Son to save sinners from eternal ruin, God was making a greater and more wonderful sacrifice than ever man could make. …

“The incarnate I AM is our abiding Sacrifice. The I AM is our Redeemer, our Substitute, our Surety. He is the Daysman between God and the human soul, our Advocate in the courts of heaven, our unwearying Intercessor, pleading in our behalf His merits and His atoning sacrifice. The I AM is our Saviour. In Him our hopes of eternal life are centered. He is an ever-present help in time of trouble. In Him is the assurance of every promise.

“Jehovah is the name given to Christ.” Ibid.

He is the one referred to over and over again by Isaiah the gospel prophet, not only in Isaiah 53 but in chapters 9, 11, 12, 26, 32, 42, 43, 50 and 61.

Editorial – The Day of Atonement

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A correct understanding of Daniel 8:14 shows us that we are living in the day of atonement. Under the old covenant, the Passover was celebrated every year, but under the new covenant, there is only one Passover—the death of Christ on the cross (1 Corinthians 5:7) which will never be repeated.

In the same way, under the old covenant there was a day of atonement every year, but in the new covenant there is only one day of atonement, which takes place during the time of the end (see Daniel 8:14–17). This day of atonement was also called the cleansing of the sanctuary, because on that day the sanctuary and the people were all to be cleansed from their sins (see Leviticus 16:16–20, 30–33).

Notice, we are not speaking here about receiving a pardon for sin. Obtaining a pardon and being cleansed from sin are not the same thing. To be cleansed from sin means that all sin within you (the Bible teaches that men have sin within—see Isaiah 6) has been removed. This is what must happen to every person who is saved at last. For almost all of mankind this blotting out of sin occurs after death, and in the resurrection they awake with the divine likeness, just as Adam and Eve were created (see Psalm 17:15).

The big question, however, is, Are you prepared to have this done for you? Following is a meditation on this that was made in 1886:

“If there ever was a time when serious reflection becomes every one who fears God, it is now, when personal piety is essential. The inquiry should be made, ‘What am I, and what is my work and mission in this time? On which side am I working—Christ’s side or the enemy’s side?’ Let every soul now humble himself or herself before God, for now we are surely living in the great Day of Atonement. The cases even now of many are passing in review before God, for they are to sleep in their graves a little season. Your profession of faith is not your guarantee in that day, but the state of your affections. Is the soul-temple cleansed of its defilement? Are my sins confessed and am I repenting of them before God, that they may be blotted out? Do I esteem myself too lightly? Am I willing to make any and every sacrifice for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Do I feel every moment I am not my own, but Christ’s property, that my service belongs to God, whose I am?” Last Day Events, 72, 73.

Editorial – Purification of the Church, Part I

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“They fell all the way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many waters, [Ezekiel 43:2. Joel 3:16. Revelation 16:17] which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.” Word to the Little Flock, 14. This statement shows that the separation process which is necessary for the purification of the church takes place over a period of time.

What is involved in the purification of the church? How does it happen? And why is it necessary? We will look at the last question first. The purification of the church is necessary because Jesus is returning to this earth to receive a purified people who are without spot or wrinkle or any such thing (Ephesians 5:25-27). Every man who has hope of being part of this glorious church at the end “purifies himself even as He is pure.” I John 3:3. Revelation 19:7, 8 again reveals the fact that the church, the “bride”, who is ready to meet Jesus, will have “made herself ready” and will be clothed in a garment of character bright and clean. It is distinctly stated that this garment of character represents righteous acts of this group of holy people. So the purification of the church is necessary before the church can be ready for the second coming of Christ.

We will look at the first question next. What is involved in the purification of the church? We will look at this involvement not so much from the human side as from the divine side. “The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.” Desire of Ages, 671. So this is not something that would simply be nice to have happen. The honor of God and Christ, the honor of the government of God is at stake in this development. “The great matter to be decided in the conflict was not merely between God and man; every creature that God had created was involved in the conflict. The unfallen worlds saw that the character of God could be vindicated only through this trial and conflict of the two forces. The attributes of God must be made to appear. Of the stability of his government there must be no question. And the Son of God himself proposed to carry forward the work to the end, to gain the victory over the prince of darkness and over all his allies.” Youth Instructor, April 15, 1897.

But now we come to the question, How does the purification of the church occur? First of all, God through chosen messengers initiates reformatory movements to purify His church. This was done in the time of the 16th century reformation, and in the 19th century God sent a special message of warning of judgement to purify His church. It is called the first angel’s message. The great mass of professed Protestant Christians rejected it.

“The message was designed for the testing and purification of the church. They were to be led to see whether their affections were set upon this world or upon Christ and heaven. They professed to love the Savior; now they were to prove their love. Were they ready to renounce their worldly hopes and ambitions, and welcome with joy the advent of their Lord? The message was designed to enable them to discern their true spiritual state; it was sent in mercy to arouse them to seek the Lord with repentance and humiliation.” Great Controversy, 353.

The message which God had sent for the testing and purification of the church revealed all too surely how great was the number who had set their affections on this world rather than upon Christ. The ties which bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom and turned away from the heart-searching message of truth.” Great Controversy, 380.

“Angels were watching with the deepest interest the result of the heavenly message, and when the churches turned from and rejected it, they in sadness consulted with Jesus. He turned His face from the churches.” Early Writings, 235.

It was because of the rejection of this heavensent warning that the Protestant churches have found it impossible to come into a purified condition to the present day.

Instead of developing into Christ’s final purified people, which was the great privilege offered them, they refused to come completely out of Babylon and chose to retain significant features of antichrist. (See Great Controversy, 384.)

The next great question is: What happened to those who accepted the message of warning that God sent? Those who accepted Bible truth point by point were established on a “firm platform” (Early Writings, 258) composed of the three angels’ messages (Rev. 14:6-12).

After l844, the work of purification proceeded in earnest with them. We plan to look at this next month.

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Editorial – Purification of the Church, Part II

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The door of salvation was shut for many in the 1840’s: “God was in the proclamation of the time in 1843. It was His design to arouse the people and bring them to a testing point, where they should decide for or against the truth . . . they [ministers and laymen] helped to sound the cry, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.. . . Angels were watching with the deepest interest the result of the heavenly message, and when the churches turned from and rejected it, they in sadness consulted with Jesus. He turned His face from the churches and bade His angels faithfully watch over the precious ones who did not reject the testimony.” Early Writings, 232–235.

Notice the way that the church was purified in 1843: God sent them light which brought them to a testing point. Would they accept or reject it? The second angel’s message revealed that those who rejected the first angel’s message had “rejected light from heaven and fell from the favor of God.” Early Writings, 237. Many were disfellowshipped and many left their former churches. (Early Writings, 260, 261.)

Any church that received and then rejected the first angel’s message in 1843 fell from the favor of God and the beloved of God had to separate from such a church. (Involved in the first angel’s message is the 2300 days terminating in 1844, the cleansing of the sanctuary, including both an open and a shut door and the call to worship God as the creator.)

“Near the close of the second angel’s message, I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!’ This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel’s message.” Early Writings, 238.

The early Adventists thought that the midnight cry was at the end of the path to the city of God, but the Lord revealed to Ellen White that the midnight cry was at the beginning of the path and was of vital importance to the purification of the church. She wrote, “I raised my eyes and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the City, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the first end of the path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry. This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet so they might not stumble. And if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the City, they were safe . . . Others rashly denied the light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and got their eyes off the mark and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off the path down in the dark and wicked world below. It was just as impossible for them to get on the path again and go to the City, as all the wicked world which God had rejected. They fell all the way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many waters.” A Word to the Little Flock, 14.

Are you still on this path? Is your lamp burning and do you have extra oil? Or have you accepted Satan’s sophistry “that God had deceived the people”? (Early Writings, 248.) Is your religious experience vitally involved with the cleansing of the sanctuary, beginning in 1844? Do you know what it means to enter the “Most Holy Place”? Do you understand who and what the spiritual entity called “Zion” is and who and what “Babylon” is? Will you eventually fall off the path? When all who are going to deny the light behind them (the first and second angel’s messages and the midnight cry) have done so, then the church will become purified.

This is taking place with alarming rapidity all around us. As we will see, from the 1950s until the present, many Adventists all over the world have been falling off the path. (Just as the Christians in the 1840s still went to their churches, many of these today are still going to church and calling themselves Adventists, but they have fallen off the path.) Are you going to stay on the path?

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Editorial – Purification of the Church, Part III

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Question: How does the work of purification begin in the church?

[Emphasis supplied]

“Let the churches who claim to believe the truth, who are advocating the law of God, keep that law and depart from all iniquity. Let the individual members of the church resist the temptations to practice evils and indulge in sin. Let the church commence the work of purification before God by repentance, humiliation, deep heart searching, for we are in the antitypical day of atonement—solemn hour fraught with eternal results.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 378.

Question: What is the church to be purified from?

“The Church is in great need of purification. There are sins that are unrepented of and unconfessed. The poison of sin must be cleansed from the Church. Many have been so deceived, their principles so corrupted, that they have no pleasure in the word of God, and it has no power over their lives. God will test character. In the day of final judgment, when every man shall be judged according to the deeds done in the body, nothing will seem to have existence but character and the law of God. Man will be stripped of everything but the character he has formed. All will be seen to be either righteous or unrighteous.” Review and Herald, February 12, 1901.

Question: When is this purification to take place, and what will happen to church members if this work of purification is delayed?

“Many are asleep, and what can be said to arouse them from their carnal slumber? The Lord would have His church purified, before His judgments shall fall more signally upon the world. [Malachi 3 and 4 quoted.]

“I am instructed to urge upon our people most earnestly the necessity of religion in the home. Among the members of the household there is ever to be a kind, thoughtful consideration. Morning and evening let all hearts be united in reverent worship. At the season of evening worship, let every member of the family search well his own heart. Let every wrong that has been committed be made right. If, during the day, one has wronged another, or spoken unkindly, let the transgressor seek pardon of the one he has injured. Often grievances are cherished in the mind, and misunderstandings and heartaches are created that need not be. If the one who is suspected of wrong be given an opportunity, he might be able to make explanations that would bring relief to other members of the family. [Hebrews 12 is quoted, showing that the purification of the church and the shaking are one and the same.

“The Lord will show His loving favor to those who will keep His commandments. The Word, the living Word, received and obeyed, will be a savor of life unto life. The reception of the truth will regenerate and cleanse the sinful soul. This work of individual purification of character can not be safely delayed. Let our brethren and sisters take hold diligently of this work, co-operating with Him. . .

“Put away all deception. Let no one idolize his own opinions. Take your position decidedly to be fully consecrated to truth and righteousness. Christ is ready to receive all who will come to Him. Exercise a firm faith in all the promises of God. With confession and prayer, take your stand to be wholly the Lord’s henceforth and forever.

“To my ministering brethren I would say, Unite in a work of humbling your souls before God. Some have lost their first love, and need a new experience. Be determined that you will not yield to the enemy. Be patient toward all men, remembering that Christ has died for them. Improve every capability for the Lord’s work, and labor faithfully, untiringly, to save souls. Seek to arouse the churches by your own zeal.

“We all have a part to act in the Lord’s great plan for His work in the earth. We shall all have something to do, though it may be in jots and tittles, as opportunities present themselves. If these warnings are not heeded, if diligent work is not made to overcome and put away defects of character, God will soon have finished the work of judgment, and many will be found wanting. Shall we now, at once, cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God? We can not afford to delay this work of confession and humbling of soul, that our offerings may be acceptable unto God.” Review and Herald, November 8, 1906.

Editorial – Purification of the Church, Part IV

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What is the objective of the purification of the church?

The objectives are:

  1. that the church reach perfection here (that each church member becomes faultless in character with every impurity destroyed),
  2. perfect unity in the church with no discord,
  3. to keep the church free from false doctrine, as the references below describe.

“No unlikeness to Christ will be permitted in the holy city. The process of gaining perfection of character is to be carried on in this life, that we may be prepared for the future immortal life. It is God’s purpose that His church on earth shall reach perfection. It is essential that His directions be strictly obeyed. The members are to help and strengthen one another. No self-exaltation or accusing or harshness are to be shown in our dealings with one another. . . . We must purify our souls through love and obedience to the truth. We must act like saints toward one another,preparing ourselves, drilling ourselves, to be without fault in character, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 171.

“God is leading out a people to stand in perfect unity upon the platform of eternal truth. Christ gave Himself to the world that He might ‘purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.’ This refining process is designed to purge the church from all unrighteousness and the spirit of discord and contention.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 17.

“The churches must be guarded, and warned against deception. Christ gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, that He might purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good orks. His church must be kept free from all false doctrine.” SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1083.

“The Lord is willing to help us, to strengthen and bless us; but we must pass through the refining rocess until all the impurities in our character are burned away. Every member of the church will be subjected to the furnace, not to consume, but to purify.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 485.

What hinders this work of purification that God is attempting to perform in His church?

The willingness of church members and leaders to tolerate sin in the church:

“Do not think that you show love for one another by allowing that which God condemns. Do not let sin strengthen in the church. God requires His servants to exercise faithful watchcare. But be sure to manifest Christ’s love. Go to the erring one, and pray with him. . . .God would not justify any man to place himself as dictator [over] what others must do when [he] himself needs the converting grace of Christ.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 150.

What means does God use to purify His church?

  1. In addition to the prophetic Word in the Bible, God has given the testimonies of His Spirit to His remnant people as manifested in the messages given to Ellen White by the Holy Spirit.
  2. the “strait testimony,”
  3. trials and suffering,
  4. judgements. “He [Satan] seeks by all the means in his power to shake the confidence of God’s people in the voice of warning and reproof through which God designs to purify the church and prosper His cause.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 211.

“I have been shown that the Lord is reviving the living, pointed testimony, which will develop character and purify the church.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 216. (See also Testimonies, vol. 5, 222.)

“The purification of the people of God cannot be accomplished without their suffering.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 85.

“The Lord will work to purify His church. I tell you in truth, the Lord is about to turn and overturn in the institutions called by His name. Just how soon this refining process will begin, I cannot say, but it will not be long deferred.” Paulson Collection, 415.

What will happen if the “church” is not purified as God is attempting to do?

“The Lord Jesus will always have a chosen people to serve Him. When the Jewish people rejected Christ, the Prince of life, He took from them the kingdom of God and gave it unto the Gentiles. God will continue to work on this principle with every branch of His work. When a church proves unfaithful to the work of the Lord, whatever their position may be, however high and sacred their calling, the Lord can no longer work with them. Others are then chosen to bear important responsibilities. But, if these in turn do not purify their lives from every wrong action, if they do not establish pure and holy principles in all their borders, then the Lord will grievously afflict and humble them and, unless they repent, will remove them from their place and make them a reproach.” Upward Look, 131.