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FOR often it has been proved that what the Apostle says really takes
place. "For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light," so
that he deceitfully sheds abroad a confusing and foul obscuration of the
thoughts instead of the true light of knowledge. And unless these thoughts
are received in a humble and gentle heart, and kept for the consideration
of some more experienced brother or approved Elder, and when thoroughly
sifted by their judgment, either rejected or admitted by us, we shall be
sure to venerate in our thoughts an angel of darkness instead of an angel
of light, and be smitten with a grievous destruction: an injury which it is
impossible for any one to avoid who trusts in his own judgment, unless he
becomes a lover and follower of true humility and with all contrition of
heart fulfils what the Apostle chiefly prays for: "If then there be any
consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any bowels of compassion,
fulfil ye my joy, that you be of one mind, having the same love, being of
one accord, doing nothing by contention, neither by vainglory; but in
humility each esteeming others better than themselves;" and this: "in
honour preferring one another," that each may think more of the
knowledge and holiness of his partner, and hold that the better part of
true discretion is to be found in the judgment of another rather than in
his own.
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