e church; yet He connected with Himself men who were
faulty in character, and granted them the benefits of His teachings and
example, that they might have an opportunity to see their errors and
correct them. Among the twelve apostles was a traitor.

Judas was accepted, not because of his defects of character, but
notwithstanding them. He was connected with the disciples, that, through
the instruction and example of Christ, he might learn what constitutes
Christian character, and thus be led to see his errors, to repent, and by
the aid of divine grace, to purify his soul "in obeying the truth." But
Judas did not walk in the light so graciously permitted to shine upon him.
By indulgence in sin, he invited the temptations of Satan. His evil traits
of character became predominant. He yielded his mind to the control of the
powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were reproved, and
thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master. So do
all who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who
disturb their peace by condemning their course of sin. When a favorable
opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those who for
their good have sought to reprove them.

The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness while
they were secretly cherishing iniquity. Ananias and Sapphira acted the
part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God, when
they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves. The Spirit of
truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders, and
the judgments of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity.
This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was
a terror to hypocrites and evil-doers. They could not long remain in
connection with those who were, in habit and disposition, constant
representatives of Christ; and as trials and persecution came upon His
followers, those only who were willing to forsake all for the truth's sake
desired to become His disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued,
the church remained comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were
added who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was opened for Satan
to obtain a foothold.

But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of
darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When
Christians consented to unite with those who were but half convert