TWO WAYS—BUT ONE RIGHT.
By E. L. Krumreig
It is noteworthy that the apostle Paul, who most strenuously upholds justification by faith in Jesus, always connects it with holy living, and frequently shows that it is the firm belief of the truth. In his epistle to Titus, after speaking of "Jesus Christ our Saviour," and being justified by his grace, and made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, he directs that the doctrine of salvation by free grace alone should be affirmed constantly in order that believers might maintain good works. Titus 3:4-8. And there can never be good works accomplished but on the principle of being justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of (man) "law." Gal. 2:16. We are now living in a most important era of our world's history. How melancholy the condition of things, and how ominous of evil the attitude of earth's nations! The great warlike powers confront each other, the blood of their embattled hosts ready to be shed in torrents, and yet amid all the turmoil how persevering and successful is man in carrying forward his gigantic schemes! We can not help being stimulated in our exertions for the cause of Christ by observing the unceasing earthly activity manifested on every side; but were this our only incentive to action, our zeal would be spurious; for all efforts and activity in promoting the Gospel which are the offsprings of mere imitation, and which originate only in the presence of activity displayed by the world, are based not on personal faith in Christ, and living communion with God, but upon nothing higher and nothing better than a desire to make a fair show in the flesh. But we have good reasons to believe that a mighty angel with the last warning message is now passing over the earth (Rev. 14:6), to seal those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And the true church of the living God, though scattered throughout the whole earth, is feeling its influence, and the result of his gracious presence and quickening power is appearing in greatly increased religious liberty and zeal for the spreading of Gospel truths. And for this we are especially thankful to Him who has given us wisdom to understand these things, which are spoken to us by His servant John. But let us ever bear in mind that the grand prerequisite to thorough usefulness is that we ourselves should be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man; and not with aid of governmental laws; that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God (Eph. 3:16-19), not with the fulness of politics. If we would be filled with the grace of God, and refreshed in our hearts, it is essential, at such a time as the present, that we should constantly recall and deeply ponder the great fundamental truths of the Word of God, upon which both religious and civil liberties rest, and out of which truths grew the Declaration of Independence, and our Constitution.6 In thus looking unto Jesus (Heb. 12:2), we are changed, strengthened, and refreshed, and the shortest road to bring this land of ours and its inhabitants to a spiritual life is by the cross of Calvary, and not by Sunday laws. Our salvation is not because we do well, or force men to do well, which always fails, but because "He in whom we trust hath done all things well." But those who would rule conscience, or make laws to bind others' consciences, look at themselves too much, and at the infinite price paid for them too little. For condemnation man may look at himself, but for comfort and strength and good Christian citizenship in truth, at our Saviour. The graces of the Spirit are good things for others to judge us by, but it is Christ himself received, believed in, rested upon, loved, and followed, that will speak peace to ourselves. It is through him alone that we can bring others to do right, act right, and observe the Sabbath, and not by the enforcement of any law can we make man believe on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, or observe Sunday or any other day or constitution contrary to God's Word. E. L. KRUMREIG.
South Lancaster, Mass.