The Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 22.
THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SUREPage 1
THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SURE.
By John G. Matteson
BY ELD. JOHN G. MATTESON. Text: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Tim. 2:19. Christ died to save his people from their sins. He is our great example. His footsteps are found only in the path of virtue. He bids his disciples follow him. His voice is distinct from all other voices. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27, 28. The chief object of all Bible truth is to lead men to believe in Christ and follow him, thus preparing them for the kingdom of Heaven. In this direction, the apostle gives us excellent instruction in the chapter from which we have already quoted. Let us further listen attentively to his words. “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Tim. 2:1–3. This epistle was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time. The time of his death was near. His noble life would soon be ended. He would be removed from the prison to the scaffold. But these facts did not seem to rest heavily on his mind. His lips uttered no complaints. No lamentations went forth from his pen. The burden that rested upon him was of a different nature. He had offered his life in the service of the gospel, and he desired greatly that this service should be continued after his death. For this reason, he instructed Timotheus carefully, and exhorted him with solemn earnestness before his departure. The apostle points out three things specially as necessary qualifications for those who should proclaim the gospel. 1. They must be faithful men. Where honesty and faithfulness are lacking, learning and ability strive in vain to promote the salvation of our fellow-men. 2. They must be able to teach others. No one can succeed in trying to teach unto others that which he never learned himself. But those who understand the truth and have some experience in the way of life can communicate some of this to others who have less. 3. They must endure hardness. Those only who will deny self and willingly suffer contempt and loss for the sake of Christ, can labor to advance the cause of truth. They must also be disentangled from those affairs in life which would hinder the work, like husbandmen who are bending all their ability to the work of bringing forth fruit from their farm, or soldiers who follow and obey their commander implicitly. Verses 4–6. “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” Verse 7. The servant of the Lord should not only be able to express his mind readily, but he needs to have some understanding in all the common affairs of life—a good degree of common sense. No calling is more difficult and responsible than that of a minister of the gospel of Christ. Yet no calling is more honorable if faithfully attended to. “They that be wise [margin, teachers; Danish, They that instruct others] shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” Dan. 12:3. Much wisdom from God is needed for this work. “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel. Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil-doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” 2 Tim. 2:8–10. The death and resurrection of Christ is the chief theme of the gospel. This we should always remember. Other truths may be important, but ought never to be used in such a way as to obscure this great truth. Paul proclaimed it. We must also proclaim it, until the coming of the Lord. For this the apostle willingly suffered trouble, and was weighed down with chains as an evil-doer. But he endured all things for the salvation of his fellow-men, that they might obtain eternal glory. Satan had raged with bitter hatred and persecution against the followers of Christ. When a large portion of the city of Rome was devoured by fire, the emperor Nero accused the Christians of being the cause of this calamity. The combined hatred of wicked men fell upon them. Thousands perished. Some were torn asunder by wild beasts. Others were consumed by fire, and served as torches to illuminate the sensual festivals of the cruel tyrant Nero. Their most active leader, Paul, was meanwhile bound as an evil-doer. The joy of the Christians was mingled with bitter elements. We might feel disposed to think that all these unfortunate circumstances would greatly hinder the advancement of the Christian religion. But the apostle testifies joyfully that “the word of God is not bound.” It is profitable to notice how the gospel was introduced and spread in the world. The founder of the Christian religion was brought up with a poor family. He worked at a humble trade most of his time on earth. He had a greater and more important mission to accomplish than any other public teacher who has appeared in the world. Yet he used only three years and a half for this wonderful work. The new doctrine should take the place of Judaism and overturn heathenism. It should be proclaimed among all the nations and tribes of the earth, and should continue unto the end of the world. He needed disciples who could receive instruction from him, and be able after his departure to propagate the Christian religion in the world. But he chose for his apostles only poor, unlearned fishermen, and he instructed them only three years and a half. Moses was forty years in Egypt, and was learned in all its wisdom. After that, he had forty years’ experience in the work and hardships of life. And still he had forty years left in which he instructed his disciples. It is not contrary to the common ways of life that such a man should gain many and have a great influence in the world. All other great men have taken a long time to perform a great work. But our Saviour performed the greatest work on earth among religious teachers, yet he did it all in a very short time. His example in this direction is most wonderful and unique. He had no human learning or education, no pecuniary means, no disciples but poor fishermen, and only three years and a half to instruct them and to build the foundation of Christianity. This leads us to ask, Why did our Saviour choose to use such humble instruments and so short a time? If he was the Son of God, the world was his own. Its learning and riches were all open to him. He might have used fifty or more years to instruct his disciples. Why, then, did he use such means? Only one reasonable answer can be returned to this question. His work was performed in this peculiar way that all coming generations might understand that this work is of the Lord; for no human wisdom or power could have accomplished anything great in such a manner. After the departure of Christ, the Christian religion was still propagated by weak instruments. The church of Christ did not number many mighty men, not many noble, not many wise men, after the flesh. Soon persecution set in. The kings of the earth and the rulers took counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed. The disciples of Christ had trial of cruel scourgings, yea, of bonds and imprisonments. They were slain with the sword and consumed by fire. The world used the best of its power and wisdom to crush those who were unlearned, and weak, and poor. Infidelity put on the mask of religion to do this the more effectually. Satan roared like a lion, and all his helpers roared with him, and satiated their terrible cruelty in streams of blood. Yet all this could not bind the word of God. It was only proclaimed with still greater power. The Lord suffered all this that the children of men might learn that true Christianity is the work of God, and that to him only belong all the praise and glory. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Verse 19. The foundation of God stands firm, although some may deny the Lord and his truth. And just as men affix a seal to every important document to prove it genuine, and to separate it from other documents, so the Lord has placed a clear and unmistakable seal on the sure foundation of his truth. This seal has two inscriptions. On the part of God is written, The Lord knoweth them that are his, and on the part of man, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Where this seal is lacking, either with a church, or with a single individual, their hope of eternal life is not built upon the sure foundation of God. Real life in Christ and communion with him lead men to depart from iniquity. “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” Verses 20, 21. This is no doubt spoken of the members of the church. Some are true, like gold and silver; others are unfaithful, and cannot endure the fiery trial. Some live for the glory of God, but others are a disgrace, both to the truth and the people of God. When thus both good and bad vessels are together in one house, it is the duty of every Christian to keep himself pure from the corruptions about him. Yet this is no easy matter; for nothing can so easily influence us for evil as to live in the same house with those who depart from Christ. Neither is this the good pleasure of God. Yet it can seldom or never be avoided. Therefore this warning is of great importance, and a gracious promise is added to it. He who will keep himself pure from such people shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. “Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Verse 22. Young believers are exposed to many temptations which do not make such deep impressions on those who are older. Yet it is the will of God that they should flee from these, and by the grace of God gain victories over them. It is a great help in this direction to keep company with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Verses 23–26. It is not our duty to meddle with all kinds of questions. But it is our duty to avoid all unnecessary questions—every thing that begets strife. In this direction, we need to learn from our Saviour, and to always be on our guard, considering what our conversation may lead us into. Not only ministers, but all Christians, should be gentle unto all men, able to endure hardness, ready to give a reason to every man that asks of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear. We all need to gather knowledge from the word of God and in the way of Christian experience, and ought willingly to communicate of our small store to others who have less. But this must be done with meekness and humility. We need not think that we can give repentance unto our fellow-men. But we can labor in hope that “God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth,” after they have been instructed in meekness. We should not cherish the idea that every one who departs from the way of truth is lost without remedy. The Lord bids us labor for such wherever we find an opportunity, “that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil.” This encourages us to labor in hope—to sow the incorruptible seed of the gospel beside all waters. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6. Then we can leave the increase unto Him who only can open the heavenly fountains and water the seed in his season. Yet we170 know that he who “soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Dear reader, may you learn to build on the sure foundation of God, and be sealed, both “with that Holy Spirit of promise,” and with that seal which God himself has placed on the foundation that “standeth sure:” “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” How little we know of each other!
As we meet here awhile and then part;
How little we learn of the sorrows,
The pains, or the joys of each heart.
Our hands fondly clasp at the greeting,
We join them again ere we go,
Yet how little we know of each other,
In this journey of life, here below. Oh, how little we know of each other!
Of the erring we meet on the way;
Or how often the faint heart has wrestled
With the tempter that leads it astray;
Or the fightings, repentings and failings,
Of the weary ones, struggling for right;
Oh, how little we know as we pass them,
How much we might aid in the fight. Oh, how little we know of each other!
Though we mingle in life's bustling throng;
Now, a light foot trips joyously past us,
Now, there's music and laughter, and song,
But we see not the wounds deeply hidden,
'Neath the covering so joyous and bright,
Oh, how little we know of each other;
How little we aid in the right. How little we know of each other!
In this journey of life here below;
We meet for awhile, and then sever,
Yet clasp trembling hands ere we go;
But there is a land o'er the river,
Where no heart-ache or farewell can come,
There—there, we shall know one another!
The Father's dear children, at home.
—Sel. THE SPARTA CAMP-MEETING.
By Ellen G. White
At 8 o'clock A. M. on the Sabbath, prayer and conference meeting commenced. A brother said, “My course is onward and upward. I have been benefited since I came here. If we have a burden of sins, we may take them to Jesus, and he will give us peace and rest.” A brother said, “I am thankful for this privilege. The Lord is good to me. He strengthens me to do my duty. I realize the goodness of God to me more fully than I have in the past.” A sister said, “I feel unworthy of this privilege. Since I have embraced the truth the Spirit of the Lord has been striving with me, impressing me with the belief that I ought to tell my brethren in Sweden these great truths. I am afraid the Lord will take away his blessing from me if I resist his power and neglect his voice.” A sister said, “I am thankful for this privilege. I feel encouraged when I hear the testimonies of God’s commandment-keeping people. I want to keep pace with the truth.” A sister said, “It is a great cross for me to speak here. I love the truth. I have not had one doubt in regard to it since I first embraced it. If our fellowship below is so sweet, what heights of rapture shall we realize when we meet around the great white throne to praise God and the Lamb forever?” A sister said, “I give God the praise for the blessing I have felt at this meeting. I want a deep work of grace in my heart and to live right in the sight of the Lord every day.” A brother said, “The Lord is good. I feel great interest in the work. I do not feel anxious for merely a happy flight of feeling, but I want a solemn sense of the importance of this sacred work.” A sister said, “I feel weak and unworthy; I want to be strong in overcoming every defect in my character. Notwithstanding my weakness and unworthiness, I believe Jesus loves me and will help me to live aright.” A young sister said, “I do feel determined to overcome my sins and meet you on Mount Zion.” A sister said, “I feel thankful for the privilege of this meeting; I want to be an overcomer and share in the certain reward at last. I praise my Heavenly Father for the light of truth. I want to walk humbly before God, doing every duty.” A sister said, “I feel that it is my privilege to claim more blessings from the Lord. I can and must step out by faith into a clearer knowledge of the truth and a deeper love of God.” A brother said, “This is the first camp-meeting I have attended. I have anticipated this blessed privilege for several weeks, and have felt great joy in coming here to meet with the Lord’s people. I feel thankful for the blessing which has been poured out upon this people. I want to shout glory when I shall see the Lord coming with power and majesty in the clouds of heaven.” A brother said, “I rejoice in God to-day that he has permitted me to see the light of the truth. It has been but a little time that I have kept the commandments of God. I have not for one moment felt a doubt of the truth.” A sister said, “I am thankful that God sent the truth to me. I am determined to overcome by the grace of God and have a home in the kingdom.” A sister said, “Praise the Lord! I want to be a meek follower of my Saviour, and know for myself how to perform every duty. Jesus loves me. I love the truth. I want, through grace, to overcome all my sins and be right with God and have the crown of life.” A brother said, “I have strayed from my Heavenly Father and earnestly desire to return and overcome my evil ways.” A sister said, “I thank God that I see so many witnesses for the truth. I love you all. I love the truth. I love my Heavenly Father. Praise his holy name! ‘Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.’” A brother said, “I came to this meeting with the expectation of receiving a great blessing. The second sermon I heard here I felt belonged to me. I could not get rid of the impression. I prayed to the Lord in the grove and found relief. Nothing has delighted me so much as these meetings. The testimonies of my brethren have strengthened me. I feel happy this morning. God has heard and answered my prayers.” A sister said, “I feel truly thankful for the truth. It has done a great work for me.” A sister said, “I feel to praise God, looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. We need a blessed, holy, purifying work at the hands of God. Precious grace is always ready for us when we really desire it to help us in our work.” A brother said, “I feel almost discouraged sometimes, but I am convinced that if I go to God in faith and ask him to help me, he will not refuse. I felt sure this morning of the Spirit of God in my heart. I have not felt so deeply for years. Good angels are around us now. While here at this meeting the current runs smoothly, but when we go home, we again take up our daily labors and we must row against the stream. We must get much of the Spirit of God to carry with us and help us on our way. We know that Jesus loves us and will assist us each day. Watch unto prayer. Every action should be performed with an eye single to the glory of God.” A sister said, “I feel very thankful for the privilege of this meeting. I have not kept the Sabbath long. I have received light upon the health reform for which I praise God.” A sister said, “Praise God this morning for the precious truth! I hope to be ever steadfast, clinging to the unchanging word of God. I want to develop a holy character, and be guided by God’s Holy Spirit. I feel that angels are around us. God has blessed us. I love to be with his dear people, refreshed with them by showers of grace.” A brother said, “I can truly say my heart rejoices in God. I have enlisted in a good cause. I trust in my Saviour. Thank God that he has caused me to see the light and beauty of the truth. To-day is the holy Sabbath of the Lord. This the word of God plainly declares. I want to give the world a bright example by living out the truth every day.” A sister said, “We are alone in Kilbourn, but we desire to so watch and exert a right influence that others may take knowledge of us that our daily walk accords with our profession.” A brother said, “I am thankful for the goodness of God; I have received a blessing on this camp-ground. I have thought it was useless for me to try to overcome, but I dared not give up the effort. Now I am determined to serve the Lord, and will watch and pray that I may resist the temptations of the enemy.” A sister said, “The first sermon I heard from Bro. Smith, I felt that now was the time to waken out of sleep. This first sermon roused me and did my soul good. The second one I heard from sister White was from the text, ‘Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.’ This discourse seemed to apply to me. I needed it, and I am trying to improve according to its precepts by humbling my heart before God.” A sister said, “This is a blessed privilege for me. I have been among the lonely ones for fourteen years, trying to do my duty without the encouragement of mingling with the people of God. I have never heard the truth preached before. I feel to rejoice that at last I have had that blessed privilege. The Lord has blessed me abundantly. I want to do his will, overcome, and finally wear the crown of immortal life.” Another sister said, “I am truly thankful for this blessed privilege. One year ago the Lord sent his precious truth to me. I praise his name that I ever received this light. I want to be faithful in every duty and receive the reward at last.” Still another sister said, “I feel thankful to God for the light of truth and for his presence here. I feel that my wisdom is all weakness, but I pray God to make my influence such as will lead others to a knowledge of the truth. The Lord has blessed me with his Holy Spirit, and my heart is made glad by the promise of eternal life.” A German brother said, “I am thankful for this precious privilege of meeting with the people of God. I want to be a doer of the word and not a hearer only. I feel happy in the love of God, and the knowledge that Jesus pleads even for unworthy me. If I should keep my seat, not offering my testimony here, I feel that I should be denying Christ, and slighting the opportunity to speak of his mercies to me. My brother cannot do my duty for me. I must acknowledge the truth on my own account, and the goodness of God in my behalf. I cannot express my feelings as some can, but God knows my heart and will accept my humble efforts if I do the best I can in his service. A few years ago one hundred Sabbath-keepers met at Battle Creek. To-day I am astonished at the prosperity of the cause. We see around us a multitude taking hold of the truth. I want to work for my countrymen. I want to do something for this glorious cause which God will approve and accept.” A sister said, “I rejoice to see and feel the saving Spirit of God in this meeting. I am glad of this opportunity. My sands of life are running out. I thought I might live till Jesus came in the clouds of heaven. It may be I shall yet live to see that day; for I believe in the soon coming of the Saviour of the world. I have experienced much toil and pain and sorrow in my life, but the blessed hope of a future life has sustained me through all my tribulations. By the grace of God I hope to sing the new song of praise and deliverance over on the other shore.” A brother said, “My mind for some time past has been upon the things of this world; but I feel that this will not do, that I am thereby periling my chance of eternal life, and I am determined to be more zealous in the service of the Lord. I praise God for the great blessing that has been given me at this meeting. I feel that I am unworthy of so great a privilege. Praise the Lord for his mercies unto me!” Another brother said, “It is encouraging to hear what the Lord is doing for his people. I came out from the scoffing world and embraced this precious truth, and have never had cause to regret so doing; for I have found great peace and happiness in the path to immortal life.” Still another said, “I am thankful to God for his many blessings. I am trying to overcome, that I may meet the saints of God in his everlasting kingdom.” And another said, “I am rejoiced to see so many of God’s people obeying his truth. The Lord looks down upon his children and loves them. He cares for his people and will shield them from calamity. Let us work out our salvation with fear and trembling, looking forward to the reward of the faithful.” A sister said, “I love God. He has done great things for me. Christ has made known to me my duty. Two years ago I felt that I ought to change my course and strive to subdue my stubborn heart, but I would not yield to obey the truth till one year ago when I began to live a Christian life. The prayers offered in my behalf were answered. Thank God, I could be hard and stubborn no longer. I had been long enough a sad stumbling-block in my husband’s way, but I trust now to help and comfort him.” A brother said, “Thank God for his blessing which rejoices my heart. The good testimonies borne here have strengthened and encouraged me. Praise God for his love and favor! Four years ago I commenced to keep the Sabbath. I believe in the soon-coming of my Saviour. I do not want to look backward, but forward toward immortal life. Between thirty and forty years ago my mother began to keep the fourth commandment, and has kept it ever since that time and will keep it while she lives.” A sister said, “I want to overcome every sin in myself and try by my conversation and example to lead sinners to God.” A brother said, “I thank God for this privilege. I am rejoicing in the pardoning grace of God. I have been pleading with the Lord in the grove, and I have been greatly blessed. I have tried to serve God for thirty-five years, but I have been careless in reading his word, and have not seen the Sabbath and kept it. To shun the appearance of evil I have kept Sunday as the Lord’s day. In regard to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, I thought with Paul, ‘Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.’ I commenced to search the word of God, to see for myself the evidences upon the Sabbath, not for the purpose of opposing any doctrine or faith, but to gather the facts. In consequence of this earnest study, I became settled upon the Sabbath question, and now I keep the commandments of God, and my soul is happy. I feel that I have gained a great victory, and I praise the Lord for his grace that has permitted me to see and understand the truth.” In the Catechism of the Wesleyan Methodists of Canada, compiled by order of the Conference, and published in Toronto, in 1868, for the use of families and schools connected with that body, we find the following questions and answers relative to the law of God which, doubtless, would be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW:— “What is the law of God?” “The law of God is his will respecting mankind in general, both as to what they are to do, and to leave undone.” “Where is the law of God to be found?” “The law of God is to be found in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.” “What is said of the excellency of this law in the Scriptures?” “The Scriptures say of the excellency of the law of God that ‘the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.’ (Rom. 7:12.)” “Did not Jesus Christ sum up the whole law of God in two great commandments?” “Jesus Christ summed up the whole law of God in these two great commandments; namely,—‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ Matt. 22: 37–40.” “Have we not a larger summary of the law of God also in the Scriptures?” “In the Scriptures we have a larger summary171 of the law of God contained in the ten commandments, first written by the finger of God on two tables of stone, and given to Moses, but now recorded in the twentieth chapter of the book of Exodus.” “Have these ten commandments any particular name?” “The particular name by which these ten commandments are called is the moral law, as in substance containing all the moral duties required of all mankind in the Scriptures; and they are called the moral law also, to distinguish them from the laws given by God to the children of Israel respecting the ceremonies of religious worship, and their political duties, which were chiefly binding upon the Israelites only.” “Repeat the ten commandments.” Here they are repeated verbatim as they are found in Ex. 20: 3–17. “What do you chiefly learn by these commandments?” “By these commandments I chiefly learn two things; my duty toward God, and my duty toward my neighbor.” “What is your duty toward God?” “My duty toward God is to believe in him, to fear him, and to love him with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength; to worship him, to give him thanks, to put my whole trust in him, to call upon him, to honor his holy name, his Sabbath, and his word, and to serve him truly all the days of my life.” “What is your duty toward your neighbor?” “My duty toward my neighbor is to love him as myself, and to do to all men as I would they should do unto me; to love, honor, and succor my father and mother; . . . to order myself lowly and reverently to all my betters; to hurt nobody by word or deed; to be true and just in all my dealings; to bear no malice nor hatred in my heart; to keep my hands from picking and stealing, and my tongue from evil-speaking, lying, and slandering; to keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity; not to covet or desire other men’s goods; but to labor to get my own living, and to so do my duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call me.” “What other information does the Scripture give us respecting the law of God?” “The other information which the Scripture gives us respecting the law of God is that these ten commandments are further explained and enforced, and the principles they contain applied to various duties and cases, both in the Old and the New Testament.” “Where is this further explanation and enforcement given in particular?” “The law of God is further explained and enforced, and its principles applied to various duties and uses, particularly in our Lord’s sermon on the mount, and his discourses at other times, where he explains the extensive meaning of the moral law, and enjoins its observance upon all his disciples to the end of time. Matt. 5: 18: ‘Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.’” We find further on this subject as follows:— “What explanations of the ten commandments do we find in the New Testament?” “Our Lord hath explained the law of God by teaching us that the ten commandments do not only forbid sin in outward actions, but also in the thoughts and purposes of the mind. Matt. 5:21, 22: ‘It was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment,’ etc.” “Does not St. James teach us that if we break but one of the commandments, we shall fall into condemnation?” “St. James teaches us that if we break but one of the commandments, we shall fall into condemnation; for he says that ‘whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all!’ James 2:10.” On the transgression of the law we find the following:— “What doth every sin deserve?” “Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come. Rom. 6:23: ‘The wages of sin is death.’” “Does the law of God promise the pardon of sin to those who have transgressed it?”},{ LIVING AFTER THE FLESH.
By E. GOODRICH
A CERTAIN well-informed, intelligent minister of the gospel, while preaching a discourse from the words, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1), related in substance the following anecdote. While on his circuit visiting from house to house, inquiring into the spiritual welfare of his flock and neighbors, he called upon a certain lady somewhat advanced in life and one who had been for years a professor of religion. He found her sitting by the fire-place smoking her pipe, apparently in trouble and deep study. She had been weeping. There were evidences of want and a great lack of thrift about the house. The family consisted mainly of husband, wife, and several nearly men-grown boys, all of whom used tobacco. The family were poor; they had always been poor; and to add to their troubles a rich, money-lending, money-grabbing neighbor, who had mortgaged their little farm, was about to foreclose said mortgage, and cause them suffering. This was the cause of her recent weeping. At first, the minister said but little, but sat in comparative silence listening to the woman's tale of woes. After she was through he turned to her and said, “Well, sister, there is one thing about it, your weeping will do no good. It will neither soften the hard heart of your neighbor, nor will it give you peace of mind or supply your needs. But if yourself and husband and boys would only throw away your pipes and tobacco, in a few years you would save enough to buy a farm and be out of debt.” But the woman in reply said, “You would not deprive us of all the comfort we take in this world, would you?” As though the Christian could find more comfort in the bowl of a pipe or the bottom of a tea-cup, than in the blessed hope of the gospel and the contemplation of divine things. And it is a matter to be greatly feared that many who profess religion and have a fair outside and a form of godliness are living more after the flesh than walking after the Spirit. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, are so bewitching and enchanting, and apparently so harmless, that we soon fall in love with the world, lose our spirituality, and are seeking enjoyment in the things of this life more than in those things that pertain to another life. THAT IS MY OPINION.
By A. W. B.
Certainly; we admit that, but opinion is a very weak basis upon which to rest your hopes of eternal life. What is opinion? Webster defines it thus: “A conviction of the truth of some statement, founded on a low degree of probable evidence.” Are you quite sure that your convictions of the truth of certain statements, made in reference to the holy word of God, are not founded on a very low degree of evidence? Now it is a fact that multitudes of professing Christians possess a belief which is founded upon a mass of opinions, many of which are absolutely unsupported by the Bible. Many are in the habit of accepting the interpretation of Scripture as given by their pastors, without once searching for the evidences of its truthfulness. Is this wise? Of course you have unbounded confidence in your spiritual adviser, that he would not knowingly lead you wrong; but suppose he should unintentionally teach error, and you should accept it for the truth. Would you not suffer for it, when the Bible is so near at hand, and so easily understood with the Spirit for your interpreter? “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good,” implies that many things will be taught as being the word of God which it will not do to accept as truth. Opinions are formed upon very slight evidences; the longer they are held the stronger they become, and they not infrequently ripen into solid belief. Then you do well to dig down to the foundations of your belief, and see whether it is composed of the sand of mere opinion, or the rock of abundant scriptural evidence. Mr. Jones says, “It is my opinion that it makes no difference which day I keep as the Sabbath, if I observe one out of the seven. We are commanded to keep the seventh day, and do I not keep the right one, counting from Monday as the first day?” Every one should know that Sunday is the first day, and not Monday. The Bible teaches the observance of a definite day, and that the only one considered as sacred is the day upon which the Lord rested from the labor of creation. The original word for Sabbath is rest, and the commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day,” is equivalent to the expression, “Remember the rest-day.” That Saturday is the Sabbath can be proved by referring to the words of Christ, where he acknowledged the so-called Jewish Sabbath and no other. Matt. 12:12. Mr. Smith is of the opinion that Christ or the apostles changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday; but not one word to that effect is found in the Bible. Mr. Brown’s opinion of Christ’s second advent is, that as there is no knowing the definite time of that event, we are not to know that his approach is near; therefore I need not pay any particular attention to that subject. But we are to know of his near coming by certain infallible signs which have occurred; viz., the darkening of the sun in 1780; the falling of the stars in 1833; signs upon the earth in regard to the movements of nations; storms and tempests; fires and earthquakes; increase of crime; scoffers saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” and many others which are fulfilled, and are being fulfilled. If Mr. B. will carefully and prayerfully read Matt. 24, he will be convinced that he is resting his faith merely upon opinion. But I leave this matter with you. Perhaps your case is not similar to any of those mentioned; if it is, I beseech you, as you value your soul’s welfare, to search the Scriptures and see if these things are so. It is to the shame of the Christian people of to-day that they are so ignorant of the Scriptures. Remember that because we love you, we would have you come to a knowledge of the truth and rest your hopes on the unchanging rock of truth, but not upon the sands of opinion.