Christian Temperance. God gives man no permission to violate
the laws of his being. But man, through yielding to Satan's temptations
to indulge intemperance, brings the higher faculties in subjection
to the animal appetites and passions, and when these gain the ascendency,
man, who was created a little lower than the angels, with faculties
susceptible of the highest cultivation, surrenders to the control
of Satan. And he gains easy access to those who are in bondage to
appetite. Through intemperance, some sacrifice one-half, and others
two-thirds, of their physical, mental, and moral powers, and become
playthings for the enemy.
Those who would have clear minds to discern Satan's devices, must
have their physical appetites under the control of reason and conscience.
The moral and vigorous action of the higher powers of the mind are
essential to the perfection of Christian character, and the strength
or the weakness of the mind has very much to do with our usefulness
in this world, and with our final salvation. The ignorance that
has prevailed in regard to God's law in our physical nature, is
deplorable. Intemperance of any kind is a violation of the laws
of our being. Imbecility is prevailing to a fearful extent. Sin
is made attractive by the covering of light which Satan throws over
it, and he is well pleased when he can hold the Christian world
in their daily habits under the tyranny of custom, like the heathen,
and allow appetite to govern them.
If men and women of intelligence have their moral powers benumbed
through intemperance of any kind, they are, in many of their habits,
elevated but little above the heathen. Satan is constantly drawing
the people from saving light, to custom and fashion, irrespective
of physical, mental, and moral health. The great enemy knows that
if appetite and passion predominate, the health of body and strength
of intellect are sacrificed upon the altar of self-gratification,
and man is brought to speedy ruin. If enlightened intellect holds
the reins, controlling the animal propensities and keeping them
in subjection to the moral powers, Satan well knows that his power
to overcome with his temptations is very small.
In our day, people talk of the dark ages, and boast of progress.
But with this progress wickedness and crime do not decrease. We
deplore the absence of natural simplicity, and the increase of artificial
display. Health, strength, beauty, and long life, which were common
in the so-called "dark ages," are rare now. Nearly everything desirable
is sacrificed to meet the demands of fashionable life.
A large share of the Christian world have no right to call themselves
Christians. Their habits, their extravagance, and general treatment
of their own bodies, are violations of physical law, and contrary
to the Bible. They are working out for themselves, in their course
of life, physical suffering, and mental and moral feebleness.
Through his devices, Satan, in many respects, has made the domestic
life one of care and complicated burdens, in order to meet the demands
of fashion. His purpose in doing this is to keep minds occupied
so fully with the things of this life that they can give but little
attention to their highest interest. Intemperance in eating and
in dressing has so engrossed the minds of the Christian world that
they do not take time to become intelligent in regard to the laws
of their being, that they may obey them. To profess the name of
Christ is of but little account, if the life does not correspond
with the will of God, revealed in his word.
In the wilderness of temptation Christ overcame appetite. His example
of self-denial, and self-control, when suffering the gnawing pangs
of hunger, is a rebuke to the Christian world for their dissipation
and gluttony. There is at this time nine times as much money expended
for the gratification of appetite, and the indulgence of foolish
and hurtful lusts, as there is given to advance the gospel of Christ.
Were Peter upon the earth now, he would exhort the professed followers
of Christ to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.
And Paul would call upon the churches in general, to cleanse themselves
from "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness
in the fear of God." And Christ would drive from the temple those
who are defiled by the use of tobacco, polluting the sanctuary of
God by their tobacconized breaths. He would say to these worshipers,
as he did to the Jews, "My house shall be called of all nations
the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." We would
say to such, your unholy offerings of ejected quids of tobacco defile
the temple, and are abhorred of God. Your worship is not acceptable,
for your bodies, which should be the temple for the Holy Ghost,
are defiled. You also rob the treasury of God of thousands of dollars
through the indulgence of unnatural appetite. 60
If we would see the standard of virtue and godliness exalted, as
Christians, we have a work devolving upon us individually to control
appetite, the indulgence of which counteracts the force of truth,
and weakens moral power to resist and overcome temptation. As Christ's
followers, we should, in eating and drinking, act from principle.
When we obey the injunction of the apostle, "Whether therefore ye
eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,"
thousands of dollars which are now sacrificed upon the altar of
hurtful lust will flow into the Lord's treasury, multiplying publications
in different languages to be scattered like the leaves of autumn.
Missions will be established in other nations, and then will the
followers of Christ be indeed the light of the world.
The adversary of souls is working in these last days with greater
power than ever before, to accomplish the ruin of man through the
indulgence of appetite and passions. And many who are held by Satan
under the power of slavish appetite, are the professed followers
of Christ. They profess to worship God, while appetite is their
god. Their unnatural desires for these indulgences are not controlled
by reason or judgment. Those who are slaves to tobacco will see
their families suffering for the conveniences of life, and for necessary
food, yet they have not the power of will to forego their tobacco.
The clamors of appetite prevail over natural affection, and this
brute passion controls them. The cause of Christianity, and even
humanity, would not in any case be sustained, if dependent upon
those in the habitual use of tobacco and liquor. If they had means
to use only in one direction, the treasury of God would not be replenished,
but they would have their tobacco and liquor, for the tobacco idolater
will not deny his appetite for the cause of God.
It is impossible for such men to realize the binding claims and
holiness of the law of God, for their brain and nerves are deadened
by the use of this narcotic. They cannot value the atonement or
appreciate the worth of immortal life. The indulgence of fleshly
lusts wars against the soul. The apostle in the most impressive
language addresses Christians, "I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God." If the body is saturated with liquor
and defiled by tobacco, it is not holy and acceptable to God. Satan
knows that it cannot be, and for this reason he brings his temptations
to bear upon the point of appetite, that he may bring us into bondage
to this propensity and thus work our ruin.
The Jewish sacrifices were all examined with careful scrutiny to
see if any blemish was upon them, or if they were tainted with disease,
and the least defect or impurity was a sufficient reason for the
priests to reject them. The offering must be sound and valuable.
The apostle has in view the requirements of God upon the Jews in
their offerings when he in the most earnest manner appeals to his
brethren to present their bodies a living sacrifice. Not a diseased,
decaying offering, but a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto
God.
How many come to the house of God in feebleness, and how many come
defiled by the indulgence of their own appetite! Those who have
degraded themselves by wrong habits, when they assemble for the
worship of God, give forth such emanations from their diseased bodies
as to be disgusting to those around them. And how offensive must
this be to a pure and holy God.
A large proportion of all the infirmities that afflict the human
family, are the results of their own wrong habits, because of their
willing ignorance, or of their disregard of the light which God
has given in relation to the laws of their being. It is not possible
for us to glorify God while living in violation of the laws of life.
The heart cannot possibly maintain consecration to God while the
lustful appetite is indulged. A diseased body and disordered intellect,
because of continual indulgence in hurtful lust, make sanctification
of the body and spirit impossible. The apostle understood the importance
of the healthful conditions of the body for the successful perfection
of Christian character. He says, "I keep under my body, and bring
it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached
to others, I myself should be a castaway." He mentions the fruit
of the Spirit, among which is temperance. "And they that are Christ's
have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
Men and women indulge appetite at the expense of health and their
powers of intellect, so that they cannot appreciate the plan of
salvation. What appreciation can such have of the temptation of
Christ in the wilderness, and of the victory he gained upon the
point of appetite. It is impossible for them to have exalted views
of God, and to realize the claims of his law. The proposed followers
of Christ are forgetful of the great sacrifice made by him on their
account. The majesty of Heaven, in order to bring salvation within
their reach, was smitten, bruised, and afflicted. He became a man
of sorrow and acquainted with grief. In the wilderness of temptation
he resisted Satan, although the tempter was clothed with the livery
of Heaven. Christ, although brought to great physical suffering,
refused to yield a single point, notwithstanding the most flattering
inducements were presented to bribe and influence him to yield his
integrity. All this honor, all this riches and glory, said the deceiver,
will I give thee if thou wilt only acknowledge my claims.
Christ was firm. Oh! where would now be the salvation of thee race,
if Christ had been as weak in moral power as man? No wonder that
joy filled Heaven as the fallen chief left the wilderness of temptation,
a conquered foe. Christ has power from his Father to give his divine
grace and strength to man--making it possible for us, through his
name, to overcome. There are but few professed followers of Christ
who choose to engage with him in the work of resisting Satan's temptation
as he resisted and overcame.
Professed Christians, who enjoy gatherings of gaiety, pleasure,
and feasting, cannot appreciate the conflict of Christ in the wilderness.
This example of their Lord in overcoming Satan is lost to them.
This infinite victory which Christ achieved for them in the plan
of salvation, is meaningless. They have no special interest in the
wonderful humiliation of our Saviour, and the anguish and sufferings
he endured for sinful man, while Satan was pressing him with his
manifold temptations. The scene of trial with Christ in the wilderness
was the foundation of the plan of salvation, and gives to fallen
man the key whereby he, in Christ's name, may overcome.
Many professed Christian look upon this portion of the life of Christ
as they would upon a common warfare between two kings, and as having
no special bearing upon their own life and character. Therefore,
the manner of warfare, and the wonderful victory gained, have but
little interest for them. Their perceptive powers are blunted by
Satan's artifices, so that they cannot discern that he who afflicted
Christ in the wilderness, determined to rob him of his integrity
as the Son of the Infinite, is to be their adversary to the end
of time. Although he failed to overcome Christ, his power is not
weakened over man. All are personally exposed to the temptations
that Christ overcame, but strength is provided for them in the all-powerful
name of the great conqueror. And all must, for themselves, individually
overcome. Many fall under the very same temptations wherewith Satan
assailed Christ.
Although Christ gained a priceless victory in behalf of man in overcoming
the temptations of Satan in the wilderness, this victory will not
benefit him unless he also gains the victory on his own account.
Man now has the advantage over Adam in his warfare with Satan; for
he has Adam's experience in disobedience and his consequent fall
to warn him to shun his example. Man also has Christ's example in
overcoming appetite and the manifold temptations of Satan, and in
vanquishing the mighty foe upon every point, and coming off victor
in every contest. If man stumbles and falls under the temptations
of Satan, he is without excuse; for he has the disobedience of Adam
as a warning, and the life of the world's Redeemer as an example
of obedience and self-denial, and the promise of Christ that "to
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even
as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Church Festivals
Church Festivals. Professed Christians engage in feastings
and in scenes of amusement which degrade the religion of Jesus Christ.
It is impossible for those who find pleasure in church socials,
festivals, and numerous gatherings for pleasure, to have ardent
love and sacred reverence for Jesus. His words of warning and instruction
have no weight upon their minds. Should Christ come into the assembly
of those who were absorbed in their plays and frivolous amusements,
would the solemn melody of his voice be heard in benediction, saying,
"Peace be to this house"? How would the Saviour of the world enjoy
these scenes of gaiety and folly?
Christians and the world unite, one in heart and one in spirit,
in these festal occasions. The Man of sorrows, who was acquainted
with grief, would find no welcome in these places of amusement.
The lovers of pleasure and luxury, the thoughtless and the gay are
collected in these rooms, and the glitter and tinsel of fashion
are seen everywhere. The ornament of crosses of gold and pearl,
which represent a Redeemer crucified, adorn their persons. But the
one whom these highly-prized jewels represents, finds no welcome,
no room. His presence would be a restraint upon their mirth and
their sensual amusements, and would remind them of neglected duty,
and bring to their remembrance hidden sins which caused that sorrowful
countenance, and made those eyes so sad and tearful.
The presence of Christ would be positively painful in these gatherings
for pleasure. Surely, none could invite him there, for his countenance
is marred with sorrows more than the sons of men, because of these
very amusements which put God out of mind, and make the broad road
attractive to the sinner. The enchantments of these exciting scenes
pervert reason, and destroy reverence for sacred things. Ministers
who profess to be Christ's representatives frequently take the lead
in these frivolous amusements. "Ye are," says Christ, "the light
of the world." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."
In what manner is the light of truth shining from that thoughtless,
pleasure-seeking company? Professed followers of Jesus Christ who
indulge in gaiety and feasting cannot be partakers with Christ of
his sufferings. They have no sense of his sufferings. They do not
care to meditate upon self-denial and sacrifice. They find but little
interest in studying the marked points in the history of the life
of Christ upon which the plan of salvation rests, but imitate ancient
Israel who ate and drank and rose up to play. In order to copy a
pattern correctly we must carefully study its design. If we are
indeed to overcome as Christ overcame, that we may mingle with the
blood-washed, glorified company before the throne of God, it is
of the highest importance that we become acquainted with the life
of our Redeemer and deny self as did Christ. We must meet temptations
and overcome obstacles, and through toil and suffering, in the name
of Jesus, overcome as he overcame.
The great trial of Christ in the wilderness on the point of appetite
was to leave man an example of self-denial. This long fast was to
convict men of sinfulness of the things in which professed Christians
indulge. The victory which Christ gained in the wilderness was to
show man the sinfulness of the very things in which he takes such
pleasure. The salvation of man was in the balance, and to be decided
by the trial of Christ in the wilderness. If Christ was a victor
on the point of appetite, then there was a chance for man to overcome.
If Satan gained the victory through his subtlety, man was bound
by the power of appetite in chains of indulgence which he could
not have moral power to break. Christ's humanity alone could never
have endured this test, but his divine power combined with humanity
gained in behalf of man an infinite victory. Our representative
in this victory raised humanity in the scale of moral value with
God.
Christians, who understand the mystery of godliness, who have a
high and sacred sense of the atonement, who realize in the sufferings
of Christ in the wilderness a victory gained for them, would see
such marked contrast between these things and the church gatherings
for pleasure and the indulgence of appetite, as would turn them
in disgust from these scenes of revelry. Christians would be greatly
strengthened by earnestly and frequently comparing their lives with
the true standard, the life of Christ. The numerous socials, festivals,
and picnics, to tempt the appetite to over-indulgence, and the amusements
which lead to levity and forgetfulness of God, can find no sanction
in the example of Christ,the world's Redeemer, the only safe pattern
for man to copy if he would overcome as Christ overcame.
We present the faultless pattern to all Christians. Says Christ,
"Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savor,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing,
but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the
light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on
a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." The light of
Heaven is to be reflected through Christ's followers to the world.
This is the Christian's life-work to direct the minds of sinners
to God. The Christian's life should awaken in the hearts of worldlings
high and elevated views of the purity of the Christian religion.
This will make believers the salt of the earth, the saving power
in our world; for a well-developed Christian character is harmonious
in all its parts.
We tremble for the youth of our day, because of the example
that is given them by those who profess to be Christians. We cannot
close the door of temptation to the youth, but we can educate them
that their words and their actions may have a direct bearing upon
their future happiness or misery. They will be exposed to temptation.
They will meet foes without and foes within, but they can be instructed
to stand firm in their integrity, having moral principle to resist
temptation. The lessons given our youth by world-loving professors
are doing great harm. The festal gatherings, the gluttonous feasts,
the lotteries, tableau and theatrical performances, are doing a
work that will bear a record with its burden of results to the Judgment.
All these inconsistencies, sanctioned by professed Christians under
a garb of Christian beneficence, to collect means to pay church
expenses, have their influence with the youth to make them lovers
of pleasures more than lovers of God. They think if Christians can
encourage and engage in these lotteries and scenes of festivities,
and connect them with sacred things, why may not they be safe in
taking an interest in lotteries, and in engaging in gambling to
win money for special objects.
It is Satan's studied plan to clothe sin with garments of light
to hide its deformity, and make it attractive. And ministers and
people professing righteousness unite with the adversary of souls
to help him in his plans. Never was there a time when every member
of the church should feel his responsibility to walk humbly and
circumspectly before God as at the present. Vain philosophy, false
creeds, and infidelity, are on the increase. And many who bear the
name of Christ's followers are, through pride of heart, seeking
popularity, and are drifting away from the established landmarks.
The plain commands of God in his word are discarded because they
are so plain and old-fashioned, while vain and vague theories attract
the mind and please the fancy. In these scenes of church festivities,
there is a union with the world that the word of God does not justify.
Christians and worldlings are united in them.
But the apostle inquires:--
"What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what
communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ
with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are
the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in
them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall
be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate,
saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive
you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
When we are able to comprehend the temptations and victories
of the Son of God while in severe conflict with Satan, we shall
have a more correct idea of the greatness of the work before us
in overcoming. Satan knew that if he failed, his case was hopeless.
If he succeeded, he had gained a victory over the entire race, and
his life and kingdom he thought would be established.
In professedly Christian gatherings, Satan throws a religious garment
over delusive pleasures and unholy revelings to give them the appearance
of sanctity, and the consciences of many are quieted because means
are raised by these to defray church expenses. Men refuse to give
for the love of Christ; but for the love of pleasure, and the indulgence
of appetite for selfish considerations, they will part with their
money.
Is it because there is not power in the lessons of Christ upon benevolence,
and in his example, and the grace of God upon the heart, to lead
men to glorify God with their substance, that such a course must
be resorted to in order to sustain the church? The injury sustained
to the physical, mental, and moral health in these scenes of amusement
and gluttony, is not small. And the day of final reckoning will
show souls lost through the influence of these scenes of gaiety
and folly.
It is a deplorable fact that sacred and eternal considerations do
not have that power to open the hearts of the professed followers
of Christ to make free-will offerings to sustain the gospel as the
temptation of feasting and general merriment. It is a sad reality
that these inducements will prevail when sacred and eternal things
will have no force to influence the heart to engage in works of
benevolence.
The plan of Moses in the wilderness to raise means was highly successful.
There was no compulsion necessary. Moses made no grand feast, and
he did not invite the people to scenes of gaiety, dancing, and general
amusement. Neither did he institute lotteries or anything of this
profane order to obtain means to erect the tabernacle of God in
the wilderness. God commanded Moses to invite the children of Israel
to bring their offerings. Moses was to accept gifts of every man
that gave willingly from his heart. But the free-will offerings
came in so great abundance that Moses proclaimed it was enough.
They must cease their presents; for they had given abundantly, more
than they could use.
Satan's temptations succeed with the professed followers of Christ
on the point of indulgence of pleasure and appetite. Clothed as
an angel of light he will quote Scripture to justify the temptations
he places before men to indulge the appetite, and in worldly pleasures
which suit the carnal heart. The professed followers of Christ are
weak in moral power, and are fascinated with the bribe which Satan
has presented before them, and he gains the victory. How does God
look upon churches that are sustained by such means? Christ cannot
accept these offerings, because they were not given through their
love and devotion to him, but through their idolatry of self. But
what many would not do for the love of Christ, they will do for
the love of delicate luxuries to gratify the appetite, and for love
of worldly amusements to please the carnal heart.
The conflict of Christ with Satan in the wilderness will be regarded
with sacred interest by every true follower of Christ. We should
have feelings of the deepest gratitude to our Redeemer for teaching
us by his own example how to resist and overcome Satan. Jesus did
not visit scenes of gaiety and feasting to attain the victory so
essential to our salvation; but he went into a desolate wilderness.
Many do not even contemplate this scene of Christ in conflict with
the fallen chief. They do not enter into sympathy with their Redeemer.
Some even doubt whether Christ really felt the pangs of hunger in
his abstinence from food during the period of forty days and forty
nights.
He who suffered death for us on Calvary's cross, just as surely
suffered the keenest pangs of hunger as that he died for us. And
no sooner did this suffering commence than Satan was at hand with
his temptations. We have a foe no less vigilant to contend with.
Satan adapts his temptations to our circumstances. In every temptation
he will present some bribe, some apparent good to be gained. But
in the name of Christ we may have complete victory in resisting
his devices.
It is more than eighteen hundred years since Christ walked upon
the earth as a man among men. He found suffering and wretchedness
abounding everywhere. What humiliation on the part of Christ! For,
though he was in the form of God, he took upon himself the form
of a servant. He was rich in Heaven, crowned with glory and honor,
and for our sakes he became poor. What an act of condescension of
the Lord of life and glory, that he might lift up fallen man.
Jesus did not come to men with commands and threatenings, but with
love that is without a parallel. Love begets love; and thus the
love of Christ displayed upon the cross woos and wins the sinner,
and binds him repenting to the cross, believing and adoring the
matchless depths of a Saviour's love. Christ came to the world to
perfect a righteous character for many and to elevate the fallen
race. But only a few of the millions in our world will accept the
righteousness and excellency of his character, and fulfill the requirements
given to secure their happiness.
His lessons of instruction and his holy life, if followed, would
stay the tide of physical and moral wretchedness that has so defiled
the moral image of God in man that he bears scarcely a resemblance
to the noble Adam as he stood in Eden in his holy innocency. Every
prohibition of God is for the health and eternal well-being of man.
In obedience to all the requirements of God, there will be peace
and happiness unaccompanied with shame or reproaches of conscience.
But very few of the Christian world are following their Master in
a course of humble obedience, progressing in holiness and perfection
of Christian character. Intemperance and licentiousness are greatly
increasing, and are practiced to a large extent under the cloak
of Christianity. This deplorable state of things is not because
men are obedient to God's law, but because their hearts rise in
rebellion to his holy precepts.
Repentance toward God, because his law has been transgressed, and
faith in Jesus Christ, are the only means whereby we may be elevated
to purity of life and reconciliation with God. Were all the sins,
which have brought the wrath of God upon cities and nations, fully
understood, their woes and calamities would be found to be the results
of uncontrolled appetites and passions.
More Than One Fall
More Than One Fall. If the race had ceased to fall when Adam
was driven from Eden, we should now be in a far more elevated condition
physically, mentally, and morally. But while men deplore the fall
of Adam, which has resulted in such unutterable woe, they disobey
the express injunctions of God, as did Adam, although they have
his example to warn them from doing as he did in violating the law
of Jehovah. Would that man had stopped falling with Adam. But there
has been a succession of falls. Men will not take warning from Adam's
experience. They will indulge appetite and passion in direct violation
of the law of God, and at the same time continue to mourn Adam's
transgression, which brought sin into the world.
From Adam's day to ours there has been a succession of falls, each
greater than the last, in every species of crime. God did not create
a race of beings so devoid of health, beauty, and moral power as
now exists in the world. Disease of every kind has been fearfully
increasing upon the race. This has not been by God's especial providence,
but directly contrary to his will. It has come by man's disregard
of the very means which God has ordained to shield him from the
terrible evils existing. Obedience to God's law in every respect
would save men from intemperance, licentiousness, and disease of
every type. No one can violate natural law without suffering the
penalty.
What man would, for any sum of money, deliberately sell his mental
capabilities? Should one offer him money if he would part with his
intellect he would turn with disgust from the insane suggestion.
Yet thousands are parting with health of body, vigor of intellect,
and elevation of soul, for the sake of gratifying appetite. Instead
of gain, they experience only loss. This they do not realize because
of their benumbed sensibilities. They have bartered away their God-given
faculties. And for what? Answer. Groveling sensualities and degrading
vices. The gratification of taste is indulged at the cost of health
and intellect.
Christ commenced the work of redemption just where the ruin began.
He made provision to re-instate man in his God-like purity, if he
accepted the help brought him. Through faith in his all-powerful
name--the only name given under Heaven whereby we may be saved--man
could overcome appetite and passion, and, through his obedience
to the law of God, health would take the place of infirmities and
corrupting diseases. Those who overcome will follow the example
of Christ by bringing bodily appetites and passions under the control
of enlightened conscience and reason.
If ministers who preach the gospel would do their duty, and would
also be ensamples to the flock of God, their voices would be lifted
up like a trumpet to show the people their transgressions and the
house of Israel their sins. Ministers who exhort sinners to be converted
should distinctly define what sin is and what conversion from sin
is. Sin is the transgression of the law. The convicted sinner must
exercise repentance toward God for the transgression of his law,
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
The apostle gives us the true definition of sin. "Sin is the transgression
of the law." The largest class of Christ's professed ambassadors
are blind guides. They lead the people away from the path of safety
by representing the requirements and prohibitions of the ancient
law of Jehovah as arbitrary and severe. They give the sinner license
to overstep the limits of God's law. In this they are like the great
adversary of souls, opening before them a life of freedom in violation
of God's commandments. With this lawless freedom the basis of moral
responsibility is gone.
Those who follow these blind leaders close the avenues of their
souls to the reception of truth. They will not allow the truth with
its practical bearings to affect their hearts. The largest number
brace their souls with prejudice against new truths, and also against
the clearest light which shows the correct application of an old
truth, the law of God, which is as old as the world. The intemperate
and licentious delight in the oft-repeated assertion that the law
of the ten commandments is not binding in this dispensation. Avarice,
thefts, perjuries, and crimes of every description, are carried
on under the cloak of Christianity.
Health and Happiness
Health and Happiness. And why should not men do these things
if the law forbidding them is abolished? No message from earth or
Heaven can forcibly impress the intemperate and the licentious who
are deluded with the theory that the law of ten commandments is
abolished. Many professed ministers of Christ exhort the people
to holiness of life, while they themselves yield to the power of
appetite, and the defilement of tobacco. These teachers, who are
leading the people to despise physical and moral law, will have
a fearful record to meet by-and-by.
Health, truth, and happiness, can never be advanced without an intelligent
knowledge of, and full obedience to, the law of God, and perfect
faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord uses no other medium through which
to reach the human heart. Many professed Christians acknowledge
that in the use of tobacco they are indulging a filthy, expensive,
and hurtful practice. But they excuse themselves by saying that
the habit is formed and they cannot overcome it. In this acknowledgement
they yield homage to Satan, saying, by their actions, if not in
words, that, "Although God is powerful, Satan has greater power."
By profession they say, "We are the servants of Jesus Christ," while
their works say that they yield subjection to Satan's sway because
it costs them the least inconvenience. Is this overcoming as Christ
overcame? Or is it being overcome by temptation? And the above apology
is urged by men in the ministry, who profess to be Christ's ambassadors.
Many are the temptations and besetments on every side to ruin the
prospects of young men, both for this world and the next. But the
only path of safety is for young and old to live in strict conformity
to the principles of physical and moral law. The path of obedience
is the only path that leads to Heaven. Alcohol and tobacco inebriates
would, at times, give any amount of money if they could by so doing
overcome their appetite for these body and soul-destroying indulgences.
And they who will not subject the appetites and passions to the
control of reason, will indulge them at the expense of physical
and moral obligations.
The victims of a depraved appetite, goaded on by Satan's continual
temptations, will seek indulgence at the expense of health and even
life, and will go to the bar of God as self-murderers. Many have
so long allowed habit to master them that they have become slaves
to appetite. They have not the moral courage to persevere in self-denial,
and to endure suffering for a time through restraint and denial
of the taste, in order to master the vice. This class refuse to
overcome as did their Redeemer. Did not Christ endure physical suffering
and mental anguish on man's account in the wilderness?
Many have so long allowed appetite and taste to control reason that
they have not moral power to persevere in self-denial, and endure
suffering for a time, until abused nature can take up her work,
and healthy action be established in the system. Very many with
perverted tastes shrink at the thought of restricting their diet,
and they continue their unhealthful indulgences. They are not willing
to overcome as did their Redeemer.
What a scene of unexampled suffering was that fast of nearly six
weeks, while Jesus was assailed with the fiercest temptations! How
few can understand the love of God for the fallen race in that he
withheld not his divine Son from taking upon him the humiliation
of humanity. He gave up his dearly beloved to shame and agony, that
he might bring many sons and daughters to glory.
When sinful man can discern the inexpressible love of God in giving
his Son to die upon the cross, we shall better understand that it
is infinite gain to overcome as Christ overcame. And we shall understand
that it is eternal loss if we gain the whole world, with all its
pleasure and glory, and yet lose the soul. Heaven is cheap enough
at any cost.
On Jordan's banks the voice from Heaven, attended by the manifestation
from the excellent glory, proclaimed Christ to be the Son of the
Eternal. Satan was to personally encounter the Head of the kingdom
which he came to overthrow. If he failed, he knew that he was lost.
Therefore the power of his temptations was in accordance with the
greatness of the object which he would lose or gain. For four thousand
years, ever since the declaration was made to Adam that the seed
of the woman should bruise the serpent's head, he had been planning
his manner of attack.
He put forth his strongest efforts to overcome Christ on the point
of appetite, who endured the keenest pangs of hunger. The victory
gained was designed, not only to set an example to those who have
fallen under the power of appetite, but to qualify the Redeemer
for his special work of reaching to the very depths of human woe.
By experiencing in himself the strength of Satan's temptation, and
of human sufferings and infirmities, he would know how to succor
those who should put forth efforts to help themselves.
No amount of money can buy a single victory over the temptations
of Satan. But that which money is valueless to obtain, which is
integrity, determined effort, and moral power, will, through the
name of Christ, obtain noble victories upon the point of appetite.
What if the conflict should cost man even his life? What if the
slaves to these vices do really die in the struggle to free themselves
from the controlling power of appetite? they die in a good cause.
And if the victory be gained at the cost of human life, it is not
too dearly earned if the victor can come up in the first resurrection,
and have the overcomer's reward.
Everything, then, is gained. But life will not be sacrificed in
the struggle to overcome depraved appetites. And it is a certainty
that unless we do overcome as Christ overcame we cannot have a seat
with him upon his throne. Those who in the face of light and truth
destroy mental, moral, and physical health by indulgence of any
kind will lose Heaven. They sacrifice their God-given powers to
idols. God deserves and claims our first and loftiest thoughts,
and our holiest affections.
At an infinite cost, Christ our Redeemer has purchased every faculty
and our very existence, and all our blessings in life have been
purchased for us with the price of his blood. Shall we accept the
blessings, and forget the claims of the Giver? Can any of us consent
to follow our inclination, indulge appetites and passions, and live
without God? Shall we eat and drink like the beast, and no more
associate the thought of God with every good we enjoy than the dumb
animals?
Those who make determined efforts in the name of the Conqueror to
overcome every unnatural craving of appetite will not die in the
conflict. In their efforts to control appetite, they are placing
themselves in right relation to life, so that they may enjoy health
and the favor of God, and have a right hold on the immortal life.
Thousands are continually selling physical, mental, and moral vigor
for the pleasure of taste. Each of the faculties has its distinctive
office, and yet they all have a mutual dependence upon each other.
And if the balance is carefully preserved, they will be kept in
harmonious action. Not one of these faculties can be valued by dollars
and cents. And yet, for a good dinner, for alcohol, or tobacco,
they are sold. And while paralyzed by the indulgence of appetite,
Satan controls the mind, and leads to every species of crime and
wickedness. God has enjoined upon us to preserve every faculty in
healthful vigor, that we may have a clear sense of his requirements,
and that we may perfect holiness in his fear.
Strange Fire
Strange Fire. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who ministered
in the holy office of priesthood, partook freely of wine, and, as
was their usual custom, went in to minister before the Lord. The
priests who burned incense before the Lord were required to use
the fire of God's kindling, which burned day and night, and was
never extinguished. God gave explicit directions how every part
of his service should be conducted, that all connected with his
sacred worship might be in accordance with his holy character. And
any deviation from the express directions of God in connection with
his holy service was punishable with death. No sacrifice would be
acceptable to God which was not salted nor seasoned with divine
fire, which represented the communication between God and man that
was opened through Jesus Christ alone. The holy fire which was to
be put upon the censer was kept burning perpetually. And while the
people of God were without, earnestly praying, the incense kindled
by the holy fire was to arise before God mingled with their prayers.
This incense was an emblem of the mediation of Christ.
Aaron's sons took the common fire which God did not accept, and
they offered insult to the infinite God by presenting this strange
fire before him. God consumed them by fire for their positive disregard
of his express directions. All their works were as the offering
of Cain. There was no divine Saviour represented. Had these sons
of Aaron been in full command of their reasoning faculties they
would have discerned the difference between the common and sacred
fire. The gratification of appetite debased their faculties and
so beclouded their intellect that their power of discernment was
gone. They fully understood the holy character of the typical service,
and the awful solemnity and responsibility assumed of presenting
themselves before God to minister in sacred service.
Some may inquire, How could the sons of Aaron have been accountable
when their intellects were so far paralyzed by intoxication that
they were not able to discern the difference between sacred and
common fire? It was when they put the cup to their lips that they
made themselves responsible for all their acts committed while under
the influence of wine. The indulgence of appetite cost those priests
their lives. God expressly forbade the use of wine that would have
an influence to becloud the intellect.
"And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong
drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle
of the congregation, lest ye die; it shall be a statute forever
throughout your generations; and that ye may put difference between
holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; and that ye may
teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath
spoken unto them by the hand of Moses." 84
The special injunction of God to the Hebrews in reference to the
use of intoxicating liquors should be regarded in this dispensation.
But many who are holding the highest responsibilities in our country
are, in too many cases, liquor-and-tobacco slaves.
Jurors in our courts, by whose verdict the innocence or guilt of
their fellow-men is decided, are many of them liquor-drinkers and
tobacco-inebriates. And, while under the influence of these, which
becloud the intellect and debase the soul, judgment is given upon
the liberty and life of their fellow-men.
Perverted judgment in many cases clears from all punishment the
greatest criminals, when the safety of society demands they should
receive the full penalty of the law which they have violated.
The men who are legislating, and those who are executing the laws
of our government while they are violating the laws of their being
in debasing appetites, which stupefy and paralyze the intellect,
are not fitted to decide the destiny of their fellow-men. Those
only who feel the necessity of keeping soul, body, and spirit, in
conformity to natural law, to the end that they may preserve the
right balance of their mental powers, are fitted to decide important
questions in reference to the execution of the law of our land.
This was the mind of God by decrees to the Hebrews that wine should
not be used by those who ministered in holy office.
Here we have the most plain directions of God, and his reasons for
prohibiting the use of wine; that their power of discrimination
and discernment might be clear, and in no way confused; that their
judgment might be correct, and they be ever able to discern between
the clean and unclean. Another reason of weighty importance why
they should abstain from anything which would intoxicate, is also
given. It would require the full use of unclouded reason to present
to the children of Israel all the statutes which God had spoken
to them.
Anything in eating and drinking which disqualifies the mental powers
for healthful and active exercise is an aggravating sin in the sight
of God. Especially is this the case with those who minister in holy
things, who should at all times be examples to the people, and be
in a condition to properly instruct them.
Notwithstanding they have this striking example before them, some
professed Christians will desecrate the house of God with breaths
polluted with the fumes of liquor and tobacco. And the spittoons
are sometimes filled with the ejected spittle and quids of tobacco.
The effluvia is constantly arising from these receptacles, polluting
the atmosphere. Men professing to be Christians bow to worship God,
and dare to pray to him, with their lips stained by tobacco, while
their half-paralyzed nerves tremble from the exhausting use of this
powerful narcotic. And this is the devotion they offer to a holy,
and sin-hating God. Ministers in the sacred desk, with mouth and
lips defiled, dare to take the sacred word of God in their polluted
lips. They think God does not notice their sinful indulgence. "Because
sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore
the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." God
will no more receive a sacrifice from the hands of those who thus
pollute themselves, and offer with their service the incense of
tobacco and liquor, than he would receive the offering of the sons
of Aaron, who offered incense with strange fire.
God has not changed. He is as particular and exact in his requirements
now as he was in the days of Moses. But in the sanctuaries of worship
in our day, with the songs of praise, the prayers, and the teaching
from the pulpit, there is not merely strange fire, but positive
defilement. Instead of truths being preached with holy unction from
God, it is sometimes spoken under the influence of tobacco and brandy.
Strange fire indeed! Bible truth and Bible holiness are presented
to the people, and prayers are offered to God, mingled with the
stench of tobacco! Such incense is most acceptable to Satan! A terrible
deception is this! What an offense in the sight of God! What an
insult to him who is holy, dwelling in light unapproachable!
If the faculties of the mind were in healthful vigor, professed
Christians would discern the inconsistency of such worship. Like
Nadab and Abihu, their sensibilities are so blunted that they make
no difference between the sacred and common. Holy and sacred things
are brought down upon a level with their tobacconized breaths, benumbed
brains, and their polluted souls, defiled through indulgence of
appetite and passion. Professed Christians eat and drink, smoke
and chew tobacco, and become gluttons and drunkards, to gratify
appetite, and still talk of overcoming as Christ overcame!!
Sin of Presumption
Sin of Presumption. There are many who fail to distinguish
between the rashness of presumption and the intelligent confidence
of faith. Satan thought that by his temptations he could delude
the world's Redeemer, to make one bold move in manifesting his divine
power, to create a sensation, and to surprise all by the wonderful
display of the power of his Father in preserving him from injury.
He suggested that Christ should appear in his real character, and
by this masterpiece of power, establish his right to the confidence
and faith of the people, that he was indeed the Saviour of the world.
If Christ had been deceived by Satan's temptations, and had exercised
his miraculous power to relieve himself from difficulty, he would
have broken the contract made with his Father, to be a probationer
in behalf of the race.
It was a difficult task for the Prince of Life to carry out the
plan which he had undertaken for the salvation of man, in clothing
his divinity with humanity. He had received honor in the heavenly
courts, and was familiar with absolute power. It was as difficult
for him to keep the level of humanity as for men to rise above the
low level of their depraved natures, and be partakers of the divine
nature.
Christ was put to the closest test, requiring the strength of all
his faculties to resist the inclination when in danger, to use his
power to deliver himself from peril, and triumph over the power
of the prince of darkness. Satan showed his knowledge of the weak
points of the human heart, and puts forth his utmost power to take
advantage of the weakness of the humanity, which Christ had assumed
in order to overcome his temptations on man's account.
God has given man precious promises upon conditions of faith and
obedience; but they are not to sustain him in any rash act. If men
needlessly place themselves in peril, and go where God does not
require them to go, and self-confidently expose themselves to danger,
disregarding the dictates of reason, God will not work a miracle
to relieve them. He will not send his angels to preserve any from
being burned if they choose to place themselves in the fire.
Adam was not deceived by the serpent, as was Eve, and it was inexcusable
in Adam to rashly transgress God's positive command. Adam was presumptuous
because his wife had sinned. He could not see what would become
of Eve. He was sad, troubled, and tempted. He listened to Eve's
recital of the words of the serpent, and his constancy and integrity
began to waver. Doubts arose in his mind in regard to whether God
did mean just as he said. He rashly ate the tempting fruit.
Spiritualism
Spiritualism. Spiritualists make the path to hell most attractive.
Spirits of darkness are clothed by these deceptive teachers in pure
robes of Heaven, and they have power to deceive those not fortified
with Bible truth. Vain philosophy is employed in representing the
path to hell as a path of safety. With the imagination highly wrought,
and voices musically tuned, they picture the broad road as one of
happiness and glory. Ambition holds before deluded souls, as Satan
presented to Eve, a freedom and bliss for them to enjoy which they
never conceived was possible. Men are praised who have traveled
the broad path to hell, and after they die are exalted to the highest
positions in the eternal world. Satan, clothed in robes of brightness,
appearing like an exalted angel, tempted the world's Redeemer without
success. But as he comes to man robed as an angel of light he has
better success. He covers his hideous purposes, and succeeds too
well in deluding the unwary who are not firmly anchored upon eternal
truth.
Riches, power, genius, eloquence, pride, perverted reason, and passion,
are enlisted as Satan's agents in doing his work in making the broad
road attractive, strewing it with tempting flowers. But every word
they have spoken against the world's Redeemer will be reflected
back upon them, and will one day burn into their guilty souls like
molten lead. They will be overwhelmed with terror and shame as they
behold the exalted One coming in the clouds of heaven with power
and great glory. Then shall the bold defier, who lifted himself
up against the Son of God, see himself in the true blackness of
his character. The sight of the inexpressible glory of the Son of
God will be intensely painful to those whose characters are stained
with sin. The pure light and glory emanating from Christ will awaken
remorse, shame, and terror. They will send forth wails of anguish
to the rocks and mountains, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face
of Him who sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb;
for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to
stand?"
Spiritualists claim superior light and power. They have opened the
door and invited the prince of darkness in, and have made him their
honored guest. They have allied themselves to the powers of darkness
which are developing in these last days in signs and wonders, that
if it were possible they would deceive the very elect. Spiritualists
claim that they can do greater miracles than Christ did. Satan made
the same boasts to Christ. Because the Son of God had linked himself
to the weakness of humanity, to be tempted in all points like as
man should be tempted, Satan triumphed over him, and taunted him.
He boasted of his superior strength, and dared him to open a controversy
with him.
Spiritualists are increasing in numbers. They will come to men who
have the truth as Satan came to Christ, tempting them to manifest
their power, and work miracles, and give evidence of their being
favored of God, and of their being the people who have the truth.
Satan said to Christ, "If thou be the Son of God, command these
stones that they be made bread." Herod and Pilate asked Christ to
work miracles when he was on trial for his life. Their curiosity
was aroused, but Christ did not work a miracle to gratify them.
Spiritualists will press the matter to engage in controversy with
ministers who teach the truth. If they decline, they will dare them.
They will quote Scripture, as did Satan to Christ. "Prove all things,"
say they. But their idea of proving is to listen to their deceptive
reasonings, and in attending their circles. But in their gatherings,
the angels of darkness assume the forms of dead friends, and communicate
with them as angels of light.
Their loved ones will appear in robes of light, as familiar to the
sight as when they were upon the earth. They will teach them, and
converse with them. And many will be deceived by this wonderful
display of Satan's power. The only safety for the people of God
is to be thoroughly conversant with their Bibles, and be intelligent
upon the reasons of our faith in regard to the sleep of the dead.
Satan is a cunning foe. And it is not difficult for the evil angels
to represent both saints and sinners who have died, and make these
representations visible to human eyes. These manifestations will
be more frequent, and developments of a more startling character
will appear as we near the close of time. We need not be astonished
at anything in the line of deceptions to allure the unwary, and
deceive, if possible, the very elect. Spiritualists quote, "Prove
all things." But God has, for the benefit of his people who live
amid the perils of the last days, proved this class, and given the
result of his proving.
2 Thess. 2:9-12: "Even him, whose coming is after the working
of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they
received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And
for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should
believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the
truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
John, upon the Isle of Patmos, saw the things which should come
upon the earth in the last days. Rev. 13:13; 16:14: "And he doeth
great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the
earth in the sight of men." "For they are the spirits of devils,
working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and
of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day
of God Almighty."
The apostle Peter distinctly points out the class which will be
manifested in these last days.
2 Pet. 2:10-14: "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the
lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they,
self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas,
angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute
beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things
that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own
corruption, and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as
they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are
and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while
they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot
cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; a heart they have exercised
with covetous practices; cursed children."
God, in his word, has placed his stamp upon the heresies of spiritualism
as he placed his mark upon Cain. The godly need not be deceived
if they are students of the Scriptures and obedient to follow the
plain path marked out for them in the word of God.
The boastful spiritualist claims great freedom, and in smooth, flowery
language seeks to fascinate and delude unwary souls to choose the
broad path of pleasure and sinful indulgence, rather than the narrow
path and the straight way. Spiritualists call the requirements of
God's law bondage, and say those who obey them live a life of slavish
fear. With smooth words and fair speeches they boast of their freedom,
and seek to cover their dangerous heresies with the garments of
righteousness. They would make the most revolting crimes be considered
as blessings to the race.
They open before the sinner a wide door to follow the promptings
of the carnal heart, and violate the law of God, especially the
seventh commandment. Those who speak these great swelling words
of vanity, and who triumph in their freedom in sin, promise those
whom they deceive the enjoyment of freedom in a course of rebellion
against the revealed will of God. These deluded souls are themselves
in the veriest bondage to Satan and are controlled by his power,
and yet promising liberty to those who will dare to follow the same
course of sin that they themselves have chosen.
The Scriptures are indeed fulfilled in this, that the blind
are leading the blind. For by whom a man is overcome, of the same
is he brought in bondage. These deluded souls are under the most
abject slavery to the will of demons. They have allied themselves
to the powers of darkness and have no strength to go contrary to
the will of demons. This is their boasted liberty. By Satan are
they overcome and brought into bondage, and the great liberty promised
to those they deceive is helpless slavery to sin and Satan.
We are not to attend their circles, neither are our ministers to
engage in controversy with them. 94 They are of that class specified
whom we should not invite into our houses, or bid them God speed.
We have to compare their teachings with the revealed will of God.
We are not to engage in an investigation of spiritualism. God has
investigated this for us, and told us definitely that a class would
arise in the last days who would deny Christ who has purchased them
with his own blood. The character of spiritualists is so plainly
described that we need not be deceived by them. If we obey the divine
injunction, we shall have no sympathy with spiritualists, however
smooth and fair may be their words.
The beloved John continues his warning against seducers: "Who
is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is Antichrist
that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son,
the same hath not the Father: (but he that acknowledgeth the Son,
hath the Father also.)"
In Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians, he exhorts
to be on guard, and not depart from the faith. He speaks of Christ's
coming as an event to immediately follow the work of Satan in spiritualism
in these words: "Even him, whose coming is after the workings of
Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness
of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not
the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause
God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a
lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but
had pleasure in unrighteousness."
In the epistle of Paul to Timothy, he foretells what will
be manifested in the latter days. And this warning was for the benefit
of those who should live when these things should take place. God
revealed to his servant the perils of the church in the last days.
He writes, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having
their conscience seared with a hot iron."
The faithful Peter speaks of the dangers to which the Christian
church would be exposed in the last days, and more fully describes
the heresies which would arise and the blaspheming seducers who
would seek to draw away souls after them. "But there were false
prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers
among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying
the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the
way of truth shall be evil spoken of."
Here God has worked out for us the proof of the class mentioned.
They have refused to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God, and they
have no more reverence for the eternal Father than for his Son,
Jesus Christ. They have neither the Son nor the Father. And like
their great leader, the rebel chief, they are in rebellion against
the law of God, and they despise the blood of Christ.
We may rejoice in every condition of life, and triumph under all
circumstances, because the Son of God came down from Heaven and
submitted to bear our infirmities, and to endure sacrifice and death
in order to give to us immortal life. He will ever bear the marks
of his earthly humiliation in man's behalf. While the redeemed host
and the pure angelic throng shall do him honor and worship him,
he will carry the marks of one that has been slain. The more fully
we appreciate the infinite sacrifice made in our behalf by a sin-atoning
Saviour, the more closely do we come into harmony with Heaven.
We have characters to form here. God will test us and prove
us by placing us in positions to develop the most enduring strength,
purity and nobility of soul, with perfect patience on our part,
and entire trust in a crucified Saviour. We shall meet with reverses,
affliction, and severe trials, for these are God's tests. He will
sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and purge his people as
gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in
righteousness.
The cross of Christ is all covered with reproach and stigma,
yet it is the hope of life and exaltation to man. No one can comprehend
the mystery of godliness so long as he is ashamed to bear the cross
of Christ. None will be able to discern and appreciate the blessings
which Christ has purchased for man at infinite cost to himself,
unless they are willing to joyfully sacrifice earthly treasures
that they may become his followers. Every self-denial and sacrifice
made for Christ enriches the giver, and every suffering and reproach
endured for his dear name increases the final joy and immortal reward
in the kingdom of glory.
