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SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS 
 
 FOR 
 
 CANDID READERS 
 
 BY 
 
 Rev. C. H. Williams, 
 
 Baptist Clergyman. 
 
 NIK orphans' press, c g f., 
 
 1555 ATLANTIC AVENUE, 
 BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
PREFATORY. M 
 
 In presenting our "Spiritual Thoughts" to 
 the public, the author will endeavor to lose 
 sight of personal aggrandizement, while the 
 glory of God, and spiritual profit of the reader 
 will be kept in view. Devoutly we enter upon 
 the task, praying for wisdom to guide the pen, 
 and the Holy Spirit to inspire the heart, that 
 economy in time and space may be observed, 
 while justice to the topics elucidated may not 
 be minimized. 
 
 With a profound sense of human weakness, 
 the writer would invoke divine aid, and a can- 
 did consideration of the thoughts herein sub- 
 mitted, trusting they may be a blessing to all 
 who peruse them. While the pages of this 
 little volume may be characterized by variety, 
 they will have but one foundation, in the Book 
 of books, and one central figure in the person 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose mission will 
 be magnified and glorified; and ultimate salva- 
 tion in prospect, for the faithful. 
 
SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS 
 
 FOR 
 
 CANDID READERS. 
 
 EXEMPLARY. 
 
 It is a fact worthy of note, that the impera- 
 tive duties devolving upon the ambassadors of 
 truth in these last days, should be performed 
 with alacrity, and a zeal truly commendable. 
 In this matter Paul, the inspired, is exemplary, 
 as his writings abundantly prove. '-' For I have 
 not shunned to declare unto you all the coun- 
 sel of God," is his statement made in Acts 20:- 
 27. Now if this inspired apostle preached the 
 whole gospel as essential to salvation, surely 
 non-essentials are not implied. As God has 
 now commanded all men every where to repent, 
 and as this is the chief object in preaching the 
 gospel, God's servants should with christian 
 fidelity and all meekness produce Paul's reason: 
 " Because he hath appointed a day, in the which 
 he will judge the world in righteousness by 
 that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he 
 
4 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 hath odven assurance unto all men, in that he hath 
 raised him from the dead." It is true, there 
 are some in this age of the world who, like 
 those in the days of Paul, "mocked, when 
 they heard of the resurrection of the dead;" 
 but for the sake of those who will hear of this 
 matter, it behooves the messengers of truth to 
 faithfully herald the gospel of the kingdom, 
 and thus follow Paul, who was verily an ex- 
 emplary servant of Christ. 
 
 These thoughts have led the author to ex- 
 press plainly and positively the Bible truth 
 contained in the pages of this little volume, 
 hoping that God's blessing may so attend the 
 humble effort, that many shall come into the 
 "fullness of the blessing of the gospel of 
 Christ," and be truly exemplary in their christ- 
 ian profession, and christian teachings; for by 
 our good words and good works, others will 
 be led to glorify our Father in heaven. 
 
 " HOW FORCIBLE ARE RIGHT WORDS." 
 
 JOB, 6-25. 
 
 In counteracting moral evils, the power and 
 conviction conveyed in right words, is often 
 
For Candid Readers. 5 
 
 beyond human calculation, or anticipation; 
 and when accompanied with the enthusiasm 
 of the Holy Spirit, eternity alone will unfold 
 the blessed results. 
 
 Therefore the unquestionable importance 
 of guarding the utterances with discretion and 
 sincerity under all circumstances, that our 
 efforts in behalf of fallen humanity may not be 
 futile. The great secret of success in all moral 
 reform, lies in the principle embodied in the 
 language of Paul, when he urges the Colossian 
 Church to " Walk in zvisdom toward the?n that 
 are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech 
 be alway with grace, (favor) seasoned with salt. 
 (The savor of fresh and lively spiritual wisdom 
 and earnestness, excluding all "corrupt com- 
 munication" and also tasteless insipidity,") 
 that ye may know hoivyc ought to answer every 
 man. " 
 
 In the advocacy of christian principles we 
 run counter to rampant infidelity and skepticism, 
 and the indomitable will of sinful man; and the 
 great tendency is to follow the opposer in con- 
 troversy; but the author of 'our text inquires 
 " What doth your arguing reprove ? " Possibly 
 
6 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 it may give us present victory and vain 
 glory, but how much of reproof and con- 
 viction is sealed upon the opposers heart? 
 Perhaps he is so angered and embittered 
 against us and gospel truth, that the breech be- 
 tween him and his God is widened, and he sinks 
 lower in the scale of morality. 
 
 We would not ignore the principles of logical 
 reasoning in the spirit of love and good nature, 
 with due equipoise and tranquility of mind; but 
 we would impress the fact that " right words," 
 pure words, are forcible, and in a certain sense 
 they may embrace hard arguments, clothed in 
 soft utterances. These words may be simple 
 and childlike expressions, based upon the reve- 
 lation of God, made deep and pungent by the 
 Spirit of Christ. But that judgment and love 
 may be in the words expressed in christian 
 courtesy, the apostle brings to light the neces- 
 sary frame of mind and social standing of those 
 who employ these words, by exhorting them to 
 "Above all things put on charity, which is the 
 bond of perfectness. 
 
 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, 
 to the which also ye are called in one body; 
 
For Candid Readers. 7 
 
 and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ 
 dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and 
 admonishing- one another in psalms and hymns 
 and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your 
 hearts to the Lord/ 7 
 
 Now if the word of Christ dwell in us richly, 
 we shall know how to express ourselves to the 
 edification and ultimate good of those we associ- 
 ate with, and the righteous words of our lips 
 will be so forcible, convincing and impressive, 
 that the sinful heart will be touched and quick- 
 ened, and the afflicted and dying be comforted 
 with the inspiring hope of the future. Job uttered 
 the words of our caption when in deep affliction. 
 He had lost his property, his children and his 
 health, and his sufferings seemed to be almost 
 unbearable. But amidst it all he recognized the 
 dealings of a kind providence and still worship- 
 ed God with a true heart, rather than curse him 
 and die as advised by his ungodly wife. Yet 
 like the rest of us in extremities, he desired hu- 
 man sympathy; for he says: "To him that is 
 afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend." 
 None could better value right or suitable words 
 in such circumstances, than he: and if we place 
 
8 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 a proper estimate upon right words, we shall 
 employ them in rebuke and admonition as oc- 
 casion may require, and endeavor to comfort 
 the sick and dying as we have opportunity: re- 
 membering "a word spoken in due season, how 
 good it is," and that "A word fitly spoken is 
 like apples of gold in pictures of silver/' O may 
 God help us, in view of speedy judgment, and 
 the results in eternity, to make sure that our 
 hearts are right before the Lord, for "Out of 
 the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 
 A good man out of the good treasure of the 
 heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil 
 man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil 
 things. But I say unto you, That every idle 
 word that men shall speak, they shall give ac- 
 count thereof in the day of judgment. For by 
 thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy 
 words thou shalt be condemned." We see by 
 these divine statements, ' ' how forcible are right 
 words,"' for upon their use our destiny hinges, 
 and the welfare of others depends. Therefore 
 let us pray for the Holy Spirit's promptings, that 
 all of our utterances may be sanctified and made 
 a blessing to all with whom we have communi- 
 
For Candid Readers. 9 
 
 cation, that the world may be the better for our 
 having lived in it. 
 
 THINGS TO BE LOVED. 
 
 Man's love is naturally diversified in this 
 world. Some love one thing and some another. 
 But when divine grace modifies their moral 
 nature, they are united in the love of divine 
 things: and those things are only seen through 
 the telescope of faith, "which cometh by hear- 
 ing, and hearing by the word of God." There- 
 fore the impress of divine truth unifies in 
 sentiment and affection, qualifies in ability and 
 action, and sanctifies in its results : so that 
 we love God supremely and all the good things 
 promised and contemplated to be ours at the 
 appearing of Jesus. This event in prospect, 
 brings out the acme of Christian love: for we 
 not only love God for the things he has in store 
 for us, but we love the coming of the dear Re- 
 deemer who is to bring us into the full fruition. 
 See 2 Tim. 4-8, Titus 2-13, Heb. 9>27-28. 
 
 We forbear expatiating farther upon this 
 glorious and inexhaustible theme, and conclude 
 
io Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 our breviary by exhorting all of our unsaved 
 readers to follow these lines of. thought, and 
 launch out into the boundless ocean of God's 
 love, and ever allow the spiritual element to 
 predominate over the carnal, that only the good 
 and pure of all things may be loved. 
 
 KINDNESS. 
 
 The Christian heart abounds in all of the 
 elements that constitute kindness, divine in 
 character and magnanimous in results, while 
 spontaneously the healing flood flows to all 
 around, imparting joy to the sorrowing, strength 
 to the weak, and comfort to the dying. 
 
 Of all human traits and emotions none is 
 greater in power and results than the ' ' temper or 
 disposition which delights in contributing to the 
 happiness of others, which is exercised cheer- 
 fully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their 
 wants, or alleviating their distresses/' And 
 when the love of God shed abroad in the heart 
 by the Holy Spirit becomes the mainspring or 
 power that produces this benignity of nature 
 in its fullness, selfishness is excluded, and the 
 welfare of others duly considered. 
 
For Candid Readers. 1 1 
 
 Kind acts and kind words, based upon 
 gospel principles, form the lever, which, if uni- 
 versally adopted, would turn the world of 
 humanity over into the line of joy, peace, and 
 righteousness: for many have been rescued 
 from the ways of sin and ruin by a few kind 
 words, seasoned with divine grace. But the 
 fear of contamination sometimes debars the 
 well disposed, and prevents the manifestation 
 of their kindness in circumstances peculiar to the 
 fallen. If so, this fear may be dispelled by adopt- 
 ing the Scriptural rule of separation in practice, 
 and association in person, with righteousness 
 as the object, doing good to all men as we have 
 opportunity, and especially to those of the 
 household of faith. In short, the altruistic 
 principle of the living Christian will ever be, 
 "kind to all, intimate with few, and that few 
 well chosen." 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN'S RECORD. 
 
 " A register, authentic or official copy of any 
 writing, or account of any facts and proceed- 
 
12 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 ings, entered in a book for preservation," is 
 properly termed a record. 
 
 Therefore the Christian's movements from one 
 thing to another, and his manner of conducting 
 himself before God and men, are cognizable, 
 and fully detailed in the records of both heaven 
 and earth, so that judgment is passed according 
 to the record of life. 
 
 The uses of records are immemorial, but 
 evidently of divine origin : for the facts relative 
 to the creation and conduct of our federal head, 
 or the first mortal being of earth, are recorded 
 in the great Book of inspiration for the benefit 
 of posterity. And were it not for the unfolding 
 of these facts as connected with the redemptive 
 scheme, the human race would be ignorant of 
 the things pertaining to a future world and 
 future existence. 
 
 But to be definite upon the points we have in 
 mind, let it be understood, first, that all men 
 individually have a record that is being read by 
 the world every day. Hence when a stranger 
 puts in his appearance, men of experience and 
 understanding are slow to repose confidence in 
 him until they learn his record of life. His 
 
For Candid Readers. 13 
 
 past and present course ot conduct are canvassed 
 quite thoroughly, and all of his misdeeds and 
 treacherous acts are considered by the world as 
 an index to the man's real character or make-up. 
 This thought brings before us the importance 
 of well regulated deportment and guarded 
 speech, especially when we consider the results, 
 disparaging to ourselves, and the deleterious 
 influence upon our fellows by misconduct. 
 O, how well chosen, in a moral point of view, 
 should all of our sentences be as they fall from 
 our lips upon the critical ears of domestics, 
 associates, and all with whom we have to do, 
 while every act should be upright. 
 
 But this subject becomes more important to 
 us as Christians when we consider, secondly, 
 that the all-scutinizing eye of God is upon us, 
 while an accurate record of all our deeds and 
 expressions is kept by him. The penitential 
 and sympathizing tears are bottled, while our 
 many earnest petitions offered at the shrine of 
 prayer, together with our heartfelt testimonies 
 are remembered, and we are characterized as 
 the children of God. The record thus made 
 decides our relationship and destiny, as positive- 
 
14 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 ly expressed by the inspired penman in 
 language as follows : ' ' Then they that feared the 
 Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord 
 hearkened and heard it, and a book of remem- 
 berance was written before him for them that 
 feared the Lord, and that thought upon his 
 name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord 
 of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels: 
 and I will spare them as a man spareth his own 
 son that serveth him." — Mai. 3 : 16-17. 
 
 In order to have a clean record and serve God 
 acceptably, we must serve our fellow-men 
 honestly, and do them good as we have 
 opportunity; for while it behooves the Christian 
 to fast and pray frequently, the Lord inquires, 
 "Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to 
 loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the 
 heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, 
 and that ye break every yoke ? Is it not to deal 
 thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring 
 the poor that are cast out to thy house? When 
 thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and 
 that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 
 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, 
 and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and 
 
For Candid Readers. 15 
 
 thy righteousness shall go before thee, the glory 
 of the Lord shall be thy re-reward. " — Isa. 58 : 6-8. 
 In conclusion, let all who have taken upon 
 themselves the name of Christ " cease to do evil 
 and learn to do well/' that when the arbiter of 
 human destiny shall come in judgment and open 
 the books, he may find our record clean, for 
 "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth 
 us from all sin." 
 
 DELUSION. 
 
 That very many are misled in their mental 
 conclusions, is a fact apparent to all candid 
 observers; but that Christians should be deceived 
 by that which is evil, is a matter not so easy of 
 comprehension; for if we are led by the Spirit of 
 God our perception will so penetrate the modern 
 schemes of Satan as to dismantle them of what- 
 ever of the semblance of good may have been 
 put on. 
 
 This is emphatically an age of deception, in 
 which people are led astray, both in temporal 
 and spiritual matters, corroborative of which are 
 the glitter and show, pomp and hollow profes- 
 
1 6 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 sions rampant in all branches of society : and 
 he who would not be decoyed needs the 
 impartation of divine power; for Satan is now 
 transformed into an angel of light, having many 
 religious emissaries under his command, and so 
 mischievous and intricate are his ways that 
 many well disposed people who have not 
 enough of God's sanctifying power to keep them, 
 are easily entrapped. But the most delusive 
 scheme is that of sinful pleasure in the name of 
 Christianity — when games and multitudinous 
 entertainments of questionable character are 
 held forth as inducements to God's service. 
 We may well pause to consider the propriety of 
 such a course, yes, and even turn away in 
 disgust from every Christian organization 
 offering such carnal bait — 2 Tim. 3 : 5. Matt. 
 24 : 24-25. But with the Lord's children who 
 "have an unction from the Holy One," there is 
 no excuse for indulgence or laxity : "for the 
 anointing which ye have received of him abideth 
 in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: 
 but as the same anointing teacheth you of all 
 things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it 
 hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.' v 
 
For Candid Readers. \y 
 
 With such an endowment of heavenly dis- 
 cernment, how is it possible for us to go astray, 
 except with the eyes of our understanding 
 wide open, which condition would render the 
 deviation willful sin; and then sacrifice will 
 avail us nothing, but a certain "fearful looking 
 for of judgment and fiery indignation, which 
 shall devour the adversaries," will be the 
 troubled condition of mind. 
 
 O, that all may avoid the pitfalls of the 
 wicked one by walking in the footsteps of our 
 Saviour: for he has promised to be with us, 
 st even unto the end of the world," and we are 
 sure he never will lead us astray. May the 
 riches of divine grace and the immunity of the 
 redeemed be ours to enjoy now and in "the 
 world to come. " 
 
 REDEEMING THE TIME. 
 The precious boon of time when considered 
 as "the duration of one's life: the hours and 
 days which a person has at his disposal," 
 never should be wasted in that which has no 
 value attached, for we only pass through this 
 world once, and that for the purpose of pre- 
 
1 8 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 paring- for " the world to come/' providing we 
 occupy the sphere our Maker designed we 
 should. But more especially should a wise 
 improvement of this season be made by secur- 
 ing the swiftly fleeting moments for ourselves 
 in righteousness, " because the days are evil: 7 ' 
 and they who are indifferent to the evil charac- 
 teristics of this age will easily waste their time. 
 
 To make a profitable use of our probation- 
 ary period it becomes essential to understand 
 and do Ct 'the will of the Lord:" and our bill of 
 instructions are so explicit that none need to 
 make any mistake, as to what God's will is. 
 " For this is the will of God, even your sancti- 
 fication, that ye should abstain from fornication: 
 that every one of you should k?iow how to 
 possess his vessel in sanctification and honour." 
 " For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, 
 but unto holiness." Surely a system of faith 
 and practice that is so purifying, will not 
 allow of indulgences that are demoralizing in 
 body, corrupting intellectually or of a generat- 
 ing tendency to pride. 
 
 With such gospel principles as these indelibly 
 stamped upon our affections by the spirit 
 
For Candid Readers. 19 
 
 divine, the forces of body are well balanced 
 and controlled, while the moral element of our 
 nature is so gospelized and spiritualized as to 
 exclude arrogance in every form, and produce 
 a love for plain, modest apparel, such as God 
 has ordered, while our deportment and speech 
 will be emphatically of the chaste type. 
 
 With the speedy coming of the Lord in view 
 and our pre-eminent devotion to the dear 
 Saviour, whose blood has secured everlasting 
 salvation, we have no time to squander and 
 none of the Lord's money to expend in securing, 
 making or wearing those things that disfigure 
 in person, debiltate in health, and disgrace us 
 as Christians. O no, thank God, the vain and 
 hurtful fashions of this evil world have lost 
 their charms to us, because we have that 
 which is so much better, the adornment of 
 righteousness and the meek and quiet spirit, 
 while we have a complete and satisfying por- 
 tion in God's love, with the affection and com- 
 munion of saints. Beloved in Christ, let us 
 secure to ourselves the time, because the days 
 are evil and the subtle forces of ruin are all 
 about us. 
 
20 Spiritual Thong Jits 
 
 Let not one day pass without doing some 
 good act, or uttering some kind word that shall 
 benefit our fellows and redound to God's glory. 
 
 INFLUENCE. 
 
 That mankind is more or less controlled by 
 the hidden powers of individuals and organiza- 
 tions, both morally and physically, is a self- 
 evident fact which all Christian workers should 
 take into consideration; for while the majority 
 are governed by influences that are satanic in 
 origin and human in development, the children 
 of God are possessed of hidden forces, divine 
 in nature, gentle in operation, and mighty in 
 power. Yes, our Christian forces are always 
 efficacious when used-, but with many the great 
 lack of moral power is in remissness, an ele- 
 ment which is sure to quench the spirit and 
 produce leanness of soul. 
 
 With mortals the highest grade of influence 
 is that of a Christian character. No power is so 
 mighty, so purifying and reforming as Christian 
 or spiritual influence when properly wielded. 
 But how shall the influence of God's people be 
 made most effectual? is the question that de- 
 
For Candid Readers. 21 
 
 mands attention just now. The secret lies in 
 the precious jewel of consistency : which from 
 a Christian standpoint is Bible truth illustrated 
 by Holy living: and this embraces a love for, 
 and obedience to that truth which we are to 
 ''buy and sell it not :" and if this precious boon 
 is preferred above anything else, sacrifices will 
 be cheerfully made for it. Hence, moral ob- 
 ligations will be readily met and temporal 
 duties promptly discharged, God is uppermost 
 in the affections and therefore the loss of 
 earthly friendship for righteousness sake is 
 comparatively no loss. Our love for His truth is 
 so strong that our time, ability and means are 
 given for its advancement, while individually 
 we are consecrated to God, our hearts being 
 pure: our thoughts holy: our words seasoned 
 with grace and our deportment well regulated 
 by the divine rule. 
 
 The family is blessed by the sunshine of 
 our heavenly influence. In our most sacred 
 relations with the church, it is graced by our 
 punctual attendance upon the public services, 
 realizing that personal presence gives a sanction 
 equal to words. All of our associations are of 
 
22 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 a character that will produce a growth in grace, 
 and we assiduously guard against the devices 
 of Satan, by way of side issues: being ever at 
 our post in the church of our choice, knowing 
 that an excuse for leave of absence would be 
 equally good for others, and cast an influence 
 unfavorable : for a union of individual forces 
 gives public influence and power for good, 
 while a combination of churches in associa- 
 tional capacity gives prestige that is mighty. 
 
 With these facts before us, it is easy to dis- 
 cover the importance of supporting our public 
 gatherings, and especially our prayer-meetings, 
 where the holy fire of devotion and zeal is en- 
 kindled more largely by personal contact, and 
 spiritual union, while the salvation of others is 
 earnestly sought and prayed for. 
 
 Therefore a righteous influence, being with- 
 out limitation, is exerted not only by individu- 
 als, but also, and most effectually by a com- 
 bination of believers, who, in their public 
 assemblies are strict in attendance even at a 
 sacrifice of many temporal things. 
 
 With truths in advance of others, we, as a 
 people, ought to have a more salutary influence 
 
For Candid Readers. 23 
 
 over community: and how shall we have it? 
 We answer by devotion to God, purity of life 
 and unblemished mien, while consistency shall 
 exemplify our faith in the speedy coming of the 
 Lord and a final restitution : by the regular visita- 
 tion of one or more of our best religious period- 
 icals in every family of Baptists, for no family 
 believing in these truths should be without some 
 paper devoted to the interests, of our cause. 
 And then every church should be well represent- 
 ed in our Association, with means raised by 
 commendable efforts to support our missionary 
 work, and in this way we shall prove to the 
 world our sincerity in profession, and validity 
 in faith. 
 
 AFFECTION. 
 The most common acceptation of the term 
 affection, is in the sense of "settled good will, 
 love, zealous or tender attachment; 7 ' and upon 
 this basis it is a moral endowment that gets hold 
 of our being, and to a greater or less degree 
 holds it in control. And while this is true of the 
 human, it is more emphatically true of the di- 
 vine: for the energies and vital forces of the or- 
 
24 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 ganism are centered upon the object of its love, 
 so that when the affection of one person is 
 placed upon another it brings both under the 
 one power, which in and of itself, as a pure ele- 
 ment, is reciprocal: for it is a self-evident fact 
 that love and hatred have no affinity or attach- 
 ment. They are opposites, and no power under 
 heaven can bring them together. The height 
 and depth of God's love can only be felt and 
 known by our loving him in return. 
 
 All nature declares harmony only in the 
 kingdom where things exist peculiar to that 
 kingdom; and when elements of the same nature 
 commingle there is unanimity: and when we 
 rightly consider the gospel principles we dis- 
 cover what, in the divine economy, produces 
 affection that reaches out for all who will be- 
 come good and pure, and culminates in intimate 
 relation with God and his children. 
 
 When the affections of the human heart are 
 intensified by the divine, it fills the soul "with 
 joy unspeakable and full of glory/' producing 
 happiness beyond measure to both the possessor 
 and receiver; for " the fruit of the Spirit is love, 
 joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, 
 
For Candid Readers, 25 
 
 faith, meekness, temperance; against such 
 there is no law." Happy condition, Saved! 
 Saved ! ! all through the tender love of God in 
 the gift of his dear Son. 
 
 CONSISTENCY. 
 
 In the Christian warfare, nothing is more es- 
 sential to success than the precious jewel of 
 consistency, which brings the possessor into 
 favor with God and all sensible beings, produc- 
 ing harmony in action, thought and affection, 
 for it is a self-evident fact, demonstrated in 
 temporal warfare, that the elements of disinte- 
 gration are always ruinous and disgraceful: and 
 while the fact is equally true in a spiritual sense, 
 soldiers of the cross must be in "the condition 
 of standing or adhering firmly together, or being 
 fixed in union as the parts of a body: existence, 
 firmness, coherence, solidity," without which 
 defeat is sure to come. 
 
 Now in making a practical application of 
 these thoughts, we respectfully ask the indul- 
 gence of our readers by way of illustration. 
 Suppose the head of a family, possessed of mag- 
 naniamous heart with but very limited means 
 
26 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 should devote a good share of his time and earn- 
 ings to the interest of neighbor families for 
 whom he has tender regard, and that to the 
 neglect of his own wife and children whom he 
 professes to love more than all others on earth. 
 Would he not be considered inconsistent and in 
 direct opposition to the teachings of inspiration 
 which declares: " If any provide not for his own, 
 and especially for those of his own house he 
 hath denied the faith, and is worse than an in- 
 fidel." 
 
 Now let us be practical and pointed in this 
 matter. We profess to love the Baptist family 
 more than all others because of the light and 
 truth they have in advance of all other organiza- 
 tions, and for this reason we make our home 
 with them, and pledge ourselves to do all we can 
 to support this, our family and our cause of truth. 
 In our Church Covenant we engage "by the aid 
 of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian 
 love: to strive for the advancement of this 
 church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to 
 promote its prosperity and spirituality: to sus- 
 tain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and 
 doctrines: to contribute cheerfully and regularly 
 
For Candid Readers. 27 
 
 to the support of the ministry,' the expenses of 
 the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread 
 of the gospel through all nations." 
 
 Now under these obligations as our church 
 family is comparatively poor and in want of 
 means necessary to carry on the work of " mak- 
 ing ready a people prepared for the Lord," will 
 it be consistent in us to divide our affections, 
 our time and our limited means in supporting 
 other organizations which we know are holding 
 more or less of error, and stand opposed to ' ' pres- 
 ent truth," while their practices and conformity 
 to the world in amusements, entertainments 
 and vain fashions counteract all the good they 
 profess to do ? 
 
 Let each one carefully consider and answer 
 this question in the light of God's word, remem- 
 bering that our dear Saviour has said: He that 
 is not with me is against me, and he that gath- 
 ereth not with me, scattereth abroad, — either 
 make the tree good and his fruit good, or else 
 make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt, for 
 the tree is known by his fruit," "No man can 
 serve two masters, for either he will hate the one 
 and love the other, or else he will hold to the one 
 and despise the other." 
 
28 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 While it is true that we as Christians are to 
 do good to all men as we have opportunity, we 
 are to do it more "especially unto them who 
 are of the household of faith/' ever bearing in 
 mind that when we give our time, influence and 
 money for the support of error, it is just so much 
 against the gospel of truth. 
 
 Some may argue that because of their isola- 
 tion and having no church of their own faith to 
 attend, they are at liberty to support whatever 
 society may be in their midst. But such should 
 think of the needs in our publishing interests 
 and missionary work. If every Baptist would 
 be true to their obligations and contribute of 
 their means as God prospers them, our mission- 
 aries would all be kept in the field and support- 
 ed without aping the world in monetary meth- 
 ods. Let consistency be our motto. 
 
 YOUR PASTOR. 
 This article is not designed as a eulogium, 
 but will be impartial, yet necessarily plain as 
 to your relation with him whom God has ap- 
 pointed as your spiritual adviser and guide: for 
 
For Candid Readers. 29 
 
 if this relation is not properly understood, 
 there will not be the concert of action necessary 
 for success. Therefore Paul says: "We be- 
 seech you, brethren to know them that labor 
 among you, and are over you in the Lord, and 
 admonish you, and to esteem them very highly 
 in love for their work's sake, and be at peace 
 among yourselves." — 1 Thes. 5: 12-13. 
 
 So great is the care and responsibility of 
 the pastor that he needs the respect, prayers, 
 sympathies and full support of every member 
 in the Church. With mutual confidence and 
 due regard, the pastor's work in preparation 
 and execution is more effectual, while his so- 
 cial qualities are more likely to be in good tone: 
 and whether he meets you in the family, on the 
 street, or in public, there is such a unanimity 
 of feeling existing in the hearts of the people 
 and himself that he feels at home; and to be 
 successful in church work, this scriptural co- 
 operation cannot be dispensed with, for the 
 eyes of an ungodly world are upon us, judging 
 of our cause by the fruits we bear: and if the 
 members of the Church are free to expres them- 
 selves in terms of commendation and sanction. 
 
30 Spiritual Ihoaghts 
 
 avoiding criticisms, reflections and disparag- 
 inginsinuations, the work under God will prosper. 
 If anybody thinks the pastor's position an 
 easy one, they are simply mistaken, for he has 
 to make such a critical diagnosis as to be able 
 to prepare and administer antidotes suitable 
 for all classes; and as antidotes are not always 
 agreeable to the diseased soul, he is frequently 
 counted as a meddlesome fellow, treating dis- 
 eases he has no business with, giving reproof 
 and admonition when there is no need of it, 
 and making himself unpopular by drawing the 
 line so straight. But the claims of God must 
 be presented and enforced by his servants, 
 whether men will hear or forbear, and the larger 
 part of a pastor's work is in the line of admonition, 
 reproof and warning, as is evident by the 
 charge of Paul to Timothy, saying : ' ' Preach the 
 word: be instant in season, out of season: re- 
 prove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering 
 and doctrine. For the time will come when they 
 will not endure sound doctrine: but after their 
 own lusts shall they heap to themselves teach- 
 ers, having itching ears; and they shall turn 
 away their ears from the truth, and shall be 
 turned unto fables." — 2 Tim. 4: 2-4. 
 
For Candid Readers. 31 
 
 Now the minister of the gospel will be in- 
 excusable if he proves remiss in the face of 
 such an injunction as this, and the people 
 never should find fault with a reiteration of 
 what God enjoins upon them, for his com- 
 mands are not grevious, but pleasurable, and 
 will ultimate in salvation to all who obey 
 trrem. Brethern beloved in the Lord, stay up 
 the hands of your pastor under all circum- 
 stances. 
 
 COMPANIONSHIP. 
 
 The union of opposites, or the positive and 
 negative, is a theory out of harmony with 
 nature and revelation; for that social cohesion 
 and unanimity of feeling depends upon con- 
 geniality, is a fact supported by natural and 
 spiritual laws; and wherever beings of an in- 
 compatible nature try to unite, the undertaking 
 is marked by failure. 
 
 The only modus operandi by which oppos- 
 ing natures can be united is by transformation', 
 and when that change occurs they are no long- 
 er opposites. Fashioned in virtue and charac- 
 ter after the moral image of our dear Saviour in 
 
32 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 the mould of divine truth, and by the power of 
 the sanctifying spirit, being transformed by 
 the renewing of mind and effections, we are 
 thus made one in Christ Jesus. — Rom. 12: 2. 
 Eph. 4: 2C-24. 
 
 Therefore, when persons that are opposites 
 in will power and moral sentiments, grounded 
 and settled in the same, consent to the propo- 
 sition of affinity, it is only to meet with dis- 
 appointment by the outbursts of antagonism. 
 ' ' Can two walk together except they be agreed ?" 
 
 In the marriage relation thousands have been 
 made very unhappy in life by neglecting the 
 consideration of compatibility previous to their 
 legal union; for it is a self-evident fact that 
 natural adaptation produces happiness in a de- 
 gree, and this fact should not be overlooked 
 even by believers in Christ, who are taught by 
 the Word of inspiration to " marry only in the 
 Lord:" and obedience to this injunction inva- 
 riably brings peace and bliss to the domestic 
 circle like that of heaven. 
 
 The Bible plainly teaches that we can sus- 
 tain no union with Christ only by becoming 
 Christ-like, which is a change that puts us be- 
 
For Candid Readers. 33 
 
 fore the world as new creatures, with feelings 
 and desires divine in nature and holy in exhi- 
 bition: for we have the mind that was in Jesus, 
 and as a natural result we seek for the compan- 
 ionship of the righteous: and while it is true 
 that in us there is shown a spirit of kindness, 
 with a will to do good to the ungodly when- 
 ever it is possible, yet we take no pleasure in 
 their intimate association, and cannot reason- 
 ably drop down to their low standard of fellow- 
 ship, either in social or domestic relations. 
 It may be possible for a believer to dwell with 
 an unbeliever in the marriage relation for a time 
 by righteous forbearance ; but such a union 
 brings no real happiness. There are thousands 
 legally united, who are antagonistic in princi- 
 ples and divided in heart, though as husband 
 and wife they consent to dwell under one roof. 
 Now what is needed to make men and women 
 companionable, and families happy, is discre- 
 tion in choice upon the ground of adaptability, 
 accompanied by the religion of Jesus Christ, 
 which never fails to perfect congeniality. 
 
 As there is no union between God and the 
 devil or his progeny, so there is no compati- 
 bility with saints and sinners. 
 
34 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Therefore, the reasonable outcome of this 
 truth is that Christians will seek for the com- 
 panionship of those who are Christ-like in this 
 world, while they long for companionship of 
 angels and the redeemed of all ages in Paradise 
 restored. 
 
 O may the riches of divine grace and 
 heavenly wisdom be imparted to the younger 
 portion of faith's household, that they may avoid 
 the domestic infelicity and social discord so 
 rampant in these days of alienation and disaf- 
 fection. Beloved, he sure that you make choice of 
 holy companions now, if you wish to be happy 
 a?id helped on in the way of righteousness, while 
 seeking for attainments that will fit you for the 
 higher sphere in God's coming kingdom. 
 
 ARE YOU READY? 
 Under this head we wish to inquire: First, 
 Are you ready for service in the militant state 
 or have you just put on the uniform to partici- 
 pate in dress parade, caring more for the ex- 
 hibition of your person and the applause of 
 idle spectators than you do for the honors at- 
 tending victory in battle? The laureation of 
 
For Candid Readers. 35 
 
 the Christian soldier depends upon his valorous 
 deeds in actual engagements, and the cost of 
 these honors must be counted previous to 
 enlistment, lest the dangers, hardships and 
 privations deprive us of courage, and stamp 
 upon us the disgraceful mark of cowardice. 
 With ultimate honors attending victory con- 
 stantly in view, stimulating and cheering, we 
 are ready for service. 
 
 Second. Having noticed the Christian's 
 work in a general sense, let us inquire: Are you 
 ready to do for God the little things which go 
 to make up a Christian life ? Are you punctual 
 in attending to the means of grace which 
 always produce growth and development in 
 Christ Jesus ? Are you ready in acts of kind- 
 ness and words of affection to those who need 
 help and cheer? There are many in the bonds 
 of affliction and enshrouded in sorrow, who 
 need our sympathies and w T ould gladly receive 
 help in getting over the rough places in life. 
 Just a word expressed from the fullness of a 
 Christian heart might save them from sin and 
 crime, and possibly would lead them to be 
 forever happy in the pardoning love of God. 
 
36 Spiritual Thong lit s 
 
 Let us be ready to do good unto all men as we 
 have opportunity. 
 
 Third. Have you a personal readiness for 
 the coming of the Lord Jesus, and do you feel 
 ready to enter upon the triumphant state? 
 Are all roots of bitterness eradicated, and is 
 sin in every form renounced ? Without full 
 consecration to God we are unprepared for the 
 reception of our coming King, and in view of 
 our proximity to the judgment, we have need 
 of immediate examination in the light of divine 
 truth, so as to be sure of acceptance. "Then 
 they that were ready went in " is the statement 
 of our Divine Master when portraying the 
 condition of his Church in the great day of 
 consummation; and to be ready for this martial 
 feast, our lamps must be trimmed and burning \ 
 our vessels filled with oil, while watchfulness 
 and prayer shall so characterize the every day 
 life as to make us distinct from the world. 
 "Therefore be ye also ready : for in such an 
 hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. " 
 
 "Oh, can we say we are ready, brother? 
 
 Ready for the saints' bright home ? 
 
 Say, will He find you and me still watching, 
 
 Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come ?" 
 
For Candid Readers, 37 
 
 RETRIBUTION. 
 
 A violation of either moral or natural laws 
 is sin; and it is an indisputable fact, that the 
 return will be suitable to the merits or deserts 
 of the transgressor, either in this life or at the 
 final judgment. Distinction in the character 
 of law demands distinction in the nature and 
 time of punishment; for, while a transgression 
 of physical law calls for temporal judgment 
 now, the violation of moral precepts calls for 
 punishment due at the judgment seat of Christ. 
 
 Spiritual and natural laws are so nearly- 
 allied that frequently the violation of one leads 
 to the violation of the other: but while the mor- 
 al regulations may be observed as far as 
 understood, it is possible to ignorantly violate 
 physical law and suffer temporal judgment or 
 punishment here, for nature's law is so immu- 
 table as to never change except by divine 
 interposition, or supernatural power, which is 
 of miraculous character; and the penalty for 
 standing in opposition to nature must be paid 
 in this world, whether the transgression be in 
 ignorance or in the face of understanding. 
 We may live in the atmosphere, but not in 
 
38 Spirittial ThotigJits 
 
 fire or water. Food suitable for our natures 
 moderately taken will support the physical 
 structure. But if the properties which natural 
 law has put into that food be separated and 
 changed by mechanical processes, it may 
 bring upon us disease and suffering. Undue 
 exposure, extreme indolence, or over exertion, 
 being contrary to nature's arrangement, is sure 
 to bring ills and untimely death, while the same 
 result is manifest with every misuse of the body. 
 
 These thoughts may help us to comprehend 
 the statement of Paul when he says, "Some 
 men's sins are open beforehand, going before 
 to judgment: and some men they follow 
 after;" — 1 Tim. 5: 24. That all men do sin 
 more or less by transgressing nature's laws, is 
 open or manifest by the suffering consequent. 
 Even the righteous have many afflictions, and 
 are chastened by them. Nature calls for it, 
 and her strokes are not withheld until we are 
 sufficiently scourged to reform thoroughly, and 
 be fitted for the Master's use. That punish- 
 ment is in this life, and proves reformatory 
 only to those who " are exercised thereby." 
 
 But some men are very careful not to violate 
 
For Ca?idid Readers. 39 
 
 the physical laws that govern their being, 
 while at the same time they have many moral 
 defects that are secret, venturing to transgress 
 the regulations of God's word, thinking that 
 they can do it with impunity; and even boast 
 of exemption from punishment because their 
 sins " follow " or "go to judgment after;" it 
 being in God's order that retribution for violat- 
 ing moral precepts shall be meted out in the 
 great judgment day to come, when the Lord 
 shall "bring to light the hidden things of dark- 
 ness, and will make manifest the counsels of 
 the hearts." Therefore we see the distinction 
 made by inspiration is clear from this stand- 
 point, for while the Arbiter of human destiny 
 allows the penalty demanded by nature to be 
 executed here, we may escape the punishment 
 due for the transgression of moral law in the 
 judgment to come, by faith in Jesus, who 
 satisfies the demands of justice, and whose 
 precious blood brings remission. Let us look 
 to Jesus as the source of salvation. 
 
 TRIBULATION. 
 The experience of the great apostle of our 
 
40 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Christian religion and his followers, confirms 
 the fact that we must "through great tribulation 
 enter into the kingdom of God." Therefore it is 
 reasonable to infer that all professed Christians 
 who manage to avoidthe threshing, are evidently 
 destitute of divine truth, and distinctive spiritual 
 force, and will ultimately fail of admittance to 
 the kingdom of heaven. Acts 14: 22; Rom. 5: 
 3-5; Rev. 7: 14. O Lord, help thy waiting 
 ones to possess a spirit of submission and 
 constancy under trial, and to everbe "rejoicing 
 in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing 
 instant in prayer," while they anticipate a 
 glorious immortality. 
 
 OBEDIENCE. 
 
 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, 
 for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, 
 (which is the first commandment with promise, ) 
 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest 
 live long on the earth." Eph. 6: 1-3. 
 
 " O yes," says John: "that will do for little 
 children, but when a fellow gets into his teens 
 as I have, he wants some liberty to enjoy him- 
 self. Why, there is Abe Dickens, who is only 
 
For Candid Readers. 41 
 
 ten years old, and he is privileged to go where 
 he pleases. Only the other day he was telling, 
 me of his wonderful adventures and good times 
 with the boys, and I don't understand why 
 father and mother should hinder me from doing 
 as he does, for I can't see any harm in it." 
 
 Well, John, let me tell you that a boy who 
 has his own way and is not taught to honour 
 father and mother, is surely on the road to ruin, 
 and some day you will see this to be true, for 
 the unwary youth without parental guidance 
 and counsel cannot see the evils to which he is 
 exposed, until he is ensnared. Let me give you 
 a simple illustration. 
 
 A little mouse visited the paste-cup of a 
 shoe-maker. He was hungry, and ate till sat- 
 isfied. His visits were repeated, but each time 
 he came the paste would stick to his whiskers 
 and face, and finally covered his eyes so that he 
 failed to see where he was going. 
 
 Now while this illustration may be only a 
 fable, it shows how some boys, regardless of 
 father's and mother's advice and commands, 
 run after the pleasures of sin untill blinded. Each 
 indulgence stains him with sin that sticks like 
 
42 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 paste, and his mind becomes so contaminated 
 that very soon the eyes of his understanding- 
 are closed to all that is good. 
 
 Now it is a fact, that with many boys and 
 girls, the beginning of their downward course is 
 disobedience to parents. Contrary to the orders 
 of father and mother they will associate with 
 bad boys and girls, and by these evil compan- 
 ions they are induced to swear, smoke and chew 
 tobacco, play checkers and euchre, and finally 
 to visit the grog-shop, theatre and other bad 
 places. In short, they go on from bad to worse 
 until forever ruined : all because they did not 
 obey father and mother. 
 
 Now my dear young friends, I want to say 
 to you, that if you wish to enjoy health and 
 long life on the earth, you must "obey your 
 parents in the Lord, for this is right." Yes; by 
 so doing you will start right, live right, and 
 come out right. 
 
 May the Lord help ail of our young readers 
 to honour their parents, and remember their 
 Creator in the days of their youth, that they all 
 may finally be gathered with the good of every 
 age and clime, in the Paradise of God to dwell 
 
For Candid Readers. 43 
 
 with Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep and 
 lambs. 
 
 THE UNRULY MEMBER. 
 
 Physicians often decide upon the condition 
 of patients by the tongue; and the antidotes are 
 administered according to the indications pre- 
 sented by that member. The human family is 
 morally diseased ; and all who will come to the 
 great Physician must make use of the remedies 
 offered, to be healed; and the indications of 
 improvement are determined largely by the 
 tongue. If that member is used in malicious 
 insinuations and exaggerations relative to what 
 are considered faults in others, while the 
 character is maligned and besmirched, it indi- 
 cates that the remedies prescribed by the divine 
 Healer have not been appropriated, for those 
 remedies never fail in restoring to spiritual 
 health the sin-sick soul. » 
 
 In taming the tongue man finds himself 
 comparatively powerless without the grace 
 of God. For the apostle James informs us that 
 "it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison," 
 and that "out of the same mouth proceedeth 
 
44 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 blessing and cursing." The tongue unsanctified 
 may bless us to-day and curse us to-morrow; for 
 with the unregenerate sensitiveness is a promi- 
 nent characteristic, and sometimes a word or act 
 unguarded, with no evil intention, is miscon- 
 strued and magnified until the fire of evil burns 
 furiously, and then we are forcibly reminded of 
 the inspired expression, " Behold, how great a 
 matter a little fire kindleth. " Back-biting and 
 bickering over trifles have ruined many a would- 
 be Christian, while the vitiating results have 
 been visible in the alienation of friends, neigh- 
 bors and brethren. Hence the tongue, uncon- 
 trolled by the divine element, is a mischievous 
 and dangerous member, the fruits of which are 
 "hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife," etc. 
 Spiritual decline is often exhibited first in the 
 unhallowed use of the tongue : for when 
 professed followers of the dear Saviour begin to 
 retail what they consider faulty in others, it is 
 quite a sure evidence of shallow piety, as we 
 are commanded to "speak evil of no man." 
 
 But again. While the above misuse of the 
 tongue may be avoided, it is possible for the 
 unguarded to fall into another train of evil, by 
 
For Candid Readers. 45 
 
 vociferously contending for apparent rights, 
 and valiently defending reputation, which 
 course is not in harmony with gospel principles. 
 The true Christian can trust all these matters to 
 our Father in heaven. Surely none can harm 
 those who "are kept by the power of God 
 through faith unto salvation, ready to be reveal- 
 ed in the last time/' and to bear reproach and 
 calumny with patience is Christ-like. 
 
 Another line of evil comes from a useless 
 exercise of the tongue, relative to vain and 
 transitory things, about which there is nothing 
 of lasting good or real happiness; such as 
 multitudinous fashions of costume and innum- 
 erable pleasure schemes, while many specu- 
 lative plans of a questionable nature perhaps 
 are concocted, and by which, means are 
 obtained to meet the expenses attendant. 
 
 Now it is a self-evident fact that the tongue 
 thus employed is not sanctified by the Spirit of 
 God, neither is the heart filled with his love: 
 for "out of the abundance of the heart the 
 mouth speaketh." But as we approximate the 
 end of the present age, the spirit of frenzy, 
 exhibited in the rattling of slanderous and 
 
46 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 foolish tongues increases alarmingly, there being 
 hardly a community or even a church society 
 in the land, but what is more or less honey- 
 combed by this God dishonoring trait; and only 
 those who are consecrated to God preparatory 
 for the coming of " the Just One" will be able 
 to successfully bridle the tongue and use it to 
 the Lord's glory. 
 
 The time has come when the children of 
 God need more than ever to be well guarded by 
 prayer and watchfulness, giving special heed to 
 the apostle's injunction, " Grudge not one 
 against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; 
 behold the judge standeth before the door." 
 Let the light of " present truth" shine out upon 
 the world not only by precept but also by ex- 
 ample, while our tongues are employed in praise 
 to our great Redeemer, and in expressing 
 sentiments that shall bless mankind. And in 
 connection with all this, let us ever remember 
 the beautiful sentiment expressed in the lan- 
 guage of another. 
 
 "The tongue is the key of the mind, 
 And whenever it opens the secret hung door. 
 What lies in the storehouse behind, 
 Whether gems or mere rubbish, is hidden 
 no more." 
 
For Candid Readers. 47 
 
 SANCTIFICATION. 
 
 The lucid and elaborate articles on "Holiness 
 as a Specialty/' from many able pens, calls for 
 the endorsement of all who look at this subject 
 from a reasonable and Scriptural standpoint, for 
 it is a self-evident fact, that zm-holiness is but 
 the negative of Christianity : and when professed 
 followers of Christ claim the principles of pure 
 religion as theirs for many months or years 
 previous to their being made holy, such claim 
 is soon invalidated when the light of reason and 
 divine truth is brought to bear upon them. 
 Moreover, in the majority of such cases, the 
 deportment unfolds the awful fact of spiritual 
 destitution, and more or less of hypocrisy, which 
 is disgusting to the sensible and pure, and 
 nauseating to the world: while devotional 
 breathings from such characters are only a 
 stench in the nostrils of the Most High God. 
 This statement may seem rather plain; but, "we 
 speak that we do know, and testify that we have 
 seen;" for " by their fruits, ye shall know them." 
 
 We would not disfavor the frequency and 
 fervency of devotional exercises understanding- 
 ly engaged in: for no child of grace can make 
 
48 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 his Christian life a success without constant 
 communication with God. But we z#z7/ venture 
 to say, that in many instances, less emotional 
 worship publicly exhibited, and a better 
 acquaintance with the Word of God, would be 
 far more conducive to personal advancement in 
 pure and undefiled religion. 
 
 In the strict sense of the term a Christian is 
 pure and holy: and this fact is so evinced, that 
 the one thus denominated is not obliged to go 
 about advertising his goodness, for his words 
 and acts will indicate what is in the heart; and 
 if sin be eradicated, the moral nature is reno- 
 vated, and the new creature in Christ Jesus 
 produced. In this condition the members of 
 the body are easily controlled. 
 
 The tongue is so bridled that no more of 
 slander and misrepresentation will fall from the 
 lips thus sanctified by the divine Spirit, neither 
 will there be in such an heart a disposition of 
 evil, ready to take advantage of another's 
 unavoidable misfortune in life. Maliciousness 
 and all roots of bitterness are gone, and good 
 will to men has taken their place. The cause 
 of God and its advocates have often suffered 
 
For Candid Readers. 49 
 
 from mischief-makers of a nominally sanctified 
 type, whose chief delight is in meddling with 
 the private affairs of other people. Oh, that 
 such would get acquainted with God and his 
 precious Word which admonishes all who 
 anticipate acceptance when Jesus comes, as 
 follows: "But as touching brotherly love ye 
 neednotthat I write unto you: forye yourselves 
 are taught of God to love one another, .... 
 and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your 
 own business, and to work with your own 
 hands, as we commanded you." (1 Thes. 4: 9-1 1). 
 " But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as 
 a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in 
 other men's matters." (1 Pet. 4: 15). "It is an 
 honor for a man to cease from strife: but every 
 fool will be meddling. " (Prov. 2c: 3.). May 
 the dear Lord help all whose eyes fall upon 
 these lines, to occupy the honorable position, 
 through " sanctification of the Spirit and belief 
 of the truth/' and thus be chosen to salvation in 
 the world to come. 
 
 Finally, "be patient, therefore, brethren, 
 stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord 
 draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another. 
 
50 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 lest ye be condemned: behold the Judge stand- 
 eth before the door.'' Let each seek to emulate 
 the virtues of others and be fully sanctified to 
 God. 
 
 RESTITUTION. 
 
 Much of interest to the Adamic race is in- 
 volved in the long anticipated restoration fore- 
 told by holy seers, and soon to be consummated. 
 With the prophetic telescope the vista of time 
 was scanned, and events were discovered in 
 consecutive train, which unfold human history, 
 and ultimate redemption in the earth made new. 
 And while the night of gloom and sorrow has 
 been long, many pilgrims have been cheered 
 by the rays of prophetic light which have fallen 
 upon their pathway, and now the blessed assur- 
 ance of immediate restitution is so elating that 
 we exclaim, Come Lord Jesus ! 
 
 Restitution in a Bible sense embraces that 
 which was lost, on specifications made in the 
 divine economy. " For the Son of man is come 
 to seek and to save that which was lost." And 
 when the rightful heir shall come to remove the 
 curse and claim his own, earth that is now 
 
For Candid Readers. 51 
 
 groaning- will be brought back to its pristine 
 beauty and loveliness: for the Lord hath said: — 
 "Behold, I create new heavens and a new 
 earth: and the former shall not be remembered, 
 nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice 
 forever in that which I create: for behold, I 
 create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a 
 joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in 
 my people: and the voice of weeping shall be 
 no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying." 
 Isa. 65: 17-19. 
 
 While the above prediction was made nearly 
 seven hundred years before Christ, we have a 
 full corroboration in prophetic vision, by the 
 holy Seer on Patmos, when he says: — "And I 
 saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first 
 heaven and the first earth were passed away, 
 and there was no more sea. And I John saw 
 the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down 
 from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride 
 adorned for her husband. And I heard a great 
 voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the taber- 
 nacle of God is with men: andhe will dwell with 
 them, and they shall be his people, and God 
 himself shall be with them, and be their God. 
 
52 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 And God shall wipe away all tears from their 
 eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither 
 sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any 
 more pain: for the former things are passed 
 away. And he that sat upon the throne said, 
 Behold I make all things new.'' 
 
 This, dear reader, is the plan of restitutio?! 
 epitomized: and thousands have found comfort 
 and consolation in it, while waiting for the times 
 of refreshing, and the coming of the Lord. 
 Surely the hope of such a glorious restitution as 
 predicted in the divine record, eclipses all other 
 plans for the counteraction of evil and sorrow: 
 and while the elements of strife and disintegra- 
 tion pervade all classes of society, more or less, 
 we can rejoice to know by unmistakable evi- 
 dences, that the restitution period will be intro- 
 duced in the near future, and then peace and joy 
 everlasting shall be ours. May the Lord sanctify 
 these thoughts to the good of the afflicted and 
 sorrowing, is the earnest prayer of the author. 
 
 ORGANIZATION. 
 
 In consideration of the relations included in 
 such a state or condition as that of persons col- 
 
For Candid Re 'aders. 53 
 
 lectively organized, the principles of government 
 should be observed in adoption and execution, in 
 order that the body retain its moral vigor and 
 continue its existence: for when the principles 
 of life are ignored or eschewed, languor and 
 corruption ensues. This is emphatically true of 
 religious orders founded upon righteousness, in 
 regulations divine, with objects heaven born, 
 and the amelioration of all concerned as the 
 ultimatum. The Lord's ways are equal: and in 
 his order of government there is no confusion 
 or jargon. But in the various circles of men, 
 we find inequality exhibited, and disorder ram- 
 pant, resulting in more or less of hostility: and' 
 the moral aspect of the present times is truly 
 saddening, when viewed from a political, relig- 
 ious and social standpoint. For the time has 
 come when even the nominal Church of Gcd is 
 so honeycombed with disregard for justice and 
 goodness, that the good are in danger of being 
 devoured. 
 
 Now that God has instituted rules of a right- 
 eous character, to regulate the practice, manners, 
 or conduct of his people in church order, is a 
 fact undeniable: and that there are some religious 
 
54 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 bodies living up to these divine rules, is not at 
 all improbable. But that exceptions of a sad 
 nature come under our observation is true: and 
 when a church becomes the rendezvous for the 
 contentious and malicious, it is better to stand 
 aloof from such fraternity, and look to God for 
 special help in individual effort. 
 
 That the times in which we are now living 
 are extremely perilous, is a fact supported by the 
 duplication of prophetic asseverations and can- 
 did observation: and while the perils predicted 
 are in religious circles, it behooves those who 
 "wait for God's Son from heaven/' to refuse 
 affiliation in organizations that are impure, un- 
 merciful, and worldly minded. Let us stand for 
 God and truth, though we stand alone, rather 
 than endorse the violation of the first principles 
 of the Christian religion and be in jeopardy. 
 
 But, if any are within the reach of a Christian 
 order where God fs~honored, his truth endorsed 
 and adopted, and righteousness governs, it is 
 well to identify yourself with such a body: for 
 as Christians we need the association and help 
 of the good and pure, as united effort invariably 
 brings happy and profitable results to those 
 engaged under the supervision of Christ. 
 
For Candid Readers. 55 
 
 May all of God's waiting children, associated 
 in church capacity, be so full of love to their 
 living- head, and for each other, as that mercy 
 and goodness shall characterize every act, and 
 so govern their thoughts and utterances, that un- 
 believers will take knowledge of their having 
 been with Jesus and learned of him, is our pray- 
 er. "Grudge not one against another, brethren, 
 lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge stand- 
 eth before the door." James 5-9. 
 
 THE PREDOMINATING EVIL. 
 
 Of all the evils rampant in these last days, 
 none exceeds that of licentiousness, which is the 
 bane of this nineteenth century. Thousands 
 are allured and morally polluted by resting in 
 the embrace of fleshly lust. Thoughtless and 
 unguarded youth easily fall a prey to this evil 
 which is so prevalent: and therefore the time 
 has come when parents should exercise more 
 rigid government, while those who bear the 
 gospel message should lift the voice of warning 
 in stentorian notes, that the unwary may be 
 aroused to a sense of their danger, and flee to 
 Christ for protection: for He and He only, can 
 
56 Spiritztal Thoughts 
 
 safely guide us over the sea of life, that abounds 
 in perils — but none is greater than this maelstrom 
 of licentiousness. 
 
 The loose manner in which the reins of 
 family government are handled, is one principal 
 cause of the increase of this evil : for 
 children are allowed to go when and where 
 they please, regardless of contamination; 
 while not infrequently mothers who are blinded 
 by the curse of premature society contact, put 
 their children forward at a very early period in 
 life, before discernment and discretion are fairly 
 associated with reason, and their moral nature 
 being susceptible to evil through the channel of 
 lust, they easily yield to the vitiating influences 
 brought to bear upon them. Many a mother has 
 shed bitter tears of sorrow because of ruin 
 brought upon her daughter in this way. If parents 
 could understand the fact that moral culture is of 
 far greater importance than the cultivation of 
 society qualifications, there would be much less 
 of mental and financial strain in aping the 
 world, and associating with the ungodly, and 
 much less of sorrow would be experienced. 
 
 Mental culture, and moral refinement are right 
 
For Candid Readers. 57 
 
 in a degree commensurate with divine precepts. 
 But the social, simpering- refinement of the 
 fashionable and vain, resulting largely from 
 the perusal of fiction, is often allied to and 
 just precedes licentiousness. Oh, that some 
 may be snatched as brands from the burn- 
 ing before the judgments of God are poured out 
 upon a wicked and adulterous generation, which 
 is characterized by the sins of Sodom, whose 
 relative position and moral status foreshadowed 
 the moral condition of the last generation in this 
 age: for we learn from the Lord Jesus that "Like- 
 wise also as it was in the days of Lot, they did 
 eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they 
 planted, they builded: but the same day that 
 Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brim- 
 stone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even 
 thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man 
 is revealed.' 7 
 
 How remarkably the Apostle Peter, in eluci- 
 dating this subject, coincides with the foregoing 
 statement of our Lord, when he informs us that 
 God spared neither sinful angels, nor unright- 
 eous antediluvians: "and turning the cities of 
 Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned 
 
58 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 them with an overthrow, making them an en- 
 sample unto those that after should live ungodly: 
 and delivered just Lot vexed with the filthy con- 
 versation of the wicked: (for that righteous man 
 dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, 
 vexed his righteous soul from day to day with 
 their unlawful deeds:) the Lord knovveth how to 
 deliver the godly out of temptations and to 
 reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to 
 be punished, 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. v 
 As a climax in confirmatory testimony, Jude 
 says: " Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the 
 cities about them in like manner, giving them- 
 selves over to fornication, and going after 
 strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffer- 
 ing the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also 
 these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise 
 dominion, and speak evil of dignities.' 7 
 
 Paul also specifies the works of the flesh, and 
 includes as a prominent evil the sin of adultery, 
 stating that "they which do such things shall 
 not inherit the kingdom of God." 
 
For Candid Readers. 59 
 
 Much more of a confirmatory nature might 
 be adduced from the divine record, but with the 
 foregoing indubitable quotations of divine au- 
 thority, we leave this important subject for the 
 consideration of the thoughtful, hoping that 
 every Christian reader will do all he or she can 
 to rescue the fallen. 
 
 THE TIME OF TRIAL. 
 Loyalty to God and his cause is a leading 
 feature in the Christian life under all circum- 
 stances — adverse or favorable; for in divine 
 order, the time of trial precedes the time of 
 exaltation in glory: and the test of fidelity 
 must be applied now. No plea of impediment 
 or inability will excuse laxity or remissness in 
 the discharge of duty: for faithfulness will 
 characterize all the words and works of the 
 true disciple of Jesus. v 
 
 But that we have come to a special period 
 of deep trial for the people of God, is apparent 
 to all candid and careful observers of our times, 
 and the deliniation of the same by Holy 
 Prophets and Apostles. This period may not 
 furnish the martyrologist with thrilling tragedies, 
 
60 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 as in ages past, but christian experience supports 
 the indubitable fact of terrible convulsions in 
 the moral nature of man, producing alienation 
 and disintegration, in all branches of society: 
 and especially does this feudal spirit become 
 alarming when it enters the sacred realms of 
 the Church militant, severing holy bonds, and 
 lacerating christian hearts. 
 
 Affiliation with the world has rendered the 
 nominal church of to-day, oblivious to practical 
 duties and the prophetical line of thought, 
 which is so inspiring to the true child of grace; 
 and because of this, the consecrated sons and 
 daughters of the Most High are rejected, 
 despised, persecuted and scorned, while in 
 isolation and obscurity they cry, ' "Jesus, 
 come, oh, come to reign." 
 
 The time has come when but few, com- 
 paratively, have stamina and grace sufficient 
 to " earnestly contend for the faith once 
 delivered unto the saints," and he who takes a 
 firm stand for God and "present truth," must 
 be so devoted that he can from a full heart 
 exclaim, 
 
For Candid Readers. 61 
 
 "My all to Christ I've given, 
 
 My talents, time, and voice: 
 
 Myself, my reputation, 
 
 The lone way is my choice." 
 
 Amid the gloom and strife attending earth's 
 
 closing scenes there is joy and consolation in 
 
 the blessed hope of speedy deliverance, for we 
 
 are assured by the prophet Daniel that in " the 
 
 time of the end," many shall be purified, and 
 
 made white, and tried," while the apostle 
 
 James says "Happy the man who endures 
 
 trial-, because having become an approved 
 
 person, he will receive the crown of life, which 
 
 the Lord promised to those who love him." 
 
 (Em Diag. ) 
 
 It is truly saddening to witness the estrange- 
 ment so prevalent in domestic circles and 
 church relations: evidencing a want of natural 
 affection, while the professed christian love for 
 brethren is feigned: and because of this, the 
 lonely care-worn pilgrim is almost disheartened. 
 But dear fellow traveler, let us bear in mind, 
 that these deep trials develop and strengthen 
 the christian graces, while with the Psalmist 
 we may say, "This poor man cried, and the 
 
62 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his 
 troubles/' Psa. 34-6. The carnal nature in 
 men is such, that they may in shallow judg- 
 ment, separate the humble, afflicted child of 
 grace from their company, and say all manner 
 of evil against them falsely for Christ's sake. 
 All this may be permitted by a wise providence, 
 but we read, "Happy is the man whom God 
 correcteth: therefore despise not thou the 
 chastening of the Almighty: for he maketh 
 sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his 
 hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in 
 six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil 
 touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee 
 from death; and in war from the power of the 
 sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of 
 the tongue; neither shalt thou be afraid of 
 destruction when it cometh. " 
 
 Evidently great evils are soon to befall the 
 nations, and as we approximate the end, we 
 shall be sorely tried. But thank God we have 
 been called out by way of distinction in the 
 Philadelphia!! period of the Church, when the 
 angel of heaven was commissioned to say, 
 "Because thou hast kept the word of my 
 
Fo r Ca n did R ea ders , 6 3 
 
 patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of 
 temptation, which shall come upon all the world, 
 to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, 
 I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, 
 that no man take thy crown." 
 
 May God help both reader and writer to 
 "endure hardness as good soldiers of the 
 cross/' that we may in the great day of con- 
 summation enter upon the fruition of promises 
 exceeding great and precious: and while in 
 this vale of tears we wait for the inauguration 
 of the tearless, painless, and deathless kingdom 
 in Paradise restored, let us all view each other 
 in the clear sunlight of charity and good nature. 
 
 "THIS GENERATION." 
 
 Under this head we submit a few thoughts 
 for the consideration of those who love our 
 Saviour's appearing: and without stopping to 
 discuss the propriety of applying the term 
 "generation" to a class of people (as some 
 expositors have,) instead of making it a period 
 of time, we will state that in prophetic vision 
 Christ is down near the close of this age, when 
 he says, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree: 
 
64 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth 
 leaves, ye know that Summer is nigh: so like- 
 wise ye, when ye shall see all these things 
 (signs,) know that it (or he) is near, even at the 
 doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation 
 shall not pass till all these things (signs) be 
 fulfilled."— -Matt 24: 3 2 ~34. 
 
 In obtaining a right understanding of this 
 matter, we have need to couple the disciples' 
 interrogations with this terminal prophecy re- 
 o-ardine the witness of the last serial events, as 
 
 o o 
 
 forerunners of his coming. The disciples say, 
 "Tell us .... what shall be the sign (not time) 
 of thy coming, and of the end of the world ? " 
 Now, may we not, without doing violence to 
 the true principles of exegesis, fairly deduce 
 what may yet prove a fact, that the coming of 
 Jesus is not included in the statement. "This 
 generation shall not pass, till all these things 
 be fulfilled ? " Mark, it is the signs or precursors 
 of our Saviours coming and the end of this age 
 that are specified in reply to the questions 
 asked: while following the passage under con- 
 sideration, he has repeatedly cut us short of 
 knowing the definite time of his personal 
 
For Candid Readers. 65 
 
 appearing. " Take ye lieed, watch and pray : 
 for ye know not when the time is/' 
 
 Believing, as many dear brethren have in the 
 past, that Christ would come before the gener- 
 ation spoken of passed away, and that he would 
 surely appear at the ending of the prophetic 
 periods, they have removed the landmarks from 
 one point to another, failing to bear in mind 
 that, as to periods pointing to events in the 
 history of this age, God made no mistake in 
 the beginning of this adventual movement; and 
 hence disappointment has attended their mis- 
 calculations and computations. Looking at 
 the subject from this standpoint, it seems that 
 if these brethren had understood that the signs 
 would come to pass before the generation ended, 
 while the coming of the Bridegroom would be 
 after, then their position would have been valid 
 and incontrovertible. Now that these wonder- 
 ful predictions of our Saviour are all fulfilled, 
 and the generation passed, (if it mean a period 
 of time) we are truly in the waiting time, 
 watching and praying for the coming of the 
 Just One: as we know not the definite time of 
 deliverance, but feel confident "it is near, even 
 
66 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 at the doors" and therefore we expect to be 
 translated at any day or hour in the immediate 
 future. 
 
 Oh, glorious day that brings us full release 
 from temptation, sorrow and death! Then 
 " mortality shall be swallowed up of life," and 
 we shall join in the glad refrain — the new song 
 —saying, 
 
 "Thou art worthy for thou wast slain, 
 
 and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out 
 of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and 
 nation; and hast made us unto our God kings 
 and priests; and we shall reign on the earth" 
 May the Lord help both reader and writer to 
 live righteously and godly, until the consum- 
 mation of our blessed hope in the Paradise of 
 God. 
 
 THE POWER OF GOD. 
 
 In the ninth chapter of Romans and the 
 twenty-first verse we find the following words, 
 " Hath not the potter power over the clay, of 
 the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, 
 and another unto dishonour ? " 
 
For Candid Readers . 67 
 
 Reader, here is a question asked. Can you 
 answer it? We shall not be surprised if you 
 say no, for we apprehend there are thousands 
 of people who, having never beheld the won- 
 derful operation on the wheels, are entirely 
 ignorant in regard to the power which the 
 potter has over the clay. 
 
 This very curious, and ancient art is often 
 referred to by the writers of the Bible, (Psa. 1 1 : 
 9; Lam. 4: 2; Rev. 11: 27; Jere. 19: 10-11.) 
 
 These passages serve to illustrate to a 
 certain extent the power of God as manifested 
 over nations, individuals, and especially in the 
 resurrection of the dead. 
 
 For instance, the prophet Jeremiah com- 
 pares the destruction of a nation to the break- 
 ing of a potter's bottle, which can never be made 
 whole again. Now the potter's bottle, which is 
 formed of clay, is first dried and then burned in a 
 furnace, or what is properly called a kiln, which 
 makes it sufficiently hard to be of service. There- 
 fore, no chemist has ever prepared a cement 
 which will make whole the burned bottle that has 
 been broken. So it is with nations. If they be- 
 come so corrupt in the sight of God as to be 
 
68 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 destroyed by him, they can never be made 
 whole again. 
 
 Again, the apostle compares individuals to 
 clay in the hands of the potter. The bottle 
 which is formed of clay, may first be a vessel 
 of honour, then if marred it is made a 
 vessel of dishonour. So man who was formed 
 of dust of the ground, came from his maker's 
 hand a vessel of honour, but was soon marred, 
 dishonoured by sin. 
 
 Now before the bottle is hardened and burn- 
 ed, the potter is able to make of it, (same lump) 
 another vessel, to dishonour. 
 
 So man (being a free actor and superior to 
 the inanimate clay) by rejecting eternal life 
 and choosing evil, is marred by sin, and comes 
 forth in the resurrection a vessel of dishonour. 
 
 We look around and behold men upon every 
 hand that suffer even in this life because of the 
 sins which they have committed. Vessels of 
 dishonour. Thus the power of God is manifest 
 over individuals, and the passage of Scripture 
 under consideration instead of doing away with 
 free moral action as some have supposed, sus- 
 tains the doctrine, and proves to us very 
 
For Candid Readers, 69 
 
 explicitly the power of God as manifested in 
 the resurrection of the dead, both of the just 
 and unjust. 
 
 That Paul wrote and preached a great deal 
 about the resurrection, cannot be denied, and as 
 proof that he was now referring to this subject, 
 mark his language. " Hath not the potter 
 power over the clay, of the same lump to make 
 one vessel unto honour, and another unto dis- 
 honour ?" 
 
 The potter is able to take a lump of clay 
 and make a good vessel, then mar or destroy 
 its form; yet it is the same lump. Likewise 
 man, who is of the earth earthy, being marred 
 by sin, returns to dust again. But as the pot- 
 ter has power to reconstruct another vessel of 
 the same lump, so God has power in the res- 
 urrection day to reconstruct or raise to life the 
 same dust that was entombed years ago. 
 
 But Paul continues this subject by saying 
 in the context. "What if God, willing to show 
 his wrath and to make his power known, en- 
 dured with much long suffering the vessels of 
 wrath, fitted to destruction ?" That is, God 
 endures with much long suffering the vessels 
 
jo Spirittial Thong Jits 
 
 of wrath, or sinful men who reject the offers 
 of mercy, and persist in evil doing, which make 
 them vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 
 therefore when the dead are raised, they will 
 be judged according to their deeds; those who 
 have served God faithfully during probation 
 will be raised vessels of honour: while others 
 that have served the evil one will be raised 
 vessels of dishonour. It is true, to the wicked 
 this doctrine is not pleasing, but to the right- 
 eous it is glad tidings. 
 
 Reader, if you are striving with the saints 
 of the Most High to make your calling and 
 election sure, may God help you: but if you 
 are seeking for pleasure in this world, and 
 walking with the multitude in the road to death, 
 let me admonish you as a friend to seek the 
 Lord while he may be found and call upon him 
 while he is near, that you may be accepted at 
 the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. 
 
 Various and intricate are the devices of 
 Satan in these last days, when formalism is so 
 predominant that the cloak of religion is used 
 
For Candid Readers. yi 
 
 to cover the deformity and virus of every hydra- 
 headed system born of sin. But of all the the- 
 oretical schemes of recent production, none is 
 more seductive nor better calculated to impose 
 upon the credulous than "Christian Science " 
 falsely so called. 
 
 The founder of this new phase of spiritual- 
 istic development which sets at naught the 
 physiological and medical observation of the 
 past and present is Mrs. B. G. Eddy, of Boston, 
 Mass., who informs the public that she passed 
 through a wonderful experience in 1866 where- 
 by she recovered "immediately from the effect 
 of an injury that neither surgery nor materia 
 medica could reach." Then it was, she " receiv- 
 ed spiritual illumination which enabled her to 
 give the Bible a new meaning." After three 
 years of withdrawal from society, to meditate 
 on her new mission, she then published her 
 "Science and Health," which is the text book 
 of the Christian Scientists. 
 
 Her philosophy is briefly stated in the 
 language of another, viz. : The divine mind 
 and its ideas are the only realities: matter, sin, 
 sickness and death are non-realities. Starting 
 
J 2 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 from this notion it is claimed that her mode of 
 healing was that of Christ. It is also said that 
 while individuals may be benefitted in some 
 degree by an " unconscious assent to its prin- 
 ciples/' in order to come "into full liberty and 
 power we must possess the key of knowledge." 
 This means that a course of instruction should 
 be taken in Mrs. Eddy's college. 
 
 Mrs. Eddy calls disease " a thing of 
 thought; fear is the procurator of the thought 
 which causes sickness and suffering." "What 
 seems to be disease and mortality are illusions 
 of the physical senses." " Disease is a condi- 
 tion to which any individual of the human race 
 is liable, exists in the common or universal 
 mind." 
 
 Now this would-be Christian view is truly 
 a theoretical monstrosity that needs but very 
 little shaking to expose its incompatibility with 
 the Bible, reason and common sense; for that 
 matter, sin, sickness and death are realities, is 
 supported by philosophical principles and 
 practically verified. But it is claimed that 
 many cures have been wrought by "Christian 
 Science." "Unfortunately," says one writer, 
 
For Candid Readers. 73 
 
 "there is just now no opportunity to test Mrs. 
 Eddy's power to heal, as she informs the pub- 
 lic that she 'takes no patients and has no time 
 for medical consultation/" 
 
 Professor Townsend of the Boston Univer- 
 sity, publicly offered her $1,000 if she or her 
 entire college of doctors would put into place 
 a real case of hip or ankle dislocation without 
 resorting to the ordinary manipulations, and 
 further offered $2,000 if they would give sight 
 to one of the inmates of the South Boston 
 asylum for the blind. Mrs. Eddy replied in 
 her journal that if she "should accept his bid 
 he would lose the money," because she "per- 
 formed more difficult feats fifteen years ago." 
 "At present, " she continued, "I am in another 
 department of Christian work, where there shall 
 no sign be given them." The writer referred 
 to considers this little better than the evasion 
 of a quack. 
 
 That many have been healed by the power 
 of God in direct answer to the prayer of faith 
 which shall save the sick, is not to be doubted 
 for a moment; but that God employs as agents, 
 spiritualistic mediums, who stand in opposition 
 
74 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 to plain Bible teachings, is an idea born of ab- 
 surdity, and an outrage upon reason and com- 
 mon sense, notwithstanding the claim to 
 Christianity and the principles of science, for 
 the Bible is in harmony with primitive nature 
 and a true philosophical basis on every line: 
 but fanaticism of the darkest type seizes upon 
 many would-be teachers of the present age, and 
 hence the injunction of Paul to his son Timothy 
 is written for our instruction, that we too may 
 avoid the various phases of satanic delusion, 
 which increases alarmingly as we approximate 
 the end. 
 
 "O Timothy, keep that which is committed 
 to thy trust, (the word of God), avoiding profane 
 and vain babblings and oppositions of science 
 falsely so called, which some professing have 
 erred concerning the faith." These thoughts 
 we present as a warning to the unwary and for 
 the serious consideration of the thoughtful, for 
 many are being carried away with this late de- 
 lusion, "Christian Science." With a knowl- 
 edge #/~and obedience to divine truth, accom- 
 panied by the Spirit of God in our hearts, we 
 may be preserved blameless unto the coming 
 
For Candid Readers. 75 
 
 and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us 
 continually watch and pray, and ever look to 
 Jesus as our Saviour, Physician and prospective 
 Kinof. 
 
 AMBITION. 
 
 In the common acceptation of the term, am- 
 bition implies force, energy, push: either mental 
 or physical: but that it originated in a bad sense, 
 and operates in the order of a base passion, will 
 be apparent by observation and investigation. 
 In the absolute sense of the word, the ambitious 
 class of intelligent beings have an aversion to 
 superiors, and authority they despise. Emula- 
 tion brings into action all of the ambient forces 
 to gain the ascendency, even at the sacrifice of 
 principle and integrity: while not infrequently 
 physical disaster follows. This fact is verified 
 by many who have sought for positions of 
 honour, and in fierce contest have experienced 
 moral insensibility, mental aberration, and bro- 
 ken constitution. 
 
 Many authors, poets and statesmen, havehad 
 different views of the origin and influence of this 
 passion. By some it has been deduced from 
 
y6 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 the gods themselves: and it has been represent- 
 ed as glowing- in the breasts of kings, heroes, 
 statesmen and philosophers. But this was not 
 the testimony of one who had tasted of all its 
 sweets, who had climbed all of its giddy heights, 
 and who, alas ! had fathomed all of its treach- 
 erous depths, for, says he, — Cromwell, "I 
 charge thee, fling away ambition ! for by that 
 mad passion the angels from heaven fell ! " Out 
 of this satanic passion springs the bitter envies 
 and jealousies of the professions, the despair 
 and the vexations of poverty, and the hatreds of 
 sectarianism. Both the civil and ecclesiastical 
 atmosphere of our world is so terribly burden- 
 ed with this bane of human nature, that thou- 
 sands of victims are sacrificed upon its altar. 
 From Rome, the great centre of mystical drag- 
 onic power, has come an influence which has 
 been for centuries, gradually embracing the 
 nations, until we find in Church and state, this 
 " inordinate desire of preferment, honour, supe- 
 riority, or power,'' universally prevailing. As 
 the result our political institutions are corrupted, 
 honour has departed, and hydra-headed anarchy 
 is rising up, with the wings of ambition to speed 
 
For Candid Readers. yy 
 
 it on. Our Church institutions are depleted and 
 demoralized by the innovations of the arrogant 
 and sensual christians (?) who love pleasure 
 and rivalry more than God, while the semi-moral 
 influence is neutralized. 
 
 But that our readers maybe individually prof- 
 ited by this article, let us note the physical and 
 mental results of ambition. The influence of 
 this passion on the natural heart deserves more 
 than ordinary attention: for the failure of the 
 functions of that organ is often attributable to 
 the depletion, ofthe systemby over-work, anxiety 
 and excitement. It is said of England's great- 
 est orator, the illustrious lord Chatham, "Hav- 
 ing delivered a speech in Parliament, he was 
 replied to in no very courteous language, when 
 he arose under a tower of passion, to retort, and 
 fell down in a swoon, from which he never 
 recovered/' 
 
 The hazards of trade, and the anxieties of 
 commerce, when men have heavMy laden ships 
 tossed upon the bosom of every ocean, the long 
 nights of sleepless anxiety and doubt, whether 
 vessels deeply laden with the wealth of the 
 Indies, long over due, will ever enter port: the 
 
78 Spiritual TJionghts 
 
 rivalries of trade, when men are pitting against 
 each other in business: all grounded in ambition, 
 the mad passion for preeminent success: such 
 mental perturbations and excitements, being re- 
 flected upon the human heart, produce a fearful 
 amount of disease in that organ and brings 
 many to an untimely grave. 
 
 The perplexities and cares in household 
 duties, associated with an inordinate desire to vie 
 with the rich in fashionable dress, furniture and 
 furnishings of modern style, the extravagance 
 in luxurious living, all because of the unholy 
 ambition of the housewife, has abruptly ended 
 her existence, and financially embarrassed her 
 husband, who is left in sorrow. Had she been 
 satisfied with the plain comforts of life, she might 
 have lived to a good old age, while the happiness 
 of herself and family would have been greatly 
 promoted. 
 
 But this spirit of preferment and rivalry does 
 not stop with the parent, for it is imparted to 
 the offspring. Often do we see the young, fad- 
 ing, sickening, and dying because of fashionable 
 dress. While many are ruined in health, not a 
 few are moral and mental wrecks, by contami- 
 
For Candid Readers. 79 
 
 nation in schools, and continuous mental strain. 
 It is not in vain that God inspired his servants 
 to write, "Of making many books there is no 
 end: and much study is a weariness to the 
 flesh." "For in much wisdom (earthly) is 
 much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge 
 increaseth sorrow." "For it is written, I will 
 destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring 
 to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 
 Where is the wise? where is the scribe ? where 
 is the disputer of this world? hath not God 
 made foolish the wisdom of this world ? " 
 
 If we would see our young men and women 
 enter the arena of life, qualified for all its 
 activities, in health and happiness, let us care- 
 fully guard their morals, and see that the 
 mental powers are not overtaxed. "Fling 
 away the mad passion of ambition," and let 
 reason occupy her throne, then we may see 
 true manhood and womanhood acting in the 
 sphere that nature has provided. Mental 
 culture is proper and profitable in a degree that 
 health and circumstances permit: but moral en- 
 dowments are of greater value, and these should 
 be intensified by the impartation of divine 
 truth, and the bearing of holy influences. 
 
80 Spiritual Thoughts. 
 
 But, lest the reader be misled in conclusions 
 drawn from the foregoing", we now present more 
 definitely the deleterious effects of unholy am- 
 bition upon the moral heart, or endowment of 
 man, and this brings us to practical religion. 
 The heart being the fountain of life, both in the 
 natural and supernatural development and 
 support of man, we find the operations of one 
 analogous to the other: for heart failure in the 
 moral sense, is attributable to the enervation 
 of man's powers by being "overcharged with 
 the cares of this life," and amalgamation with 
 the world. 
 
 When christians ( ? ) are so wedded to 
 church party, that rivalry comes in by way 
 of gambling and amusements of questionable 
 character in the house of God, and are so full 
 of emulation that "Idolatry, witchcraft, 
 hatred, variance,.... .'wrath, strife, seditions, 
 heresies, are cropping out, the moral nature 
 must be greatly diseased, and some day it will 
 terminate in heart failure, — that is, the moral 
 sensibilities will be dead, Dead! The unholy 
 ambition of church members and the coopera- 
 tion of worldly pastors, in seeking for 
 
For Candid Readers, 8 1 
 
 preferment and self-aggrandizement, is bringing 
 many into a spiritual decline; and death, the 
 wages of sin, will be their portion. 
 
 Personal ambition and submission to God 
 seems to be incompatible: for while the first 
 embraces our will in supremacy, the latter is 
 humble subjection to the will of God. Hence, 
 the exclusion of ambitious principles does not 
 sink us in the mire of sloth and inactivity, for 
 those principles are superseded by the more en- 
 nobling element, courage, evinced in meekly 
 doing the will of our Master in heaven. 
 
 With this element grounded upon faith, we 
 are to reach out for higher attainments, adding 
 "knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, 
 brotherly kindness, and charity: for if these 
 things be in you, and abound, they make you, 
 that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful 
 in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." "Be 
 kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly 
 love: in honour preferring one another: not 
 slothful in business, fervent in spirit: serving 
 the Lord: rejoicing in hope: patient in tribu- 
 lation: continuing instant in prayer: distributing 
 to the necessity of saints: given to hospitality/' 
 
82 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Surely these righteous principles exclude the 
 ambition of carnal nature, and establish us in 
 the road to physical and mental attainments, 
 that far exceed the earthly. Our preferment 
 is for others. We are prompt in all of our 
 business transactions, and our service to God 
 is not slack, while our christian graces shine so 
 brilliantly that others are profited and partake 
 of our joy and peace. A most glorious and 
 happy condition to be in. 
 
 Almost invariably we find absolute arro- 
 gancy to be the legitimate fruitage of unbridled 
 ambition: and the Lord says by his prophets, 
 " I will punish the world for their evil, and the 
 wicked for their iniquity: and I will cause the 
 arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay 
 low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make 
 a man more precious than fine gold: even a 
 man than the golden wedge of Ophir. " " Talk 
 no more so exceeding proudly: let not arro- 
 gancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is 
 a God of knowledge, and by him actions are 
 weighed. " ' ' The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: 
 pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and 
 the fro ward mouth, do I hate." 
 
For Candid Readers. 83 
 
 Now in contrast with all this, we learn that 
 full submission in the divine order, results in 
 the elevation of humanity here, and bears the 
 fruit of glorious exaltation in the world to come: 
 for the unerring rule of inspiration is, "Submit 
 yourselves therefore to God, .... Humble your- 
 selves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall 
 lift you up." "When men are cast down, 
 then thou shalt say, There is lifting up: and 
 he shall save the humble person." " And who- 
 soever shall exalt himself shall be abased: and 
 he that shall humble himself, shall be exalted." 
 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves 
 unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one 
 to another, and be clothed with humility: for 
 God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to 
 the humble. Humble yourselves therefore 
 under the mighty hand of God, that he may 
 exalt you in due time." 
 
 Again we repeat with greater emphasis the 
 language of Cromwell. " Fling away ambition; 
 for by that mad passion the angels from heaven 
 fell" Let not disgrace or disaster come to us 
 by its indulgence: but like Moses of old, let 
 meekness characterize the deportment of all 
 
84 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 who are watching and waiting for the glorious 
 appearing of him who was "meek and lowly 
 in heart/' and by submission to his Father 
 proved himself a paragon of goodness. May 
 God help us to be like Jesus in character now, 
 that we may be like him in nature " when he 
 shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to 
 be admired in all them that believe." 
 
 THE STATE OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 Gradually, and perhaps unconsciously, the 
 nominal devotees of our Protestant religion are 
 duplicating the prophecies relative to the apos- 
 tasy of our times, approximating in no small 
 degree the trend of life, so peculiar to the 
 mystical mother of harlots: verifying the scrip- 
 tural proverb, "As is the mother, so is her 
 daughter." But with pleasure we note the 
 special move of God's people who, in response 
 to the heavenly injunction, "Come out of her, 
 my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, 
 and that ye receive not of her plagues," are 
 coming to the front in grand distinction, while 
 Zion's true watchmen are lifting the voice of 
 
For Candid Readers. 85 
 
 warning. Devoted and sagacious leaders in 
 ecclesiastical circles are becoming much alarm- 
 ed in relation to " the state of the church, " in 
 these days, and are earnestly calling for reform. 
 Prominent among this class is Bishop R. S. 
 Foster, of the M. E. church, whose brief and 
 pungent statements we here subjoin for the 
 perusal of our readers who are interested in 
 these things. 
 
 "The church of God is to-day courting the 
 world. Its members are trying to bring it 
 down to the level of the ungodly. The ball, 
 the theatre, nude and lewd art, social luxuries, 
 with all their loose moralities, are making in- 
 roads into the sacred inclosure of the church, 
 and as a satisfaction for all this worldliness, 
 Christians are making a great deal of Lent and 
 Easter and Good Friday, and church orna- 
 mentations. It is the old trick of Satan. The 
 Jewish church struck on that rock. The Rom- 
 ish church was wrecked on the same, and the 
 Protestant church is fast reaching the same 
 doom. 
 
 Our great dangers, as we see them, are 
 assimilation to the world, neglect of the poor, 
 
86 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 substitution of the form for the fact of godliness, 
 abandonment of discipline, a hireling ministry, 
 an impure gospel, which summed up, is a 
 fashionable church. 
 
 Do not Methodists, in violation of God's 
 Word and their own discipline, dress as extrava- 
 gantly and fashionably as any other class ? Do 
 not the ladies, and often the wives and daugh- 
 ters of the ministry, put on " gold and pearls 
 and costly array?" Would not the plain dress 
 insisted upon by J. Wesley, Bishop Asbury, and 
 worn by Hester Ann Rogers, Lady Huntington, 
 and many others equally distinguished, be now 
 regarded in Methodist circles as fanaticism ? 
 Can any one going into a Methodist church in 
 any of our chief cities distinguish the attire of 
 the communicants from that of theatre and ball 
 goers ? 
 
 Is not the worldliness seen in the music ? 
 Elaborately dressed and ornamented choirs, 
 who in many cases make no profession of 
 religion and are often sneering skeptics, go 
 through a cold, artistic or operatic performance, 
 which is as much out of harmony with spiritual 
 worship as an opera or theatre. Under such 
 
For Candid Readers. 87 
 
 worldly performances spirituality is frozen to 
 death. 
 
 Formerly every Methodist attended class 
 and gave testimony* of experimental religion. 
 Now the class-meeting is attended by very few, 
 and in many churches abandoned. 
 
 Seldom the stewards, trustees and leaders 
 of the church attend class. Formerly nearly 
 every Methodist prayed, testified or exhorted 
 in prayer-meeting. Now but very few are 
 heard. Formerly shouts and praises were 
 heard: now such demonstrations of holy enthu- 
 siasm and joy are regarded as fanaticism. 
 
 Worldly socials, fairs, festivals, concerts, 
 and such like, have taken the place of the re- 
 ligious gatherings, revival meetings, class and 
 prayer meetings, of earlier days. How true 
 that the Methodist discipline is a dead letter. 
 Its rules forbid the wearing of gold, or pearls, 
 or costly array: yet no one ever thinks of dis- 
 ciplining its members for violating them. They 
 forbid the reading of such books and the taking 
 of such diversions as do not minister to godli- 
 ness, yet the church itself goes into shows, 
 and frolics, and festivals, and fairs, which de- 
 
88 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 stroy the spiritual life of the young as well as 
 the old. The extent to which it is now carried 
 on is appalling. The spiritual death it carries 
 in its train will only be known when the 
 millions it has swept into hell stand before the 
 judgment. 
 
 The early Methodist ministers went forth 
 to sacrifice and suffer for Christ. They sought 
 not the places of ease and affluence, but of 
 privation and suffering. They gloried not in 
 their big salaries, fine parsonages, and refined 
 congregations, but in the souls that had been 
 won for Jesus. Oh, how changed ! A hireling 
 ministry will be a feeble, a timid, a truckling, 
 a time-serving ministry without faith, endur- 
 ance, and holy power. Methodism formerly 
 dealt in the great central truth. Now the pulpits 
 deal largely in generalities, and in popular lec- 
 tures. The glorious doctrine of entire sanctifi- 
 cation is rarely heard and seldom witnessed to 
 in the pulpits/' — From Law and Gospel in the 
 Vanguard. 
 
 POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE. 
 
 The great principles of the Christian religion 
 are positive in their nature and execution in all 
 
For Candid Readers. 89 
 
 circumstances and relations; and none are prof- 
 ited by their espousal if they indulge in practi- 
 cal negations. Assiduously doing the will of 
 our Father in heaven, engages all of the ran- 
 somed powers of man. Both the physical and 
 moral nature is quickened, regenerated and 
 brought into " newness of life," while all of the 
 affinities are of the same firm, positive nature. 
 
 Men may philosophize and assert the pro- 
 priety of positive and negative association on 
 the human line, but God unfolds the fact that 
 his people shall be associated in all of their re- 
 lations — domestic and religious — upon positive 
 principles, with the divine characteristics pre- 
 eminently visible. " For by one Spirit are we 
 all baptized into one body," therefore "Be ye 
 not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: 
 for 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 ? " By separation from 
 negatives we are positively children of God. 
 
 In the elucidation of this important subject, 
 many lines of thought present themselves to our 
 
90 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 view: but the one to which we solicit special 
 attention is the contrast between workers and 
 idlers. We find in the religion of Christ certain 
 duties are enjoined upon its adherents, which, 
 if not performed, brings the delinquent into 
 condemnation and extreme peril: and while the 
 parable of the rich man and Lazarus presents 
 the relative condition of Jews and Gentiles, the 
 figure serves to illustrate the practical negations 
 of thousands who put on Christ by profession, 
 but depart from him in life and practice. 
 
 Dives had lost the favor of heaven, and 
 was in the embrace of suffering and despair, 
 with no hope of relief, and for what reason ? 
 Was it for what he had done in the way of 
 crime? Had he violated the law of God by 
 committing murder, adultery or theft ? Was 
 he guilty of any of the debasing and soul de- 
 stroying practices found in the catalogue of 
 crime ? Perhaps not. His suffering was for 
 things he had left undone. God gave him 
 knowledge of things present and future, and 
 ability to impart it to others, but he was exclu- 
 sive in his principles, he kept it to himself. God 
 gave him an abundance of food and raiment, 
 
For Candid Readers, 91 
 
 but he let the beggar suffer for want of bread 
 while he fared sumptuously every day. God 
 gave him riches and he used them, but it was 
 for himself. His stewardship was ignored, and 
 evidently he had forgotten that man was placed 
 here to glorify God, and "do good to all men 
 as we have opportunity." He was oblivious to 
 the demands of the Lord's cause and the needs 
 of his fellowmen: for self was made so much 
 the centre of affection, that he was deaf to 
 poverty's cry and affliction's call: and now when 
 beyond the reach of rescue he calls in vain for 
 help. His profession of godliness, though loud 
 and pompous, was inadequate to his extremity. 
 Sad but true picture of many in the religious 
 world of to-day who are proud of their respect- 
 able position as Christians. They are regular 
 attendants at the church of their choice, and 
 seem to be devoted in their formal, ritualistic 
 worship, giving something of their abundance 
 for the support of scholastic lore. They are 
 honest in business transactions, and pay cred- 
 itors one hundred cents on a dollar. They 
 move in the most respectable circle of society, 
 and are careful to guard their good name. The 
 
92 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 church gambling and entertainments they 
 patronize. Heinous sins — such as swearing, 
 lying, thievery, Sabbath-breaking, and adultery 
 they are not guilty of. They purpose to deport 
 themselves commendably before community. 
 But, alas ! They have, perhaps, unconscious- 
 ly, settled down upon the negative side of 
 religion, or do-nothing position. God has given 
 them mechanical genius and business tact to 
 accumulate money, and they use it: but it is 
 for themselves. They live in palatial resi- 
 dences, elegantly furnished, and lavishly spend, 
 their means for superfluous indulgences and 
 useless travel in pursuit of pleasure, while in 
 far too many instances the cigar and tobacco 
 expenditure is no small item in the annual 
 aggregate. 
 
 Charitable institutions are now so numerous 
 that they consider themselves excused from 
 personal responsibility in alleviating suffering 
 and poverty. Missionary work they have so 
 little interest in, that the work of rescuing the 
 perishing "in regions beyond," gets but little 
 or none of their support. Sinful practices and 
 great evils are allowed to run riot without one 
 
For Candid Readers. 93 
 
 word of rebuke or exhortation, for fear of giving 
 offence. The Lord has given them time, talent, 
 and means to work for the salvation of the 
 lost, but the love of self, ease and comfort has 
 kept them from labor until at last they wake 
 up in judgment and discover their sad mistake. 
 They have done nothing very bad, and nothing 
 very good. Neither hot nor cold, but luke- 
 warm, nauseating, to be rejected, spued out. 
 
 Dear reader, which line are you on: the 
 positive or negative? Remember the Lord 
 says, "Go, work in my vineyard." "Be ye 
 doers of the word." Let our belief in God and 
 action in his service be commensurate and 
 positive. The Lord is soon coming to ' ' reward 
 every man according to his works." Many 
 will be lost because they do nothing either 
 good or bad. They are wanting in decision of 
 principle and character, and positive effort. 
 Let us do something for God and humanity, 
 that the world may be the better for our hav- 
 ing lived in it. 
 
 DECISION. 
 Decision and firmness are essential to 
 success in every good cause. And especially 
 
94 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 are these elements of character needed in the 
 great work assigned to us as Christians: for 
 without them, our profession is false, our 
 purposes vain, and our efforts a failure. 
 
 Many who started earnestly and favorably 
 in the christian army, have become weary of 
 their march, and failed to endure the hardships 
 incident to the journey, because they were 
 unstable: and the beguiler, taking advantage 
 of their vacillation, has succeeded in alluring 
 them with hyprocritical formula and attractive 
 follies, which eventuate in eternal ruin. And 
 indeed one of the principal means used in 
 beguiling these unstable souls is the deceiver's 
 arguments on the much abused term — ' ' charity. " 
 To favor all of the ungodly practices of an 
 apostate church, and endorse all the errors of a 
 modern theology which may be forced upon us, 
 is far from being charity in a Bible sense: for 
 the apostle Paul informs us that the extent of 
 our charity should be to "rejoice in the truth." 
 True, the element love must prevail in us toward 
 all: but to quietly assent to that which is 
 incompatible with God's blessed word, is far 
 from being a christian duty; and we may 
 
For Candid Readers. 95 
 
 reasonably doubt our acceptance with the Lord 
 if we withold the testimony of heaven's eternal 
 truth in contradistinction to error. However, 
 this must be done meekly, yet firmly and 
 decidedly, as it will never do to sacrifice the 
 principles of the Bible and salvation, to which 
 we are chosen "through sanctification of the 
 Spirit and belief of the truth." 
 
 Being servants of the meek and lowly 
 Saviour, does not imply that we are to be so 
 conservative as to compromise with persons — 
 individually or collectively — who may profess 
 righteousness irrespective of faith and character. 
 If it did we should be in duty bound to fellow- 
 ship and encourage all the anti-christian orders 
 in existence. Jesus did not engage in nor 
 advise co-operation with the Jews, who were 
 the most noted pretenders to piety in his day, 
 but he reproved and admonished as duty 
 demanded, and it will be perfectly safe for us 
 to adopt his rule of action, which always 
 insures success to his servants. 
 
 Brethren, be decided in this aggressive 
 warfare. Never be ashamed of the truths that 
 distinguish us as a people. Let us "buy the 
 
96 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 truth and sell it not." Persist in believing right 
 and doing right, then we may expect the 
 Arbiter of human destiny to say, "Well done, 
 good and faithful servants: enter thou into the 
 joy of thy Lord." 
 
 May God bless his true children everywhere, 
 and cement them in the bonds of love and 
 truth, which will make them stand straight up 
 for Jesus, in full decision of faith and character. 
 
 TO THE BURDENED ONES. 
 The burdens and sorrows of the human 
 family may be attributed to the enemy of all 
 righteousness: for previous to the Adamic trans- 
 gression nothing of a sorrowful nature entered 
 the heart of man: indeed, it was not until the 
 arch deceiver had succeeded in afflicting man 
 with the malady sin (which caused debility of 
 physical powers, and ultimated in death), that 
 God said to Adam, "Cursed is the ground for 
 thy sake: in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the 
 days of thy life." And to the woman, " I will 
 greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception." 
 Here then, is the beginning of sorrows: yea, the 
 
For Candid Readers, 97 
 
 very fountain head, from which has issued 
 a stream that runs through the whole earth. 
 Wherever you find the trace of human footsteps, 
 there you will see the flood of sorrow and afflic- 
 tion, rushing on in madness like the wild deluge 
 of literal waters which destroyed the antedilu- 
 vians. 
 
 But are there none exempt from this tide of 
 sorrow? No, not one. It has swept through the 
 palaces of kings, while the peasant's cot was 
 not exempt: it has carried anguish of heart to all 
 classes and conditions of mankind, east and 
 west, north and south. Moreover, the original 
 cause has produced wars and multitudinous con- 
 tentions, by reason of which widows and 
 orphans are numerous. It has filled drunkard's 
 graves: it has pained the hearts of parents by the 
 disobedience of children: more than all this, it 
 has vexed the righteous souls of God's dear 
 children to see this flood of vice and immorality 
 sweeping thousands to destruction. 
 
 It was this tide of iniquity that caused a 
 Saviour to weep over sinners, and to suffer, 
 bleed and die for their rescue. It was this that 
 caused the ruthless hand of sorrow to be laid 
 
98 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 upon him while in a vale of tears. And as we 
 are assured by God's unerring word that sorrows 
 and persecutions are ours in this life, why should 
 we murmur? Is our burden heavy? Listen to 
 the words of David, "Cast thy burden upon the 
 Lord, and he shall sustain thee." 
 
 Here, then, is our support and our refuge: 
 under the shadowy wings of Jehovah shall we be 
 shielded, until this mundane system shall be re- 
 novated and brought back to its pristine beauty 
 and loveliness. Then shall the earth be reso- 
 nant with the praises of the redeemed, and the 
 triumphant song shall rise. "Thou art worthy 
 to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: 
 for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to 
 God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and 
 tongue, and people, and nation: and hast made 
 us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall 
 reign on the earth." 
 
 O then, dear, care-worn pilgrim, lift up thy 
 head, for Zion's King will soon come and wipe 
 the tear from sorrow's eye, destroy the last 
 enemy which is Death, and immortalize his 
 saints. Then will this burden of sorrow, pain 
 and corruption be thrown off, and the stream 
 
For Candid Readers \ 99 
 
 that shall water our divine abode will be the 
 river of peace. May we all be there. 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 Love is a divine element, a prominent 
 characteristic of God, whose philanthropy is 
 evinced in all his dealings with man. He " so 
 loved the world, that he gave his only begotten 
 Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not 
 perish, but have everlasting life." Therefore by 
 faith in the promises of God, and obedience to 
 his commands, we shall be made partakers of 
 the divine nature. This, however, cannot be 
 accomplished except we love God, love his 
 people, love our enemies, and our neighbors as 
 ourself. 
 
 He that loveth is God-like, and he that hateth 
 is Satan-like; for the Word says, "If a man say, 
 I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: 
 for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath 
 seen, how can he love God whom he hath not 
 seen ? " Hence it is our imperative duty to love 
 God supremely, and to "know that we have 
 passed from death unto life, because we love the 
 brethren." 
 
ioo Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Methinks there are but few professors of 
 religion that realize the importance of cherishing 
 the principle of love, and eschewing envy, 
 hatred, and malice. Many times has my heart 
 been pained, by the repulsion and sneers of 
 those who profess to love God, because of 
 secret sins and unholy indulgencies exposed in 
 gospel light. 
 
 But grace and mercy has made contempt 
 give place to pity, knowing "that all things 
 work together for good to them that love God " 
 and that perhaps many of these scoffers and 
 persecutors are ignorant of Satan's devices. 
 May be they have yet to learn that this arrant 
 deceiver is laboring mightily in these last days to 
 decoy the children of God into the whirlpool of 
 sectarian bigotry and affinity with the powers 
 of evil in its multitudinous forms. O may the 
 sleeping church awake to righteousness, and 
 sin no more. May she be clothed with the 
 garments of salvation and the broad mantle of 
 charity, lest she be naked and in the spirit of 
 condemnation, like "sounding brass" or a 
 "tinkling cymbal/' O Lord, keep thy dear 
 children humble and faultless in these days of 
 
For Candid Readers . i o I 
 
 peril, and make them to shine as lights in this 
 benighted sphere, that the weary mariner upon 
 life's troubled sea may be guided safely into the 
 harbor of eternal rest. 
 
 THE PERFECT STATE. 
 
 The word of God abundantly proves the 
 transformation of the earth and all its inhabi- 
 tants, who may prove loyal to the King of 
 heaven. Not only is the fact affirmed, but the 
 mighty change that awaits the subjects of the 
 heavenly kingdom, has been fairly demonstrated 
 in the case of "the Captain of their salvation/' 
 who was "made like unto his brethren," and 
 "declared to be the Son of God with power, 
 according to the spirit of holiness, by the 
 resurrection from the dead," being "the first 
 born among many brethren." 
 
 Our faith in a future physical transformation 
 is predicated upon the assurance given in the 
 sacred Word, which is explicit and indubitable; 
 for the great apostle says, "our conversation 
 is in heaven, from whence also we look for the 
 Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change 
 our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto 
 
102 Spiritual TJiouglits 
 
 his glorious body, according to the working 
 whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto 
 himself." Again, in writing his first epistle to 
 the brethren in Corinth, he says: " Behold, I 
 show you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, 
 but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in 
 the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for 
 the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be 
 raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed: 
 for this corruptible must put on incorruption, 
 and this mortal must put on immortality. " 
 
 Many more testimonies of like import might 
 be readily adduced, but these are sufficient to 
 set forth the points we wish to illustrate, name- 
 ly, the three conditions of God's adopted family: 
 — their imperfect and perfect state, intervened 
 by death. We find that the works of nature's 
 God afford ample lessons of instruction upon 
 this subject, for all who devote any attention to 
 the study of the same, and we may easily 
 comprehend by faith in Christ the conditions 
 and changes of our Redeemer's children. 
 
 The greater part of the insects undergo 
 certain changes of structure and form before 
 reaching their perfect state: and these changes 
 
For Candid Readers. 103 
 
 are called their metamorphoses. Take the 
 butterfly, for example. From the egg of this 
 insect is produced an animal materially differ- 
 ent from its parent. It lives in this state for 
 some time, and then casts off its skin, and 
 assumes another form without limbs. It ceases 
 to feed or move. // seems to be totally without 
 life. Finally that envelope is broken, and the 
 animal escapes. It now appears with six long 
 legs, and two beautiful wings, by which it is 
 able to traverse the atmosphere at pleasure, 
 and is familiarly known to us by the name of 
 butterfly. In the first state the animal is called 
 the larva : in the second the chrysalis : and the 
 third is called the perfect state. 
 
 Thus our various conditions are illustrated. 
 We are now c< of the earth earthy: 77 like the 
 insect in the larva state, confined to terra-firma, 
 in the imperfect, or mortal condition: and, like 
 the insect in the chrysalis state, in death we are 
 inactive and unconscious, until the grave which 
 envelops us is opened, and with wings of 
 immortality in the glorified or perfect state, we 
 ascend the aerial heavens to meet our dear 
 Saviour who has given us life and a nature 
 
104 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 more durable than that of the butterfly. Then 
 he bids us welcome home. With this the 
 apostle concurs when he exclaims, "The Lord 
 Himself shall descend from heaven w T ith a shout, 
 with the voice of the archangel and with the 
 trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise 
 first: then we which are alive and remain shall 
 be caught up together with them in the clouds. 
 to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever 
 be with the Lord." 
 
 How cheering are these words to all those 
 who, with the piercing eye of faith, look through 
 this murky atmosphere of mortality, and behold 
 the perfect state. O, that all mankind would 
 seek to be like Jesus in character now, that 
 when the time of physical perfection arrives, 
 they might be like him in nature. 
 
 Sinner, give your heart to Jesus. Remember 
 that none but those who have a part in the 
 glorious change at the coming of Christ, shall 
 ever share the blessings of the perfect state. 
 
 EVIL SPEAKING. 
 In these days the practice of evil speaking 
 is very common, even with those who profess 
 
For Candid Readers. 105 
 
 better things. Communities are set in an up- 
 roar, families are put at variance, and friends 
 separated by this pernicious work of satan, and 
 unconsciously many are led into this habit upon 
 the ground of sociability. They meet with 
 neighbors who as conversationalists are re- 
 markably gifted in the line of disparagement: 
 and thoughtlessly they are induced to express 
 a premature opinion concerning the scandalized 
 victim, whom they had previously counted as 
 almost a faultless friend. The sentence so un- 
 feelingly uttered and carelessly dropped, is 
 repeated and exaggerated until the vile work of 
 alienation is completed, for words once spoken 
 can never be recalled. 
 
 How much better it would be for those who 
 profess godliness to refuse attention when their 
 fellow beings are diminutively spoken of, and 
 either by reticence or the quotation of Scripture 
 rebuke him who is thus engaged in this anti- 
 christian practice. As followers of the meek 
 and lowly Saviour, our words should be well 
 guarded and fitly spoken, "for by thy words 
 thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou 
 shalt be condemned/' And he that "takethup 
 
106 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 a reproach against his neighbor" shall not abide 
 in the Lord's tabernacle. 
 
 Can those of the same faith occupy the po- 
 sition God designed they should, and be united 
 at the Lord's table, and in church capacity, if 
 they speak evil one of another ? Can they have 
 that freedom in testimony for Jesus, and com- 
 munion with God, which is • their's to enjoy, if 
 they have violated the principles of scriptural 
 equity ? All the teachings of Christ and his 
 apostles reply negatively. Therefore, "grieve 
 not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are 
 sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all 
 bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, 
 and evil speaking, be put away from you with 
 all malice : and be ye kind one to another, 
 tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as 
 God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." 
 
 If these principles are carried out, trouble is 
 avoided, and the borders of peace enlarged. 
 May the kingdom of righteousness and peace 
 speedily come. 
 
 PROSPECTIVE. 
 It fills me with joy inexpressible to know, 
 by the fulfillment of an unbroken chain of con- 
 
For Candid Readers. 107 
 
 secutive prophecy, that the long looked for 
 Jubilee period is to be speedily introduced by 
 the coming of "Shilo," who shall inaugurate 
 a government of peace, where for six thousand 
 years disorder and carnage have held universal 
 sway. O ! glorious prospect of release from 
 bondage, and happy .reunion with patriarchs, 
 prophets, apostles, and saints of all ages. For 
 the governmental usurpation of a wicked 
 prince has caused a long, dark night of sadness, 
 suffering, and bondage severe : from which the 
 Adamic race would be delivered. But sadness 
 comes over me when I think of the many who 
 spurn offered mercy and pardon, and despise 
 the way of release as "brought to light through 
 the gospel:" and more especially when the 
 truth is held in unrighteousness, and the Son of 
 God is crucified afresh, and put to an open 
 shame by the disorderly conduct of nominal re- 
 ligious devotees. But, thanks be to God, there 
 are some bright stars in these last days, though 
 blazing out in isolation and persecution, amid 
 the darkness which covers the earth, and the 
 gross darkness which has long blinded the 
 people. These lights are easily distinguished 
 
108 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 by their apostolic characteristics and non-con- 
 formity to the pernicious ways and practices 
 of this ungodly age: and as the termination of 
 their pilgrimage becomes more visible, faith 
 increases, love abounds, zeal and courage aug- 
 ments: while amidst the howling tempest of 
 assailment and unpropitious surroundings their 
 heads are uplifted, and with eager eyes they 
 look for immediate redemption. 
 
 Peradventure this special message of the 
 soon coming kingdom, if fearlessly and 
 faithfully proclaimed, may augment the num- 
 ber who shall pass over Jordan (Judgment), and 
 enter upon the beatitudes of earth restored in 
 the immortal age. This thought may well 
 encourage us in the work of making ready a 
 people prepared for the Lord: and this wojk be- 
 ing embassadorial, must be accomplished in 
 harmony with the King's orders, and the sanc- 
 tion of our Chief Shepherd. Under these orders 
 and with this sanction the minister of Christ 
 may fearlessly proclaim "this gospel of the 
 kingdom," being assured of satisfaction in 
 reward, resulting from continuous fidelity. 
 
For Candid Readers. 109 
 
 INTEGRITY. 
 
 Wholeness, uprightness and purity have 
 ever distinguished the children of God from the 
 children of the wicked one, irrespective of 
 circumstances or influences: for these principles 
 being of godly origin, are immutable. And, in 
 Christian character they so inhere as to stand 
 prominent and unshaken, while they make the 
 possessors "living epistles known and read of 
 all men." 
 
 All who have experienced the power of 
 divine truth and saving grace evince wholeness 
 of heart in righteous service to God and their 
 fellow men: for their devotions and works are 
 characterized by fervency and zeal. They are 
 undaunted by the jeers and frowns of the devil's 
 children, and are so engaged in their heavenly 
 Master's work that they never have time to 
 indulge in the follies and amusements loved so 
 dearly by the lukewarm and ungodly. Their 
 work is of such importance, and absorbs the 
 affections to such an extent that it cannot be 
 neglected for a moment. All about them are 
 the perishing and fallen, who need to be 
 
no Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 rescued speedily: and with the magnanimous 
 throbbings of a whole heart, they pray and toil 
 with alacrity that ever becomes the followers 
 of Jesus. Unattracted by the pleasures of the 
 age, their time, talents, voice, reputation, mo- 
 ney and all, is consecrated to God: so there is 
 nothing left for the gratification, of carnal and 
 selfish desires, or the sight of eyes that are the 
 avenues of proud hearts. 
 
 In the formation of Christian character, 
 uprightness is an element indispensable: and 
 this fact is exemplified in the life and teachings 
 of our Captain, who is the "author of eternal 
 salvation unto all them that obey him." With- 
 out this straightforward honesty in expression 
 and deportment, the mission upon which we 
 are sent would prove a failure, and loss to us 
 incalculable would be the result. But triumph 
 and success is sure to be ours if we have 
 " freedom from every biasing or corrupting 
 influence or motive:" for there is "nothing more 
 grand and sublime in nature than independent 
 integrity " especially on the part of those who 
 lay any claim to godliness: as final acceptance 
 with our Maker depends upon our love for 
 
For Candid Readers. in 
 
 truth, honesty in our intercourse with men, and 
 our disapproval of iniquity in all its forms. 
 
 The common and pernicious practice of dis- 
 sembling for the sake of unhallowed influence 
 and affluence in this world will deprive many of 
 a place in the kingdom to come: for "there 
 shall in no wise enter into it (the holy city) 
 anything that defileth, neither whatsoever 
 worketh abomination or maketh a lie: but they 
 which are written in the Lamb's book of life/ 
 ' ' Better is the poor that walketh in his upright- 
 ness than he that is perverse in his ways, though 
 he be rich." But integrity so becoming to the 
 Christian is incomplete without purity of heart, 
 thought, expression and action. To be more 
 explicit, moral soundness is not entire without a 
 correspondence with our original condition: 
 and this condition is ours only by faith in the 
 precious blood of Christ which cleanseth from 
 all impurity. Thus we are so allied to God that 
 sin hath no more dominion over us, and the 
 pure, sweet spirit of the Master so controls the 
 passions that we become exempt from both 
 moral and physical defilement: for no vile 
 habits mar the human organism consecrated'by 
 
112 Spiritual Thoughts. 
 
 grace; and no obscene expressions or foolish 
 jesting ever falls from the lips of him whose 
 mouth is filled with heavenly praise. 
 
 With all our ransomed powers engaged in 
 the service of him who spake as never man 
 spake, our lips are too pure to indulge in idle 
 words, or foul language: and though separated 
 from the company of many who would otherwise 
 be our friends, we ' ' sanctify the Lord God in our 
 hearts; and are ready always to give 
 an answer to every man that asketh us 
 a reason of the hope that is in us with meek- 
 ness and fear: having a good conscience; that 
 whereas they speak evil of us, as evil-doers, 
 they may be ashamed that falsely accuse our 
 good conversation in Christ." May God help 
 us to regard the principles of integrity, and 
 thus be able to occupy our proper sphere, for 
 the Lord will soon come to call us into judgment. 
 
 SIN. 
 All unrighteousness is sin. i John 5 :— 1 7. 
 If the import of our text was fully compre- 
 hended by all professing Christians, what a 
 
For Candid Readers. 113 
 
 wonderful change there would be in the de- 
 portment of some. The principles of honor 
 and equity toward God and their fellow-men 
 would be evinced on every occasion, and the 
 burden of disgrace would no longer rest upon 
 the cause of Christ. But this renouncement of 
 sin in its diversified forms may not reasonably 
 be expected so long as nominal ambassadors 
 of the cross cater to the carnal desires of hypo- 
 crites, by presenting only such portions of 
 Scripture as will make them strong theorists 
 and religious pugilists: while the portion of 
 divine truth which would expose their sins is 
 briefly and lightly treated or withheld. 
 
 In seeking for a solution of the theme em- 
 bodied in the caption of this article, it behooves 
 us to occupy a scriptural basis of exegesis: for 
 we would not lay condemnation at the door of 
 any heart unauthorized, knowing that "the 
 Word" shall judge us "in the last day:' 7 and 
 without a strict adherence to the principles of 
 faith and practice set forth in that word, vain 
 will be our expectation of future glory and 
 immortality. Therefore in love, pity and bold- 
 ness combined we will "reprove, rebuke, 
 
114 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine," 
 though "the time" has come when many "will 
 not endure sound doctrine," and the person 
 who talks and writes it plainly must look for 
 unpopularity, and a separation from the company 
 of men: but if we have "respect unto the 
 recompense of reward," there is nothing to 
 fear. 
 
 Righteousness in a scriptural sense compre- 
 hends holy principles and reflections of the 
 heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. 
 Hence, according to our text, any violation of 
 these principles, or transgression of this rule is 
 sin: and when we think how easily the avenues 
 of sin are opened, and the liability of being 
 deceived by satanic power, we do not wonder 
 that so many warnings and admonitions are 
 given through the inspired writers of Bible 
 truth. Taking into consideration the successful 
 career of sainted characters who are set forth 
 as examples to us, forming a great cloud of 
 witnesses, we are exhorted to "lay aside every 
 weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset 
 us, and to run with patience the race that is set 
 before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and 
 
For Candid Readers. 1 1 5 
 
 finisher of our faith." All persons have their 
 weak points, through which the adversary will 
 tempt them, and unless this exhortation of the 
 apostle is heeded, ruin is inevitable: for to be 
 successful in the race, weighted down with the 
 things of corruption, is impossible : and those 
 indulging in sin, who occupy places of trust 
 and prominence in Christian association, expect- 
 ing the Lord's approbation and final salvation, 
 are only deceiving themselves, if not others. 
 
 To be exempt from all unrighteousness, which 
 is sin, purity is indispensable. There must be 
 no corruption by fraud, seduction, or vicious 
 habits. Hence, every deception practised with 
 a view to gaining unlawful or unfair advantage 
 is out of harmony with the principles of Chris- 
 tianity. That man who indulges in the various 
 phases of seduction, and is given to licentious 
 principles, under the garb of religion, only 
 makes a fool of himself, blights the cause, and 
 disgraces humanity by his unrighteous course. 
 Surely it would be more consistent to train in 
 the devil's company. How does the professed 
 Christian, addicted to stimulants and intoxi- 
 cants, compare with the Master in righteousness? 
 
u6 Spirittial TJiouglits 
 
 Certainly he looks in vain for salvation, for no 
 drunkard can inherit the kingdom of God: and 
 those who are moderately stimulated by common 
 beverages are in a degree violating the law of 
 righteousness, which sin may possibly exclude 
 them from the beatification of saints. 
 
 If time and means are wasted in the gratifi- 
 cation of lust and appetite by the use of opium, 
 morphine, snuff or tobacco, unrighteousness is 
 committed, and a blight upon humanity, heredi- 
 tary in its results, is produced, while the cause 
 of religion which they profess to love is made 
 to languish and become the butt of ridicule. 
 Think of the low, vile and corrupting influence 
 upon our youth, as exerted by gray-headed 
 Christians in name, who are addicted to these 
 habits so debasing. Is it any wonder that the 
 rising generation so easily acquire these vicious 
 habits, and are so little affected by the prayers 
 and exhortations of these church members, 
 when such corrupting examples are set ? 
 
 Let all whose eyes fall upon these lines, 
 watch and pray, that they may escape these 
 corrupting evils, and live so as to be lights in 
 the world. "Little children, let no man deceive 
 
For Candid Readers. 117 
 
 you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, 
 even as he (Christ) is righteous. He that com- 
 mitteth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth 
 from the beginning. For this purpose the Son 
 of God was manifested that he might destroy 
 the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of 
 God doth not commit sin: for his seed remain- 
 eth in him: and he cannot sin because he is 
 born of God. ~ In this the children of God are 
 manifest, and the children of the devil: whoso- 
 ever doeth not righteousness is not of God, 
 neither he that loveth not his brother. For this 
 is the message that ye heard from the beginning, 
 that we should love one another/' Surely the 
 Lord grants no Lcense to sin in this scripture: 
 and as the subject is negatively considered in 
 the context, it is obvious that no brother or 
 sister could reasonably be offended at the ex- 
 posure of these corrupting evils, if they have 
 an honest desire to do right: for any violation 
 of divine or natural laws measurably blunts the 
 mental faculties, destroys the finer sensibilities 
 of our nature, enervates our powers for good, 
 and more or less neutralizes the efforts put forth 
 in behalf of others. 
 
Ii8 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Brethren, let us who wait for God's Son from 
 heaven make sure to be found of him without 
 spot and blameless, for nothing unclean or sin- 
 ful can enter the paradise of God. Let us be sure 
 to lay aside "the sin which doth so easily beset 
 us," whatever it is, that when the Master comes 
 to make up his jewels he may say, "We/I done." 
 
 HUMILITY. 
 It is said by an inspired penman that " God 
 resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the 
 humble, " which fact is fully substantiated by 
 other scriptures of like import. And while the 
 great apostle and founder of our Christian 
 religion has exemplified the principles of this 
 virtue, we find it an important and indispen- 
 sable characteristic in his followers: for he has 
 said, " Take my yoke upon you, and learn of 
 me: for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye 
 shall find rest unto your souls." This injunc- 
 tion embraces full submission to the govern- 
 ment of Christ, and humility in spirit and life, 
 as prerequisite to the rest desired and promised. 
 Hence it is evident that permanent peace and 
 
For Candid Readers. 119 
 
 satisfaction cannot abide with rivalry and un- 
 holy ambition: for we are exhorted by Paul, in 
 the second chapter of his letter to the Philip- 
 pians, to " let nothing be done through strife 
 or vain glory: but in lowliness of mind let each 
 esteem other better than themselves. Look 
 not every man on his own things, but every 
 man also on the things of others. Let this 
 mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 
 who, being in the form of God, thought it not 
 robbery to be equal with God: but made him- 
 self of no reputation, and took upon him the 
 form of a servant, and was made in the likeness 
 of men: and being found in fashion as a man, 
 he humbled himself, and became obedient 
 unto death, even the death of the cross. Where- 
 fore God also hath highly exalted him, and 
 given him a name which is above every name. " 
 In the above scripture we have principles 
 set forth which form the basis of righteousness, 
 individually and collectively: for only those 
 who occupy this humble position can be 
 accepted as sons and daughters of God. And 
 surely no Christian organization can stand if 
 void of these elements. Many of our churches 
 
120 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 have within them the elements of disintegration 
 and speedy ruin, simply because the leader in 
 teaching and organization has been so anxious for 
 aggrandizement and popular fame, that many 
 were reported as converts, and accepted as 
 members, who never experienced the saving 
 power of divine grace: and being insubordinate 
 to Christ, the unrighteous passion for rivalry 
 and indulgence is augmented by the contami- 
 nating influence of their nominal spiritual 
 adviser: hence churches, made up of these 
 unholy elements, soon pass away: but the stain 
 is not soon wiped out. Oh, that all who profess 
 to embrace Christ would sink out of this un- 
 righteous love of self and the world. Then 
 God would be glorified, and the brethren 
 would be kindly affectioned one to another 
 with brotherly love: in honor preferring one 
 another. Never should a Christian organization 
 be inaugurated void of humility, for sad indeed 
 is the end. 
 
 Oh, how deplorable to see the cause of God 
 thus damaged and made to languish, while 
 the efforts of his true servants are more or less 
 neutralized by this unholy spirit of pride and 
 arrogance. 
 
For Candid Readers. 1 2 1 
 
 May the Lord support both reader and 
 writer with grace to walk in humility, and ever 
 hide us behind the cross of Christ, that we 
 " grudge not one against another, lest we be 
 condemned: for behold, the Judge standeth 
 before the door." 
 
 EGOTISM. 
 
 It becomes important for Christians to avoid 
 egotism in all its forms, for if indulged, it 
 weakens their power for good, and renders them 
 contemptible in the estimation of sensible 
 people : it puts them in opposition to Bible 
 principles, and develops carnal nature. We 
 learn from the great Teacher that "out of the 
 abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," 
 and when men talk or write much of themselves, 
 they forget that servants of -God should glory 
 only in the cross of Christ. We are not to 
 "make ourselves of the number, or compare 
 ourselves with some that commend themselves: 
 but they measuring themselves by themselves, 
 and comparing themselves among themselves 
 are not wise/ 7 But this is the rule usually 
 
122 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 adopted by lovers of self, and their folly is 
 displayed, 
 
 We do not wish to assume the position of 
 critic upon this subject, but to simply admonish 
 those who chance to need correction, that they 
 may guard against the spirit of egotism which 
 so largely characterizes their speech and 
 writings. Our dear Saviour has said, " By thy 
 words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words 
 thou shalt be condemned." 
 
 Sometimes we meet with men and women, 
 and even ministers, whose own dear self figures 
 largely in whatever subject they present, and 
 this opinion is deeply impressed upon the 
 minds of their listeners, whose ears are fre- 
 quently saluted with the pronouns / and me. 
 When ministers thus make themselves conspic- 
 uous in relating their experience and labors, 
 they certainly are not hid behind the cross. 
 Not long since we read a short article from the 
 pen of a minister who recounted his travels and 
 labors, with the glory attached to self, and 
 made it manifest by using the personal pronoun 
 / no less than twenty-nine times in the brief space 
 of a two-thirds column. Surely we ought to be 
 
For Candid Readers. 123 
 
 careful in this matter lest we rob Christ of his 
 glory and unnecessarily bring the message of 
 salvation into disrepute. The gospel presents 
 Jesus as the most important character, and the 
 chiefest among ten thousand, and if the minis- 
 ter acts in his proper sphere he may be a mighty 
 instrument in the hand of God to the accom- 
 plishment of good : and though his work be 
 small in the estimation of men, it will be 
 appreciated by the Lord and ultimate in a 
 greater harvest and reward than that of his 
 fellow-laborers, who are more highly favored in 
 this life. May the spirit of humility rest upon 
 all of God's servants who are called to deliver 
 this last message of mercy to a dying world. 
 Surely success will crown our efforts if we only 
 lose sight of self and preach Jesus and Him 
 crucified. Let us seek for wisdom that cometh 
 from above, and be more like Christ, " meek 
 and lowly in heart." 
 
 A GROWING EVIL. 
 Among the many evils which characterize 
 this sinful age, the using of tobacco is not the 
 
124 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 least: and the time has come when all faithful 
 ambassadors of Christ should openly denounce 
 it, for silence only gives it license and practical 
 sanction. The great Head of the church never 
 withheld needed admonition nor even sharp re- 
 buke from those who were defiled and demoraliz- 
 ed, but with frank and uncompromising terms he 
 exposed evil in all its forms, and enjoins it 
 upon his chosen servants to do the same. 
 
 That which defiles and enervates the human 
 organism, detracts from manhood and spiritu- 
 ality, is certainly a great sin in the sight of 
 God and should be opposed. Therefore, upon 
 this basis we venture, in the fear of God, to 
 speak in unqualified terms against the filthy 
 narcotic — tobacco — which is ruining its thous- 
 ands: and we think none will dare deny the 
 fact that the evil effect of this cursed practice 
 is not only visible in the adult portion of the 
 human race, but also in their posterity: for 
 the poison is so much incorporated by in- 
 heritance, that with uncontrolled passions 
 boys, at a very early period in life, contract the 
 habit of smoking and chewing. O how sad to 
 see the youth debilitated and corrupted by 
 such a vile practice ! 
 
For Candid Readers. J25 
 
 But this growing evil is not confined to the 
 children of darkness, for as an agent of the 
 devil's kingdom it has ventured to step inside 
 the church, and audaciously appears there as a 
 friend to health and a comfort to the lonely, 
 while many of the half-converted theorizers, 
 who are destitute of the spirit, roll the quid 
 under the tongue as a sweet morsel of sin, re- 
 fusing to give it up, and at the same time 
 proclaiming that they have sacrificed all for 
 Jesus. Surely these souls must be deceived, 
 and we wish to get them out of the devil's 
 snare. 
 
 When men's clothes are completely saturated 
 with the fumes of tobacco, and their breath so 
 contaminated that the sensitive can hardly 
 endure their presence, and they are so attached 
 to the old black pipe that it must be their 
 companion on the road to and from the church, 
 they certainly are not "cleansed from all filthi- 
 ness of the flesh and spirit:" for while they 
 may think themselves acceptable worshipers 
 of the true God, they are unconsciously burning 
 incense to Baal, and their minds are so 
 beclouded with the foul fumes that they do not 
 
126 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 realize how dangerous and unhallowed is the 
 ground they occupy. 
 
 Now, what shall be done to rescue these 
 foul dreamers, and accomplish a radical reform ? 
 We answer, let every minister of the gospel ex- 
 pose the evil, and, after faithfully instructing 
 and warning, exclude those members who 
 will persist in defiling the temple of God. For 
 if the church is cleansed its prosperity is 
 assured, and the Lord will approbate those 
 who are cleansed by his Word and the precious 
 blood of Jesus. 
 
 DEFINITE TIME. 
 The chronological data and prophetic periods 
 of God's Word are ever reliable, and safe to 
 present, as was fully demonstrated in the pro- 
 clamation of their termination in 1843-4: for it 
 was marked by a marvelous display of God's 
 converting power, and a wonderful preparation 
 to meet the Bridegroom. That message was 
 irrefutable, and possibly many have, in their 
 investigations of this subject, overlooked the 
 fact that those scriptural time computations 
 
For Candid Readers. 127 
 
 brought the church to "the time of the end," 3s 
 represented in the parable of the ten virgins 
 who entered upon the tarrying time, which 
 proves the message true. But disappointment 
 attended the expectation of seeing the King in 
 his glory, because the tarrying time was unob- 
 served: and while "darkness has covered the 
 earth, and gross darkness the people," the 
 virgins have all been sleeping, except a few 
 not in the embrace of profound slumber, who 
 have dreamed of changed dates that would 
 accommodate some definite time-theory newly 
 conjectured, and which the lapse of time has 
 proved fallacious. 
 
 Various chronologies have been prepared in 
 support of these multifarious definite time 
 periods for the Lord to come, some of which 
 have been based upon astronomical computa- 
 tions so intricate that not one in a hundred of 
 the readers are able to comprehend the argu- 
 ments: for while they read of eclipses, they are 
 so befogged that the time of the Lord's coming 
 is eclipsed to them. Now we ask in all candor, 
 and with due respect to these writers, who 
 have evinced much erudition and research, 
 
128 Spiritual Tlionghts 
 
 How can these messages be "meat in due 
 season" to "the household of faith" when 
 they cannot be understood? Time reveals their 
 absurdity, for all matters essential to our sal- 
 vation, and pointing to the consummation of 
 our hope, are stated in such explicit terms that 
 the Master says, "Whoso readeth let him 
 understand." 
 
 We know " the end of all things is at hand," 
 and "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." 
 1 ' But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, 
 no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither 
 the Son, but the Father." "Take ye heed, 
 watch and pray: for ye know not when the time 
 is." 
 
 It is very imprudent to be wise above what 
 is written, and if the prophetic periods were in- 
 tended to mark the precise time of our 
 Saviour's appearing, would not his language 
 just quoted be meaningless? May the Lord 
 direct the pens of our many contributors upon 
 these blessed themes, in a scriptural channel, 
 that nothing extravagant may be written to 
 bring the Lord's coming into disrepute, or 
 mystify the prophecies relative to the inaugu- 
 
For Candid Readers. 129 
 
 ration of his kingdom. Surely, if we are led 
 by "the spirit of truth/' he will guide us into 
 all truth, and so qualify us for service that we 
 shall "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, 
 whereby we are sealed unto the day of re- 
 demption." 
 
 PHARMACY. 
 
 Rather a singular theme to introduce in a 
 book of this character, says one. Well, yes, in 
 one sense it is. But are there not some things 
 in this line analagous to spiritual matters as 
 they pertain to man ? Let us see. 
 
 The entire human family are suffering more 
 or less from physical ills which are in some 
 way, either directly or indirectly, the outcome 
 of moral ills. Therefore moral and physical ills 
 are allied, and need treatment that will effect 
 both, as reason and revelation go to show. The 
 victims of corporal diseases most invariably 
 call upon the living physician, or consult the 
 family volume of instructions, before pharma- 
 ceutical preparations are obtained, then with 
 caution and strict compliance with orders the 
 
130 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 remedies are administered. Reasoning upon 
 the principle of cause and effect it seems 
 evident that the prime evil in man's case was a 
 violation of moral law, which has led to the 
 transgression of physical laws, resulting in 
 various forms of disease, greatly limiting 
 temporal existence. And as the malady of sin 
 has infected the whole of Adam's posterity, 
 each generation by personal transgression add- 
 ing to the ills inherited, they must experience 
 the terrible results by going down to untimely 
 graves, and many of them unreconciled to God, 
 will be forever lost. 
 
 Now, in this deplorable condition man is 
 sought after by a loving heavenly Father, whose 
 commiseration is extended in the provision of a 
 physician who has opened the pharmacy of 
 heaven, and visited in person our dark domain 
 of contagion and death, leaving with us at his 
 departure a valuable household volume of 
 directions for treatment ; and in this precious 
 Book we are assured that the panacea obtained 
 of the Divine pharmacist never fails to cure. 
 
 Sometimes the condition of the human organ- 
 ism is determined by an examination of the 
 
For Candid Readers. 1 3 1 
 
 tongue: so we are instructed that the moral con- 
 dition of man may be known somewhat by the 
 use made of the tongue, and by which moral ills 
 are developed : for we read, ' ' the tongue is a fire, 
 a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our 
 members, that it defileth the whole body, and 
 setteth on fire the course of nature: and it is set 
 on fire of hell." But, thank God, the fire and 
 poison of an unholy tongue can all be taken out 
 with the spiritual antidote offered by our 
 Physician. Then we can say with Paul, " the 
 law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made 
 me free from the law of sin and death/' 
 
 We have heard it stated that according to 
 tradition the Indian race are looking for a great 
 personage from heaven, whom they call "the 
 medicine man:" and when he appears they ex- 
 pect to receive great benefits. And we think in 
 a spiritual sense the idea is correct, for Christ 
 will soon come and administer the never-failing 
 panacea of immortality. And while we wait 
 for this complete cure, we may avoid the aug- 
 mentation of present ills, and by unwavering 
 faith they may, in a degree, be mitigated by 
 divine power : for the blessings promised to 
 
132 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 God's children are not all deferred to the future, 
 as some of them are realized in this world. 
 Therefore we read that " godliness is profitable 
 unto all things, having promise of the life that 
 now is, and of that which is to come." 
 
 Oh, that all would accept God's remedy and 
 be healed morally and physically: for salvation 
 can be obtained in no other way. 
 
 Various means of amelioration and many 
 nostrums are prepared by men, and few if any 
 have the desired effect. But when our great 
 Physician shall come from heaven, we shall 
 receive a remedy that will rebuke disease and 
 give everlasting release from corruption. 
 Reader, will you be a recipient of this 
 immortal remedy ? 
 
 THEOLOGICAL PUGILISM. 
 
 The principles involved under this head are 
 anything but pleasing to holy minds: yet it be- 
 hooves the followers of Christ to acquaint 
 themselves with this system sufficiently to avoid 
 its pernicious practice, and discern the better 
 way of inculcating divine truth: for many in 
 blind zeal and unsanctifled combativeness have 
 
For Candid Readers. 133 
 
 augmented the hatred of antagonists, and pro- 
 duced prejudice in the minds of honest-hearted 
 opposers. And notwithstanding the plea made 
 by some, who have more grit than grace, that 
 gospel truth must be declared boldly, yet if irre- 
 spective of the spirit manifested on the part of 
 its bearer, it may not be for good: for the sweet 
 spirit of the Master in the heart of him who 
 bears the message is imparted by the truth of 
 revelation expressed. 
 
 Many young preachers (and some old ones) 
 have been noted more for pugnacity than for 
 piety: and while an ostensible interest has been 
 manifested in their preaching, but few if any 
 have been brought to Christ, simply because 
 their efforts were not founded in earnest prayer, 
 and characterized by divine love and gentleness. 
 Bible truth expressed positively is not salvable 
 to the listener unless accompanied by elements 
 of heavenly power which are imparted to the 
 messenger by "the author and finisher of our 
 faith;" and if in meekness the erring be instruct- 
 ed, they more readily yield to God's authority 
 and ground their weapons of rebellion. But 
 while a pugnacious spirit is to be deprecated 
 
134 Spiritual TJioughts 
 
 because of its deleterious effect upon the human 
 heart, the servant of God should never allow 
 his scrupulosity to smother the truth, or induce 
 him to sacrifice its principles to gratify fastidi- 
 ous souls whose carnal nature ever demands 
 the popular view of matters, both religious and 
 secular. For it is a fact made prominent in the 
 Scriptures that the gospel is to be advertized 
 under the special direction of the Holy Spirit — 
 an element that keeps the ambassador's head 
 level and heart pure, w T hile it imparts the wis- 
 dom of serpents and harmlessness of doves: the 
 boldness of the lion and gentleness of the lamb: 
 and the equilibrity of these traits always in- 
 sures success. 
 
 In these days of infidelity and skepticism 
 much grace is required in advocating "this 
 gospel of the kingdom" with firmness and 
 gentleness combined: and the writer has long 
 since learned that the secret of divine power 
 and holy influence is ours by constant commun- 
 ion with God, and thorough acquaintance with 
 his Word, Without these means of grace our 
 efforts are paralyzed, and our influence upon 
 others spiritually enervating. No man can be 
 
For Candid Readers. 135 
 
 a successful preacher of the gospel of salvation, 
 unless it dwells richly in him: for the injunction 
 of an inspired apostle, supported by his experi- 
 ence, is to " work out your own salvation with 
 fear and trembling-. For it is God which work- 
 eth in you both to will and to do of his good 
 pleasure." Finally, let all who are called to 
 deliver the last message of mercy to dying men 
 be careful not to imbibe the pugilistic spirit, 
 knowing that " the servant of the Lord must not 
 strive: but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, 
 patient, in meekness instructingthose 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." 2 Tim. 2; 24-26. 
 
 -ANATHEMA MARAN-ATHA." 
 
 I COR. l6-22. 
 
 All men will ultimately receive the measure 
 of divine blessing, or the curse of justice accord- 
 ing as their character may demand: and this fact 
 is made prominent by inspired writers who 
 invariably fix upon the close of probation's 
 period as the time of decision and reward. 
 
136 Spiritual Thouglits 
 
 But favorable to the formation and develop- 
 ment of righteous character, instructions are 
 given, and gospel invitations extended, by him 
 who is soon to appear as judge of the quick and 
 the dead, so that in the day of assize all may be 
 without excuse. 
 
 The phrase "Anathema Maran-atha," means 
 accursed when the Lord cometh, and by the 
 connection we are informed that those who love 
 not the Lord Jesus Christ are the class upon 
 whom the curse shall fall. 
 
 The statement of character is made negatively, 
 but affirmatively we may say, that love to God 
 and man embraces the whole of Christian duty, 
 while the channels of development are clearly 
 specified as regard for our beloved in words and 
 deeds. And the extent of this regard for Jesus 
 depends upon our confidence in his word: for 
 without this our love for him is shallow and 
 pretentious in the extreme. Therefore in the ex- 
 hortative spirit the apostle exclaims: "Watch 
 ye. Stand fast in the faith. Quit you like men. 
 Be strong. Let all your things be done with 
 charity," for "without faith [credence] it is im- 
 possible to please God:" and surely, no person 
 
For Candid Readers. 137 
 
 can run well in the Christian race unless he 
 "through the Spirit wait forthe hope hi righteous- 
 ness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circum- 
 cision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision: but 
 faith which worketh by love. " Now this confi- 
 dence in things hoped for, based upon the 
 immutable promises of our heavenly Master, is 
 evinced or worked out on the principle of love, 
 expressed and performed, as the language of 
 Jesus proves. "He that loveth me not keepeth 
 not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is 
 not mine, but the Father's which sent me." 
 
 With these facts supported by "the author 
 and finisher of our faith/' it is self-evident that a 
 profession of love for Christ, without a full 
 endorsement and adoption of his word, is 
 emphatically illusory: and for this reason we 
 conclude that those who repudiate portions of 
 divine truth which militate against their precon- 
 ceived opinions, have not that love for Christ 
 necessary to exemption from the curse when the 
 Lord cometh. Thus we see how essential it is to 
 teach and embrace the gospel in its purity, for 
 Paul says, "Though we, or an angel from heav- 
 en, preach any other gospel unto you than that 
 
138 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 which we have preached unto you, let him be 
 accursed. " But, in order to be an acceptable 
 candidate for immortality when "the Lord com- 
 eth, it is important that we love his appearing, 
 for most assuredly we shall want to see Jesus in 
 person, if we are in a saved condition and really 
 love him. 
 
 Therefore Paul says, "I have fought a good 
 fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the 
 faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown 
 of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
 Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me 
 only, but unto all them also that love his appear- 
 ing." As a crowning event in the scheme of re- 
 demption, the second advent of Christ is made 
 prominent, while all the lines of prophecy and 
 promise converge to the same point of time, 
 and instructions through the divine agency of 
 grace "that bringeth salvation" is as follows: 
 "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and 
 worldly lusts, weshouldlivesoberly, righteously 
 and godly, in this present world: looking for 
 that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of 
 the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who 
 gave himself for us, that he might redeem 
 
For Candid Readers. 139 
 
 us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a 
 peculiar people, zealous of good works/' Thus 
 is our position as Christians clearly defined: and 
 by duplicating these principles in our desires 
 and deportment, we may avoid the curse, and 
 be accepted when the Lord cometh. 
 
 Oh, that all would "obey from the heart 
 that form of doctrine " which is revealed in God's 
 Word, and by love for the appearing of his dear 
 Son be ready for translation. The day of doom 
 is just at hand. "Wherefore he saith, Awake, 
 thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and 
 Christ shall give the light. See then that ye walk 
 circumspectly: not as fools, but as wise, redeem- 
 ing the time, because the days are evil/' Dear 
 brethren and sisters, let us continue to seek for 
 divine approval, and be faithful to our mission, 
 that we may not be numbered with those who 
 shall come under the apostle's "Anathema Ma- 
 
 ran-atha. " 
 
 PURE RELIGION. 
 
 The inference may be drawn from our cap- 
 tion that all religion is not pure: and therefore 
 it is of paramount importance to understand the 
 distinctive features of pure religion as unfolded 
 in the Bible, that we be not deceived, or induced 
 
140 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 to accept of that which is spurious, and so lose 
 the purifying effects promised to those who em- 
 brace the principles of Christ. 
 
 Religion is "the recognition of God as an 
 object of worship, love, and obedience: right 
 feelings toward God as rightly apprehended: 
 piety." The term may also embrace "any 
 system of faith and worship, as the religion of 
 the Turks, of Hindoos, of Christians, true and 
 false religion." Therefore it is possible for 
 people to be religious, and yet void of principles 
 that produce a Christian life: hence many have 
 mistaken blind devotion for gospel piety, sup- 
 posing that sincerity excused them for negli- 
 gence in the study of God's Word, and made 
 them acceptable candidates for glory. But the 
 Lord makes an intelligent faith, coupled with 
 obedience, essential to salvation: for Jesus said 
 to the woman of Samaria. "Ye worship ye 
 know not what: we know what we worship: for 
 Salvation is of the Jews." " God is a Spirit, and 
 they that worship him must worship him in 
 spirit and in truth." 
 
 All truth pertaining to Christian principles 
 is embraced in the Bible, and without some 
 
For Candid Readers. 141 
 
 understanding of it we know not how to be 
 Christians: for while we learn that Jesus is the 
 only source of salvation, it becomes necessary 
 to acquaint ourselves with his commands in 
 order to obey them and worship God aright. 
 This fact is made apparent, and supported by the 
 Saviour's sharp reproof to the Scribes and 
 Pharisees when he exclaims. " Ye hypocrites, 
 well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying. This 
 people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, 
 and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart 
 is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, 
 teaching for doctrines the commandments of 
 men." 
 
 A better demonstration of this matter cannot 
 be given than the case of Paul. He declared 
 that his gospel commission was not received of 
 men, and says, "Neither was I taught it, but 
 by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have 
 heard of my conversation in time past in the 
 Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I 
 persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 
 and profited in the Jews' religion above many 
 my equals in mine own nation, being more ex- 
 ceedingly zealous of the traditions of my 
 
142 Spiritual ThougJits 
 
 fathers." But when Paul became a Christian, 
 his religion was of a different type. He had 
 exchanged the false for the true, though his 
 sincerity, zeal and devotion was the same in 
 each case. When he became a Christian his 
 religion was pure, because he lived out the 
 principles based upon the teachings of a living 
 Christ, who said to his followers, " Now ye are 
 clean through the word which I have spoken 
 unto you." 
 
 The outcome of pure gospel principles in us 
 is fully evinced in righteous deeds and well 
 guarded expressions, connected with unceas- 
 ing devotion and continuous fidelity to God: 
 and this constitutes pure religion: which state- 
 ment we now substantiate by the indubitable 
 testimony of one divinely authorized to speak. 
 "If any man among you seem to be religious, 
 and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his 
 own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure 
 religion and undefiled before God and the Fath- 
 er is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in 
 their affliction, and to keep him self unspotted 
 from the world." Surely a system of faith and 
 worship that will govern the tongue, passions 
 
For Candid Readers. 143 
 
 and affections, and actuates the possessor to 
 deeds of charity, while it gives him stamina and 
 decision sufficient to be separate from a sinful 
 world, must be a pure religion: and such should 
 be the religion of all who "wait for God's Son 
 from heaven." For in these last days of peril 
 many nominal Christians are only pleasure seek- 
 ers, and have no real interest in religious matters 
 unless they are connected in some form with 
 worldly pleasure as an incentive. Church fairs, 
 festivals, excursions, picnics, and many other 
 things of this character, are leading thousands 
 down in the broad road of ruin. A religion that 
 consists in these things, has no salvation in it. 
 Therefore, "let us who are of the day be sober, 
 putting on the breastplate of faith and love: and 
 for an helmet, the hope of salvation," that when 
 Jesus comes we may be numbered with the few 
 that will be presented to Christ without spot or 
 wrinkle, or any such thing, being holy and with- 
 out blemish. 
 
 THE MAXIMUM CHRISTIAN. 
 
 Anything short of the highest standard in 
 Christian life is unsatisfactory to a soul hunger- 
 
144 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 ing and thirsting after righteousness: and he 
 who lowers the standard in a practical sense 
 belittles his Master, deprives himself of happi- 
 ness, and disgraces his profession by failure. 
 
 To enjoy "the fullness of the blessing of the 
 gospel of Christ/' we must obtain the full 
 approval of our Heavenly Father by perfect 
 obedience to that gospel. Short of this, con- 
 demnation, dissatisfaction and leanness will be 
 our portion, while the ultimatum of our misspent 
 life will be death eternal. Let us then briefly 
 set forth the deficiencies that make us unsuccess- 
 ful, and in so doing we will assume that our 
 readers are honest-hearted seekers for truth and 
 righteousness, especially those who believe in 
 the proximity of our Saviour's coming. 
 
 No good work has ever been accomplished 
 without diligent application and rigid adherance 
 to good principles: for every righteous enter- 
 prise has some regulations by which to operate, 
 and in whatever sphere of life our action may 
 be, success will depend upon our compliance 
 with the rules attached to the enterprise of our 
 choice, and diligence in execution. 
 
 The yoeman masters his situation, and at- 
 
For Candid Readers. 145 
 
 tains a degree of independence in circumstances 
 by making his branch of toil a specialty. If his 
 attention and time are divided in farming and 
 speculation, by way of mechanical agencies, 
 such as the sale of books, machinery, or mer- 
 cantile goods, and then again sub-divided in 
 blacksmithing, coopering, fishing and hunting, 
 you will see the signs of neglect in broken- 
 down fences, dilapidated buildings, house so 
 rickety and deficient in doors and windows 
 that winter's chilling blast easily enters and 
 causes suffering, while the diminutive crops 
 show the soil to be improperly tilled. 
 
 In business transactions special attention is 
 required in each branch, and the man who has 
 many irons in the fire will fail to do them all 
 justice unless he»has capital to employ reliable 
 parties to give attention to them: and even then 
 it requires a man of extraordinary ability to 
 successfully conduct more than one branch of 
 business. Possibly there are men who can do it, 
 but they are very scarce: for most men who 
 undertake it begin with two hands, and finish 
 up with three, the third being a little behindhand. 
 
 So with us in the Lord's vineyard. To be 
 
146 Spiritual TJiougJits 
 
 approved as faithful workmen, Christians of the 
 best type, our work must be made a specialty ; 
 and while temporal duties in our various 
 avocations must be performed faithfully, they 
 never should be permitted to interfere with our 
 moral obligations and devotional duties : for, 
 according to the divine mandate, we are to 
 make it our first and special business to seek 
 the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 
 which we believe is the only sure way to follow 
 Christ. 
 
 That God designed we should attain unto a 
 fullness in Christianity is evidently taught in His 
 Word. But this maximum is reached by earnest 
 effort on our part, associated with certain 
 instrumentalities employed by the Master : for 
 we read, " He gave some, apostles: and some, 
 prophets: and some, evangelists : and some, 
 pastors and teachers: for the perfecting of the 
 saints, for the work of the ministry, for the 
 edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come 
 in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge 
 of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the 
 measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. " 
 This quotation with the context proves that we 
 
For Candid Readers. 147 
 
 are to be perfect men and women in Christ Jesus, 
 and wholly excludes the minimum principles. 
 
 Some have ventured to see how far they can 
 go with the world and yet retain their standing 
 as Christians: but such a course is hazardous in 
 the extreme, and in the end will prove fatal. 
 It is much better to keep as separate from the 
 world as possible, and to be just as near like 
 Jesus as we can. He that apes the wicked, and 
 adopts their principles of folly and pleasure, 
 must in the end reap the bitter reward. Omay 
 God help us to be so consecrated that we can 
 truthfully exclaim with the poet: 
 
 " My all to Christ I've given, 
 My talents, time and voice : 
 Myself, my reputation, 
 The lone way is my choice." 
 
 With such a righteous sentiment as this 
 sealed upon the heart by God's Spirit, we can 
 easily carry out the principles of his Word, 
 irrespective of circumstances: and may reason- 
 ably expect to be approved and prospered, 
 and ultimately obtain full salvation. 
 
148 Spiritual Tlwughts 
 
 CONSECRATION. 
 
 Consecration to God embraces more than 
 many professors of religion are willing to allow, 
 from the fact that their love of pleasure makes 
 them oblivious to the radical demands of the 
 gospel, and therefore they venture to impose 
 upon the good nature of their Heavenly Father 
 by indulgences incompatible with Christian 
 principles, presuming upon divine mercy for 
 ultimate acceptance. But for this presumption, 
 more or less accompanied by self-will, they 
 must give an account in the day of judgment. 
 
 Let us draw a limited pen picture of the mod- 
 ern representative of many Christians by pro- 
 fession only. The person may be one of respect- 
 ability and culture, in prominence as a church 
 member, and exemplary in many things, but his 
 love for the world is predominant: and having 
 neglected to get acquainted with God by fre- 
 quent communication at the throne of grace, in 
 connection with a daily study of, and meditation 
 upon His Word, he easily falls in line w r ith the 
 pleasure-loving throng, and by his presence 
 and money he aids and abets that which may 
 
For Candid Readers. 149 
 
 come under a good name: but if analyzed in the 
 light of Scripture, would develop principles 
 of a carnal and unrighteous nature. Such is 
 the case in church entertainments, where the 
 representative of nominal Christians revels 
 in the pleasures of sin and recreation in the 
 name of goodness, philanthropy and godliness. 
 In their desire for union [an abused term], 
 they strike hands with the world, and feel justi- 
 fied in the gambling arrangements and amuse- 
 ments, coming under the head of fairs, festivals, 
 oyster suppers, sociables, picnics, excursions — 
 and last of all, but not least — negro concerts. And 
 when these follies are exposed in the light of di- 
 vine truth, our respectable representative is hor- 
 rified, and denounces the exposure as radical old 
 fogyism. Hence, he ventures on step by step 
 until he does not scruple to become a bold at- 
 tendant of the circus, the opera, and the giddy 
 dance. Thus they hesitate not to waste time and 
 money, while their influence for good is com- 
 pletely neutralized. Truly such a course is lam- 
 entable when we consider our proximity to the 
 judgment, the languishing cause of " present 
 truth," and temporal as well as spiritual destitu- 
 
150 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 tion of our fellow men. But we are glad to 
 know that the body proper, composed of 
 Christ's members, discountenance and stand 
 aloof from all such proceedings, and are free 
 to lift the voice of warning against this 
 "spiritual wickedness in high places/' thus 
 giving heed to the apostle's injunction, as it 
 stands connected with the characteristics of 
 these last days, specified in 2 Tim. 3: 1-5. 
 
 Dearly beloved, let us be consecrated to God 
 in the fullest sense, remembering that "without 
 holiness no man shall see the Lord." We have 
 become soldiers of Christ, having vowed alle- 
 giance to him, accepting the uniform of right- 
 eousness, and "the sword of the Spirit, which 
 is the word of God. " Therefore, being under 
 the government of heaven, we have no right to 
 rob our employer of our time by going into the 
 world for pleasure. (See James \\ 3-10. ) Let us 
 never disgrace ourselves nor dishonor the mes- 
 sage commited to our trust by deserting the Sav- 
 iour, and going over to the devil's ranks disguis- 
 ed by profession. May we ever keep in mind 
 the importance attached to our warfare, and the 
 necessity of continuous fidelity, to achieve vie- 
 
For Candid Readers. 1 5 1 
 
 tory and secure ultimate reward in the kingdom 
 to come. Surely we cannot divide our affections, 
 time and means. All must be consecrated to God. 
 Christian soldier, arouse' Put on the whole 
 armor and onward march. Give no quarters to 
 the enemy. Fight the good fight of faith: and 
 a golden chaplet shall be yours. 
 
 A NOVEL IDEA. 
 
 Divers opinions have been advanced relative 
 to the nature of man and his moral attributes: 
 but among them all none seem to be so 
 novel as the one recently advanced by a 
 theologian of prominence in a western town, 
 who is an accredited representative of modern 
 orthodoxy: and while we wish to be deferential 
 in our exposure of that which is incompatible 
 with divine enunciation, and borders upon the 
 ridiculous, we cannot forbear expressing our 
 astonishment at the want of Bible knowledge, 
 and what is termed common sense. 
 
 The subject under consideration was life as 
 an entity, based upon John 1 : 4, which, if ac- 
 cepted as it stands, would prove that Christ is 
 the only source of eternal life. But the speaker 
 
152 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 went on to say that while every thing in the 
 vegetable and animal kingdoms had life pecu- 
 liar to itself, man possessed three kinds of life, 
 or nature, viz., physical, mental, and spiritual: 
 and therefore man is a triune being, thus step- 
 ping beyond the commonly accepted view of 
 man's dual nature. We were then informed that 
 each of these lives or persons constituting the 
 man was supported by food peculiar to its na- 
 ture: that the intellectual could not be fed upon 
 bread and milk, forgetting that the science of 
 physiology and experience has taught us that 
 the health of the body depends much upon the 
 food we eat, and that disease will impair, and 
 in some instances destroy the mind. As the 
 speaker's innovations were quite intricate, we 
 failed to learn which of the three in one body 
 took its flight to realms above in conscious and 
 everlasting felicity. 
 
 This is truly novel logic: for it is hard to 
 conceive how there can be life and personality 
 independent of organism. Our mentality de- 
 pends upon the development of brain, which is 
 a part of the fleshly organism; while the breath 
 or spirit of life containing the life forces or 
 
For Candid Readers. 153 
 
 power, was given not to itself, but to man at 
 creation, and' when deprived of it he ceases to 
 exist as a personality. Therefore mans future 
 existence depends upon the animating forces of 
 divine life, which we learn from the text is 
 in Christ: for life, instead of being an entity or 
 substance in personal form, is rather a result 
 or condition of being, as there is no develop- 
 ment of life independent of organism. 
 
 The fact of our Creator existing as a corpo- 
 real being is favored by the indubitable testi- 
 mony of His Word, and commends itself to our 
 reason: while in connection with this we learn 
 that he is the source of all life. See Acts. 17: 
 24-28. Thus the life forces proceed from his 
 organism to other organisms: and as man was 
 created in the image of his God, so shall the 
 obedient portion of the human race be re-pro- 
 duced in his likeness at the time of resurrection, 
 having divine, immortal, eternal life imparted to 
 their physical bodies. And whether theolo- 
 gians call such life spiritual or physical it 
 matters not. We know it will be everlasting, 
 and that we shall exist in fact, and as somebody, 
 because we have a body. 
 
154 Spiritual Thouglits 
 
 Thank God for this gospel hope, which is 
 so tangible and comprehensive that the Captain 
 of our salvation in expressing his gratitude to 
 the Father exclaimed, " I thank thee, O Father, 
 Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast 
 hid these things from the wise and prudent, 
 and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, 
 Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.'' 
 
 SELF-CONTROL. 
 
 It has been said that "the government of 
 one's self is the only true freedom for the indi- 
 vidual," and experience confirms the statement, 
 for those who are governed by their passions 
 are emphatically slaves, subject to ridicule and 
 contempt. 
 
 Moral courage and decision of character is 
 based upon self-control, and he who has re- 
 spectful command of himself, naturally com- 
 mands the respect of others. But underlying 
 the virtues that go to make up a righteous 
 character, we find the great principles of the 
 Christian religion, established by our blessed 
 Saviour, essential to the moderation and perfect 
 
For Candid Readers. 155 
 
 development of the truly exemplary and amiable. 
 Some have reached a remarkable degree of 
 propriety in the drama of life, but not without 
 the adoption of divine principles and the 
 reception of divine unction: and by virtue of 
 propriety thus attained, man becomes a being 
 whom Shakespeare defines as " looking before 
 and after/" always profiting by past experience, 
 and improving as he advances in the journey 
 of life. 
 
 The man who fails to govern himself is not 
 fit to govern others: hence discipline should 
 precede elevation to posts of honor, lest he who 
 is suddenly lifted in authority should bring dis- 
 grace upon his cause and subjects by acting 
 upon instinctive impulse. Bible commendation 
 is given, not to the strong man who " taketh a 
 city,'"' but to him "that is slow to anger," and 
 "that ruleth his spirit/'' 
 
 In the various departments of life it is im- 
 possible but that offences will come: but "the 
 discretion of a man deferreth his anger: and it is 
 his glory to pass over a transgression/' This 
 he can do by God's help, and thus retain his 
 religious equilibrium and peace of mind. In 
 
156 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 the supremacy of self-control, says Herbert 
 Spencer, " consists one of the perfections of the 
 ideal man. Not to be impulsive — not to be 
 spurred hither and thither by each desire that in 
 turn comes uppermost — but to be self-restrained, 
 self-balanced, governed by the joint decision of 
 the feelings in council assembled, before whom 
 every action shall have been fully debated and 
 calmly determined: that it is which education, 
 moral education at least, strives to produce." 
 
 Rigid self-restraint pervades the life of every 
 true Christian. He is to be sober and vigilant: 
 to eschew evil and do good: to walk in the Spirit: 
 to be obedient unto death: to withstand in the 
 evil day, and, having done all, to stand: to 
 wrestle against spiritual wickedness, and against 
 the rulers of the darkness of this world: to be 
 rooted and built up in the faith, and not to be 
 weary in well doing: for in due season he shall 
 reap if he faint not. 
 
 The great principles of self-control are set 
 before us in explicit terms by the inspired apos- 
 tle when he says: " Every man that striveth for 
 the mastery is temperate in all things. Now 
 they do it to obtain a corruptible crown: but we 
 
For Candid Readers. 1 57 
 
 an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as un- 
 certainly: so fight I, not as one that beateth the 
 air: but 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 cast- 
 away/' To be temperate in all things, restraint 
 upon the passions is indispensable: and our 
 success in a Christian life depends in no small 
 degree upon the regulation of temper, and care- 
 ful self-discipline, all of which must be done 
 under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and upon 
 the principles of God's revelation. If the body 
 is kept under and brought into subjection, every 
 member is controlled by the impulse of divine 
 love, and purity is in the feelings and actions in 
 such a degree that every carnal desire is over- 
 come, and debasing habits formerly indulged are 
 so broken and renounced by divine aid and 
 indomitable decision, as to never be formed 
 again. 
 
 May the Lord freely bestow his grace upon 
 all who by profession are waiting for the con- 
 solation of Israel, that they may by moderation 
 and allegiance to Christ adorn the doctrine of 
 God, and ultimately share in the glories of 
 
158 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 immortal perfection, all of which shall be ours 
 by virtue of confidence in Him who has taught 
 us self-control. 
 
 THE SLEEPY TIME. 
 
 The moral drowsiness and apathy of present 
 times is apparent to all candid observers who 
 look at matters in a reasonable and scriptural 
 light. But that the spirit of slumber should get 
 hold of those who are looking for the return of 
 Jesus, is astonishing when we call to mind the 
 fore-warnings given by the great apostle and 
 his associates. However, this condition of the 
 virgins being predicted, is a marked evidence 
 of our proximity to the Bridegroom's coming, 
 and the restitution of all things promised: and 
 for those whose vessels are filled with oil, there 
 is good hope when aroused by the midnight 
 cry. Matt. 25. 
 
 Jesus presented our position in prophecy and 
 parable, locating the period of special prepara- 
 tion for his reception, at the conclusion of serial 
 events unmistakable and portentious. The be- 
 ginning of this period was marked by aprophetic 
 
For Candid Readers. 159 
 
 call, which was honored by the honest-hearted, 
 who "took their lamps, and went forth to meet 
 the Bridegroom." But in the move, wisdom 
 and folly is wonderfully contrasted by the pa- 
 tienceand providence of some, and negligenceof 
 others, while indifference on the part of nominal 
 Christians has been so preponderant that many 
 have been hindered from coming to the light of 
 sacred truth. As a result, lethargy and declen- 
 sion has characterized those who have, and are 
 still rejecting the message of "present truth." 
 And notwithstanding the zeal and ardor at first 
 manifested on the part of the virgins who expect- 
 ed immediate deliverance, they have during the 
 long delay of the Birdegroom slumbered more 
 or less: all because the night of moral darkness 
 has its effect upon us, and as long foretold "dark- 
 ness should cover the earth, and gross darkness 
 the people. " "But the Lord shall arise upon 
 thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." 
 Thank God for this assurance, though it be diffi- 
 cult to keep awake, and only by earnest effort 
 and vigilance do we succeed, especially now at 
 the time of midnight, when this pall of gloom 
 is so thick and extensive. 
 
160 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Far too many are losing the light of revela- 
 tion and interest in speedy redemption, which 
 is manifest in neglecting the means of grace, and 
 dropping down to the low standard of religious 
 formality so prevalent in the majority of church- 
 es now. But a special midnight cry was pre- 
 dicted, and is now being made, by means of 
 which the world is warned, and the virgins 
 aroused, while the particular instalment of our 
 message due at this period, is indicated in the 
 command, "Go ye out to meet him. 7 ' No time 
 now for contention on technical points relative 
 to things hard to be understood, or not revealed: 
 but "Go ye out (in the path of duty and devo- 
 tion) to meet him" is the imperative order of 
 our Captain. 
 
 To fully comply requires much grace and 
 prayerful watchfulness in order to retain our 
 equilibrium of spirit and peaceful frame of mind 
 while in the line of duty: for, zeal and devotion 
 that corresponds with true belief in the speedy 
 coming of our dear Saviour is sure to bring 
 down upon us the contempt and frowns of nom- 
 inal church goers, and also the scoffs of an 
 ungodly world. Yet the assurance of salvation 
 
For Candid Readers. 161 
 
 to those who " endure to the end " supports the 
 weary pilgrim as he journeys toward Zion, and 
 watches for the dawn of redemption's day. 
 
 Therefore let every brother and sister in the 
 faith, whose eyes may chance to fall upon 
 these lines, determine in fullness of heart to keep 
 wide awake in this midnight period, and have 
 their lamps so well trimmed and burning that 
 the corning day may not overtake them as a 
 thief in the night. "Let us not sleep as do 
 others: but let us watch and be sober, put- 
 ting on the breast-plate of faith and love : and for 
 an helmet, the hope of salvation." "For God 
 hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain 
 salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died 
 for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we 
 should live together with him." i Thes. 5. 
 
 TRINE FAITH— 1 John 5: 5. 
 Full confidence in the Son of God is essen- 
 tial to success in the way of righteousness: and 
 as belief is " credit given to evidence," we can 
 only exercise faith in Christ by giving credence 
 to the record borne by divinely appointed wit- 
 
1 62 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 nesses named in our context, and identified by- 
 all of the holy ones who spoke and wrote " as 
 they were moved by the Holy Ghost." There- 
 fore it is folly to expect divine approval, and 
 power to overcome to the world without this 
 specific faith, three-fold in its construction, and 
 saving in its effect. 
 
 i . We are to believe that Jesus came by water. 
 By this element his public ministry was inaug- 
 urated in the solemn and important ordinance 
 of baptism, by which the example of righteous- 
 ness, by gospel faith, is established: and im- 
 mediately following was the descent, sanction, 
 and seal of the Holy Spirit. Matt. 3: 13-17, 
 Hence, "he that believeth and is baptized, shall 
 be saved," for he gives evidence of his faith as 
 a follower of Christ. " In whom ye also trust- 
 ed, after that ye heard the word of truth, the 
 gospel of your salvation: in whom also after 
 that ye believed, ye were sealed with that 
 Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of 
 our inheritance, until the redemption of the 
 purchased possession, unto the praise of his 
 glory." Thus the baptism of the spirit is 
 received after we have believed, and the most 
 
For Candid Readers , 163 
 
 sure way to evince our belief in Jesus is by 
 obedience. 
 
 2. We are to believe that Jesus came by 
 blood. That is, his public ministry was termi- 
 nated by blood. By his blood shed for us he 
 became our Saviour in fact: for the race of 
 Adam had a blood life forfeited in their federal 
 head, and could only be restored by a blood 
 cancellation on the part of a righteous head, 
 originating trom a source independent of the 
 Adamic race. Therefore, faith in this atone- 
 ment is expressed by a confession of our loss, 
 and death in personal sin: especially by the 
 emblems used at the Lord's table in memory of 
 his death and sufferings. Hence, if our 
 faith is not in actual atonement made by a 
 blood life, on the part of our Saviour, and a 
 corporeal resurrection, it is vain: we are yet in 
 sin. So the fact that Jesus came by blood is 
 the second instalment of our faith. 
 
 3. We are to believe that Jesus is the Son of 
 God ''because the Spirit of truth beareth wit- 
 ness," as it unquestionably did at the time of 
 our Saviour's baptism in the river Jordan, and 
 also on the mount of transfiguration: while on 
 
164 Spiritiial Thoughts 
 
 the day of Pentecost the evidence was over- 
 whelming, as the Holy Ghost descended in 
 power, and in such profusion as to completely 
 immerse and permeate the disciples who were 
 waiting in Jerusalem for the endowment of 
 divine power, as previously promised by their 
 heavenly Commander. Luke 24: 49. Acts 2. 
 Therefore the last named element in our three- 
 fold faith is just as essential to salvation as the 
 two previously specified: for it must quicken 
 morally to newness of life in this world, and 
 physically to an immortal life in the world to 
 come. 
 
 By this trine faith we are brought into the 
 family of God, and receive the Spirit of adoption, 
 whereby we cry Abba Father: while our rela- 
 tion to Christ is most sacred simply because we 
 receive the witness of God, which is greater 
 than that of man. "For there are three that 
 bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, 
 and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one 
 (united in their testimony): and there are three 
 that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the 
 water, and the blood: and these three agree in 
 one." On earth, we are the representatives of 
 
For Candid Readers. 165 
 
 Christ. The Spirit of truth in us, and guiding 
 us, bears witness. Our faith in the death and 
 resurrection of Christ is exhibited in water 
 baptism, which act is unmistakable testimony 
 for God. Our life, which is now a natural or 
 blood life, is so consecrated to God that all of 
 the passions and desires are tamed by subjec- 
 tion to the Spirit's influence, so that a living 
 witness in the form of flesh and blood is 
 found on earth. Hence "these three agree 
 in one." 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 i. The Christian faith only will save, and 
 that is three-fold in its construction. 
 
 2. This faith in Jesus as the Son of God is 
 credit given to the evidence of Christ's coming 
 by water (baptism) and blood, (shed for us), 
 and quickened by the Holy Spirit for our justi- 
 fication to life. 
 
 3. It is also credence in the testimony of 
 three heavenly witnesses, and in our willing- 
 ness to be living epistles on earth, by which 
 men may read the way of righteousness and 
 life as exhibited in our baptism by water, the 
 
1 66 Spiritual Thong lit s 
 
 Spirit of Jesus in us the hope of glory, and by 
 the full consecration of flesh and blood to the 
 service of our Master. 
 
 These, dear reader, are the foundation 
 principles on which to build: and it is only 
 folly to claim relationship to Christ, and a prep- 
 aration for his second coming, before we get 
 upon this "highway of holiness. " Let us then 
 " draw nigh to God," and "abide in him, that 
 when he shall appear, we may have confi- 
 dence, and not be ashamed before him at his 
 coming. " 
 
 MONETARY REQUIREMENTS. 
 
 A synoptical sermon to be read in all our 
 Churches. 
 
 Text: — " Bring ye all the tithes into the store- 
 house, that there may be meat in mine house, and 
 prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if 
 I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour 
 you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough 
 to receive it." — Mai. 3:10. 
 
 In this age of selfishness it becomes im- 
 portant for all who are looking for redemption 
 complete at the return of our dear Saviour, to 
 
For Candid Readers. 167 
 
 fully adopt the scriptural requirements in a 
 financial line, that our cause may not suffer for 
 want of support. 
 
 As Baptists, we claim to be Bible Christians, 
 both in doctrine and practice. We indorse all 
 of the divine asseverations relative to man's duty, 
 nature and destiny. But the doctrine of sys- 
 tematic beneficence has long- been overlooked, or 
 not understood: and therefore languishment 
 has marked our work, and deprived us of much 
 increase. It has been a trick of satan to im- 
 press many with the idea of giving according 
 to feeling instead of Bible principle, thus keep- 
 ing our workers embarrassed: and only by 
 indomitable perseverance, associated with 
 divine love, do they survive. As consecrated 
 Christians wc reject the worldly methods of 
 sustaining the gospel. But the Lord's devoted 
 messengers must have a living, and we are 
 furnished with a scriptural system of supporting 
 them: while our prosperity in a spiritual sense, 
 individually and collectively depends largely 
 upon its adoption. 
 
 What, then, are God's monetary require- 
 ments in this gospel dispensation? Some may 
 
1 68 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 consider our text obsolete, and of no force in 
 this period of the world's history: but we hope, 
 by the aid of God's Holy Spirit, to so elucidate 
 this subject, as to convince all that it applies to 
 the church of Christ now : and hence is a matter 
 of great importance to those who look for 
 redemption. 
 
 i. All things belong to the Lord. There- 
 fore it is right and reasonable that He should 
 say how they shall be used. Men who are 
 successful in securing earthly possessions, are 
 frequently known to boast of their industry and 
 economy, by which they have secured it all: 
 and as they look over their broad acres and fine 
 stock, and comfortably rest in their pleasant 
 home, they exclaim "All this is mine:" forget- 
 ting that God has said, "Every beast of the 
 forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand 
 hills, I know all the fowles of the mountains: 
 and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I 
 were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world 
 is mine, and the fullness thereof." Sometimes, 
 by dint of shrewd financiering, money is rapidly 
 obtained and placed in security, to be used only 
 for the selfish purposes of its possessor, who 
 
For Candid Readers. 169 
 
 never thinks that God has said, "The silver is 
 mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of 
 hosts." When Israel in type had so far de- 
 parted from God and righteousness as to make 
 self the principal subject of support and the 
 centre of affection, the Lord addressed them 
 through his prophet as follows: "Is it time for 
 you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and 
 this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith 
 the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. (Mar- 
 gin — Set your heart on your ways.) Ye have 
 sown much, and bring in little: ye eat, but ye 
 have not enough: ye drink, but ye are not filled 
 with drink: ye clothe you, but there is none 
 warm: and he that earneth wages, earneth 
 wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus 
 saith the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 
 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and 
 build the house: and I will take pleasure in it, 
 and I will be glorified, saith the Lord. Ye 
 looked for much, and, lo, it came to little: and 
 when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. 
 Why? saith the Lord of hosts, Because of 
 mine house that is waste, and ye run every man 
 unto his own house." 
 
170 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 This remarkable portraiture of Israel's apos- 
 tasy is fully duplicated now by the antitypical 
 church of God, who have allowed selfish inter- 
 ests to make them oblivious to God's demands: 
 for while their energies are all employed in 
 accumulating wealth, beautifying and orna- 
 menting their private dwellings, it is not un- 
 frequently the case that when means are 
 required to build a house for the Lord, or repairs 
 are needed upon the same, that the plea of lim- 
 ited purse and pressing demands of a domestic 
 nature prevents their contributing anything in 
 that line: when perhaps their homes are decor- 
 ated with costly pictures, and many articles 
 that are useless only as they please the eye. 
 Surely these things ought not so to be, for the 
 first and great commandment is, "Thou shalt 
 love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and 
 with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." And 
 if all our ransomed powers be thus employed, 
 remissness is excluded, and we never will be 
 guilty of filching from our Creator, or appropri- 
 ating his money to the gratification of our 
 carnal desires. 
 
 2. God's house spiritually considered in the 
 
For Candid Readers. 171 
 
 light of our text is his Church under the gospel, 
 prefigured by a temple structure, erected under 
 the supervision of Solomon the prototype of our 
 coming King. By the annotations of inspired 
 apostles upon this subject, we are informed 
 that Christ is the foundation, while we as indi- 
 vidual children of the heavenly family are 
 integral parts of the structure being "as lively 
 
 stones, built up a spiritual house, an 
 
 holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, 
 acceptable to God by Jesus Christ/' "Where- 
 fore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly 
 calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of 
 our profession, Christ Jesus: who was faithful 
 to him that appointed him, as also Moses was 
 faithful in all his house. For this man was 
 counted worthy of more glory than Moses, 
 inasmuch as he who hath builded the house 
 hath more honor than the house. For every 
 house is builded by some man: but he that 
 built all things is God. And Moses verily was 
 faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a 
 testimony of those things which were to be 
 spoken after: but Christ as a son over his own 
 house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the 
 
172 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm 
 unto the end." 
 
 This, with other scripture that might be ad- 
 duced, proves that the term house applies not 
 only to a literal temple, but especially to God's 
 family down here in the gospel age: and if the 
 command in our text be directly to us in the 
 close of this age, as we shall endeavor to prove, 
 then the house of God is spiritually the church 
 of God, and the meat in the house, procured by 
 tithes, is the preaching of God's word: for it is 
 written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, 
 but by every word that proceedeth out of the 
 mouth of God." And according to gospel 
 arrangement the flock is to be fed by the ap- 
 pointed under-shepherd with the bread of life. 
 
 3. How much does the Lord require of 
 Christians for the support of the gospel? This 
 question is of great importance to all conscien- 
 tious followers of Christ, and if the Scripture 
 will settle the matter, then we shall know just 
 what to do. We are aware of the fact that our 
 ministers dislike to touch upon this delicate 
 subject for fear of being charged with selfish 
 motives: and because they have thus been kept 
 
For Candid Readers. 173 
 
 back from duty, our people are not acquainted 
 with God's requirements relative to gospel sup- 
 port. As the result of this, the banner of 
 "present truth'' trails in the dust, and "this 
 gospel of the kingdom " is retarded as a flying 
 message, and deadened as a local power. Our 
 missionaries are crippled in their work for want 
 of means, and our pastors in some instances 
 eke out a mere existence on the stipend allow- 
 ed for unceasing care and earnest toil. Now 
 upon the authority of God's Word we venture 
 to state that one-tenth of income belongs to the 
 Lord, and should be placed only in the treasury 
 of his house or church, while out of the nine 
 parts which he has given to us are to come the 
 free-will offerings and charitable gifts, as we 
 are disposed to make them. This system of 
 tithing was introduced and practiced as far back 
 as the days of Abraham, and possibly before. 
 Hence it did not originate in the mosaic law as 
 some have claimed, and therefore it is binding 
 upon Christians who are to do as their spiritual 
 father Abraham did in this matter. While it is 
 true that without faith in Christ the tithing sys- 
 tem alone will save no one, yet it is also true 
 
174 Spirit?/ a I Thong Jits 
 
 that faith in Christ, unaccompanied by tithes 
 justly belonging to God, is not a living and 
 saving faith: for Christ has informed us that the 
 giving of tithes should not be neglected. — Matt. 
 23: 23. — and the advancement of the cause we 
 profess to love depends largely upon our support 
 of the same, as God invariably works by means, 
 or through his people. 
 
 We may pray long and earnestly for God to 
 bless the work of our pastors and evangelists, 
 yet if the means belonging to God and designed 
 b>y him for supporting the gospel is withheld, 
 such prayers avail but little. We as a people 
 hold truths that are mighty, and if we were 
 fully awake to the interests of our cause, and 
 the demands of our Master, we should be a 
 power unsurpassed for good. But, alas ! some 
 of our churches, with a membership of from ten 
 to fifty, consider themselves too weak to sus- 
 tain a pastor, and too poor to contribute much 
 of anything to the missionary fund, and as a 
 result they are barren, unfruitful, and in a dying 
 condition. The blessing of the Lord is with- 
 held because they have withheld the Lord's 
 money. 
 
For Candid Readers. 175 
 
 No church can prosper and retain a healthy 
 condition if they appropriate the Lord's money 
 to selfish interests: and while they complain of 
 adversity and declension, it may possibly be 
 charged to the want of liberality: whereas, if 
 the one-tenth of actual income was put into the 
 treasury of God's house, as required, every 
 church of ten families could support a pastor so 
 that he would fare as well as they live them- 
 selves. 
 
 The debauchee not ^infrequently spends 
 from five to twenty-five dollars per week, if he 
 has it, to gratify his lust: but if he gets hope- 
 fully reformed, converted (?) and into the 
 church, it is sometimes amusing and yet very 
 sad to see how penurious he becomes, for he 
 considers his purse so small that he can hardly 
 spare the weekly payment of a nickel for the 
 support of the gospel he professes to love. But 
 thank God for the noble exceptions to this rule 
 of delinquency. 
 
 And now, that there may be equalization in 
 the burden of gospel support by having all do 
 their duty, we think it proper to urge upon all 
 the prayerful consideration of this subject, as it 
 
176 Spiritual Tlioughts 
 
 is time the facts were understood, and the 
 divine principles of equity fully adopted by us 
 as an ecclesiastical body: for the admonitive of 
 inspiration directed to us who hold the waiting 
 position is, " that knowing the time, that now 
 it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is 
 our salvation nearer than when we believed. 
 The night is far spent: the day is at hand: let 
 us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and 
 let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk 
 honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and 
 drunkenness, not in chambering and wanton- 
 ness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision 
 for the flesh to fulfill the lusts the?'eof." — Rom. 
 13: 11-14. 
 
 Let the gospel rule of supporting our bless- 
 ed cause be immediately adopted by every be- 
 liever in the Lord's coming, that henceforth we 
 may receive special blessing in loving service 
 for God and humanity, while the advertisement 
 of a coming kingdom will be graced with com- 
 mendable impetus. Let the periodical tithing 
 of our churches be, if possible, as ordered by 
 the apostle in 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2: and especially 
 
For Candid Readers. 177 
 
 let us remember that human nature is such as 
 not to be trusted in deciding upon the amount 
 to be given. Therefore God has wisely decided 
 for us that one-tenth of actual income belongs to 
 him, for we read, "It is the Lord's: it is holy 
 unto the Lord." Surely God will bless us 
 temporally and spiritually if we make the vow 
 that Jacob did, saying, "If God will be with 
 me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and 
 will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put 
 on, so that I come again to my father's house 
 in peace, then shall the Lord be my God: and 
 this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall 
 be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give 
 me 1 will surely give the tenth unto thee." We 
 must not serve ourselves first by meeting all 
 expenses, then give a tenth of what there is 
 left: for the Lord has given us nine-tenths, out 
 of which to live and make free-will offerings. 
 "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with 
 the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy 
 barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses 
 shall burst out with new wine." 
 
 In conclusion, the text brings the command 
 directly to us, as all can see by carefully read- 
 
178 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 ing the whole chapter, in which the coming of 
 the Lord, the judgment, and blessings to be 
 enjoyed in this world, and that which is to 
 come, are promised to those who cease to rob 
 God, and bring all the tithes due him into his 
 house. Let us remember that these tithes are 
 not prayers and testimonies, for talk and pro- 
 fession is cheap: but when a praying soul will 
 give his money to support the cause of salva- 
 tion, which he professes to love, that is good 
 proof that he does love it. Hence the Lord 
 has ever required this test of our sincerity (see 
 2 Cor. 8.) from the days of righteous Abel 
 down to the present: and all those who have 
 fully adopted this divine plan of systematic 
 beneficence, have been wonderfully blessed, 
 temporally and spiritually, just as the Lord has 
 promised. Therefore let every Christian in the 
 land comply with these requirements of our 
 heavenly Master. If associated in church 
 capacity, put the tenth in the church treasury: 
 and make free-will offerings to the missionary 
 fund: that when Jesus comes to reckon with 
 his servants, he may say, "well done/' See 
 Matt. 25: 14. 
 
For Candid Readers, 179 
 
 THE PASTOR. 
 
 In the gospel economy God has provided 
 evangelists and pastors "for the perfecting of 
 the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for 
 the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all 
 come in the unity of the faith, and of the 
 knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect 
 man, unto the measure of the stature of the 
 fulness of Christ.'' 
 
 As to the matter of teaching, the evangelist 
 holds a position equal in importance to that of 
 the pastor: but in watch-care and example the 
 responsibilities of the pastor far exceed those 
 of the evangelist. And furthermore, the teacher 
 who comes as a stranger to tarry briefly, finds 
 it comparatively easy to labor with acceptance 
 and satisfaction to his hearers: w T hereas, the 
 shepherd who has come to stay with the flock 
 finds, in continuous ministration to the same 
 hearers, that much grace and wisdom is needed 
 in the selection and presentation of themes 
 suited to the needs of the sheep and lambs. 
 And then to look after their spiritual welfare, 
 and deal tenderly but justly by all, in doctrine, 
 reproof, correction, and instruction in righteous- 
 
180 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 ness, giving satisfaction to the recipients of his 
 ministrations, expecting to receive in return the 
 regard and liberal support due to one in his 
 divinely appointed position, requires discretion 
 almost supernatural: for not unfrequently, the 
 weakness of human nature is exhibited on the 
 part of fastidious Christians, in fault-finding 
 and criticism. 
 
 The pastor, to be successful in his work, 
 needs not only the grace of God and the liberal 
 monetary support of his congregation, but also 
 the special and hearty co-operation of every 
 member in his church. If, after he has fervent- 
 ly presented an elaborate theme, supported by 
 unlimited testimony from the word, and accom- 
 panied by divine unction, a brother whose 
 preconceived views are incompatible with those 
 advanced by the servant of God, interviews 
 the unconverted hearer, dissenting and freely 
 criticising, the pastor's efforts are neutralized 
 and the good impression made upon the un- 
 converted man's heart is taken away. 
 
 If, after repeatedly exhorting the brethren 
 and sisters to faithfulness in attendance at the 
 public services, and especially the prayer meet- 
 
For Candid Readers. 181 
 
 ing, the major part of the flock remain away 
 without valid excuse, the pastor fails to reach 
 the lost: for if one sinner under conviction 
 chances to come in, he learns by the small 
 attendance that most of the church-members 
 are indifferent to these devotional exercises, 
 and he concludes that if professed Christians, 
 looking- for the speedy coming of Jesus, find 
 no satisfaction in collectively approaching the 
 throne of grace, or at least have not interest 
 enough in such meetings to grace them with 
 their presence and fervent devotion, he will 
 defer his enlistment until he beholds the 
 Christian's religion verified in the Christian's life. 
 Now it should be remembered that the pas- 
 tor is mortal, and that he has not power, in and 
 of himself, sufficient to sustain a relation to the 
 church similar to that of a locomotive to a train 
 of cars: for if he is obliged to bring sinners into 
 the fold of Christ over dead church-members, 
 he will have an exceedingly hard time of it. 
 In fact, he will have but very little success: and 
 if any at all, it will be because the religion of 
 Jesus is exemplified by himself and the faithful 
 few of his flock. 
 
1 82 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Therefore, let all church-members who read 
 these lines resolve to faithfully stand by their 
 pastor in his labor of love, by heeding his 
 exhortations to duty, and profiting by his in- 
 structions. Then you may expect to be filled 
 with the joy of salvation, and be upheld with 
 God's free Spirit: and then you will be able to 
 teach transgressors God's ways in a practical 
 sense, and sinners will be converted to Him. 
 Let us take heed, watch and pray, for the 
 coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 
 
 CONDITIONAL IMMORTALITY. 
 
 Immortality — exemption from death and 
 annihilation: unending existence, is a condition 
 attainable only through Christ, who will, by 
 the impartation of this divine boon, "deliver 
 his people from the bondage of corruption into 
 the glorious liberty of the children of God," in 
 the day when he makes up his jewels. The 
 teachings of inspiration make the fact apparent, 
 that man is now in a dying condition: and 
 Jesus came to save him from corruption on the 
 conditions specified in his word, and therefore 
 we consider it proper to present this subject 
 
For Candid Readers, 183 
 
 under the head of conditional immortality. 
 We are fully aware that the position here 
 taken, runs counter to the great bulk of theo- 
 logical teachings. But with due respect for 
 those who are in error, and with modesty be- 
 coming a christian writer, we venture to 
 present the subject from a matter-of-fact stand- 
 point in the light of Bible truth, though our 
 time and space forbid a full and elaborate 
 treatment. But while this dissertation may be 
 somewhat cursory, we hope to elucidate our 
 theme in outlines, sufficiently to engage the 
 prayerful attention of honest-hearted seekers of 
 truth as it relates to man's nature and destiny. 
 "What is man, that thou art mindful of 
 him ? or the son of man, that thou visitest him ?" 
 is a question not be considered from a mytho- 
 logical standpoint, neither is it to be measured 
 and solved by heathen philosophers, for their 
 deductions are largely based upon the chimer- 
 ical notion of inherent immortality: which had 
 its origin in the teaching of Satan when he 
 affirms, "Ye shall not surely die," and that is 
 tantamount to the affirmation of natural immor- 
 tality: an idea that seems to cling to heathen 
 
184 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 minds, and is rampant in every benighted 
 sphere, being prolific of much error. 
 
 The assumption of the soul's immortality we 
 find unreasonable and unsupportable: for nature 
 and revelation teach us that man is mortal and 
 has not power in his nature to perpetuate his 
 existence. Hence, a Saviour has been provided 
 " who hath abolished death, and hath brought 
 life and immortality to light through the gospel," 
 2 Tim. 1: 10, and we are told that "the gift of 
 God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord," while the apostle informs us that the 
 recipients of this life are they " who by patient 
 continuance in well doing seek for glory and 
 honour and immortality." Rom. 6: 23; Rom. 2: 7. 
 
 The word immortal is found in the Bible 
 only once (1 Tim. 1: 17), while, the term im- 
 mortality is found only five times, (Rom. 2: 7; 
 1 Cor. 15: 53-4; 1 Tim. 6 :— 16; 2 Tim. i:-io) 
 and these terms are not once applied to man in 
 this world. In all the Book of God the term 
 immortal soul, never-dying soul, or its equivi- 
 lent is not to be found. Plato, Socrates, and 
 other Greek philosphers held the doctrine of the 
 soul's immortality: but we are warned by the 
 
For Candid Readers. 185 
 
 word ot inspiration to " beware lest any man 
 spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, 
 after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of 
 the world, and not after Christ." 
 
 God's word declares "the soul that sinneth 
 it shall die," which is good evidence of its 
 mortality (Ezek. 181-4), and while its claims are 
 pressing hard upon frail humanity, we are 
 forced to realize its power in death as the ultima- 
 tum, and were it not for the provision God has 
 made in the person of his Son we should have 
 no hope of a future existence. But heathen 
 mythology affirms continued and everlasting 
 existence on the ground of inherent immortality, 
 and from this vague idea, an endless train of 
 religious errors have followed, of which none 
 were more prominent than the religion of Egypt, 
 which gave a coloring and direction to almost 
 everything. Heroditus states: " They are of all 
 men the most excessively attentive to the wor- 
 ship of the gods." The same historian writes: 
 " The names of almost all the gods came from 
 Egypt into Greece." He further states that 
 " the Egyptians were also the first to say that 
 the soul of man is immortal, and that when the 
 
1 86 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 body perishes it transmigrates through every 
 variety of animal." Heroditus, page 144. On 
 the ground of such mythology the Pharisees 
 rejected Christ for they had received this false 
 doctrine from the Egyptians about three hun- 
 dred years previous, and supposed it was sup- 
 ported by Scripture; which led Jesus to deal with 
 them plainly by saying: " Search the scriptures; 
 for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they 
 are they which testify of me, and ye will not come 
 to me, that ye might have life." — John 5: 39-40 
 Because of this doctrine Jesus encountered the 
 most bitter opposition: and so it has been with 
 others called of God to counteract this greatest 
 of all errors. Martin Luther, in his works says: 
 l( I permit the Pope to make articles of faith for 
 
 himself, such as, The soul is immortal, with 
 
 all those monstrous opinions found i?i the Roman 
 dunghill of decretals." — Vol. 2. Paul gave com- 
 mandment to his son Timothy, which he was 
 to keep without spot, unrebukeable, until the 
 appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in 
 his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and 
 only Potenate, the King of kings, and Lord of 
 lords; "who only hath immortality," and this 
 
For Candid Readers. 187 
 
 element of divine nature is not imparted to 
 saints in fact until the time of resurrection, 
 when "this mortal shall put on immortality/' 
 though it be appropriated hy faith now — 1 Cor. 15. 
 In addressing the Colossians the same inspired 
 writer says: " For ye are dead, and your life 
 is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is 
 our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear 
 with him in glory." Therefore upon this, and 
 other testimony of like import, we venture to 
 aver that immortality is but the impress of 
 divine nature. The basis of an endless life. 
 The Christian's reward at the second coming 
 of Christ and resurrection of the dead. Phil. 
 3: 20-1; Luke 1 4:- 1 4- 
 
 At this point we will introduce the testimony 
 of Josephus. After stating that Hades is a 
 subterraneous region, a place of perpetual 
 darkness, he says: "God will make a resur- 
 rection of all men from the dead, not procuring 
 a transmigration of souls from one body to 
 another, but raising again those very bodies 
 which you Greeks seeing to be dissolved, do 
 not believe, (their resurrection. ) But learn not 
 to disbelieve it: for while you believe that the 
 
1 88 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 soul is created, and yet is made immortal by 
 God, according to the doctrine of Plato, and 
 this in time, be not incredulous, but believe 
 that God is able, when he hath raised to life 
 that body which was made as a compound of 
 
 the same elements, to make it immortal: 
 
 We have, therefore believed that the body will 
 be raised again: for although it be dissolved, it 
 is not perished; for the earth receives its re- 
 mains and preserves them: and while they are 
 like seed, and are mixed among the more fruitful 
 soil they flourish: and what is sown is, indeed, 
 sown bare grain, but at the mighty sound of 
 God the Creator it will sprout up, and be raised 
 
 in a clothed and glorious condition, 
 
 But as for the unjust, they will receive their 
 bodies not changed, not freed from diseases or 
 distempers, nor made glorious: and such as they 
 w r ere in their unbelief, the same shall they be 
 when they are faithfully judged. " Such was the 
 mind of one w 7 ho rejected Christ, but believed 
 in the teachings of the Old Testament relative 
 to a future existence, by virtue of resurrection: 
 and w T e find that in all ages, the true people of 
 God have based their hope of life and immortal- 
 
For Candid Readers. 189 
 
 ity upon a resusitation of the dead, and when 
 we come to get at the truth of the matter, we 
 find that Jesus is ' ' the resurrection and the life, " 
 and he affirms that the children of God will be 
 the children of the resurrection made deathless. 
 See Luke 20: 35-8. 
 
 But as we leave the history of this doctrine 
 in the past, and come down to our times we 
 are made glad to learn that in great measure 
 " the darkness is past, and the true light now 
 shine.th," for there seems to be a spirit of 
 prayerful investigation aroused in many Bible 
 students who are not afraid to express their 
 convictions of inspired truth. 
 
 The lamented Dr. A. J. Gordon, who as a 
 leading Baptist writer, was eminent in premil- 
 lennial views, and pre-eminent in devotion to 
 God and His Word, while treating this subject 
 in the light of inspiration, plainly states that 
 " Pagan philosophy infused its own notions of 
 a future life into ecclesiastical theology. // 
 deftly substituted the Platonic doctrine of the im- 
 mortality of the soul for the Christian doctrine 
 of the resurrectio?i of the body. In harmony 
 with this change came in the notion of judg- 
 
190 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 ment being administered immediately after 
 death in the disembodied state, instead of 
 being reserved till the coming of the Lord 
 and the raising of the dead, a conception 
 as characteristic of all heathen religions as it is 
 foreign to the teaching of both the Old' Testa- 
 ment and the New. This eschatology of the 
 under-world, which even to this day so deeply 
 colors our theology, could not fail to make 
 strongly against the original advent faith of the 
 Church. For it changed the up-look of prim- 
 itive Christianity to the down-look of pagan 
 mythology, by making death the object of con- 
 sideration instead of the comi?ig of Christ. This 
 was the master-stroke of Satanic art, — the sub- 
 stitution of death for life, of mortality for 
 resurrection, in the hopes of the Church. It is 
 a perversion so radical and subtle that to this 
 day many Christians are blinded by it, so that 
 they imagine that their dying means the same 
 thing as Christ's coming. Twin counterfeits of 
 paganism are these two: ritualism corrupting 
 the liturgy of the Church with demon-worship, 
 and Platonism corrupting the eschatology of 
 the Church with death-worship. Instead of the 
 
For Candid Readers. 191 
 
 expectation being fixed upon Christ's advent, it 
 became fixed upon the soul's exit: death was 
 glorified into a good angel: and thus mortality, 
 Satan's masterpiece, supplanted resurrection. 
 Christ's masterpiece, and the " Terrible Captain 
 Sepulchre and his Standard-bearer Corruption" 
 were crowned and throned in the place of the 
 coming Christ, who is ''the Resurrection and 
 the Life." — Ecce Venit, pages 168-9. 
 
 Surely this is a lucid statement worthy of 
 consideration, for it is evident that all theologi- 
 cal error springs from the doctrine of the im- 
 mortality of the soul: at least that is the root 
 from which all isms grow. 
 
 Bishop Watson, a prominent Methodist writer 
 says: "Some suppose consciousness is an essen- 
 tial attribute of spirit: and the soul is naturally 
 immortal: the former of which cannot be 
 proved, while the latter is contradicted by the 
 Bible, which makes our immortality a gift, de- 
 pendent on the will of the giver." — Institutes, 
 v. 2, p. 82-83. 
 
 In the Sunday School Times, of Jan. 29, 
 1898, was an elaborate editorial under the 
 announcement of "No Immortality for the 
 
192 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 Soul," which is worthy of careful perusal. By 
 the present trend of religious thought we dis- 
 cover that many are coming to a better under- 
 standing of this matter, and some like Prof. C. 
 A. L. Totten are so elaborating this subject in 
 outlines that with the aid of God's Holy Word 
 we may obtain clear conceptions of it. May 
 God help. 
 
 No. 1.— SCRIPTURE SEARCHER. 
 The Destiny of the Wicked. 
 "What shall the end be of them that obey 
 not the gospel ? " 
 
 1. They shall not live forever, 1 John 3:15. 
 John 5: 40. John 6: 53. Matt. 19: 17. 
 
 2. They shall die. Ezek. 18:4, 20, 24, ^2. 
 Rom. 6: 21, 23. Rom. 7: 5. James 1: 15. 
 James 5: 20. Rev. 20: 14. Rev. 21: 4. 
 
 3. They shall perish. John 3: 15, 16. 2 
 Cor. 2:15. 2 Thess. 2: 10. 2 Pet. 3: 9. Psa. 
 ^j: 20. Psa. y^: 27. Psa. 92: 9. Prov. 19:9. 
 Prov. 21: 28. Rom. 2: 12. 2 Pet. 2: 12. 
 Luke 13: 3, 5. Job 20: 7. 
 
For Candid Readers. 193 
 
 4. They shall be consumed. Psa. 37: 20. 
 Psa. 59: 13. Psa. 71: 13. Psa. 73: 19. Psa. 
 104: 35. Isa. 1: 28. Heb. 12: 29. 
 
 5. They shall be devoured by fire. Heb. 10: 
 
 27. Rev. 20: 9. 
 
 6. They shall be cut off. Psa. 37: 9, 22, 28, 
 34, 38. Psa. 54: 5. Psa. 94: 23. Prov. 2: 22. 
 
 7. They shall be destroyed. Job 21: 30. 
 Job 31: 3. Psa. 5: 6. Psa. 55: 23. Psa. 37: 
 38. Psa. j^: 18. Psa. 92: 7. Psa. 144: 6. 
 Psa. 145: 20. Prov. 1: 27. Prov. 13: 13, 20. 
 Prov. 16: 18. Isa. 1: 28. Matt. 7: 13. Acts 
 3: 23. Rom. 3: 16. Rom. 9: 22. Phil. 3: 19. 
 1 Thes. 5: 3. 2 Thes. 1:9. 1 Tim. 6: 9. 2 
 Pet. 2:12. 2 Pet. 3: 16. Rev. 21: 18. 
 
 8. TV^^y shall be burned up root and branch. 
 Psa. 97: 3. Matt. 3:12. Luke 3, 17. Isa. 1: 
 31. Matt. 13: 30, 40. Mai. 4: 1, 2, 3. Matt. 
 10: 28. 
 
 9. TTzey s/W/ &e <?s though they had not been. 
 Obadiah 16. Isa. 41: 12. Job 18: 18. 
 
 10. Endless life is only obtained through 
 Christ. John 11: 25. John 3: 15. John 10: 
 
 28. John 17: 2. 
 
194 Spiritual Thoughts 
 
 No. 2.— SCRIPTURE SEARCHER. 
 
 The State of the Dead. 
 
 " Man giveth up the Ghost, and where is he? " 
 
 i. They are not with Christ in heaven. John 
 
 5: 13. John 7: 33, 34.' John 8: 21. John 13: 
 
 33. Acts 2: 34. 
 
 2. They are not in hell fire. (If they are, 
 what need of judgment in the last day P) Job 
 21 : 30. 2 Pet. 2: 9. 
 
 3. They are in their graves. John 5: 28, 29. 
 Acts 2: 29. All iii one place. Ecle. 3: 20. 7;z 
 the dust. Gen. 3: 19. Dan. 12: 2. Psa. 22: 
 15. Job 7: 21. 
 
 4. That place is one of darkness, silence, and 
 repose. Job 3: 11-19. Job 10: 21, 22. Psa. 
 88: 12. Eccl. 9: 10. 
 
 5. They sleep. Deut. 31: 16. 2 Sam. 7: 12. 
 1 Kings 2: 10. 1 Kings 11: 21, 43. 2 Chron. 
 9: 31. 2 Kings 20: 21. 2 Chron. 32: 33. 2 
 Chron. 26: 23. Job 3: 13. Job. 7: 21. Job 
 14: 12. Psa. 76: 5. Matt. 27: 52. Acts 7: 60. 
 Acts 13: 36. 1 Cor. 15: 6, 18, 20, 51. 1 Thes. 
 4: 13, 14, 15. 1 Thes. 5: 10. 2 Pet. 3: 4. 
 
 6. They praise 7iot the Lord, and exercise no 
 power of the mind. Psa. 6:5. Psa. 88: 10-12. 
 
For Ca ndid Readers . 195 
 
 Psa. 115: 17. Psa. 146: 4. Eccl. 9: 6. Isa. 
 38: 18, 19. Job 14: 21. 
 
 7. They know not anything. Eccl. 9: 5, 10. 
 Job 14: 21. Isa. 63: 19. 
 
 8. Death is an enemy. — Satan hath the pozver 
 of death. — Christ shall destroy both. 1 Cor. 15: 
 26. Heb. 2: 14. Rev. 20: 14, Hos. 13: 14. 
 Isa. 25: 8. 
 
 9. God only has immortality. 1 Tim. 6: 16. 
 
 1 Tim. 1: 17. John 5: 26. 1 John 5; 11-12. 
 Man is mortal. Job 4; 17. //<? w#s/ s£e& /?//- 
 mortality. Rom. 2: 7. Or perish in corruption. 
 
 2 Pet. 2:12. 
 
 10. Immortality shall be put o?i at the appear- 
 ing of Christ. 1 Cor. 15: 53, 54. 2 Cor. 5; 4. 
 2 Cor. 4: 10-1 1. 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 The foregoing Scripture Searchers being of 
 great value to Bible students, has been copied 
 for this book, believing that whoever the author 
 of arrangement may be, he will be glad to 
 know that many are aided by his work. May 
 the blessing of God attend all who have a 
 desire to understand his word. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 TAGES. 
 
 Exemplary 3-4 
 
 How Forcible Are Right Words 4-9 
 
 Things to be Loved 9-10 
 
 Kindness 10-1 1 
 
 The Christian's Record 1 1-1 5 
 
 Delusion 1 5-17 
 
 Redeeming The Time 1 7-20 
 
 Influence. . . 20-23 
 
 Affection 23-25 
 
 Consistency 25-28 
 
 Your Pastor 28-31 
 
 Companionship 3 I_ 34 
 
 Are You Ready ? 34-36 
 
 Retribution 37-39 
 
 Tribulation 39-40 
 
 Obedience 40-43 
 
 The Unruly Member 43-46 
 
 Sanctification 47-50 
 
 Restitution 5°-5 2 
 
 Organization 5 2 ~55 
 
 The Predominating Evil 55~59 
 
 The Time of Trial 59-63 
 
 11 This Generation " 63-66 
 
 The Power of God 66-70 
 
 Christian Science 70-75 
 
 Ambition 75-84 
 
198 
 
 Contents. 
 
 The State of The Church 84-88 
 
 Positive and Negative 88-93 
 
 Decision 93-96 
 
 To The Burdened Ones 96-99 
 
 Love 99- 
 
 The Perfect State 101- 
 
 Evil Speaking 1 04- 
 
 Prospective ~. 1 06- 
 
 Integrity 1 09- 
 
 Sin 1 1 2— 
 
 Humility 118- 
 
 Egotism 121- 
 
 A Growing Evil 1 23- 
 
 Definite Time 126- 
 
 Pharmacy 1 29- 
 
 Theological Pugilism 1 32- 
 
 Anathema Maran-atha l 3S~ 
 
 Pure Religion 1 39- 
 
 The Maximum Christian 1 43— 
 
 Consecration 148- 
 
 A Novel Idea 151- 
 
 Self-Control 1 54- 
 
 The Sleepy Time 1 58- 
 
 Trine Faith 161- 
 
 Monetary Requirements 1 66— 
 
 The Pastor 1 79- 
 
 Conditional Immortality 182- 
 
 Scripture Searchers, Numbers 1 and 2 192- 
 
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