To the Saints Scattered Abroad
23
Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is soon coming? And
that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever to be
given to a guilty world? Is our example what it should be? And do
we show to those around us, by our lives and holy conversation, that
we are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, to change these vile bodies and fashion them like unto his
glorious body? I fear that we do not believe, and realize these things as
we should. Those who believe the important truths that we profess to
believe, should act out their faith, in the immediate coming of Christ.
There is too much seeking amusements, and things to take up the mind
here in this world; the mind is left too much to run upon pride of dress;
and the tongue is engaged too often in light and trifling conversation,
which gives the lie to our profession, for the conversation is not in
heaven from whence we look for the Saviour.
Angels are watching over us, to guard us; and we often grieve
these angels by indulging in trifling conversation, jesting and joking,
and also by sinking down in a careless, stupid state. And although we
may make an effort now and then for the victory, and obtain it, yet
if we do not keep it, but sink down in the same careless, indifferent
state, unable to endure temptations, and to resist the enemy, it is not
enduring the trial of our faith, that is more precious than gold. It is not
[31]
suffering for Christ’s sake, and glorying in tribulation.
There is a great lack of christian fortitude, and serving God from
principle. We should not seek to please and gratify self; but to honor
and glorify God, and in all we do and say, have a single eye to his glory.
If we would let our hearts be impressed with the following important
words, and ever bear them in mind, we should not so easily fall into
temptation; but our words would be few and well chosen.
“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our
iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed.” “Every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” “Thou God seest
me.”
We could not think of these important words, and call to mind
the sufferings of Jesus for us sinners, that we might receive pardon
from our sins and be redeemed unto God by his most precious blood,
without feeling a holy restraint upon us, and an earnest desire to suffer
for him, who suffered and endured so much for us.