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deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and
undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and
the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the
world.” Carry this out, as a test of pure and undefiled religion, and the
blessing of God will surely follow.
“Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in
Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him
shall not be confounded.” Mark the figure presented in verse five: “Ye
also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood,
to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
Then these lively stones are exerting a tangible, practical influence
in the Lord’s spiritual house. They are a holy priesthood, performing
pure, sacred service. They offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to
God.
The Lord will not accept a heartless service, a round of ceremonies
that are really Christless. His children must be lively stones in God’s
building. If all would give themselves unreservedly to God, if they
would cease to study and plan for their amusement, for excursions,
and pleasure-loving associations, and would study the words, “Ye are
not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God
in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s,” they would never
hunger or thirst for excitement or change. If it is for our true interest
to be spiritual and if the salvation of our people depends on our being
riveted on the Eternal Rock, would we not better be engaged in seeking
for that which will hold the whole building to the chief corner stone,
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that we may not be confused and confounded in our faith.
“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them
which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the
same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and
a rock of offense, even unto them which stumble at the word, being
disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” All men, women,
and youth are appointed to do a certain work. But some stumble at
the word of truth. It does not harmonize with their inclinations, and
therefore they refuse to be doers of the word. They will not wear
Christ’s yoke of perfect obedience to the law of God. They look upon
this yoke as a burden, and Satan tells them that if they will break away
from it, they will become as gods. No one shall rule them or dictate to
them; they will be able to do as they please, and have all the liberty