Items by Jos. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 5, 1870

Items.

By Jos. Clarke

RELIGION proposes to take from us our sins and evil traits and habits, and to give us in their stead, the heavenly graces and virtues; who can object to so profitable an exchange?

If you would know what your sins are, set about eradicating them. If you would know what your idols are, set about the work of casting them out.

True moral courage is the effect of living faith. Heb., chapter 11. In proportion as faith is strengthened so is moral courage. In proof of this, read the history of the martyrs. Without faith, courage to endure will sometimes fail; with faith, a living faith, never.

To maintain this faith, we need to keep our garments always white; and for this, we need the eye-salve. Rev. 3:18. The Christian who lives for a day or an hour without the inward evidence that he is accepted of God, is forming a dangerous precedent. Such habits of Christian life, cause the final fall and ruin of churches and individuals. This is the poison of nominal Christianity. Would that no one of us had brought its baleful influence with us into present truth. Verily, the world can give no such joy, as does the blessed assurance of pardon and acceptance with God. This sweet assurance begets in us love and praise to God, and causes peace.

It is perfectly in harmony with Scripture, that in the last days, the church should increase in its zeal to purify itself from error, and to stand clear in the sight of God, see Heb. 10:25, and so much the more as they see the day approaching. This sentiment is found in various parts of the Scriptures. See Isa. 8:16, 20, etc.

People often cast the blame of their sins upon God; but it is the voluntary act of the sinner, which bars the gates of Heaven against him.

JOS. CLARKE.