Like Past, Like Present.
By S. A. DOUD.
In Paul's first epistle to the Corinthian church, we find the following: “I hear that there be divisions among you, and I partly believe it.” 1 Cor. ii, 18. While reading this, I was struck with its similarity to the present time, and my sympathies went out to the messengers of present truth. We read that Paul labored a year and six months at Corinth; that God was with him: Acts xviii, 11; that he had gathered a flourishing church in the name of the Lord Jesus; that all things were in order when he left them for another field of labor, as he had much to do for the cause of Christ. Yet he was ever mindful of those he had left, and letter followed letter to encourage, strengthen, or reprove, as they stood in need. The converts, like those of the present time, had much to contend with and often failed. Party strifes entered the church. Some did not believe in the simplicity of the apostle's teachings. They wished to move along in a little gayer style, and thought it all foolishness to be so particular. Certain ones desired to manage affairs to suit themselves. The report goes to Paul. Hear his reply: “I hear that there be divisions among you, and I partly believe it.” He is loth to believe it. The thought is too painful. He had done his very best to serve them. It all comes fresh to his mind, and he tells them that “he was servant to all; that he labored with his hands, that he might be chargeable to none, while he taught them the way, the truth, and the life.” Many believed the truth, forsook their traditions, threw away their idols, and began to walk in newness of life. Oh! how he loved them, and how they loved each other. But now he hears of divisions. He knows they have ceased to love; for where love is, there is unity, peace, and good-will. How his heart aches as he tells them what he has done to win them to Christ; tells them of his own warfare, and how much he needs their prayers. He entreats, exhorts, and finally commends them to God. Now for the comparison. The messengers go out with the third angel's message, and kindred truths. Many are constrained to believe, and forsake the traditions of men, cleave unto the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, throw away their idols, crucify the lusts of the flesh, and commence the work of fitting themselves to meet their Redeemer. Oh, how they love their God and fellow-men. “Now each can feel his brother's sigh,
And with him bear a part;
When sorrow flows from eye to eye,
And joy from heart to heart.” The servants feel that through their Master's strength they have done a good work. They commend the church to God, and go again among strangers to serve their Lord, desiring an interest in the prayers of those who love and obey the truth. For a time, all goes well with the church. Cheering are the reports. Oh, how they encourage the poor care-worn servants, and lighten their burdens. The dear brethren and sisters are faithful. Often in their dreams they meet and hold sweet communion. They seem to see the tear of sympathy flow, while they speak of their trials without, and temptations within. They feel strong to work; for their hands are upheld. But there comes a change. What is the matter now? Like Paul, they, too, hear of divisions in the church. The enemy has been at work and found the weak points, and has created an enmity between its members. They see each other's faults. This matter is wrong, and that is wrong, till all is wrong. Then we hear them say, I will leave the church if A or B does not! Oh, where is the love that so lately bound them? Is it all gone? Where are the spiritual ones to restore such as are overtaken in a fault? Where is the forgiving spirit that forgives until seventy times seven? Do they think for a moment of the anguish they are causing those who have labored for, and taught them better things? Do they think how discouraging such reports are, when, like Paul, the absent ones are forced to believe it? Dear brother, sister, in Christ, be warned and counseled by these words of our Saviour, “It is impossible but that offences will come; but woe unto him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him.” Luke xvii, 1–5, Do these things that thou mayest live in unity, and may the God of peace bless and keep you steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in good works.
S. A. DOUD.