No Guile by R. F. Cotterill

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 19, 1867

No Guile.

By R. F. Cotterill

Of those who shall be redeemed from among men and have a part in the song that none others can sing, it is said that in their lips was found no guile. They are said to be faultless. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. No higher commendation could possibly be given to a mortal man, than that given to Nathanael,—“Behold an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile.” Such commendation coming from the lips of the Son of God, who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, infinitely heightens it. Some claim that it is impossible for man to attain to Christian perfection; but those who believe our Lord Jesus Christ, must admit that Nathanael had reached that point. He was a perfectly honest man. Of Zacharias and Elizabeth it was also testified that they were both righteous, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. What has been done by the favor of God, may again be done. One thing seems certain, that is, if one take the ground that none can attain to perfection, he will not be likely to strive for it; and he who aims at any thing short of perfection, will not attain to it; for he will not be likely to attain to a higher state of perfection than he is striving for. It seems, then, that there is no danger of setting our mark too high, but great danger of setting it too low.

The promises are to the overcomers; and overcoming means something. Think a little what it means. Is it any thing short of perfect victory? Then let us not lay a foundation for repentance, but go on to perfection. Jesus is our example; we should walk in his steps, “who did no guile.” We are not mocked in that we are required to walk in his steps. It does not become us to say we cannot obey the teachings and requirements of God. It is better to make the attempt, and trust the promise of Him who has said he would help. We can do all things through Christ strengthening us. Paul said he could, and why not we? He did not count himself sufficient to do any thing of himself. With the same all-powerful aid, can we not do as well as he? To say we cannot is to limit the power of Him who wrought with Paul. Let us take courage then. Let us not say we cannot attain to that guileless state that is required of us. Let us not thus dishonor God and limit his power; but let us gird ourselves for the work trusting in divine aid, not doubting that if we do all we can in this manner, we shall succeed in pleasing God, and shall finally hear the approving sentence, “Well done.” Let us not undervalue the high state to which we are called, lower down the standard and fancy we are doing well, till we are weighed in the balance and found wanting.

R. F. COTTERILL.