p. 159 | WHO ARE BLESSED? by JOS. CLARKE

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1867

WHO ARE BLESSED?

By JOS. CLARKE

When John the Baptist sent to Jesus, making inquiries as to his Messiahship, Jesus referred him to the mighty miracles he had performed, and closed his reply by saying, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” See Matt. xi, 6, and Luke vii, 23.

All who have been subjects of divine grace in this fallen world, have been rescued from the corrupt race of man, and not being instantaneously brought from a state of sin to perfect holiness, but rather led on step by step in the Christian life, and being of course imperfect while in this disciplinary course, they do by their overt acts of wrong and neglect of duty, sometimes become a stumbling-block to others; but let us remember the blessing is for those who are not offended in Christ.

Again, sometimes a Judas betrays the cause into the hands of Satan, as far as he is capable of so doing; but let us remember the promise is for those who are not easily offended.

Sometimes persecution affrights the timid, from the path, or the disciple is called to renounce some favorite article of dress or food; his tobacco, or his stimulating drinks, or his gay circle of friends. If he stumbles here, he is offended in Christ.

The favorite idol must be brought down, whether it is gold or pleasure, or honor or fame.

JOS. CLARKE.