WHAT SHALL WE SAY THEN?
By CHARLOTTE WEBSTER
THESE were the words of the apostle Paul. He says, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” and then returns the emphatic answer, “God forbid; how shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” The apostle, as does every true Christian, beheld the necessity of giving God his whole heart, and rendering to him cheerful obedience. He exhorts, he encourages, and also warns his brethren. Already has he learned that holiness of heart is required of every one who would become heir to that “inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” The invitation is so extensive, the promises of God are also unbounded, and his love, oh! how great to us poor fallen creatures, and yet we act as if conferring a favor upon our heavenly Father when we confess him before men, or even acknowledge his greatness. Dear reader, let us pause for a moment. Let us examine our hearts and see if we are not continuing in sin and still desiring that grace may abound. Is God the chief object of our affections? Do we do all we can and still consider ourselves unprofitable servants? Do we have that perfect love that casteth out all fear? Are we ready to make every needful sacrifice for the sake of eternal life? or have we idols with which we are unwilling to part, besetments which we are unwilling to overcome? Do we not conform to the world more than our blessed Saviour would have us? Oh! turn with me and take a retrospective view of Calvary. See what was transacted there 1800 years ago. See the guiltless Son of God, suffering, bleeding and dying, for guilty, rebellious man. Yes, for you and me the great debt was paid when Jesus the mighty conqueror came forth from the tomb, the provision for our redemption from the power of the grave. Yes, Jesus has led captivity captive and ascended into Heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of the Father. He intercedes methinks with increasing love as he views time drawing to a close. He beholds the millions that are virtually fighting against God, disregarding his law, counting the blood wherewith we are sealed an unholy thing, and doing despite to the Spirit of grace. Let us be careful lest we crucify to ourselves the Son of God afresh. Oh! can we be so unmindful of such love as the blessed Son of God has for us? Ah! methinks he groans in spirit still, when with one glance he sees how stately Satan marches over earth’s broad domain; but only a little longer and his power will begin to wane, and Jesus shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth. Yes, only a little longer will mercy be offered to sinful man. A few years, or perhaps months, and the filthy must be filthy still, and the righteous will be righteous still. O fathers, is your example such as to lead your children to the fold of Christ? Mothers, are you going forth, sowing in tears? If so, you shall return rejoicing, bringing your sheaves with you. Sons and daughters, look to Christ. Follow his example, then shall you be found of him without spot and blameless, for Jesus has declared he will come again, and says, “My reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” CHARLOTTE WEBSTER. North Star, Mich.