CHRISTIANS SHOULD THINK FOR THEMSELVES.
By A. C. Bourdeau
The duty of learning to think properly, is one of very great importance. Usefulness and strength, in any one, greatly depend on the use that is made of the mind, or the direction in which the thoughts are made to run. Hence we are strong or weak, useful or useless, etc., just in proportion to the exertion we make in thinking for ourselves, and to the value and importance of the objects or ideas upon which we allow our thoughts to dwell. The mind should be cultivated, tutored, and improved, by bringing it to bear upon essential things, and worthy objects—upon God, Heaven, the plan of salvation, and the duties incumbent upon us; and by feeding it, not merely with the thoughts of others, and knowledge as taught in numerous books; but, especially with the instructions and admonitions of God's word, soberly and prayerfully seeking to know and do his righteous will. If we do otherwise, we make a sad mistake. To have impure thoughts, allowing them to wander, and to dwell upon light and trifling things, enervates and impairs the mind, and is detrimental to soul and body. “The thought of foolishness is sin.” Prov. xxiv, 4. “I hate vain thoughts; but thy law do I love.” Ps. cxix, 113. Those engaged in the Christian warfare are represented as “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. x, 5. “Wherefore,” says Peter, “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Pet. i, 13–16. It becomes true Christians to be holy in thoughts, words, and actions. If our thoughts are pure, our words and acts are also pure. In this sense the common saying is true, that “as a man thinketh so is he.” The words and acts testify plainly what is in the heart or mind. Says our Lord, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things,” etc. Matt. xii, 34–37. See also 1 Pet. i, 17. Let us earnestly take heed to the following words of the wise man: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. iv, 23. Let us also remember that “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.” Eccl. xii, 14. Now in view of these great truths, Christians, whether ministers or people, old or young, who profess to obey the law of God, and to rejoice in the truth, should consider it an important duty devolving upon them to think for themselves. Though they may each be aided by others, they should not depend upon others to do all the studying and thinking for them. They should each interest their minds in the study of God's word, search the Scriptures with prayerful diligence, meditate upon the things of God, and become acquainted with the truths they profess to love, for themselves. This duty can be performed without crowding out other necessary duties. In fact the more diligent we are in fulfilling this duty, the easier it is for us to perform other duties. “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty, only to want.” Prov. xxi, 5. In this way the humble and devoted Christian may know righteousness, maintain good works, and bear fruit to the honor and glory of God; and when asked to stand in defense of the truth, even children can know whereof they affirm. They can give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of their hope with meekness and fear. None of us should fail to understand our position. Ministers should be especially careful in this direction. Solemn admonitions are enjoined upon them to increase their knowledge, and to get a thorough preparation for the work assigned them. 1 Tim. iv, 13–16; 2 Tim. ii, 15; Matt. xiii, 52. They are greatly aided by the exercise of preaching. To study any science to advantage, one must teach it. Apply this to the preacher. Does he wish to study the Scriptures, to get a thorough knowledge of the great saving truths they contain, and become in any good degree master, let him teach them? This gives him still clearer conceptions of the sense, and fixes the whole more firmly in his mind. Let him think for himself. Numerous books are a great inducement to some to use their eyes and memories, rather than their thinking powers. Those who adhere to such a course are not strong, much less ready men. Good books injure no thinker; on the contrary they greatly aid the Bible student. But the preacher, called of God to this work, must think for himself. Aided by the Spirit of God, may we all act well our part in doing the will of our Heavenly Father, and be enabled to develop such characters for ourselves individually, as will stand the test in the time of trouble, which is just before us, in that day which shall try every man's work of what sort it is.