Living Up to Our Profession
By E. H. Calkin
BROTHER SMITH: It has been some time since I wrote for our excellent paper, but it is not because I have no interest in the cause advocated therein. I felt a desire to bear witness of the goodness of God to me. I feel my short coming, but I have a desire to keep the whole law of God. I want to gird on the whole armor of righteousness, and fight boldly the fight of faith with all my might, to press my way through all the trials, afflictions, and temptations, through which I am called to pass, without murmuring. Do we, my friends, live up to our profession? Do we not profess to be looking for the speedy coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ? Are our lives in accordance with our profession? Do we tell to the world, by our daily walk and conversation, that we do believe the doctrine which we profess? Is it not necessary that our lives should answer to our profession? If our actions do not correspond with our language, what benefit will our friends and neighbors derive from our talk? Will they not readily pronounce us hypocrites? How careful, then, ought we to be in all our manner of conversation, and show to the world that there is a reality in the religion we profess. It brings sweet peace and consolation to the troubled soul; it revives the drooping heart, and sets the captive free; it cheers the lonely pilgrim through this vale of tears. When we stand, praying, Thy kingdom come, do we realize the purport of our words? Do we realize the solemnity of the scene that will be presented before us when Christ comes? Are we prepared to meet our God in peace? If we are, happy are we; but if not, is it not time we arouse and put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, Christ Jesus? How long, brethren and sisters, shall we linger? How long shall we fail to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty? I believe that the time is soon coming when the word will be spoken: He which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Where, then, shall we find our portion? Shall we be banished from our God, or dwell with him forever? These thoughts are worthy of consideration, to prepare us to meet our God. I am determined to live so, that when my Lord comes, I may give a good account of my stewardship. I want to live so, that I may glorify God, and I am content. Give me an interest in your prayers, that I may always be found faithful, that I may make my calling and election sure. Yours in hope,
E. H. CALKIN,
Martin Co., Minn., May, 1868.