Principles by Theodore L. Cuyler, D. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Aug 27, 1903

Principles

By Theodore L. Cuyler, D. D.

IT is not strength of brain that saves a man, or orthodoxy of creed, or connection with a church. All these have often proved to be but ropes of sand. They are not proof against the tides of temptation. There must be firm, heaven-implanted principle; for no one is safe in business, or in politics, or in social life, or anywhere, when conscience is unloosened from God. The parting of the cable may be unseen for a while, it may even be unsuspected; but it is a mere question of time how soon the backslider may strike the rocks. Jesus Christ never insures any one who unites with his church, and yet has no “anchor,” sure and steadfast, which entereth within the veil, and “binds fast to Christ himself.” And if you ever reach heaven, my brother, you will come in, as I have often seen vessels come into yonder harbor of New York, with the storm-tide anchor swinging proudly at the prow. “There are ships,” said the eloquent Melville, “that never go down in life's tempests. They shall be in no peril when the last hurricane shall sweep earth and sea and sky; and when the fury is overpast, and the light that knows no night breaks gloriously forth, they shall be found on tranquil and crystal waters, resting beautifully upon their shadows.” These are they who have been piloted by the Holy Spirit; these are faithful ones whose inner soul was anchored to Jesus Christ:—Theodore L. Cuyler, D. D.