Social Christian Culture.
By S. M. Spicer
Christianity, practically considered, embraces all our duties to God, and to our fellow-beings; hence has a comprehensive character, seldom fully appreciated. True Christianity must have both an internal and an external development, and must be cultivated in this two-fold direction—clinging to Jesus and looking heavenward—yet reaching earthward, seeking to lift up fallen humanity into the blessed light. Christianity breathes of its heavenly origin in its internal, heart-purifying, life-sanctifying power; but it breathes out a pitying, loving Saviour in its social character, reaching out to seek and save the perishing. From early history we find the church established as the immediate outgrowth of Christianity; and it is clear that the great Founder of this social compact designed it to be a very important if not indispensable conservator of his religion. This bond of Christian union seemed very necessary in early times for mutual strength and protection, as well as improvement in Christian graces; and through all succeeding ages, down to the present time, it holds the same essential place as a means of Christian development. Do any claim that Christianity has no necessary connection with the church, let them read again its early history, when those first apostles, after that wonderful baptism of the Holy Ghost, preached with such power that upon the same day about three thousand souls were added to them, that is, to the church; for we read in the same connection that the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved; hence it is God’s own institution. Let us study carefully that early history of the church. Behold what a demonstration of converting grace we find in that great Pentecostal awakening, which first established in name the church. And was it not a Christian church, planted under those direct breathings of the Son of God? Behold the wonderful conversions of heart and soul and even of pockets, so that all could be given up, and consecrated to Christ and humanity. Love to God and love to man was the summary of the moral law, and now it was taught as the essence of religion. Was not that a model church, all glowing with Christian love, unwavering zeal, moral courage to stand persecution, manifesting universal benevolence and a willingness to work in the vineyard of the Lord, as the Spirit gave them utterance, in praying, singing, reading, and prayer? Did not social Christian culture flourish there? Yea, and a world of sinners looking on, being convinced of the truth, trembling, cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved?” then was the church the power in the world—a savor of life unto life.” Thus Christians worked and grew strong in the Lord—so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed—and so the church was established upon the Rock of Ages, and has withstood the battling tide of persecution down to the present time, and to-day it lives to hold up God’s banner of truth to the unbelieving world. But the great solemn question of to-day is, Does the light still shine as brightly from the towers of Zion? Ask not simply, Is the watchman still faithful, unwearied, proclaiming the glad tidings? but, Is the Christian at his post, with willing heart and hand, to help hold up the banner of Christ? Is he ready for every social Christian duty—to sing praises, pray, persuade the impenitent, and humbly fill the place God has appointed? Social Christian culture requires social activity in all the members of the church, as well as in the minister. The Christian cannot improve without diligence in discharging duty; for this is God’s ordained means of life and growth; and the various exercises of social worship should have reference to improvement in all the Christian graces. It should be remembered that each one must discharge his own duty, if he would receive a blessing—conscious approval at the present and increased strength for future effort. Neglect of duty is the first and continual cause of decline, weakness, and death among professed Christians; every neglect casts a cloud upon the Christian’s horizon, and habitual unfaithfulness may soon exclude the last ray of heavenly light, leaving the soul in darkness. There is no improvement nor safety except to stand continually at the post of duty. Happy is he who walks so closely with Jesus as ever to enjoy the light of his countenance, and the blessed consciousness of growing more and more into his likeness. Let no one claim that connection with the church is of no importance to the Christian—that he can live just as well in seclusion, alone with God. Many sad failures prove this a mistaken opinion. The very nature of religion requires outward expression, as well as spiritual communion with God. It inclines to sympathy with all Christians, and thus to the church; and proper church relations prove to the individual both a strengthening and a restraining influence, without which it is difficult to remain steadfast, “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Without the strengthening, encouraging influence of social worship, how soon love and zeal waver, in spite of the strongest resolutions to keep near to God in secret prayer. The law seems irresistible; continued inactivity brings death and finally death. Hence it is a most unfortunate position for the Christian to stand aloof from church relations, whether from choice or necessity. It is to be exposed, unsheltered, to the chilling storms and to the prowling enemy of the soul. To live religion covertly is a contradiction; for its nature is not to cover itself with a bushel, but, with a genial, heavenly light, to shine out and bless this sin-darkened world. The first inspiration of religion is to reach out unselfishly, to love and save others. Who does not remember that, when first made to feel a Saviour’s dying love, the first impulse was to lead others to taste the heavenly feast? The heart language was, “Then will I tell to sinners ’round
What a dear Saviour I have found.” And so long as the convert enjoys this fullness of love, he will spontaneously fulfill11the command: “Go work in my vineyard.” This field of labor extends, both within and without the church; and here we will turn our attention to the Christian work and culture outside of the church. In every-day social life is an ample field for the exercise of Christian graces. Would we not say that religion was a familiar guest and not so generally a stranger in the social circle; that the name of Jesus was the dearest household word, and the good news of salvation the most welcome theme. We read in the Holy Book of a time when “they that loved the Lord spake often one to another.” Thus it should be now, in our every-day greetings—kind inquiries of Christian interests and hopes, and cheering words of spiritual prosperity. Thus would Christians cultivate sympathy and harmony in heart and life, and thus convince the world of the beauty and power of religion. Were such the frequent inspiration of common conversation, how would the usual current of social intercourse be purified from gross profanity, from vain and empty nonsense, and become truly the exalted medium of improvement and intelligent social enjoyment. Why is it that we can so freely speak of every worldly consideration and interest, and yet find it so difficult to speak familiarly of religion? Is it because we love the world better than we love Jesus? While this is too sadly true in many cases, yet much is owing to a lack of social Christian culture. It might seem impossible to correct this fault in the full-grown habits of society, yet with a proper leading influence, the younger portion of community might be trained up to a far more noble and profitable standard of social intercourse. Here we may say that the parent has a most solemn responsibility in guarding and directing the conversation, the associations, and amusements of the young. Let parents cultivate a Christian solicitude and watchfulness over all the associations of their God-given treasures. Let them provide amusements of a noble as well as interesting character; then may the low and vicious be avoided. But far more than conversation is included in social Christian culture. In all the acts of life and common dealings one with another, Christian principles—kindness, truthfulness and honesty—should shine out so clearly that the unchristian world may be constrained to respect religion and its divine Author. Let pure religion be daily lived outside of the church, then would its holy influence be felt, molding and controlling all the interests of society.