p. 10 | Higher Christianity by C. A. HANSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 18, 1904

Higher Christianity

By C. A. HANSEN

C. A. HANSEN

From the thousands of testimonies to which I have listened, there is no doubt in my mind that many are really questioning within themselves as to whether they will stand in the presence of the devouring flames of the judgment day, or after many years of trial, be castaways, and lose heaven and eternity. Perhaps the following plain questions might be an aid in testing one's Christian experience: Am I to-day as far advanced as I might have been, had I done all to stand? Do I pray to God every day in secret? Is there anything nearer or dearer to me just now than my Redeemer? Am I indulging in any habit that grieves my Saviour? Am I cross at home? or am I trying to make it pleasant for all around me? Would any one who does not know that I belong to the church, think that I am a Christian? Do I pay tithe, and give offerings to advance the missionary work? If we can not satisfactorily answer such questions as these, may we not at least discern the reason why we have not advanced faster in our walk with God—the reason we are so weak and have such a dry experience? And is it not high time to break loose from the Sodom we are living in, and make some radical changes to-day?

Satan will offer excuses, but let us remember that right here is where we are to rise above the world, condemn every sin, and form a character for eternity. We must be perfect. We must stand before the throne without fault. No matter how long we have cherished sin, nor how natural wrong habits may be, whatever grieves Jesus, must go.

Let us talk of our doubts to no one but Jesus. We may go to him with all confidence. He would have us tell him of our weaknesses and discouragements, tell him alone. If we fail to love the dear Saviour as we ought, if we do not yearn for his coming, let us hasten to the secret closet, and there tell him about it, and plead with him to set us free from doubt, unbelief, and the snare the enemy has thrown around our feet. Let us remain in that secret closet till the carnal spirit has left us, and the sweet atmosphere of heaven fills our hearts, then go forth and give to other darkened hearts the rays of comfort we ourselves have received. If every true-hearted Christian would continue this course, day by day, we should soon hear of practised "Higher Christianity." Such a life would preach Christ, and hasten his advent, by speaking to every burdened heart of a better way to live, and giving assurance that—

“This world has no sorrow for to-day or to-morrow But Jesus has known it and felt long ago, And when it comes o’er me, and I’m tempted so sorely, I will tell it to Jesus my Lord.”