An Apostolic Injunction.
By S. A. Sachs
“LET-love be without dissimulation,” is a command given by Paul to the Romans; and it is especially applicable to us in this age of hypocrisy and selfishness. The world is full of vanity and dissimulation; nor are the churches exceptions. Where in all the land can be found the church that is joined together as one body, where the members walk in love, in honor preferring one another? where backbiting and boasting are not heard, and covetousness, impurity, and unthankfulness, are not seen in the acts of the professed followers of the meek and loving Saviour? Can we as a church stand up as an example? Let each one ask himself as a part of the church, am I blameless as regards my duty to my neighbor? Is there none that can accuse me of wronging him or of leaving him unaided when in trouble? Is there no feeling of malice or envy in my heart toward a brother or sister? When searching our hearts to find what is therein displeasing to God, if we ask ourselves these questions; who can plead “not guilty”? The fault is not in our profession; for we profess that which is holy, just, and good; but the fault is in us—in our lukewarmness and the hardness of our hearts. It is time for those that would be the children of God to awake from this lethargy and be zealous, and repent. It is time for us to cultivate in our hearts a deep love for our brethren and sisters that the world may know that we are the children of God. And let us also love those who know and obey not the truth, that some may be led to see their danger by our affectionate concern for them, and seek, by obedience to God, an entrance into the heavenly city. Affection and flattery cannot take the place of love. By these the vanity is sometimes pleased, but the heart cannot be won to Christ. When our hearts are filled with unfeigned love for God, his truth, and our neighbor, then we can accomplish much in the service of our Maker. Think of the great Pattern, who was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin; who, when taken and with wicked hands crucified and slain, could still pray, Father, forgive them. What love he showed to all mankind; and when we hate or speak evil of any one, let us remember that our Saviour gave his life for that one as well as for us. If we would be accepted of him, we must hate the sins and evils of our own hearts and put them away from us; and if we see those who seem to be more sinful than ourselves, let us remember that their temptations may be greater than our own, and have charity and pray for them. Perhaps they may be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth by our godly conversation. But harshness will be ineffectual. The work must be done in love, and that without dissimulation.