Let us Follow Our Pattern.
By M. Wood
The commandments of the Lord are sure; “they stand fast forever and ever.” They are founded upon love, based upon Heaven-born principles—principles which every humble follower of Jesus will have implanted in the depths of his heart, to actuate him to love and to good works. And as the opportunity is offered, he will do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. He will manifest a desire to bear the burdens of others and so fulfill the law of Christ. This kind of religion was characteristic of the primitive believers. It calls for a spirit of self-denial, which, if present in the heart, will manifest itself in the life; and its possessor will become a living witness for the truth of Christ. The words of inspiration are, “Be ye all of one mind having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” 1 Pet. 3: 8-10. These qualities will characterize the hundred and forty-four thousand that sing the new song before the throne, and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These words describe the character of those who will be redeemed from among men. Who can help admiring persons possessing the requisite qualifications to an heirship in Heaven? How ennobling the holy love, union, and harmony existing in the family of God. There are no discordant notes among his commandment-keeping people; they are a unit. Thank the Lord for such purifying and sanctifying truths as his people hold, and for the straight testimony to them. And since we have a testimony, let us, dear reader, compare ourselves with it, and inquire if the principles therein inculcated are exhibited in our lives. We want to know that we are the Lord’s, and that the Lord is ours. This assurance we may have. But we must follow the example of Jesus, who always did those things that pleased his Father. John 8:29. There was no doubting, no hesitating, on his part. His aim was high. And his determination was to overcome the devil, with all his temptations and well-matured plans. And the promise which he makes to the overcomer is, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” The life of the Son of God was a life of self-denial and sacrifice. He sought not his own ease and comfort, but took upon himself the form of a servant, and went about doing good to the sick, and poor, and blind, and lame. Although his own received him not, he won the confidence of unbelievers by his acts of love and tenderness. In this our divine Lord would have us imitate him. A mere theory of the religion of the Bible and of present truth, void of the meek and tender spirit, will accomplish but little or nothing in the Master’s vineyard. We want hearts all aglow with love to God and to our neighbor. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Jas. 1: 27. What we do must be done quickly; our race is nearly run. Soon every man shall be rewarded according as his works shall be. What need there is of humility and self-abasement before the Lord, that he may work through us for the good of others. Oh! that all the rubbish might be removed from before the door of our hearts, that the Spirit of God might have free access to them. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3: 20, 21.