Taking the World Along.
By Editor
IN the beginning of the gospel dispensation, to become a Christian was to renounce the world, and become an object of scorn and persecution. The original comprehension of the estate of a disciple of Christ was to forsake all, so far at least as to allow nothing to encumber the follower, and to have no earthly attachment that would interfere with a whole-hearted devotion to the Master. One that kept back a part while professing to give the whole, was rightly regarded with loathing, and as having no part in the great salvation. But with the favor gained by the church in later years, came a danger that has wrecked untold thousands. Men and women have deceived themselves with the idea that they can sanctify the lust of the flesh by incorporating religion into their worldliness, and retain all, perhaps, but their grosser carnalities and outward allegiance to sin; in short, putting up a new sign while continuing the same business as before. We are not of those who regard the Christian religion as intended to deprive its possessor of the blessings that were made for man; but the teaching of Him that spake as never man spake is, "Seek ye first [esteem most highly] the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things [necessary comforts] shall be added unto you." It is because so many seek other things first, that their supposed religion becomes a burden, and an obstacle to their enjoyment of worldly pleasures. In the light of the eternal realities there are no more pitable objects than men and women professing in words to follow Christ, and yet trying to lug this world along in their arms, which all the while shuts out from their view the Divine Leader and the heavenly Canaan to which he is bringing his people. Would that every one that names the name of Christ would put the world beneath him, and "run with patience the race, looking to Jesus!"—Sel.