This subject has recently come up before us with great importance and force. How few come up to the New Testament rule, in regard to the words they speak. How many fall far short of coming up to New Testament testimony on this subject. How often is this passage repeated by Sabbath-keepers, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," and yet how few who repeat it, actually keep the faith of Jesus, (or the requirements of the New Testament,) on several points, especially in regard to their words. The Apostle, speaking of the coming of the Lord, and events connected with his coming, says, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness." 2 Pet. iii, 11. To leave off all unholy conversation is one thing, and to overcome so that it may be easy and natural to engage in all holy conversation is quite another step still in advance. But there must be great humiliation before God with many, and a deep work wrought in the heart, before it will be natural to engage in all holy conversation. Then, after this work is accomplished it will require persevering watchfulness to retain this consecration, and govern the tongue.
The young especially are exposed to light and trifling conversation, which brings leanness to the soul, and destroys their confidence before God and the church. Such do not grow in grace. Hence the necessity of a double watch. One may be free, cheerful and happy, yet without lightness, vanity and folly. It is good to think soberly, and feel deeply over besetting sins. The fruit of such thoughts and feelings is love, peace and joy. Such an one has true cheerfulness, real happiness and lasting joys.
Here has been our warfare, and greatest failure, from the age of thirteen, when we first rejoiced in a Saviour's love. Satan has often taken advantage of natural cheerfulness, and has led to mirthful conversation, such as the testimony of Christ and the apostles forbids. And we daily mourn that we have not yet fully overcome. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." He that does not overcome will have no inheritance in the kingdom of God, no matter how high may be his profession. By the grace of God we will overcome.
There is an infallible rule to walk and live by. It is the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Careless professor, are you living up to that rule? We fear not. Do you not talk much of Bible truth? of keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, while at the same time, you fail to carry out the principles of the holy law of God, and fail to keep the sayings of Christ and the apostles? For your soul's sake, look into the subject a little deeper, and no longer offend God with a profession of what you do not possess, and what you do not strive to obtain. We would say to all, Watch. Watch for your own faults, and overcome them. "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."