Practical Piety | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1856

Practical Piety.

A deep and settled conviction that the present standard of Christian piety is far below that which is taught in the Bible, has induced me to write a series of communications upon this important and interesting subject. Never was there greater need of the exhortation, to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians this language: "Awake to righteousness and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God; I speak this to your shame;" and this important verse of the sacred writings seems to be given to us for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.

The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is full of instructions to believers, to be careful to maintain good works. They are not only good and profitable unto them that perform them, but are declared to be a means of leading others to glorify our Father who is in Heaven. One of the ways in which we are to let our light shine before men, is by our words and conversation. James says, "If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."

This must be the happy state of every one who is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who enjoys that hope which is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail. Truly, whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. The general epistles of John convince me that being born of God, born of the Spirit, is a change not yet fully accomplished in the hearts of great numbers who profess to have "passed from death unto life." They are undoubtedly seeking to enter in at the straight gate, and hope at some future period to overcome the world. They are expecting a more convenient season to make their calling and election sure, to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, thinking that then God will work in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. Instead of seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, they have other things to seek first. Instead of acting as though they believe that now is the accepted time, and day of salvation, they seem to think there is time enough yet, and when they have attended to matters which they seem to consider of more importance, they will consider the claims of God, and obey the Saviour's requirements.

Who would ever think that Jesus said: "That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment," if he were left to learn it from the conversation of his professed followers? He also says: "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

I will quote a few passages of scripture as proof that "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." "He that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God." "Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness and wisdom." "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life; but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

May all who profess to love the Lord and desire to obey him, resolve as did David, "I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." Ps. xvii, 3.—Selected.