Continuity of Christian Acts.
“PRAYING always, rejoice in the Lord always, in everything give thanks, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Here are exhortations to several exercises or states of soul or outward occupations, each and all of which are to be perpetual. Is there then no contradiction herein involved or impossibility commanded? We may be sure that “the Father of spirits” has not violated any of the laws of spirit in what he has enjoined upon his children. The virtue of the new life is in beautiful harmony with the oldest and deepest nature. “His commandments are not” even “grievous.” The yoke of Christ is easy. All his commandments concerning all things are right. Complete christian devotion and obedience is “a reasonable service.” Rom. xii. But these holy acts and states are compatible also from their own nature. They are substantially identical. Prayer, thanksgiving, expressions of hope and joy in God permeate a pious life as easily and beautifully as sunbeams penetrate pure and limpid water, diverted, reflected, and refracted, but not sullied, much less extinguished by the medium through which they pass—crossing each other without confusion. Prayer, praise, and holy joy pervading a pious life, mixing with the every-day and all-day works and cares of a christian, are like sunshine in water, coming from heaven and giving a heavenly radiance and beauty to the earthly element which they enter. Nor is there any honest calling which may not be so sanctified. Have you ever entered into the deep and blessed meaning of those words of Paul speaking by the Holy Ghost, “Let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” Can any state be holier or more blessed than that which is allotted to you by the providence of God, (without which not a hair of your head can fall to the ground,) and in which you are permitted and enjoined to “abide with God?” How near to heaven, then, may be the Christian's life on earth—differing only in the tears which we are still compelled to shed over our manifold infirmities. And these, too, God will entirely wipe away (as well as all other tears) from the eyes of his children.—Sel.