SOBRIETY by F. Gould

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 11, 1859

SOBRIETY.

By F. Gould

Among the numerous graces given for the benefit and perfection of the gospel church, sobriety is not without its prominence; and in the development and formation of Christian character, it is certainly according to inspiration of the utmost importance. And if ever there was a time when this principle should be fully developed, it is the present. The world has become so poisoned with pride, fashion, frivolity, light and trifling conversation, and love of the world, that unless the child of God becomes fully fortified against it by the graces of the Spirit, he is liable to be

overcome.

The definition of sobriety, is, temperance, calmness, seriousness, &c., hence out of it grow principles that are of incalculable benefit to those who would be pure in heart. Says the apostle, "Let us watch and be sober." I have found in the course of my religious observation that some seem to have stumbled here. They formed the idea that christians must always go with their heads bowed down like a bulrush; must seldom smile, and must be a disconsolate, dejected people. But this is a mistake. Christian sobriety does not lead in this direction. If any people on earth have reason to lift up their heads and rejoice it is the people of God. It is not that joy that addresses itself to the outward senses like the joys of earth, but that calm, peaceful, heart-felt joy that gushes from a soul renewed by the power of divine grace.

Sobriety addresses itself not only to outward actions, but to the conversation, and thoughts, and individuals in various stations in life. For the grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Titus ii, 11, 12. Here it is introduced as a stepping stone to the relinquishing of sin in all its forms, and fits up the soul to receive the blessed hope, &c.

Said Festus to Paul, Much learning hath made thee mad. But he said, I am not mad most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. Acts xxvi, 25.

The apostle in speaking of a bishop says that he should be a lover of good men, sober just, holy, temperate. That the aged men must be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In like manner that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broidered hair or gold or pearls, or costly array, &c.

Dear brethren and sisters, are we fully awake to this subject? The apostle exhorts us not to sleep as do others, but to watch and be sober. We are living in a time when God calls upon the church to arise and put on sobriety; and may God grant that we come behind in no gift waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us add to our faith all the gifts and graces of the Spirit; for so an abundant entrance shall be ministered unto us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

"None but holy ones shall enter, Through the pure celestial gates." F. GOULD.