p. 1 | INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATION

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1860

INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATION.

But besides these Scriptures, which so distinctly bring to view individual obligation in the work of the gospel, notice our Saviour's intercessory prayer: in which he not only supplicates favors for those who then loved him, but also for those who should "believe through their word;" assuming that they, severally, were to make known to others the way of life eternal.

And again; when long after this the Saviour made, through the beloved disciple, a revelation of things to come, what importance is assigned to this feature of his holy religion! "The Spirit and the bride say, Come: and let him that heareth

say, Come!" Let him say, let each one, personally, take up and send along down, through all time, the blessed invitation to "Come," and "take the water of life freely."

And is it not interesting to observe that the fullest and sweetest promises and rewards for Christian faithfulness are given as if intended to encourage this individual activity? It is not said the church that "converteth a sinner from the error of his ways," but "he that converteth" him, shall hide a multitude of sins, and save a soul from death. Nor is it written, the company, but "he that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless return bringing his sheaves with him." Nor will it be said, in the last day, "Well done thou good and faithful" congregation, but "well done thou good and faithful servant,—enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Is there anywhere bestowed upon any company of persons, a commendation equal to that awarded to a single individual, and that individual, too, a woman? "She hath done what she could."

Luther used to thank God for those little words, my, thee, thou, thy, me, which are so profusely scattered through the Scriptures,—"The Lord is my rock," "my fortress," "my deliverer;" "When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee;" "I will be thy God;" "Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory;"—and they only show how personal are the blessings and duties of the great salvation.—Primitive Piety Revived, pp. 198, 199.