A TEST | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 16, 1860

A TEST.

EVERY true child of God will earnestly desire to be conformed to his will, not only in the way of submission, but in the discharge of active duty. The mind that is enlightened to discern the beauty of holiness, will desire to be arrayed in that holiness. The mind that perceives the excellence of the divine law will render all the obedience it demands. A spiritual view of the amiability of the divine character must excite the ardent aspiration to be conformed to that character. There are some who are satisfied with what they consider just religion enough to carry them to heaven. They regard it as they would the money requisite to bear the expenses of a journey—as the bridge which was strong enough to carry them safely over a chasm which could not otherwise be crossed. Of the genuineness of such piety we stand in doubt. There is little reason to believe that such persons have ever been spiritually enlightened to discover the vileness of their own hearts, or the purity of the law of God. He who is conscious of the defilement of sin must seek to be utterly delivered, not only from its condemnation, but from its contamination. Every one who has hope in Christ will endeavor to purify himself even as He is pure. But are such efforts consistent with being satisfied with low attainments in piety? How can such an one regard it as the very consummation of heavenly bliss not only to see Christ in glory, but to be like him? When the renewed heart pants after God, the living God, it desires him not only as the source of happiness, but as the Spirit of holiness. The prayer of the growing Christian is not only "Lift upon me the light of thy countenance, and grant me the joys of thy salvation," but "create within me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me; order my footsteps by thy word."—Central Presbyterian.