"BREAK UP THE FALLOW GROUND."
By Susan Elmer
It becomes us in consideration of the faithful admonitions contained under this head to search our hearts with all diligence, lest when we receive the word there should be something to prevent it from taking deep root in the heart. Says the Lord by the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah, in connection with the above, "Sow not among thorns." If we do, in the language of our Lord, the word, being choked, will become unfruitful. Behold with what care the skillful husbandman removes every obstacle which is likely to hinder in any way the earth from yielding her increase; and shall we be less careful in that which seals our eternal destiny? God forbid. It may not be amiss here to mention something which came under my observation while connected with the M. E. church of Illinois. The way of admitting members was this: Any one wishing to join the church was to come forward and take the minister by the hand while some lively or exciting hymn was struck up. In this way they were members on trial for such a length of time; though the church was careful to retain them after the time was expired, although it could be proved they were guilty of unchristian conduct. Some would go to the camp-meeting and appear exceedingly happy, while their daily walk proved them to be far from God. For instance: A neighbor of ours held a grudge against a sister of the same church for exposing the sin of her children, who also were members with her. Still she was very happy at meeting, though it was evident she wished to conceal the heinous crime they were guilty of, and have them retained as members still. O, how many have been deceived! and the reason seems to be they are trying to rejoice when the Lord calls them to mourn. Having never learned the evils of their hearts as they ought, they have not made a thorough and effectual work in repenting and turning to the Lord. The following dream has reminded me of the situation of this church. I thought I was walking along, and at my left hand was a garden a little from the road which belonged to the pastor of the church. I thought the seeds in this garden were sown in such a way that as they sprang up they formed words which could be read. I was curious to go and read for myself, but it was suggested to me to wait a few days, and then I could go and read them. How plain since then has it been to read the condition of the churches, not as living epistles, but as cold and lifeless. But while we mourn over the sad condition of the fallen churches, we have cause to grieve for the evils that exist among those who are of our own number. There are sins which, though in themselves not so aggravating as others, are yet more common, and have a larger field to occupy, and may become productive of much evil. And is it not sometimes the little foxes that spoil the vines? For instance: A brother and sister is overtaken in a fault, has been labored with and reclaimed. Again and again they are guilty of the same or a similar fault, and being so habituated to it, the sin becomes less and less in their estimation; and now it becomes of so little consequence that they think to conceal it from the brethren, it is such a cross to own it, and conclude to pass it over and confess it to God, in hopes that that may be sufficient. Still there are those who have found out the wrong, and are severely tried with the course that has been taken, and therefore cannot feel in union with that brother and sister. If they pray or talk, the words of our Saviour come with force to their mind, First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Is it not time that we who are waiting for translation should make haste to take everything out of the way which hinders the work of God? If we do not, is it not to be feared that God will take us out of the way that his people may go free? Are not these words applicable to us now: Cast up, cast up, take the stumbling-blocks out of the way of my people? O, brethren and sisters, let us be frank to confess our faults one to another that we may claim the promise that if we pray for each other we may be healed. How applicable the words of the prophet Hosea to us now: "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain righteousness upon you." O, that spotless company that shall stand with the Lamb on mount Zion. None that practice guile will be there; for they are without fault. O, let us make haste to get ready. We must have on the spotless robe, for soon the King will come in to see the guests. Then let us start anew in the service of God and thankfully heed the many warnings we have heard. Then shall we be found, when the Master comes, without spot and blameless.