Speak Often One to Another.
By Lucretia B. Abbey
"THEN they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." A book of remembrance was written. Do we realize it? It appears to me that we are not half awake, or we should be speaking to each other more frequently than we do, of the goodness and mercy of God toward us, and the prospect of so soon entering upon those joys which are laid up for all who endure unto the end of the race, of which Paul speaks and says, All run, but all do not obtain the crown. O, my brethren and sisters, let us be of that number who so run that they may obtain. I have ever found, and still find, that it needs great watchfulness to be always found doing right in every place, and at all times. How very needful the admonition of the Saviour, "What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God." Filled with the fruits of righteousness. How important! Do right in everything, never say a wrong word. I am so apt to say or do somethink that I have to repent of, and beg pardon for, that I think sometimes I never shall make my way into the celestial city. I wish to express myself just as though I was talking to my Father's children. How is it with you, my dear brethren and sisters? Are you ever on the watch, and guarded against every wrong word and act? Does every step you take tell toward the city which hath foundations? O, I am hungering and thirsting after righteousness, hoping and trusting that the promise will be verified to me, so that every act and word will tell that Jesus has taken up his abode in my heart, and my life show to all around that I am all absorbed in the one great subject of being in readiness to meet the blessed Saviour when he shall appear to the joy of all those who are watching and waiting for his return. The enemy has thrust sore at me that I might fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation. Thanks and praise to his adorable name. O, my brethren and sisters, let us ever be careful to maintain good works, and separate ourselves from the enemies of Christ, giving diligent heed to the apostle's admonition, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Is it not plain to be understood what is contained in the above? And yet how many there are who still cling to this filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Their clothes are covered with filth, and it is truly nauseating to come so near as to take their breath; all in consequence of using the filthy weed, tobacco. I am sure this is not well pleasing in the sight of a holy God. Furthermore, I wish to say, I have no fellowship with those who reject the gifts which are already in the church. Their influence tends to darkness and death. They have none of the loving Spirit of Jesus, meek and lowly in heart and life. I know I have been formerly drawn under this wrong influence. It is strong. It is binding; but now in the fear of God I will forever declare myself free from it. LUCRETIA B. ABBEY.
Hubbardsville, N. Y.