RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT MAKETH RIGHTEOUS.
By M. W. H.
“And one land shall say unto another, is that righteousness that maketh a man righteous gone through thee?” In my opinion this scripture inquiry is no idle or casual one, but should to-day come home with startling force to every heart, implying clearly as it does a time when “that righteousness that maketh a man righteous” is departed, and in its stead prevails a righteousness that effects not the inner, daily life; or, as Paul expresses it, “a form of godliness, but denying the power.” It is the three-fold boast of the present age, that our world is progressing in wisdom, science, and goodness. Admitting the two first claims, let us look at the latter, ere we concede that; for is there not a tendency in some to personify this progress as the God who styleth himself, “I am that I am,” and whose attributes are from everlasting to everlasting.” O let not any mortal come down from the soul-inspiring belief in a personal God, to the drivelling substitute of making the idea of the pantheist his good. But let us look at some of the outgrowings of this goodness, self-developing, and inherent in man. Every Christian will concede at once that prayer is no less a binding duty than a glorious privilege; yet, to enjoy the privilege, the duty must be performed,” for God will be inquired of by the house of Israel to do these things for them. And yet if we look into the gatherings for social prayer, in the various churches of our land, the vacant seats even of the vestry, suggests sorrowfully, Where are the praying ones? though on a pleasant Sunday there is no lack of those who, arrayed in goodly apparel, throng the house of God, ostensibly to worship the Lord of hosts. But why so many empty seats in the second service? Ah, the world is growing better, is it? Then here is the secret: the people perhaps are so good and wise as no longer to need but half the instruction, scriptural and spiritual, as formerly. Therefore it is fashionable to attend church but half a day. Of course there are reasons for not attending—who ever looked an excuse when one is desired! The discovery is also made that the afternoon can be more profitably spent at home. Profitably? How? Let each for himself answer, How? and if it be so, as he can unblushingly represent before himself or his fellow-mortals, then, perhaps, he may dare present it before Him at whose bar he must stand acquitted or condemned. M. W. H.