Why I am a Christian by Dudley Marvin Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 23, 1863

Why I am a Christian.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

By the grace of God I am a Christian. I have many good reasons for this.

1. I know that the book which we call the Bible is the word of the almighty Creator. It bears innumerable evidences of this on every page. The knowledge of the wants of man; the means proposed by which they may be supplied; the healthful and happy effects they produce when complied with,—all prove that it emanated from him who formed man. The exact fulfillment of the great chains of prophecy in Dan., Rev., Matt., &c., show that they were dictated by the Almighty, who knows and directs all things.

Infidels have attacked them in every age, with about as much success as a shark would oppose the progress of an Iron Clad. Every century adds a new pillar, and gives solidity and stability to the great platform of Christian faith.

Peter says, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place." With this sure light to instruct him, the humble Christian can say, "I know that our God he is the Lord."

2. When I view the lofty mountains; the boundless ocean; the great globe itself, traveling on in its orbit at the rate of sixty-eight thousand miles an hour; when I contemplate the heavens; the vast extent of space; the mighty orbs that fly with lightning speed around the great center of the universe; and then reflect that the being who brought them into existence with a word, and could blot them out in an instant, is my Father, it makes my heart rejoice. As we look upon these mighty works how good it is to say, "Father, thou hast created them, they are thine, and thou art mine, even my Father."

Well may the Christian rejoice and be glad; for is he not rich, being the heir of the world. Is he not honorable being the companion of angels (Ps. xxxiv, 7), the brother of Jesus Christ (Rom. viii, 17), and the son of God (Rev. xxi, 7).

3. The ennobling and elevating influence which Christianity has upon its recipient. It checks that base licentiousness, to which man is so prone; frees him from the superstition of paganism; gives him right ideas of his Creator; a pure system of morals; and noble views of man and his destiny. Why is it that we are not worshiping wood, stone, beasts, reptiles, plants, &c., as other nations do or have done? Why do we not murder our children in sacrifice to imaginary gods, inflict upon ourselves the most cruel tortures, or prostitute our honor, virtue, or manhood before them? Simply because Christianity has taught us better.

4. The reward it brings. That we may better appreciate this, let us compare it with that of the wicked, or those who reject or neglect Christianity. The ungodly man, for the short time he lives, is a prey to doubts and fears. If he denies its truth, he yet fears it may be true then he is aware that it is woe to him. If he acknowledges, and yet neglects it, his conscience upbraids him, he feels guilty before God, and knows he must soon meet his just reward, which is death,—a death from which there is no life, no hope, no resurrection.

The Christian on the other hand enjoys great peace of conscience, and nothing can offend him. The cold winds of poverty may whistle around his humble cot; the world may scoff at and persecute him; sickness and death may overcome him, yet he can rejoice in the hope of the gospel.

These are a few of the many reasons for the "hope that is within me." D. M. Canright.

Coldwater, Mich.