Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-11-15
LORD IS IT u"
Paris, Aug. 20, 1886.

! ''LORD IS 1T I!'''
That there are evils existing IN the
Christian Church as well as formerly, is
doubtless an alarming truth: facis speak
speak alarmingly. How few revivals OF
religion among us; when one is enjoyed.
how soon it passes by, notwithstanding the
efforts which are made to sustain and ex-
tend it. o, how humbling to the shepherd, to
hear Of q decrease Of the flock! But
as there is close connection between eau.
ses and effects, how important rhatthe cause
or causes be sought out and removed
But how natural it is when we search for
the'cause of an unhappy effect, to seek for
it in another, not in ourselves. What an ex-.
ceeding proneness to uncharitable Judging.
How different even the views Of good men.
One thinks political excitements are exerting
very unfavorable influence on the Chris.
tian Church. Others look for the hin.
drance elsewhere. But how few of US
are Jealous of ourselves; what proneness
to blame others, and excuse ourselves. |
will not pass judgement upon the influence
of any of the above-named supposed causes,
why the church doesnot enjoy greater pros.
perity; but to me it is evident that the state
Of religion among US loudly calls for faith
full selfexamination. What is the hin.
drance? Who is guilty? Lord is it r.
Let US not think evil Of u brother, or accuse
an other. Let ministers and people, let
every one who processes to love the cause
of Christianity, be jealous of themselves
"Lord is it II" Is there any thing in my
heart, in my life or conduct that connteructs
the infuence,-the complete triumph Of
Christianity Ifso, he may be, ought to be
slain Immediately. Do | love the world2-,
Ifso, the glove Of the Father dwelleth not
in me-" Am | envious at the prosperity
of others? Do | feel uneasy and unhappy
because others are more esteemed and more
honoured than myself? Am | impatient
when contradicted! Do render evil for
evil! fl have discovered evil propensites
in my heart, do | strive, through grace to
overcome them? .&-
Thou searcher Of hearts, in mine thy trying
power display,
Into its darkest corners shine, and take the
veil away.
What relation do sustain to the Church?
am one of her acknowledged ministers?
Ifso how important that | should be a holy
man! Do "walk closely with God?-
Have the work greatly at heartp Do
I enjoy the fulness of the Gospel in my own
hear? Or have been satisfied with the en-
ioyment ofmuch less than the fulness, which
I now see and feel it is my privilege to en-.
ioy and proclaim for others! Do ! lot some-
times lose sight of the importance of 'being
diligent?' of never being triaingly EN-.
ployed! Do I ''visit from house to house"
as much as the best interest ofthe cause re-
quires?-Or does such employment appear
to me to be real drudgery? What is the
character and effect of my preaching! DO
! preach Christ and him crucified? Are
nv sermons marked with that seriousness,
dignity, and earnestness that should charac-
terize them? Does the JUNCTION of God a..
tend my word! or does my preaching have
about the same effect on my hearers as the
rays Of the moon have upon a mountain OF
ice? Do love my brethren! Do ] have
that 'charity which envieth not; vaunteth
not ITSELF is not pulled up, nor behaveth it.
self unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not
easily provoked, thinketh no evil, beareth
all things, endureth all things and never
faileth?" May we never forget the indis-
pensible necessity of charity; nor the infu-
ence of the spirit and temper of a minister;
'like priests like people," Am la steward
or a private member Of the Church, if so,.
do think am freed from all responsibility?
"Lord is it II" Does my heart and my life
correspond with the Gospel, hear and be-
lieve,-(at least in theoyD Have |
been guilty of that covetousness, which is,
idolatry? "Do get all can, save all / can,
and give all | cant" Other suggestions
may be made in our deep heart.searching
before God; but tifthese are attended to faith
fully and prayerfuIly by all, we shall lay the
AK at the root ofthc tree"