The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-04-28
"THE MIDDLEWA AK"

Said the distinguished DR.. Good, when on his dy-
Inc bed, 81 have taken what unfortunately the gem
ernlty of Christians too much takoI have taken the
middle palk of christianity. have endeavored 10
live up to its duties and doctrnea, but have lived be-
low its privileges"
This remark Of dying christian is full Of truth and
instruction. Is it not true, that large portion Of
those in our churches, who give evidence of Piety,
are pursuing this ''middle walk?" The few, like
Baxter, Brninerd and Page, have fixed higher stan
dard of duty, and living exclusively for God, but
these the felO and not tho many
While we must view this fearful considera-
ton, it may furnish us with an answer to few prnc
tcle inquiries.
l. Why do christians have so little religious
joyment Evidently because they are uniaithiul and
live beneath their privileges God has instituted an
inseperable connection between duty and happiness,
and we cannot hope to enjoy the ono unless we dis
charge the other. Ifhen live not up to tho priv
ileges of the Gospel cannot expect TO enjoy the
rewards the faithful. Hours is the "mddle PATH
we may expect to find it set with thorns.
2. Why are there so few REVEALS in our churches
ut the present time?
Is il not because so many christians are ukewarm,
worldly minded and unfaithrul! Because they have
lost sight Of the great object for which the christian
should i've and are satisfied with the formali
ties Of christianitya
These surely pursue the ''mddle walk Of chris
tianty, and may this be the cause Of the evil we
deprecate Suppose it were not so. Suppose the
individual members OF our churches, should rise at
once and commence the work Of self-consecraton,
renew their covenant obligations. and edo works
meet for repentance how long would it be before
the Spirits special influences would BIO felt upon
saint and sinner, and the inquiry heard, what must
do to be saved'"
Irthis would be the result or such a change, then
surely the cause is suggested, God is unchanga-
BILE, and is he not ready to revive his work now,
as ever Ifso, why does he not Alas his peo-
pie living far from duty land by their unbeief and
hardness ofheart, they have become unfit to enjoy
the blessings OF his Grace and Mercy, and are STAIN
ing their garments with the blood Of souls.
3. Why .has not tho world been converted tc
Christ t#..
More than eighteen hundred years have passed a
way since the risen Saviour commissioned his disci-
pies to ego into all the world and preach the Gospe
to every creature" And why are not the nations
saved? Why do millions still group their way il
heather darkness, and go down to hopeless grave
Is there not"power enough in the gospel to effect thu
object? Has there been wealth enough, to carry
on an enterprise sufficiently extensive to tn
worlds conversion Most surely but there has no
been piety enough,-Many have, like Mills, Newell
Judson and Hall, consecrated themselves to the grea
work and spent their lives in the service of their Mas
ter But still the majority have chosen the "Mddl
Walk" and have listened with comparative indffer
to the cries ofthe needy and perishing VIII
Of u.s. kind reader, is involved in the fearful guilt con
templated in the above remarks Let ponder wei
the words Of DR.. Good, sud see to it, lest we to
plant thorn in the pillow Of death. H. o.