The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-11-11
Mistaken Zeal.

giOus paper. And yet II knows no valid RIA
son why il should not be religious. at least at
times; or. falling in that, now and eyermore
have we'll grounded views ON even abstract
points pertaining thereto, and at all times be
prepared to give reason for the faith that in
Il Is Well. one Of those times has come. II is
suggested by the session Of the State Y. NJ. @.
A. at Augusta recently. or rather by Q single
incident connected Herewith. Ayoung brother
went there full Of emotion and warnings for
the lost sheep Of the House Of Israel. The JOY
Of full salvation caused his heart to swell with
q desire for like salvation for every fallen son
Of Adam. That's right. He could not have
been Christlike had be felt otherwise. So he
started for . certain hotel and went up to 'hs
clerk and asked IL he might pray with him
then and there. A member Of the Association
standing near prevailed on him to adjourn to q
private room, instead. He stated his purposs
to devote the afternoon to visiting the saloons Of
that city and praying in each Of them. The
JOURNAL was not present, but had IL been, II
would have stretched forth It's fatherly hand.
upon the head Of the young man. and tendcriy
have said "Dear brother. your purpose is wor-
thy Of much commendation, but you are e1-
tremsly verisnt. There Is no doubt but that
Augusta needs the prayers Of the pious As but
few cities need them, especially during the ses-
sion Of the legislature; but now is not the time,
and msbbe you are not the one to blow the horn
around this Jericho" The lesson growing out
Of the real Of our young brother Indiscreet, Is
the subject Of our brief exposition to-day.
Piety has little to do with the head but every
thing to do with the heart. and under no cir
eumstsnees does il supply vacuum In mans
head which nature has left. II never superoedes
the use Of good judgement or 6 oil sense, but
II there Is any manner. mode or way Of think
ing or reasoning, any employment Sfany faeul-
ty Of the mind or soul that Is sound practical
common sense and discretion, true piety Is that
same. II is calculated TO rouse into new ener-
ry every faculty Of the soul as well rs to make
the most Of q man, and 50 far as il fails Of do
ing this il is crippled, and has not its perfect
work. Faith alone is dead real without dis
erection is folly. When a person becomes truly
he wants to make known what he has
found, and he wants others to find the same
thing. Now the "great apostle" was very sue
,essful in the work Of the Master. and perhaps
his way was about Us good as any. He says,
''In understanding be mem" Let no man de-
,pise thee;" "Let not your good be evil spoken
b." aud these were very handsome maxims for
Paul to make.
II il is our duty to do good, il Is just asmueh
BUR duty to do ii in the right way. AT least,
Paul thought so, for he said. Let all things be
lone deccntly, and in ORDER" He didn't have
,ne cast-iron way Of approaching men to save
hem. "I am made all things to all men-to
ave some," while the "brother Of james"
didn't write much but wrote that little
well. adds his testimony, by saying. "Of some
have compassion. making difference" ''and
,thers save with fear. pulling them out Of the
ire" Our brother Indiscrcet (and there are
many Of them) forgets our text. which Paul
iidn't write in 80 many words, but meant oil
he same-that Piety doesn't supply lack Of
,raius,-an imagines himself bound to act in
he weighty concern Of disseminating picty, tx
.ctly contrary to that in which any wise man,
under any circumstance Of life would ever think
himself justified in doing anything. The
'hrewd politician who wishes to influence and
B, studies their characteristics and prejudices,
.nters into their feelings, makes himself inter
,sted in their welfare. gets inside Of their con-
idences. and chooses the best time and manner
Il approach. The business man don't hope to
succeed by impertinence, discOurtesy, and q
'tupid blrntness. Why Is there not need Of as
much wisdom and sagaeity in conducting the
Affairs Of religion, as in the affairs Of the
world,
President Finney has been one Of the most
uOcessful rsyivalists. He has n very practical
ermon ON the text. "He that winneth souls Is
rise" That is his motto and must be that OF
very one who turns men to God by the truth.
Dur folly and indiscrcet real has no adapteiness
20 make men "wise unto salvation" Those
persons who are "workmen who needeth not to
be ashamed, - are those who succeed in proper
hon to their great knowledge Of human nature.
Mr.. Moody recently here, shows the genius OF
common sense. No mere novice should assume
10 do what Pres. Finney, Mr.. Moody and certain
others with their rare gins and great experience
ian do in the high places Of sin. Such men
never assume the place Of judge, never get be
fore the Cross, and never in their most fervid
appeals give the impression that II is i and
Jssus.
We are friendly to the Y, NJ. c. A.. We wish
% second their good works. and could say
.amen" to all Mr.. Moody's eloquent words;
put Il may not be amiss to suggest to those in
his city, or elsewhere, who are trying to imi-
ate his way. to initiate also his wisdom. Dear
brother, the gospel metz Is not cart-rope.
4 !, not always the best way to knocks hole in
mans head in order to filter in a little gospel
ruth. Our Lord said to the exhorters He sent
orth. ..Be wise-and harmless" One part Of
he command is just as weghty rs the other.
Don't make the mistake Of thinking dyspepsia
-. -. ,L;,t .x.rx, sn;r;t,al ettotion won