Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-11-08
As Well as Others.

81 will try to do as well as Others" say
this and that member of the church in
their hearts and some can even give ex-
preston to this sentiment, without one
thought apparently of any inconsistency
involved in it. Who gave you, my broth
er, such a rule ? Not Christ; for through
his Apostles he pronounces mot wise"
those who compare themselves among
themselves" and has given us another and
a very different rule. And who are those
'others," whom you will try to initiate and
equal? Not perfect christians at all the
more lax members, as convenience may
dictate, being made the model. Whereas,
in a rule, nothing short Of perfection is de-
manded. In measuring or weighing arti-
cles of merchandise, it is not sufficient to
have for your standard this or that, as may
suit your supposed interest, or be as near
the legal standard as another, without
knowing whether he is in the neighbor-
hood of it? Could you, in an intelligent
+,
not the greatest possible perfection requir
ed in a commercial standard? And in
forming character which must undergo
the scrutiny of the last day, and decide
your state for eternity, is it less important
to measure your doings and character by a
right rule?
eff We keep my commandments says
Jesus, eye shall abide in my love-" an ODE
dience of course the essence of which is
love to the Master. And the faith that
justifes, and stands connected with saliva
ton, "worketh by love" But when was
love ever known to turn away from the
loved one, and blink his wishes and COM
mands, inquire for the lowest standard of
good offices, or service, that will not en-
tirely forfeit his friendship, and venture
far in the direction of such forfeit? Does
not true and generous love carefully con-
slider the wishes and preferences as well as
/ the authoritative commands of him who is
the object of love and evince promptnes,
and efficiency in acting so as to please him
Does it not reject with loathing all those
loose notions and practices which seem t.
say, what WEAKNESS it is to serve Christ
Does it not serve freely and from choice
Does it cast long, lingering look towarC
life of mere worldliness, as though tina
after all was the most desirable kind 0
life, and not stand consciously on highe
ground, as to pleasures, possessions an,
prospects, than the most prosperous word
ling?
Has doing as well as others anything t
recommend it on the score of a happy life
the only score on which any one eve
, adopts it? And how, when it is weighe
in the balance against our obligations?-
, With only glimpse of these pertaining
us as blood bought, is it not perfectly col
, temptible? Christ ransomed me frol
crushing and interminabe woes, my ju
desert, by the amazing experiences ofGetl
semane and Calvary; and yet | am col
tent with only such measure of love al
5 service to him, as this or that inconsistel
e disciple is pleased to give, looking in Il
= direction of cheap and easy returns WI
y would have the consciousness and the r
i membrance of such ingratitude, such ST.
v pidity and baseness. an elementof that u
d ending future life? If my brethren, al
: or all, are willing to wound the heart
h Jesus, and bring dishonor upon his nam
e let me be even more earnest to give hi
|. joy, by life carefully conformed to h
e perfect standard. -Adrdnce.