The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-07-26
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
THE CHRISTIAN AT WORK

In whom all the building 6tly framed together,
groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.-EPH IL;
What is the Church of Christ? Not a
mere building of human construction, COM
posed of bricks and mortar; yet, sometimes
this seems almost forgotten, if we are to
judge by the apparent concern of many re-
garding outward appearances so sacredly and
narrowly, while the first principles of Chris
tian duty are overlooked. The lamp is sa-
credly guarded, but alas no bright flame of
love, warmth and zeal ascends, for the OSl
is wanting. The Christian cannot guard too
narrowly the fact, that the Church of Christ
is spiritual, and each member stone in the
building; "Jesus Christ, himself, being the
chief cornerstone" and, it would be, in
deed, as house built upon the sand, had
we not this "sure foundation.
But, do we, as believers, realize the re-
spOnsible position We occupy in this build
ing? Do we make it an individual matter,
each weighing the important fact, 81 am
one of these stones, helping to frame this
holy tepple in the Lord? p Or do we not
rather, often push this responsibility off on
others, saying, "What is there for me to
do?' Dear Christian friend, there is much
for you to do; God never would would have
said, ''Go, work in my vineyard, had He
meant for us to "stand all the day idle"
aud when He gives command, He always
provides way for its accomplishment. No
drOne should inhabit His hive, for he tells
us to be not only "hearers, but doers of the
word" When on earth, how was the heart
of our Saviour grieved when He says that
the "laborers were few" The harvest
truly is great; may we not look around US,
at every turn in life, and see something to
be done? Some doubling brother encour
aged; some poor wanderer to lead to Christ !;
some sin-convicted one to point to the Cross !?
Oh if each follower of the Redeemer could
only be brought to feel his duty and aOork
for the cause, (in so many places languish-
ing how would the Church be revived and
strengthened May the Holy Spirit baptize
each heart, until We are constrained to be
sup and doing" For our working days
are few; soon "the night cometh, when no
man can work" The voice of "The Preach
er" whispers warmly, Whatsoever thy hand
fndeth to do, do it with thy might, for there
is no work, nor knowledge, nor device, nor
wisdom in the grave whittier thou goest. -
With many " the day is far spent, and even
tide, with silent tread, comes stealing on
Arouse thee, 0 sleeper, from this death-stu-
pOr For, even now, the q. z ark
Angel may .bs.gg'' y
shadOwy curtain,
''The known and know Is S.s>-ep
When we are numbered among the commu
nicants of the Church Militant, as "heirs of
glory" do we promise to give ourselves en-
tirely or partly to Christ? We are told to
"present our bodies living sacrifice" does
this signify our time, energies, means, and
all we have and are? All We shall never
know till we stand in that eight which no
man can see, how few and feeble have been
our efforts in the great Vineyard of our
Lord Oft times the trembling fame OF
faith seems well nigh smothered beneath the
smoke and ashes of doubt and distrust. 1t
may be that some feeble Church is srug
Cling against difficulties, and the way seems
so hedged in, that we are almost constrained
to say, "All these things are against us =
An no God is only trying our faith Let
each man "build over against his own
house" and, how soon We see the work pros
periug Truly, Paul may plant and
Apollos water, but God alone, can give
the increase" While we work, let us hide
ourselves behind the bleeding Cross, giving
Christ all the "honor aud glory;" feeling
that we are "uupro6table servants, doing
only that which is our duty to do" Weak
instruments we are, yet,
"Stroug in the Lord Of Hosts,
And in His mighty pawer;
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts,
Is more than cOnquerer."
Dear Lord, revive Thy work in our hearts
and work Thou within us to will and to dc
of Thy good pleasure" Make each beau
tiful stone in Thy Temple, pure and pol
ished,
And when this stormy life
Is hush d to calm at even
Nav we the Church triumphal join,
Il Oh =.